TRANS FORM ATION BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20
Board of Trustees Gerard L. Carroll, Acting Chair Joseph Barreto, Secretary Dorothy Blakeslee, Treasurer Patrick Fletcher Krista Flinn Mark Longo Ritzy Moralez-Diaz Stephen F. Pellino, Esq. Dr. Sheetal Ranjan Adam Silverstein Joseph Zarra Bryant Gomez, Alumni Trustee
Executive Team Dr. Michael D. Redmond, President Dr. Brian D. Agnew, Executive Vice President William Corcoran, Vice President of Facilities, Planning, Operations and Public Safety Dr. Brock Fisher, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Christine Gillespie, Executive Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Larry Hlavenka, Executive Director of Public Relations, Community and Cultural Affairs Ronald G. Miller, Foundation Executive Director Dr. Tony Ross, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Ronald Spaide, Chief Information Officer
Foundation Daniel M. Foley, Chair Peter Traphagen, Sr., Vice Chair Ira J. Kaltman, Esq., Secretary Dorothy Blakeslee, Treasurer Dr. Michael Redmond, President (ex officio) Ronald Miller, Executive Director (ex officio) Joseph Basralian, Esq. Robert D. Boyle Gerard Carroll Philip J. Ciarco Christopher DeLorenzo David Devejian Pat Fletcher Robert Garrett Gary Glanzberg Gordon Hamm Robert Hekemian Frances Hoffman Mark Longo James R. Napolitano, Esq. Stephen C. Novak Kevin O’Connor Ashok R. Patel Transformation: Annual Report 2019-20 covers news and Anthony Persico events from summer 2018 through 2019 and is a publication of Holly Schepisi, Esq. the Office of Public Relations. Send feedback to Dr. Larry 2 ANNUAL COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu David York, Esq. REPORT 2019–2020 BERGEN COMMUNITYHlavenka at lhlavenka@bergen.edu.
Letter from the President
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grew up in an impoverished area in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. Much of my younger days were spent working on a dirt farm, milking cows by hand, shoveling manure and hoeing cotton. My brothers were stronger than I was, better at sports, but, you see, for whatever reason, I discovered something they never did. I discovered the power of education. I discovered that by committing myself to learning, I could transform my life. In fact, this represents the principal reason why I’ve spent most of my adult life at Bergen Community College. I wanted to be a part of something that made possible a better life for students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to benefit from higher education. This marks my final annual report as president, as I will soon step down and retire to private life. I guess you could say I’ll undergo a new type of “transformation,” too. Yet, and certainly regardless of whom has served as president in Bergen’s 50-plus years, the impact on our community has remained constant: education changed lives and transformed futures. Education changed my life. Bergen transformed my life. May both do the same for you. Sincerely,
Dr. Michael D. Redmond President
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ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020
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INSTITUTIONAL
With an assist from a student-constructed robot, Bergen cut the ribbon on the $1 million STEM Student Research Center in April.
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Every year, Bergen Community College helps thousands of students unlock their potential and reach for new educational and professional opportunities. We are proud to recognize and celebrate Bergen for the important role it plays in improving the lives of our residents, growing our economy and preparing our communities for the future.” – Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, recognizing April as Bergen Community College Month in Bergen County
According to the federal government’s “College Scorecard” tool, Bergen students earn the highest salaries among past enrollees at the state’s 19 two-year institutions and even out-earn peers from some four-year institutions.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
TRANSFORMATION
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Carol le! an indelible mark on the institution, championing the needs of students, faculty, staff and the greater Bergen County community. She took great pride in her role as a trustee, and even greater pride in representing Bergen Community College.” – President Dr. Michael D. Redmond on the passing of Board of Trustees Chair Carol Otis; please turn to page 14 for a special tribute.
State officials selected Bergen as one of 13 pilot institutions for the Community College Opportunity Grant, which offered a tuition-free college experience to students with household incomes of less than $45,000. More than 530 Bergen students took advantage of the program.
NBC television spy-thriller “The Enemy Within” shot scenes for its debut season at Bergen in October.
