The Bergen Community College Newsletter | Vol. 8, Issue 7 | May 2022
Students Support Small Business Community
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ergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, Bergen Community College President Dr. Eric M. Friedman, the Bergen County Commissioners and Bergen County Division of Economic Development Director Joanne Cimiluca have joined forces to develop a portfolio of free support services for entrepreneurs through the Bergen County Business Resource Network. “We knew we needed to do more for our small businesses who are the heart and soul of our county,” Tedesco said. “We needed to provide something sustainable to help them thrive as we emerged. That’s where the Bergen County Business Resource Network comes in.”
The newly launched program features free tools such as “SizeUp” software that provides small business owners with customized data on their business and market sector they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, while students from the College serve as business consultants who assist entrepreneurs with promotion, marketing and data analysis. Buoyed by an initial $90,000 grant from the County to support the launch and 16 student “small business support specialists” — including business administration student David Kim — the undergraduates have now worked with more than 150 restaurateurs, Realtors and e-retailers to launch websites, disaggregate SizeUp data and
write business plans. “The Bergen Resource Network internship is really something special,” Kim said. “Every business you help is a new opportunity to learn something new about small business and create meaningful connections with peers and business owners.” Though secondary to the more than six million global citizens who lost their lives to COVID19, the virus’ crippling impact on the worldwide economy reached from Wall Street to Main Street, devastating many entrepreneurs who could least afford such disruption. According to data from the U.S. Small Business Admin-
Onward and Upward
Improving Our Success Metrics
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Annual Graduation Rate
umerous strategic intervention strategies have helped greater numbers of students achieve success in recent years, boosting the number of students graduating and returning to the College each year. n
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See “Sizing Up,” page 6.
22% 24% 63% 65.3% Fall-to-Fall Retention Rate
M E D A L L I O N
W I N N E R !
With COVID-19 health and safety protocols relaxed on the strength of an entirely vaccinated or weekly tested population, spring 2022 became a literal rebirth of life on campus. Stories and photos in this spread celebrate the vibrant campus events and activities that took place this spring!
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Scenes from Spring 1. An upcycle clothing exchange, food composter demonstration and discussion on beekeeping represented just some of the events that comprised Bergen’s “EarthFest” celebration that featured New Jersey State Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-38), Bergen County Commissioners Mary Amoroso and Germaine Ortiz and Glen Rock Councilman — and Bergen professor — Robert Dill. At the event, the College distributed reusable water bottles for use in 26 renovated on-campus fountains
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that feature filtered spouts activated by the presence of a reusable bottle. The College also recently reconvened its sustainability committee, has added new electric vehicle charging stations and retrofitted overhead lighting from fluorescent- to LED-based. 2. Bergen hosted two teach-in learning opportunities on the war in Ukraine featuring faculty, staff, student and community members. The events included reflections from Eastern European-born professors, discussions on historical context and even music performances. 3. “Down from the Cloud: Student Art Expo 2022” features a variety of media, including digital and 3D rendering, animation and photo-
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
Volume 8, Issue 7 | May 2022
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graphy, in addition to traditional drawing and painting. 4. The College’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion was on full display during women’s history month, with the institution hosting a number of events, activities and speakers all centered
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around the theme of “the body.” 5. In recognition of Bergen’s partnership with the Korean Community Center, President Dr. Eric M. Friedman honored Michael Nam, the KCC president, with his Presidential Partnership Award. n
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
Volume 8, Issue 7 | May 2022
Hackers Wanted T
he U.S. Department of Commerce has estimated the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals at more than three million, with information technology threats to individuals, organizations and businesses only escalating in their sophistication and frequency. As a leader in creating programs that respond to the needs of industry, Bergen recently launched a pair of cybersecurity programs that seek to prepare students for careers in the high-paying, in-demand field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity professionals earn an average median salary of $103,590, while the profession will see a 33 percent growth in demand by 2030 — a rate classified as “much faster than average.” Bergen’s cybersecurity offerings target two types of students: 1) those who seek to earn an A.A.S. in cybersecurity that will propel them into a four-year college and 2) those who want intensive training that will enable them to earn recognized credentials/badges that allow them to enter the workforce immediately. In recognition of the College’s cybersecurity program launch, New Jersey State Assemblyman and Deputy Majority Leader P. Christopher Tully (D-38), Assemblywoman Ellen Park (D-37) and Assemblywoman
