Jon Bon Jovi Giving Commencement Address At Rutgers-Camden

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi is home in New Jersey to address the graduates of Rutgers University’s Camden campus and receive an honorary degree.

Thursday’s commencement ceremony is being held at the Susquehanna Bank Center, a concert venue where his band Bon Jovi, has performed in the past.

But barring any surprises, his appearance this time will be more talking and less rocking.

The Sayreville native is being honored by the university for his charity work addressing poverty and homelessness, both chronic problems in Camden, a city where his foundation has been a presence for years.

Photo: Mel Evans/AP Photo

At a news conference where he announced his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation’s plans for the B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River, N.J.

Bon Jovi also received an honorary degree from New Jersey’s Monmouth University in 2001.