See STEM, continued on page 5.
Bergen students Tyler Jacobs, Jacob Jalinski and Roee Shalom, along with research mentors Professor Dr. Joseph Sivo and De Abreu, developed the ScanCam prototype at the Col-
hat a summer for STEM! Students and their mentors alike notched national recognition during the solstice, garnering acclaim from the National Science Foundation, Insight into Diversity Magazine and the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network.
2015, 2016, 2017 NC MPR MEDALLION WINNER!m The Bergen Community College Newsletter | Vol. 8, Issue 9 | Sept. 2022
“We won because we had the tools and environment needed for students to succeed,” Jalinski said. “Because of this, our projects are more advanced than anything else done at the community college level. I see our win not as a success for my team, but as living proof that community college students are capable of so much more than they currently do.” n
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The biggest news came when students earned first place in the national Community College Innovation Challenge sponsored by the National Science Foundation and American Association of Community Colleges. The event features community college student teams working with a faculty or administrator mentor to use STEM to solve real-world problems. Selected from more than 40 submissions and 12 finalists, the Bergen team topped the competition with “ScanCan: The Intelligent Recycling Bin,” a waste receptacle that rejects items unsuitable for recycling.
STEM on a National Stage
The ScanCan solar-powered recycling bin developed at the facility identifies, accepts or rejects recyclable objects ensuring collections free of non-recyclable waste. The device features computer vision artificial intelligence to detect items “learned” through uploaded images of objects, such as plastic bottles, to build a reference library.
lege’s STEM Student Research Center — the nation’s only one of its kind at a community college. The facility features large “showcase” windows that enable observation from outside the center, a drones/robotics wing, a MakerSpace and mini-course classroom.
Fresh from Fall
Class is once again in session, with eager first-time students and those nearing graduation both back on campus. This special section features snapshots, stories and general fall flavor currently seen on campus. It’s fall, y’all!
2 Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter | Volume 8, Issue 9 | September 2022
3 Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter | Volume 8, Issue 9 | September 2022
Middle States Matters
At the faculty conference session, the participants had their first opportunity to meet and greet each other as Self-Study champions. Additionally, the group reviewed a preliminary draft of a document referred to the “design document.” This piece serves as a roadmap for the Institutional Self-Study. Participants will use this to help guide them through this process of institutional self-examination, while the final document will become evidence to demonstrate that Bergen remains ready to begin working on its Institutional Self-Study report.
Bergen operates with the framework of its accreditation agency, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The federal government relies upon MSCHE to identify Bergen as compliant with federal regulations. This, in turn, allows Bergen to maintain its eligibility for various federal programs such as financial aid to students. MSCHE will review the finalized Design Document and indicate to the College if it remains prepared to begin the Institutional Self-Study.
A s part of the College’s annual faculty conference, which featured keynote speaker philosopher Todd May, Accreditation Liaison Officer Dr. Gary Porter led a session for all participants responsible for creating the Institutional Self-Study report. This document, created to support the College’s accreditation efforts, provides an opportunity for Bergen to tell its story of how it lives out its student success mission.
In addition to federal regulations, The Commission also has seven standards and 15 “requirements of affiliation.” The College must also demonstrate periodically that it continues to meet these “best practice” expectations. The Commission provides several videos that explain this important process. Click the QR code to watch the videos and to learn more! n
4 Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter | Volume 8, Issue 9 | September 2022
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The retiring director, Dionisio, has worked at the center since its opening 40 years ago and led the facility since 2011. n
L everaging a portion of a $208,434 federal grant, Bergen unveiled new playground equipment for its on-campus early learning facility and dedicated the space in honor of its longtime director, Sally Dionisio, who retired. The unveiling and dedication took place last month at the Child Development Center in Ender Hall.