Also … SR Education Group honored Bergen as one of the nation’s top schools for online programs offering low-income students greater opportunity for upward economic mobility. … For the fourth consecutive year, the Office of Public Relations, Community and Cultural Affairs won three awards from the National Council on Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) for exemplary communication campaigns. … The Center for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation and the Veterans and Military Affairs Center received a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in support of a program for military veterans and their families. … For its commitment to supporting economic development, preparing students for the workforce and impacting the region’s quality of life, Bergen earned a “New Good Neighbor Award” from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association for its Health Professions Integrated Teaching Center.
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020
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STUDENTS
Bergen’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter, Alpha Epsilon Phi, earned an institutionrecord 23 honors at the organization’s annual convention – including the international and regional “Most Distinguished Chapter” awards, making Bergen’s chapter No. 1 in the world.
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It was never easy for me to feel comfortable in a school setting or even go as far as referring to a school as a home. However, all that changed when I came to Bergen. I met amazing professors who were willing to nurture my talents and mold me into the person I am today.” – Class of 2019 valedictorian Lindsey Njanja, representing 2,138 of her peers at commencement
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
TRANSFORMATION Mikiko Freund, Won Joon Kang, and Lindsey Njanja earned the 2019 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which provides up to $40,000 annually for a maximum of three years to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The New Jersey Council of County Colleges presented the New Jersey Community College Student of the Year Award to Elda Pere in recognition of her academic excellence, character, inspirational success and service to her community.
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I’ve always had this desire to ‘get back to nature.” - Alumnus Michael Hesleitner (’09), who successfully completed a thru-hike of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail
Also … Sisters Alicia and Erin Moran each received scholarships to study overseas from the Fund for Education Abroad. … Arianna Pinto, Stephanie Perez, Sibora Peca and Lisa Pincus had research published in the December issue of the international pharmaceutical industry journal, European Pharmaceutical Review. ... Editors and writers of the Torch studentnewspaper placed first in the conference’s Iron Reporter competition and won another five awards for student-newspaper excellence from the New Jersey Press Foundation. … Gabriella Setti received the Undergraduate Student of the Year Award from the Association for Student Conduct Administration for her campus contributions and leadership as chief justice of the Bergen Student Government Association. … Won Joon Kang became a Fall 2018 Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholar and received a $1,000 scholarship as the first Bergen student to receive the award. BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020
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OPERATIONAL BUDGET REVENUES ■ Tuition ■ Student Fees ■ State ■ County ■ Other New Jersey Counties ■ Enterprise ■ Other Sources Fund Balance Appropriation Student Aid and Other Grants Total Current Funds Revenues
0.1%
0.2%
1.8%
20.4%
$55,267,943 17,455,025 12,427,285 21,322,320 225,000 154,741 1,339,500 0 48,200,000 $156,404,205
49.0%
11.7%
16.7%
9.2%
1.1%
0.3%
36.9%
41.3% 5.8% 6.8% EXPENDITURES & TRANSFERS ■ Instruction $39,659,733 ■ Academic Support 6,112,046 ■ Student Services 7,165,530 ■ Institutional Support 44,337,189 ■ Operation & Maintenance 9,559,259 ■ Principal & Interest 1,129,599 ■ Expenditures 240,849 Student Aid and Other Grants 48,200,000 Total Current Funds Expenditures & Transfers $156,404,205
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ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
DATA
$48
Million in Aid/Grants Awarded Annually
Attendees Earn the
Highest Salaries
89%
Among All New Jersey Community Colleges Every
of Career Program Graduates Secure Employment in One Year
$1
Invested in the College Returns $5.60 to the Local Economy
600,000 Attendees Since 1968
#1
in New Jersey for Associate Degree Graduates
Students Attend from More than
80
Faculty Include a
U.S. Professor of the Year
Countries Students Have Studied at
All Eight Ivy League Institutions
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020
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TRANSFORMING
Bergen and the Korean Community Center celebrated the members of the inaugural class of graduates from the organizations’ learning community outreach program, which featured a series of lectures on American history, government and politics led by Professor Dr. Kil Yi, and Dr. Mina Ahn.
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I tell these stories all over the world, but the best audience is a Jersey audience because the characters are typical Jersey people with Jersey foibles.” – Professor Brian Altano, who performed “Just a Jersey Guy … and Son” in the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre in May
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
FACULTY/STAFF
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I enjoy inspiring students to further their education and opportunities, so to be recognized for what I love doing is truly an honor.” – Professor Joanna Campbell RDH, FAADH on earning the 2018-19 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award
Faculty member Kelly Keane and staff member John Findura received the “Innovation of the Year Award” for their college transfer essay program that provided no-cost assistance to students navigating the written component to the transfer process into four-year institutions.
