The Bergen Community College Newsletter | Vol. 8, Issue 8 | July 2022
Commencement Comeback
C
aps were tossed. Graduates walked across the stage. Surprise scholarships were awarded. After two years confined to a digital screen, commencement came back, live and in-person. Valedictorian Katie Conte addressed her peers as the top student in the class of 2022. “Despite all of the challenges we faced in the last two years, we finished our degrees,” she said. “Just in case it hasn’t been said enough, I am going to say it now … I am so very proud of you. We have proven to be one of the most resilient groups of college graduates to walk this stage.” MetLife Stadium played host to the College’s most important day on the calendar after two years of virtual ceremonies necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The May 19 ceremony recognized more than 2,500 graduates, including nearly 1,000 in attendance. The East Rutherford venue, home to the National Football
Inflation-Busters
T
he COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on personal finances prompted Bergen to deploy numerous strategies at making education more affordable. The creative tactics even caught the eye of the federal government — First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona visited the College in January to recognize
m
2 0 1 5 ,
2 0 1 6 ,
League’s New York Giants, provided an appropriate backdrop for keynote speaker Gian Paul Gonzalez (pictured) — a former history teacher who spurred the team to a fourth Super Bowl championship with his “all-in” mantra. “You being all-in is not a feeling — it’s not something you turned on or turned off,” he said. “You have made it a part of who you are. You have made it a lifestyle.” President Dr. Eric M. Friedman presided over the ceremony, while Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz and Student Government Association President Christina Feinroth also provided remarks. Former U.S. Professor of the Year Dr. Geoffrey Sadock led the procession of invited guests as grand marshal. For the first time, the Bergen Community College Foundation sponsored three scholarships for graduates in attendance. The names, randomly drawn at the conclusion of the ceremony as a parting gift for the class of 2022,
Bergen as a national model for student support! To date, Bergen has: • Leveraged nearly $5 million of federal pandemic relief funds to satisfy the outstanding balances of 2,000 students with past-due tuition bills. • Used federal funds to launch tuitionfree enrollment at its Child Development Center for 25 studentparents. 2 0 1 7
N C M P R
awarded $500 each to Lauren N. Anderson, Jessica P. Carchi and Ashley Viray Guinto. President Friedman said the initiative sought to reinforce the graduates’ connection to Bergen as he personally sponsored a fourth scholarship and drew graduate Yeni Hernandez Flores’ name. “Today, we’re here to celebrate the future and what lays ahead,” he said. “The Foundation wants you to remember, no matter where you use this scholarship in the future, you were Bergen Community College graduates first.” The class of 2022 featured dozens of Bergen County high school students earning degrees as part of the College’s early college program, members of the Turning Point Program for students with intellectual disabilities and 86 students with 4.0 GPAs. The College ranks No. 1 in New Jersey for associate degree graduates. n
• Offered degreeseeking students the opportunity to take up to six credits of 2022 summer classes tuition-free. • Frozen tuition rates for three years. • Incentivized early fall 2022 registration by offering the 2019-20 tuition rate through Aug. 1, 2022. n
M E D A L L I O N
W I N N E R !