Under the U.S. Department of Education’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant program, Bergen offers additional early childhood education opportunities for lowto moderate-income families. Through the grant, and with other federal assistance funds last year, the College offered tuition-free enrollment for the children of 25 studentparents who expressed a need for childcare due to the pandemic. The initiative impressed federal officials, including First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, who visited Bergen to laud its efforts in providing support services for students.Eachsemester, the preschool offers early childhood education for 45 children ages two- to five-years-old, educating more than 1,100 since its inception in 1982. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, center enrollees include the children of College faculty, staff and students and those from the greater Bergen County region.
t’s not just the air that’s crisp this fall. Reflecting President Dr. Eric M. Friedman’s goals of creating a physical campus environment befitting of Bergen’s academic excellence, many spaces at the institution have undergone a metamorphosis under his leadership, presenting a clean, fresh and inviting campus landscape. The improvements, which include fresh paint, banners and hundreds of pieces of artwork secured by Executive Director of the Bergen Community College Foundation Ron Miller, have unmistakably overtaken the campus grounds. Explore some of these improvements in this section … and look for more in the future! n
Facilities Focus
GrowsPlaygroundfrom Grants
The PepsiCo/Bergen Community College Women-in-STEM mentoring partnership started in 2018 to help students persevere in their STEM courses and imagine their future in STEM fi elds. Mentors receive training through Million Women Mentors.org to offer guidance, support and encouragement to women as they pursue STEM careers.
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The Maphis couple, both Bergen class of 2009 graduates, met at the College during casting for Bergenstages’ “The Importance of Being Earnest” in October 2007. The couple has performed on stage since 2002 and have performed at renaissance fairs since 2009. They married in July 2017.
After spending years of writing, organizing read-throughs, editing and filming, the Maphis couple look forward to debuting the series for the public. Kevin Downing Productions, in association with support from Kickstarter patrons, helped make the three-episode series a reality.“Writing and producing our own work has given us so much creative freedom,” they said in a co-signed statement. “It has been so fun to bring to audiences an accurate depiction of what working at ‘ren faires’ is really like.”
Student Comes Back with Scholarship
speaking with U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-5) about the importance of federal financial aid. Hocman also took a leadership role when the College engaged New Jersey General Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D-6) on the importance of the Community College Opportunity Grant. The initiative provides a tuition-free education for low- and middle-income New Jersey families.
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“Being part of the PepsiCo mentorship program was an amazing experience,” she said. “If it wasn’t for my mentor, Ana, I would’ve not only dropped out of STEM, but I also would’ve
De Abreu summed up STEM’s summer of success by saying there’s more to come.
Hocman graduated in May with an A.S. in business administration. Among her accomplishments at Bergen, she represented the College at the Association of Community College Trustees National Legislative Summit,
Studies show that mentored young women have a higher percentage of college success and completion and remain 130 percent more likely to hold leadership positions at their jobs. Bergen graduate Erin Moran (’19), a program mentee, remains grateful for the program.
5 Inside Bergen • The Bergen Community College Newsletter | Volume 8, Issue 9 | September 2022 STEM, continued from page 1.
On campus, Hocman served as a student worker for the information technology help desk and currently works part-time in the accounts payable department. She now attends Rutgers Business School - Newark. n
“We have been fortunate to receive multiple awards and recognition, but the movement keeps going, now stronger and faster than ever,” he said. n
The capstone award for the summer came when STEM Program Director Luis De Abreu earned the “I CAN STEM” New Jersey STEM Role Model award presented by the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network. The award acknowledges De Abreu’s efforts to develop academic, cocurricular and extra-curricular activities for STEM students through tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic, advising, financial literacy and research opportunities.
“Getting this recognition validates that the work done at the college under the STEM umbrella is exemplary and worth replicating,” he said. “We have become agents of change for STEM initiatives at the county, state, national, and even, international level.”
The “Life’s Not Fair(e)” mockumentary following the directors and performance company of a renaissance faire celebrating their 10-year anniversary.
he Bergenstages theatre troupe hosted the world premiere of the comedy film series, “Life’s Not Fair(e),” written and directed by Bergen alumni couple, Kevin Maphis and Katie Maphis (Stevens), in the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre this month.
dropped out of college. Ana was so encouraging, patient, and helpful with me. It’s because of her encouraging words that I was able to keep going.”