Bergen partnered with the Association of College and University Educators to offer a new resource to enhance effective teaching practices for faculty.
Also … Professor Ellen Feig received the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College for her work in creating and implementing the TEDx program at the institution. … Dr. Stafford Barton received an appointment to the Young Adult Homelessness Task Force for Bergen County. … Music Professor Dan Sheehan released his fi"h album, “Tales from Earth Incorporated,” to raise awareness about global economic injustice and greed. … History Professor Dr. Philip C. Dolce earned the “Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award” from Marquis Who’s Who, a biographical profile publisher. … Executive Vice President Dr. Brian D. Agnew, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Brock Fisher and Bergen Community College Foundation Executive Director Ronald Miller joined the executive team this year.
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020
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COMMUNITY
Donors to the $50 for 50 campaign found their names on the much-anticipated wall recognizing the $200,000 raised as part of the College’s 50th anniversary.
Exhibitions on body image, immigration and student work brought members of the art community to Gallery Bergen.
Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and New Jersey Department of Labor, Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo joined Executive Vice President Dr. Brian Agnew at a job fair to assist the 500 displaced employees affected by the Marcal Paper Mill fire.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
TRANSFORMATION Sell-out shows, such as “Cyrano de Bergerac,” once again put the Bergenstages theatre troupe’s name in lights.
Members of the Community Coalition for Student Success sponsored a food drive to help students in need.
Government leaders joined the board of trustees and College officials for the second annual “Legislative Lunch” in April.
Also … New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis delivered the keynote address at commencement in May. … Project Literacy of Greater Bergen County recognized the College and its commitment to improving lives through education at the nonprofit’s annual gala, “A New Bridge to Literacy” in October. … Sopranos star Dominic Chianese headlined the “Curtain Up!” series in the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre. …The Bergen Volunteer Center recognized the College for its commitment to changing lives in the region at the group’s annual “Hearts of Gold Dinner and Auction” in November. BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020
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In Memory of Board of Trustees Chair Carol Otis By: President Dr. Michael D. Redmond
U
pon becoming president, I had the good fortune of having Carol Otis as board chair. Carol possessed a profound devotion to Bergen Community College, our students, faculty and staff. To say she loved this institution may understate her affinity for it. Carol invested countless hours in Bergen, serving as a tireless advocate, active philanthropist and
frequent visitor to campus. She helped me as president, providing insight and counsel that only a trusted friend could offer. I miss her deeply. Carol served as a trustee during terms from 2007 to 2012 and again from 2016 to the present, leading the board as chair from March 2017 until her passing. She also represented the trustees on the Bergen Community College Foundation board of directors. Education was Carol’s passion, joining the trustee board a"er a 33-year career as a family and consumer sciences teacher in the Teaneck Public Schools district. As a classroom educator, Carol became a leading voice in the field, publishing the New Jersey Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Advisers’ Handbook, co-editing the textbook “World of Food” and winning the National Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Distinguished Service Award. She also served as treasurer and membership chair of the Educators of Family and Consumer Sciences-New Jersey chapter, maintained numerous leadership roles within the Bergen County Education Association and New Jersey Education Association and additional positions within the Association of Community College Trustees. Outside of the classroom and College, Carol remained active in her hometown of Teaneck, contributing her time and resources to supporting causes that increased access to education and provided advancement opportunities for young people. Among them, for 35 years, she served as chair of the Community Scholarship Fund of Teaneck. Carol received numerous honors recognizing her selflessness, including the educator of the year award from the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor Lizette Parker Civic Achievement Award from the Cedar Lane Management Group and, most recently, the Matthew Feldman Award for volunteer community service from Township of Teaneck. Carol graduated from Douglass Residential College at Rutgers University (B.S.) and the Rutgers Graduate School of Education (M.Ed.). She earned post-graduate credits from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Jersey City State University and Rutgers. Please consider making a donation in Carol’s memory to the Bergen Community College Foundation, 400 Paramus Road, Room A-325, Paramus, New Jersey 07652 or at Bergen.edu/give. A donation represents a fitting final tribute to Carol, who always championed the needs of our students. Her support of Bergen students will stand as an enduring legacy.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | www.bergen.edu
ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020
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