Golf Classic Event History | Thomas Edison State University

Commencement is On: Rain or Shine!

Despite the weather predictions, Commencement will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the CURE Arena in Trenton, N.J.

There is no backup or alternative date, so we encourage you to make your way to the arena and join us for the ceremony. Even if we’re a little soggy, we still can’t wait to celebrate with you. We’ll provide the sunshine with our enthusiasm.

Rain jackets, ponchos and wellies are recommended.

So row your boat up and puddle jump inside to join us for 2026 Commencement!

If you are in a position where you cannot come, please make sure to tune into our livestream coverage of the event.

Watch Livestream

Thomas Streckewald Tom Streckewald came to Thomas Edison State University in 1978 as a program advisor to students in the applied and natural sciences, technology and math degree programs. Four years later, he was named the school’s director of Development. Four years after that, he was appointed the director of Institutional Planning, Research and Outcomes Assessment.

On his 45th birthday, March 26, 1994, he and a co-worker were in a car accident. In addition to his wife and two young sons, he left colleagues and friends who had encountered him in countless civic and professional roles. He was the chairman of the Princeton Chamber and a board member of Trenton Renaissance; the chairman of the Pennsbury School District’s Redistricting Task Force; a director of the Lower Makefield Township Swim Team; a seven-year coach of Pennsbury Athletic Association baseball teams; and the vice-chairman of the New Jersey Department of Higher Education’s General Intellectual Skills Committee.

Streckewald was a scientist by training, who graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in neurobiology and behavior, and received his M.S. in biology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he served as coordinator of laboratory services before joining Thomas Edison. He was a cheerleader by nature, always eager to pitch in to help with programs and causes he believed in. He couldn’t help being an ambassador for Thomas Edison wherever he was.

The Streckewald Family The TESU Foundation Golf Classic was organized in Streckewald's memory the year following his death. Proceeds support the TESU Scholarship Fund providing resources for the University’s adult students to continue their journeys to earning a life changing degree.

The Thomas Edison State University Foundation is proud to have Streckewald’s family involved with the outing each year. With the collaboration and support of his wife, Cathie, who serves as the honorary chair of the Committee and sons Kevin and Daniel, who serve as committee members, all are devoted to making the event a success for the University as ‘Team Streck.’