Category: Uncategorized

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ aims to address the shortage of healthcare employees in our region with the assistance of a grant received from Bank of America (BofA). This vital grant, via BofA’s Progresando initiative, aims to elevate and accelerate the path for Hispanic and Latino students in targeted healthcare programs. The purpose of this private-public partnership grant is especially timely given current headlines about healthcare staffing shortages post-COVID in New Jersey and across the nation.

UCNJ is a proud, federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The Progresando initiative was created to help Hispanic-Latinos achieve upward economic mobility through careers in healthcare, while also helping to increase representation and address the shortage of culturally sensitive, Spanish-speaking health providers. Over the two-year term of the grant, the national initiative is projected to help more than 6,200 Hispanic-Latino students nationwide commit to healthcare related programs, doubling the current student rate.

At UCNJ specifically, the Progresando initiative aims to increase retention, course completion rates, and licensure pass rates for the Hispanic adult students in targeted healthcare programs such as Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Social Services. Progresando supports UCNJ County’s growing Hispanic population and the College’s continued commitment to advancing non-traditional students toward high-demand careers. While more than 40% of all UCNJ students identify as Hispanic-Latino, only 27% of students enrolled in the targeted healthcare programs are from this ethnic group. Moreover, despite high proportions of Hispanic residents within UCNJ County and enrolled at the College, Hispanics represent approximately 20% of the county’s healthcare workforce. The initiative will provide these students space to collaborate, receive resources, and access to various support networks to promote academic and career success.

“As part of the Bank’s longstanding commitment to supporting economic opportunity for diverse people and communities, we are excited to see UCNJ as one of two New Jersey institutions thriving from our Progresando initiative,” said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “Within its first year of receiving the grant, UCNJ has been able to remove barriers to student progress and guide Hispanic-Latino students to grow their participation in healthcare degrees. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of Hispanic students thrive in the healthcare field.”

“At UCNJ, we are transforming our community by sending well-prepared graduates into the workforce. We take that impact seriously, especially in much needed fields. The pandemic demonstrated to all of us how important healthcare facilities that are well-staffed with qualified health care professionals are to our community. We also understand the importance of representation in industries and are proud to help increase the number of Hispanic healthcare professionals in our community,” stated UCNJ’s Board of Trustees Chair Victor M. Richel. Mr. Richel also serves as the chairman of the Board of Trustees at both Trinitas Health and Trinitas Regional Medical Center.

Under the leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Ramos, Dean of the Elizabeth Campus and Institute for Intensive English, the Progresando initiative has already supported several optimistic outcomes. Dr. Ramos noted that the most significant Progresando achievement to date is the implementation of the cohort-based student support program, which has proven effective at UCNJ as an overall student success strategy. For example, at the end of summer 2023, more than a third of the 211 students participating in UCNJ’s Progresando program graduated. Approximately three-quarters of the Progresando students who had not yet graduated, returned for the fall semester. Per feedback received, these students found the Emergency Assistance stipends and the targeted tutoring most useful in helping them continue their studies at UCNJ. UCNJ’s Progresando cohort is on track to meet the established outcomes of increasing the number of adult Hispanic-Latino graduates in healthcare thanks to grant funding and wrap-around support services afforded by the innovative program.

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 and a top 150 for 2025 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu.

$1 Million Prize Recognizes Excellence in Equitable Outcomes for Students in and After College

CONTACTS:

Tatiana Johnson, 202-736-3538, tatiana.johnson@aspeninstitute.org

Jaime Segal, UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, 908-709-7501, jaime.segal@ucc.edu

WASHINGTON D.C., October 31, 2023 – Today, the Aspen Institute named UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

