William Paterson University on Wednesday said Carlos Medina, CEO and president of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, will give the Class of 2022’s commencement address and receive an honorary doctorate May 18 at the Prudential Center.
More than 2,300 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree candidates are expected to be recognized at the university’s event, where Medina himself will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.
Medina became CEO and president of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2019, having served as its chairman since 2012 and as a member since 2005. In conjunction, Medina in 2019 co-founded and became the chairman of the Hispanic Chamber Fund, a loan program that helps Hispanic Chamber member business owners and entrepreneurs across the U.S fairly and transparently gain access to capital to help them build, grow and expand their businesses.
He has been dedicated to raising awareness for and promoting diversity in entrepreneurship. He serves as executive producer and host for “Que Pasa NJ” on New Jersey PBS; the show, in its third season, features in-depth discussions with Hispanics from business, culture, politics, nonprofits and academia, as well as non-Hispanic influencers and allies.
“I am looking forward to welcoming Carlos Medina to William Paterson’s Commencement ceremony and presenting him with an honorary degree,” President Richard Helldobler said. “Mr. Medina’s success in business and as a civic leader, media personality and advocate for diversity in entrepreneurship give him a unique perspective on the world into which the WP Class of 2022 will be graduating. I am sure our graduates, their families and guests will all appreciate hearing from him on this very special day.”
Alumni from the Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 will be present at the undergraduate ceremony, along with members of the Pioneer Society, which consists of alumni who graduated at least 50 years ago.
A graduate of Rutgers University-Newark, Medina earned a law degree from Rutgers Law School. He is currently a member of the board of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the advisory board of the New Jersey Salvation Army, a trustee of the Hudson County Economic Development Authority, and a member of Gov. Phil Murphy’s ReStart the Economy Task Force. He has served as a board member of New Jersey Economic Development Authority, where he served as chairman of the Real Estate Subcommittee for several years.