Celebrating the Class of 2022 This special section highlights some of the special stories, accomplishments and profiles on the latest Bergen graduates. Congratulations, class of 2022! In Their Own Words
Jack Kent Cooke Scholars
Student Spotlight/Faculty Focus
Valedictorian Katie Conte and Professor Melissa Krieger
W
F
ollowing in the footsteps of 16 Bergen alumni, four graduates earned the most prestigious honor for junior college students — the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship. The award provides up to $55,000 per year for each student to complete a bachelor’s degree. Only 100 U.S. students secured the highly competitive scholarship, including Bergen’s Bertila Bruka, Eduardo Hernandez, Dahyun (Crystal) Yoo and Leslie Yuqui. “As a JKC Scholar, I feel incredibly honored to have the chance to represent immigrants, women scholars and women in STEM as we navigate our identities, reach for our dreams, and pursue our passions.” — Bertila Bruka “I feel extremely elated and grateful for the committee believing in me and granting this life-changing opportunity. I will now be able to act as a role model for those students who need some motivation and guidance in their journey.” — Eduardo Hernandez “I am very excited to be part of the Cooke community and I am grateful for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s generosity. This support will enable me to make a difference in my community and beyond while pursuing my higher education at Williams College. My time at Bergen has been truly wonderful, and I would like to thank my advisors and professors who have helped me along the way.” — Crystal Yoo “When I found out that I was a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, I felt really emotional because it was a dream come true. Winning this award would not have been possible without the motivation I have received from family members and friends who have passed away, from whom I derived courage to push my limits. This achievement will forever mark the beginning of my academic journey as a first-generation college student.” — Leslie Yuqui
2
hen class of 2022 valedictorian Katie Conte entered college after a 20-year career in special education, she earned more than a degree — she found a mentor. Conte wrote about education professor Melissa Krieger’s impact in an essay, “How a Professor Changed My View of Community College,” which the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) selected for its 2022 Scott Wright Student Essay Contest prize. She received a $1,000 scholarship and an invitation to the NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in Austin, Texas. The essay highlights how Krieger’s passion for teaching not only became inspirational for Conte, but underscored the quality of a community college education. “I am thrilled to be able to recognize my mentor in this way,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to highlight community college professors and how their work helps students realize and achieve their full potential. It is my hope to end the stigma surrounding community colleges and to show others the opportunities they provide.” Krieger reflected on Conte’s work, describing her as an “exceptional person.” “It was an absolute honor to find out that Katie wrote a winning essay describing me as her mentor,” she said. “I know Katie gives me the title of ‘mentor,’ yet her work ethic, willingness to serve others and deep engagement with the world is an inspiration to me. She has made significant contributions to the college and community, all while balancing her family, school and work life.” Conte currently serves as the adult services manager for Bergen County Special Services’ adult day program, Stepping Stones. She has worked in the special education field for more than 20 years as an instructional aide, registered behavior technician and camp director. “My goal is to not only advocate for, but to help develop inclusive programs for students and adults with special needs,” she said. “The programs would provide structure, promote independence and build a sense of purpose for these individuals.”
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
Volume 8, Issue 8 | July 2022
Conte also leads numerous community outreach programs. Along with her three nieces, she started Stockings for Seniors, collecting toiletries for St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly in Totowa. She has also volunteered for the Special Olympics, the Girl Scouts of the USA and Ringwood Parks and Recreation as a basketball coach. At Bergen, Conte has provided leadership for Alpha Epsilon Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, which recently earned a number of international and regional awards recognizing their honors in action project that highlighted the complexities of “identity” in America and what it means to the Korean immigrant community. She has also earned individual awards such as induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Regional Chapter Officer Hall of Honor, the 2022 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and even had a paper published in the Nota Bene Literary Journal. Conte also earned a spot on the New Jersey All-State Academic Team. She completed her Bergen tenure as the top student in the graduating class commencement.