“We are both thrilled and humbled by this recognition by the Aspen Institute. At UCNJ, we are committed to our mission of transforming our community, one student at a time. We do not do this important work for the accolades, but we are honored to once again be acknowledged as an elite community college. This is a testament the incredible efforts of our faculty and staff, and the steadfast support of the College’s Boards and UCNJ County Board of County Commissioners. We are committed to not only providing access to an affordable and excellent education but also to embracing the diversity at our campuses. This invitation by the Aspen Institute is an acknowledgement of our commitment to student success and corresponding outcomes,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to drive attention to colleges achieving post-graduate success for all students, and is a central way Aspen researches highly effective student success strategies that are shared with the field. The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit student success data and narratives about strategies to achieve better and more equitable student outcomes as the next step in an intensive review process that culminates in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2025. The eligible colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. Located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across 30 states, these colleges serve as few as 169 students and as many as 49,619.

“The Aspen Prize is rooted first and foremost in an assessment of whether colleges are walking the walk,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “As community colleges face enrollment variations, enroll students with pandemic-related learning loss, and graduate students into a rapidly changing labor market, it is easy to lose track of what matters most.  The best community colleges are continuing to focus on advancing the core mission: making sure as many students as possible graduate with credentials that lead to fulfilling careers and reflect the development of diverse talent that communities, states, and our nation need.”

While community colleges are an essential contributor to our nation’s success, student outcomes vary substantially among institutions.  Aspen measures those variances using multiple data sources and honors colleges with outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, equitable access to the college, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

“These 150 colleges have achieved high and improving levels of student success for all students, including those who are often failed by our institutions,” Wyner said. “We’re excited to learn over the coming months how they achieved that success so we can share the most impressive practices with others in the field.”

In this first round, eligibility for the Aspen Prize is based on publicly available data. Colleges must show strong, improving, and equitable student outcomes in first-to-second year retention, credentials awarded, and completion and transfer rates. Nationwide, about 15 percent of community colleges have been invited to apply (150 of just under 1,000 public two-year colleges assessed for Prize eligibility). The full list can be accessed on the Prize homepage.

The next steps in the process include:

• April 2024: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, selected based on assessments of extensive data and strategy documents by the Prize selection panel, a group of 16 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce training, and interviews with institutional leadership teams
• June 2024: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the Prize selection panel
• Fall 2024: Site visits to each of the ten finalists, during which the Aspen Institute and partners will collect additional information, including employment and earnings data and insights about promising practices
• January 2025: Prize award decisions made by distinguished, independent Prize jury at full-day meeting
• Spring 2025: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists in Washington DC

For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit
https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize/.

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The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium, the Joyce Foundation, JPMorgan, and the Kresge Foundation.

Previous winners are:

• 2023: Amarillo College (TX) and Imperial Valley College (CA)
• 2021: San Antonio College (TX)
• 2019: Indian River State College (FL) and Miami Dade College (FL)
• 2017: Lake Area Technical Institute (SD)
• 2015: Santa Fe College (FL)
• 2013: Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA)
• 2011: Valencia College (FL)

Note: Colleges that have won the Aspen Prize are not eligible to apply in subsequent years

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program supports colleges and universities in their quest to achieve a higher standard of excellence, delivering credentials that unlock life-changing careers and strengthen our economy, society, and democracy. We know it takes visionary college leaders to lead scaled, sustainable reforms, and we make it our mission to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and research-backed tools to inspire change, shift practice, and advance the capacity of colleges to deliver excellent and equitable student outcomes. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. Learn more at aspeninstitute.org.

UCNJ UCNJ UCNJ of Union County, NJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ proudly recently celebrated its 90^th Anniversary and Founders Day at the College’s Cranford Campus. The College, then known as UCNJ County Junior College, was founded on October 16, 1933, with 243 students taking evening classes at Abraham Clark High School in Roselle. Many students, alumni, adjuncts, faculty, staff, Board members, and elected officials participated in this celebratory moment in history for the College, the County, and the State.

UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin welcomed attendees to the celebration and UCNJ County College Foundation Executive Director Doug Rouse served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Attendees included UCNJ’s Board of Trustees Chair Victor M. Richel; UCNJ’s Board of Governors Chair Mary M. Zimmermann (UCNJ ‘01); Trustees Vice Chair Rafael J. Betancourt; Trustees Anjali Mehrotra and Miguel Merino; Board of Governors members Donna Herran (UCNJ ’85), and John Toriello; Foundation Board members Gene Jannotti and Suzanne Covine (UCNJ ’58); UCNJ County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded; Assemblyman Reginald Atkins (LD-20); and representatives from the offices of Assemblywoman Linda Carter (LD-22) and Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (LD-21).

Vice Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded spoke about the great opportunities that the College provides the students in the County, including her mother who graduated from UCNJ with a degree in nursing several decades earlier. Assemblyman Atkins emphasized that UCNJ is a place of hope and a future for our community. Representatives from Assemblywoman Carter’s office presented Dr. McMenamin with a resolution to acknowledge the College’s 90^th Anniversary and Founders Day.

The event was held on the lawn outside of the Victor M. Richel Student Commons and included the dedication of a new gazebo in honor of the 90^th. The lively celebration also featured a DJ and photobooth with giveaway items that included t-shirts with the 90^th Founders Day logo, custom Rubik’s cubes, and refreshments. The menu was inspired by the Prohibition Era of when the College was founded: a mocktail bar featuring drinks with cheeky names inspired by the College, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and cookies with the 90^th logo on them.

“The College has had an immeasurable impact on our community over the past 90 years, and our Founders Day event was a celebration and acknowledgment of that impact. The College was originally founded as an emergency junior college to provide jobs for unemployed teachers and professors, and today we remain proud to serve our community with access to an affordable and excellent education. Today, tomorrow, and hopefully 90 years from now, we will continue our mission to transform our community, one student at a time,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

UUCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ class of 2014 and 2019 alumna, Marylyn Beltran, of Roselle, graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy on August 31, 2023. Upon her graduation from the academy, she will serve as a New Jersey State Trooper.

Ms. Beltran, who is also a mother of two children, is an alumna of UCNJ with associate degrees in criminal justice and biology. She transferred to Rutgers and completed her baccalaureate degree. Ms. Beltran is interested in pursuing forensics. Prior to attending the New Jersey State Police Academy, she served as a dispatcher for the Cranford Police Department. Ryan Greco (UCNJ ’97), Chief of Cranford Police Department and a member of the College’s Board of Governors, stated that, “Marylyn is not only a pillar of her community but also an inspiration to all women entering the field of law enforcement.”

In attendance for her graduation from the Academy were one of Ms. Beltran’s prior instructors at the College, UCNJ’s Assistant Professor – Criminal Justice John Arezzi, as well as Executive Director of Public Safety Joseph Hines, and Associate Director of Public Safety Nick Basso.  Prior to joining UCNJ, Mr. Hines served as a chief with the New Jersey State Police.

“We are incredibly proud of Marylyn and all of the recent Academy graduates. This is a great accomplishment. We wish Marylyn a long and safe career with the New Jersey State Police. It is a testament to our graduates and the careers in public service that many pursue: from being teachers to police officers. UCNJ graduates like Marylyn are making a direct and positive impact on our community,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu.

CRANFORD, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has been selected as the 2023 Best Online Community College in New Jersey by www.OnlineU.com and the #1 Online U for 2024 by www.intelligent.com. Noteworthy, UCNJ is also ranked as the second-best community college in the State by Intelligent; the College made a substantial jump in under a year after previously being named the fourth best based on their scoring system.

According to OnlineU, the ranking is determined by several factors including the “Salary Scores” which is calculated by using median earnings data the year after graduation as sourced from the U.S. Department of Education. Other factors include having both a primary campus located within the state and five or more fully online associate degrees. Following that, the order is completed by the colleges with the highest online enrollment. For Intelligent’s ranking methodology, they used the most current data available from the U.S. News & World Report, BestColleges.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center of Education Statistics’ College Navigator, College Board, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other relevant college status sites.

