More than 1,000 graduates joined the ranks of NJIT alumni at commencement exercises May 26 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark. Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson, USAF-Retired, who directed both the Space Shuttle program and “Star Wars” Strategic Defense Initiative, delivered the commencement address and received an honorary doctor of science degree  for his accomplishments during a distinguished career of 33 years in the United States Air Force and his service at  the vanguard of the nation’s space and defense programs.