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Graduates Married to the Stage
To learn more about “Life’s Not Fair(e),” visit instagram.com/lifesnotfaire. n
Alumni Trustee Takes Oath
lass of 2022 graduate Alicia Guidolin Hocman will serve on the institution’s Board of Trustees this academic year as alumni representative. Hocman’s peers elected her to the position in April and she took the oath of of fi ce during the governing panel’s Aug. 2 meeting. She will have full-voting rights during the one-year term.
eanwhile, the PepsiCo/Bergen Community College Women-in-STEM Mentorship Program received the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The award recognizes 78 colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The magazine’s staff selected honorees based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research and successful programs and initiatives.
S ociology student Yoav Aharon will receive a $1,000 scholarship as one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa honor society members named a 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. More than 1,300 students applied for the scholarship. n
uring a July 26 event at the county seat, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III announced new measures to provide additional support for small businesses in an effort to fight inflation and further strengthen the county’s economic position, while recognizing Bergen Community College students for their work in assisting local businesses as interns. One measure will authorize $235,000 in funding so the College can continue an initiative that provides free consulting and realtime data services to small businesses as part of the Bergen Business Resource Network. The program offers business students realworld experience serving as the first point of contact for small businesses seeking assistance. Tasks include assisting business owners with a data tool, known as “SizeUp,” that breaks down how a business compares against their competition within a specific industry. Students also provide social media and web service support, while helping connect business
At the conference:
Award Season
elected from more than 30 institutions across the entire northeast region, 10 Bergen students had their papers chosen for presentation at the 30th annual Beacon Honors Conference, with one student winning first place honors. The students, members of Bergen’s Dr. Judith K. Winn School of Honors and academic disciplines such as history, literature and psychology, participated in the June Zoom event organized by SUNY Orange.
Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development Meredith Gatzke has earned the 2022 Enterprising Women in Commerce award from the Commerce and Industry Association, a statewide association that promotes the health and vibrancy of New Jersey’s business community. The award recognizes the work she has done within her first
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Specialized Services Tracy Rand will receive the Fellowship Inclusive Education Award from the New Jersey Council on De velopmental Disabilities this month. This award honors an individual or group of individuals who encourage the inclusion of students with disabilities in all areas of school life, including academic and nonacademic activities. Rand leads the College’s efforts in the area of disability services, including the renowned Turning Point program. n
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.
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wo members of the College’s leadership team have secured honors from industry groups, recognizing their commitment to the institution and the community at-large.
n Isabella Westervelt, with mentor Professor Gibbons, placed first in the social justice essay category. Her essay focused on Ta-Nehisi Coates’ book, “Between the World and Me,” which Bergen selected as last year’s college-wide “Common Read” selection.
year at the College to affect positive cultural and organizational change.
County Extends Grant, Honors Students
The College’s involvement with the Bergen Resource Network represents one of the first major initiatives emerging from President Dr. Eric M. 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 economic development. n
Students Shine at Beacon
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The annual Beacon Conference promotes research and scholarship among students from two-year colleges. Criteria for judging during the conference include originality and quality of research, written work and oral presentation. n
n Mana Mehdizadeh, with mentor professor Lisa Mayer, Esq.; Livia Fontana, with mentor professor Seamus Gibbons; Cassie Lacsina Guinto, with mentor professor Herve Horner; Deborah Lee, with mentor professor Seamus Gibbons; Jae Kwon, with mentor professor Dr. Leigh Jonaitis; Giavanna Paparozzi, with mentor professor Dr. John Findura; Elizabeth Schnur, with mentor professor Mecheline Farhat; Ana Rodriguez, with mentor professor Dr. Laura Ochoa; and Peter Petroski, with mentor professor Lisa Mayer, Esq., each participated as panelists.
owners with free consultants through Bergen Business Resource Network partners during consultations. To date, the program has assisted over 200 businesses.