As part of UCNJ’s Virtual Campus, they provide an array of online student support services. These services provide students with the flexibility to help them be successful. Students taking classes at the College may receive virtual and in-person academic advising, remote proctoring, and tutoring, and can complete their coursework asynchronously and synchronously through Canvas, an online learning management system. Instructors who teach online are provided with a robust set of professional development opportunities to enhance their teaching practices that advance student learning.

“Remote learning became essential during the pandemic, and we learned that our students benefit from the flexibility online courses affords them. Some of our most sought-after degrees are offered both online and in-person, including business management, criminal justice, and health science” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Whether a student is fully remote or attends class in-person, they still reap the benefits of attending UCNJ with smaller class sizes, the availability of scholarship support, and earning a transformative education.”

With over 65 programs of study at UCNJ, nearly half are offered completely online. For a full list of UCNJ’s course offerings, go to https://www.ucc.edu/academics/degrees/. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu. Learn more about UCNJ’s Virtual Campus at https://www.ucc.edu/virtual/

 

Cranford, NJ — UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, a leading provider of professional development and business training solutions, is proud to announce grant-funded training programs through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of employers in the UCNJ County area.

As the job market continues to evolve, employers are seeking innovative ways to invest in their workforce, build talent, and stay competitive. UCNJ understands the importance of equipping employers and their teams with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. To address this need, the College’s grant-funded training programs offer a diverse array of courses that cover essential workplace skills, competencies, and leadership development. Course titles include Conflict Resolution, Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making, Communications Strategies, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Building Inclusive Cultures, and PowerPoint Presentations. These courses will be offered at the College’s Scotch Plains Campus, providing a convenient and accessible location for employers and their employees to participate in professional development activities. Programs can also be delivered at eligible employers’ location.

“We are inspired to provide these grant-funded training programs to employers in the UCNJ County area,” said Dr. Lisa Raudelunas Hiscano, UCNJ’s Executive Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “In today’s competitive business landscape, investing in workforce development is a strategic move that can lead to increased productivity, improved employee satisfaction and retention, and greater return on the investment. These programs are designed to empower employers and their teams with the essential skills and knowledge they need to excel.”

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu. For more information about the grant-funded training programs, including course schedules and registration details, please visit www.ucc.edu/ce.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ was notified by the US Department of Education that funding in the amount of $3,000,000 has been awarded in response to its application for a Title V, Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) grant. The multifaceted project entitled, Preparing UCNJ Students for Career Success, seeks to strengthen the academic programs, institutional management and fiscal stability of the College, in alignment with the goals of the federal Title V program.

UCNJ is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with Hispanic students representing 45% of total enrollment and low-income students represent over 50% of enrollment. These grants enable HSIs to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality, and institutional stability to increase the opportunity and success of all students at the institution. UCNJ’s project will consist of a career services component, to help students prepare for the workforce after they graduate; a focus on retention to help those students who start their degree to complete; expanding academic programs; and professional development for employees to better serve students. Funding will cover the period from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2028.

“We are grateful to our federal legislative delegation, led by US Senator Bob Menendez, for this award from the US Department of Education. These funds are an investment in our students and our community. While we are proud to offer an affordable and excellent education to the greater UCNJ County region, we know barriers still exist and this funding will allow us to better support our students in their career preparation,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is proud to announce that Dr. Maris Lown, who serves as the College’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, has been promoted to Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. In her role as Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Lown manages all academic divisions of the College overseeing the deans of the respective academic divisions and is responsible for all credit-based instructional staff, including faculty, academic specialists, and adjuncts. The title of Provost signifies that Dr. Lown is the senior most executive at the College under the President.