Phi Theta Kappa
I
n what has become a type of annual tradition, Bergen graduates distinguished themselves as part of its Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter, Alpha Epsilon Phi. Among this year’s honors:
3
Regional Individual Awards Chapter Officer Hall of Honor - Katie Conte and Alexandra Robles Chapter Member Hall of Honor - Cassie Lacsina Guinto Outstanding Chapter Leadership - Hannah Rose Garcia, Kim Gastelu and Samuel Olivencia Outstanding Chapter Service - Umar Sultan Kahloon and Laura Macedo
International Individual Awards Distinguished Chapter Member - Cassie Lacsina Guinto Outstanding Chapter President of Middle States Region Hannah Rose Garcia Chapter Officer Hall of Honor - Katie Conte and Alexandra Robles Chapter Member Hall of Honor - Cassie Lacsina Guinto Top Recognition for MSR Engagement - Katie Conte Outstanding Chapter Leadership - Hannah Rose Garcia, Kim Gastelu and Sam Olivencia Outstanding Chapter Service - Umar Sultan Kahloon and Laura Macedo MSR Scholars - Libby Schnur, Cassie Lacsina Guinto and Kim Gastelu Leadership Academy Participation Awards - Katie Conte, Kim Gastelu, Alexandra Robles and Umar Sultan Kahloon n
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
Volume 8, Issue 8 | July 2022
In Their Own Words
Christopher Gagliardi
T
By the Numbers: Class of 2022
86
4.0 GPAs
7,000+
MetLife Stadium Attendance
156 40
Dual Enrollment High School Students
4
Phi Theta Kappa and School of Honors Dual Graduates
14
Turning Point Program Graduates
1st In-Person Ceremony Since 2019
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
he following contains an excerpt of an open letter graduate Christopher Gagliardi sent to the Bergen community. Born with autism, Gagliardi first entered college more than 20 years ago. Through his perseverance, grit and determination, he became a member of the class of 2022. President Dr. Eric M. Friedman recognized him and his mother, Lynda, during the June Board of Trustees meeting. “I believe now, if we all use our energies and our drive to stand up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, especially at this crucial time in American and human history, we will have failed in the greatest task that was given to us by our parents and more, and especially the greatest generation who defended those same values we should hold dear, the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can be, as the constitution states: ‘A more perfect union, to establish justice, to ensure domestic tranquility, to provide for the common defense, the promotion of a general welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty, to ourselves and our posterity.’ My fellow Bergen Bulldog nation, you are the life and the light of hope that now, more than ever, this country and this world needs. You can be the voices of a new and hopefilled future in which your contributions and your work will be seen and noticed by the world at large. Please know that your families and friends and community are cheering you on sincerely as am I. My tears are flowing sincerely as this letter truly comes from my heart truly. And so, I would like to complete this letter with these final additional words from Mr. Jack Layton: ‘Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So, let us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic. And we’ll change the world!’” n
Volume 8, Issue 8 | July 2022
Foundation Fettes Donors, President, Scholars
1
2
5
3
4
6
7
1 and 7: Guest of Honor President Dr. Eric M. Friedman; 2: Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and President Dr. Eric M. Friedman; 3: Event emcee Executive Director of Public Relations, Community and Cultural Affairs Dr. Larry Hlavenka; 4: Board of Trustees Chair Dorothy Blakeslee; 5: Supporters, including President Dr. Eric M. Friedman’s wife, Barbara (second from left); 6: Foundation Board of Directors Chair Dan Foley
I
n a two-day extravaganza hosted by the Bergen Community College Foundation at the institution’s main campus, the nonprofit awarded more than $700,000 to student scholarship recipients, recognized the donors who made the scholarships possible and officially welcomed Dr. Eric M. Friedman as the College’s eighth president. The first event, celebrated the evening of May 4, featured the dual purpose of donor recognition and welcoming President Friedman. Donors mingled with Bergen faculty and staff over hors d’oeuvres and entertainment provided by cabaret performer Kate Coffey and jazz musicians from the Joel Zelnik Trio before transitioning to a program highlighting the new president, Friedman. Well-wishers in attendance included members of Friedman’s family, New Jersey Council of County Colleges President Dr. Aaron Fichtner and more than 200 guests. Bergen County Commissioner Chair Tracy Zur and Commissioner Mary Amoroso presented Friedman with an official commendation before Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III recognized Friedman’s 2021 entry to the College in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also presented Friedman with
5