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Linda Carter (D-22) recently visited Bergen’s main campus to meet with students, faculty and staff. All serve on the assembly’s science, innovation and technology committee, with Tully leading the group as chair and Carter serving as vice chair. In partnership with the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges recently announced the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities program that seeks to align educational offerings with workforce. The initiative focuses on four key state industry clusters — health services; technology and innovation; infrastructure and energy; and manufacturing/supply chain management — with the state’s community colleges taking leadership roles in developing responsive programs through 10 “centers of workforce innovation.” Bergen provides leadership for four of the centers — including cybersecurity. The College also helps direct efforts for renewable energy, research and development and patient care. The College has also collaborated with the Bergen County Technical Schools District Applied Technology High School to offer a cybersecurity track at the high school’s facility at the College’s campus. The dual enrollment program combines high school classes, college classes and hands-on learning that allows students to earn advanced standing into several STEM programs at Bergen. n
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
Volume 8, Issue 7 | May 2022
Tutor Time
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he International Center for Supplemental Instruction at the University of MissouriKansas City has recognized student and supplemental instruction leader Livia Fontana with the group’s annual “International Outstanding New SI Leader Award.” Fontana represents the only community college student to earn one of the organization’s six major awards honoring supplemental instruction champions. Created by the University of Missouri-Kansas City, supplemental instruction consists of regularly scheduled, voluntary, out-of-class group study sessions driven by student needs. Trained peer leaders use collaborative activities to
ensure peer-to-peer interaction in small groups. The award presented to Fontana recognizes her commitment to the College’s supplemental instruction program and excellence as a peer leader. Bergen’s Cerullo Learning Assistance Center — twice recognized as the nation’s top tutoring center — and STEM program collaborate to offer supplemental instruction at the College. A chemistry major and member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Fontana currently leads supplemental instruction for General Chemistry II at Bergen. “It is amazing to be recognized for doing something I love, and it would not have been possible without the support of the incredible supplemental instruction team at Bergen Community College,” she said. n
Grant Powers Renewable Energy Projects
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he Infiniti Equity Fund, a renewable energy advocacy and development organization located in Howell, selected Bergen for its inaugural $10,000 grant available to New Jersey nonprofits. The grant will provide a cohort of STEM students with educational programs centered around environmental sustainability and equity. The Bergen Community College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the priorities of the institution’s strategic plan, alerted De Abreu
to the opportunity with Infiniti. STEM education represents one of Bergen’s major pipelines to industry — punctuated by the nation’s only STEM Student Research Center of its kind at a community college. Infiniti Energy is a full-service solar power developer providing engineering, procurement, construction and long-term financing to select clients and to other solar companies. The Infiniti Equity Fund was established by Infiniti Energy LLC in 2021. IEF supports and empowers organizations and communities to address environmental justice, support workforce development, and tackle organizational obstacles to justly and equitably grow our nation’s renewable energy industry. Visit www.infinitiequityfund.org for more information. n
Climate Change
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pon taking office, President Dr. Eric M. Friedman knew Bergen maintained a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. But he also knew the College could do more. That’s why he formed the President’s Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — a group of more than 60 faculty, staff, students, trustees and community members who will help shape the College’s approach to such initiatives. Among their first major projects, the group has launched a Help Shape Campus Climate Take the Viewfinder Survey!
Check your email for details on how to participate and lend your voice to the College’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Students! Participate and you'll be entered to win one of 10 $100 Amazon gift cards!
Questions about the Viewfinder? Email dmanning@bergen.edu.