Since Dr. Lown joined the College in 2011, she has spearheaded a revolution of the College’s academic programs in support of UCNJ’s emphasis on student success outcomes. The Academic Affairs Division, under Dr. Lown’s leadership, is critical to ensuring that students succeed thanks to an invested and committed faculty. Through college-wide initiatives, over the past decade, the first-time, full-time on time graduation rate at the College has more than quintupled. Additionally, the College has now twice been recognized by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, as a Top 150 Community College in 2021 and as one of 25 Semifinalists in 2023.

Beyond her role at the College, Dr. Lown has presented at conferences for the Middles States Commission on Higher Education and serves as a peer evaluator for Middle States. Her extensive experience in accreditation, assessment, curriculum development, and program development provides direction, guidance, and vision for faculty in these areas. In 2018, Dr. Lown was the first recipient of the inaugural Dr. Lawrence A. Nespoli Community College Leadership Award, given by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. Dr. Lown earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University, her master’s degree in nursing from Boston University, and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Boston College.

“I am grateful for Dr. Lown’s leadership and support at the College. Her dedication and work ethic make her an invaluable member of my leadership team. Over the years, she has been a trusted advisor and colleague. This is a well-deserved recognition,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – The UCNJ County College Foundation is excited to welcome five members to its board. The newly elected trustees are:

• Adam Bell, of Short Hills, is President of The Rotuba Extruders, Inc. and Pen Company of America which is based in Linden.
• Azariah Clifton, of Bloomfield, currently serves as Community Relations Coordinator for Infineum based in Linden.
• Stephanie Forrest, who is from Summit, is the Government Affairs Officer for South Jersey Industries based in UCNJ.
• Carmen Rivera, of Clark, is the Vice President Business & Community Development Officer at Spencer Savings Bank in Elizabeth.
• Barry Rossen, who is from Westfield, serves as Executive Vice President of Hansome Energy Systems in Linden.

The UCNJ County College Foundation’s Mission is to cultivate resources in support of UCNJ UCNJ of UCNJ County, NJ students to accelerate the pace of their educational success. Foundation funds provide vital scholarships and innovative programs as well as equipment to enhance opportunities and experiences for UCNJ students.

“The Foundation is happy to welcome these five generous community leaders to its Board. Each new member brings their unique business and industry expertise coupled with the desire to make a positive impact on the greater UCNJ County region. With their help, we hope to expand our ability to support the students at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ,” said Foundation Executive Director Doug Rouse.

If you are interested in learning more about how you change the lives of UCNJ students, email Doug Rouse at douglas.rouse@ucc.edu or call (908) 709-7113. To learn more about the UCNJ County College Foundation go to www.ucc.edu/union-county-college-foundation.

Two UCNJ Students Named 2023 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars

 Cranford, NJ – Camila Taddeo and Maryann Ossai are two Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) scholars from UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ who were selected as 2023 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars and will each receive a $1000 scholarship. Taddeo, of UCNJ Township, is the President of UCNJ’s PTK chapter and is studying nursing. She has also received the StudyBuddy TEAS & HESI Prep award, a $300 value. In partnership with PTK, this award will provide members with access to StudyBuddy.live, an eLearning platform that provides completely asynchronous online courses that focus on conceptual understanding of the material to help students achieve higher scores on exams. Ossai, of Hillside, is majoring in public administration and was selected as a 2023 Coca-Cola Military Leaders of Promise Scholar.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new PTK members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 1,100 applications were received.

A total of $213,000 will be awarded this year through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, which provides multiple Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships earmarked for international students.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”

“Thank you to PTK for awarding both Camila and Maryann with this scholarship. We know that finances are one of the largest barriers to pursuing and completing a degree, and scholarships make a huge difference. Awards like this allow students to focus on their academics versus worrying about how to pay for their education. We are grateful to PTK for recognizing and investing in our scholars,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

About UCNJ

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater UCNJ County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to a Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research hub. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 25 community colleges in the country for 2023 as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more, visit www.ucc.edu.