a commendation. “Dr. Friedman, you certainly hit the ground running and I’m excited to continue working together with you,” the county executive said. “I’m proud to say that I have the utmost faith in your leadership and your vision because I know you want the best for Bergen Community College and its future.” Three invited guests, Friedman colleagues, provided testimonials in support of the president — peer leaders President Mark McCormick, of Middlesex College, and President Chris Reber, of Hudson County Community College (Friedman’s previous institution) and mentor New York University Clinical Professor Dr. Robin Nagle. “Please take care of him, just as I know he is going to be taking care of you to the very best of his ability, which is extraordinary,” Nagle said. Before the president’s remarks, Board of Trustees Chair Dorothy Blakeslee presented Friedman with a newly recast presidential mace and hand-stitched stole for use at official College events. In a final symbol of recognition for the president, three donors — Foundation Board of Directors Chair Dan Foley, David Ross and Vincent Durante — each made $25,000 gifts
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
to the nonprofit. Afterward, Friedman reflected on his first 17 months as president. “This is a place that matters,” he said. “It’s a place that transforms people’s lives. It’s taken many months to get to this point, too long to think about this … but we’re coming out of the pandemic stronger than we went in.” The morning after the reception, the foundation hosted its annual scholarship awards ceremony, which ultimately delivered an average of nearly $1,300 to each of the 540 student scholarship recipients. Students also had the opportunity to meet with their donors during the brunch. The Bergen Community College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from business, government and nonprofit organizations, remains dedicated to advancing the priorities of the institution’s strategic plan, including supporting student success through scholarships. Ronald Miller serves as the executive director of the foundation, which has raised approximately $613,000 in 2021-22 — doubling donations received in the previous year. To donate, visit foundation.bergen.edu. n
Volume 8, Issue 8 | July 2022
Four students earned $2,500 in scholarships from the Bergen Community College Center for Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation (CPJR) and Bergen Community College Foundation for their submissions in an essay contest on conflict resolution. The 2021-22 Peace Scholarship Essay Challenge annual writing contest featured works, including poetry, on global crises, historical violence and even internal conflicts. The student winners are: • Cassie Lacsina Guinto, “Don’t Cross the Street Alone” - First Place ($1,000) • Tarik Emir Acikgoz, “When Life Isn’t Complicated” - Second Place ($750) • Catherine Flores, “Religion Does Not Mean Losing Your Freedom” - Third Place ($500) • Melissa Giltner, “The Real American Dream”- Honorable Mention ($250)
Members of the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center supported the “Socks4Ukraine” effort, which collected more than 1,500 pairs for the war-torn country. n
President Dr. Eric M. Friedman joined Bergen New Bridge Medical Center CEO Deborah Visconi at the medical center for the “StigmaFree” flag raising at in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. n
Students, faculty and staff travelled to Asbury Park in June for the 2022 LGBTQ+ Pride event — the 30th annual installment in support of diversity, equity and inclusion. n
The study abroad program has partnered with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy so two students can participate in its sixth annual Community College in France summer bootcamp program. Fifty-one students, including the College’s Victoria Balkaran and Juan Rivera III, will participate in two weeks of sustainability-focused summer programs in France. n
Numerous faculty and staff presented at the AACC Annual Conference in New York City in May, sharing their expertise and giving Bergen visibility on a prominent national stage. The presenters were: • Dr. Eric M. Friedman and Christina Nemec presenting on Be Well Bergen; • Professor Melissa Krieger on creating pipelines for classroom teachers; • John Findura and Madhvi Shah on tutoring interventions; • Professor Dr. Mina Ahn and Anna Gergen on the College’s partnership with the Korean Community Center and Phi Theta Kappa’s award-winning “identity” project; and • Luis De Abreu and Linda Caruso on student experiential learning supporting workforce development. n
In response to the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, staff member Gloria Cevallos led an effort to send condolence cards to the families impacted. Nearly 100 faculty, staff and students participated in the initiative. n A delegation led by Dean of Math, Science and Technology Dr. Emily Vandalovsky, received an invitation to Trenton to present on cybersecurity education for the New Jersey Assembly Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee. n
6
Beat the “summer slide” with the Kids and Teens Program! Classes on technology, culinary and even SAT prep run through August 19. For more information, call (201) 879-5809. n
Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter |
Volume 8, Issue 8 | July 2022