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survey (the Viewfinder) in partnership with Campus Climate Surveys and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine to glean faculty, staff and students’ opinions on creating an inclusive campus environment. All responses remain fully anonymous. The results of the survey will help shape future DEI efforts, initiatives and College goals. n
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
New Student Affairs Leadership
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ergen has hired longtime Ocean County College student support services leader Dr. A.J. Trump as vice president of student affairs. Dr. Trump is the latest executive hired by the College as President Dr. Eric M. Friedman continues to build his leadership team. “A.J.” will have the responsibility for overseeing a division that features critical areas such as enrollment management, support services and athletics. The new vice president comes to the College after nearly 20 years at Ocean in leadership roles such as executive director of student services, director of admissions and athletics director. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at Ocean and Kean University. Trump began his career as a science teacher at Brick Memorial High School. He earned a B.S. in physics from The College of New Jersey, an M.S. in sports science from the United States Sports Academy and an Ed.D. in higher education leadership from Rowan University. Welcome A.J.! n
Middle States Matters
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ccreditation champions and chairs continue their work in preparation for the College’s Self-Study process by collecting documentation in support of the criteria listed in the Middle States Commission on Higher Education “Standards of Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation.” Additionally, 66 members of the College community have recently submitted their intent to participate in the a comprehensive Self-Study process. Accreditation Liaison Officer Dr. Gary Porter will now begin forming the SelfStudy steering committee and subcommittees, targeting an announcement in the fall. Before then, significant work will occur on the design document for the Self-Study. A number of boilerplate items including institutional overview, templates for committee reports, editorial style and format, timetable and guidelines for reporting will take shape. n
Volume 8, Issue 7 | May 2022
Following the Law Pays Off
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istration, Bergen County entrepreneurs disproportionately felt this pain, finding small businesses in the New York metropolitan area experienced the worst economic effects due to population density, proportion of minorityowned businesses and unavoidable lockdowns. Business owner Mark Jefferies, who recently opened Go Fish (a Latin-fusion seafood restaurant in Teaneck), has relied upon the small business support specialists and speaks highly of them. “The program has been a godsend to me, my partner and our restaurant,” he said. “Any business in Bergen County would be lucky to have them and take advantage of their services.” The College’s involvement with the Bergen Resource Network represents one of the first major initiatives emerging from President Friedman’s Economic Recovery Committee. The group, which began meeting shortly after Friedman took office in 2021, serves in an advisory capacity to him, creating and implementing strategies that position the institution as a catalyst for recovery from the pandemic. “The committee really takes the College’s positioning as an engine for economic development and puts that work into overdrive,” Friedman said. “I’m especially proud of our students, who are using what they have learned to make a demonstrated impact on our communities.” Before becoming small business support
specialists, the students benefited from oneon-one training from business mentors facilitated by County government on essential skills such as communication. The students also earn a series of digital badges summarizing their skills that they can display on their resumes and professional social media. Friedman credits the College’s Linda Caruso, manager of the business accelerator for entrepreneurs, for working with the County to launch the program. Caruso recently received the College’s “Economic Recovery Champion” award from the president. The County and College have previously collaborated on economic development projects such as when government officials paired the College with Volvo Car USA. The automobile manufacturer then selected faculty and students from Bergen’s hotel and restaurant management program to fully operate the company’s corporate café at its national headquarters in Mahwah. Bergen County Commissioner Chair Tracy Zur said the public-private partnerships developed by the College and County represent models for others to follow. “We are thrilled to provide free access to critical information and young talent to help our businesses not only survive, but thrive,” Zur said.” For more information on the Bergen County Business Resource Network, or to sign up for complimentary assistance, visit bergenfor business.com. n
aculty and students in the culinary program took a road trip to Morton’s the Steakhouse in Hackensack for a field visit with restaurant management, chefs and staff. The group posed questions and took a tour of the facilities before enjoying lunch at the celebrated chophouse. n
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Steak-ing a Claim
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Keeping Pace on Transfers ergen and Pace University signed a new dual admission agreement that will allow graduates to enter Pace with junior standing. Officials from both institutions signed the agreement March 10 at Bergen’s main campus. Students will also gain access to scholarships of up to $25,000 and the Pforzheimer Honors College at Pace.
egal studies student Deborah Regan earned second place in the annual national essay scholarship contest held by the American Association for Paralegal Education national honor society, Lambda Epsilon Chi. For her second place showing, Regan received a $500 scholarship and publication in the peer reviewed journal, The Legal Educator. Regan represents the first student from Bergen to receive this award. Regan has worked in the legal field for 26 years, holding positions such as legal secretary and legal assistant. She currently works for Kenneth C. Dolecki, Esq., where she serves as a paralegal, secretary and assistant. At Bergen, Regan has participated in the Legal Studies club and earned entry into the College’s Alpha Epsilon Phi chapter of the international Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She will graduate with an A.A.S. in legal studies in May 2023 and plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in legal studies or political science. Her graduation will come after her son (Alexander, ’19) and daughter (Sarah, ’21) each previously earned degrees from Bergen. n
Bergen maintains transfer agreements with more than 50 colleges and universities from across the country. n
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
Volume 8, Issue 7 | May 2022