Student news: Ridge senior is among Semper Fidelis All-American
Kaitlin Van Baalen of Basking Ridge attended the United States Marine Corps’ inaugural Battles Won Academy, July 13-16 in Washington, D.C.
Van Baalen, who is entering her senior year at Ridge High School in Bernards, was selected from a pool of the top high school student-leaders in the country for the title of Semper Fidelis All-American and the offer to attend the academy.
The academy welcomed nearly 100 students named as Semper Fidelis All-Americans and their mentors from around the nation. According to a news release, each student was selected not only for their athletic performance but for their outstanding character, academic excellence, and community leadership that reflects the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment.
The All-Americans and their mentors visited both Marine Corps Base Quantico and Marine Barracks Washington to watch an Evening Parade July 14. The next day they visited Under Armour headquarters to learn about the relationship between the corporate culture there and the Baltimore community, before joining in a community service project in partnership with 6th Branch.
For more on this year's program, go to www.facebook.com/SemperFidelisAllAmericans/.
Bard Academy at Simon's Rock
Nicholas Kawam of Bernardsville successfully completed the two-year high school program to marticulate into Bard College at Simon's Rock in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
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Bloomsburg University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from Bloomsburg University this spring:
Delaney Ann Gara of Milford, bachelor's degree in speech path & audiology
Gary Joseph Gartling of RIngoes, master's degree in comm.dis*speech/lang path
Abigail Meredith Gironda of Flemington, bachelor's degree in nursing
Kayleigh Eileen Hild of Whitehouse Station, bachelor's degree in business administration
Morgan Ashely Miller of Ringoes, bachelor's degree in special education
Nolan Baier Schneider of Flemington, bachelor's degree in accounting
Alexandra Shirey of Asbury, bachelor's degree in communication
Emma Rose Slotterback of Flemington, bachelor's degree in special education/english
Jenna Angela Diefenbacher of Middlesex, bachelor's degree in special education
Tyler Sebastian of Middlesex, bachelor's degree in sociology
Jake Burgess of Hillsborough, bachelor's degree in speech path & audiology
Rachel Kurian Hadley of Martinsville, bachelor's degree in special education
Steven Anthony Petronio of Branchburg, bachelor's degree in digital forensics
Gregory Michael Rommel of Somerville, bachelor's degree in marketing.
Geneva College
The following Central Jersey residents at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, were named to the spring dean's list: Paige Wintermute of Annandale and Taylor Jacobus of High Bridge.
High Point University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from High Point University in High Point North Carolina this spring: Samantha Brown, Erin Graisser of Basking Ridge; Samantha Sullivan of Berkeley Heights; Shannon Jackson of Bernardsville; Tyler Fox of Branchburg; Samantha Entwistle, Tiana Gog of Califon; Denis Cummings, Christopher Stone of Fanwood; Nicholas Goryeb, Lauren Kotler of Far Hills; Rene Kososki, Mitchell Palmer of Glen Gardner; Jillian Fagan of Hillsborough; Morgan Beasty of Martinsville; Daniel Murray of Warren; Sonya Khedr, Peter Lovito of Westfield; Kristina Della Pello, Michelle Talocka of Whitehouse Station; The following Central Jersey residents were name to the spring dean’s list: Hannah Quigley, Alex Stangarone, Joseph Taveroni, Matthew Taylor of Basking Ridge, Tiana Gog, Caroline Wheatley of Califon, Brett Kramer, Sarah Schaible of Clinton, Christopher Stone of Fanwood, Julia Defilippis of Flemington, Rene Kososki of Glen Gardner, Jillian Fagan, Nayan Mehrotra, Victoria Pitera of Hillsborough, Jackie Walker of Lambertville, Morgan Beasty of Martinsville, Courtney Homa of New Providence, Alexandra Quirke of Ringoes, Kimberly Kaadi, Brooke Sutton of Scotch Plains, Natalie Bodnar of Watchung, Denis Cummings of Westfield. Students must have a grade-point average of 3.5.
Hofstra University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, this spring:
Darby Casey of Hillsborough, bachelor's degree in finance.
Hanjun Du of Piscataway, master's degree in finance.
Nazila Esmaeili of Berkeley Heights, master's degree in strategic healthcare management.
Kaitlin Hannon of Branchburg, bachelor's degree in management.
Brianna Holcomb of Somerset, bachelor's degree in public relations.
Taylor Johnson of Belle Mead, bachelor's degree in journalism.
Nicholas Jones of Whitehouse Station, bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
Le Moyne College
Emily Szmul of Flemington was named to the spring dean's list at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York. Students must have a grade-point average of 3.5.
Marquette University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from Marquette University in Wilwaukee, Wisconsin, this spring:
Griffin Connor of Peapack-Gladstone, bachelor's degree in finance
Kimberly Hadinata of Somerset, bachelor's degree in political science.
Mercer University
Mahima Manian of Bound Brook received a doctor's degree in philosophy from Mercer Unviersity in Macon/Altanta, Georgia, this spring.
Miami University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, this spring:
Ben Fine of Westfield, bachelor's degree in strategic communication
Erin Hanlon of Hillsborough, bachelor's degree in speech path & audiology
Spencer Reynolds of Hillsborough, bachelor's degree in business/finance honors,summa cum laude
Kayla Skeary of Basking Ridge, bachelor's degree in strategic communication
Margo Testa of Skillman, bachelor's degree in business finance, honors,cum laude
Dionna Trapp of Bloomsbury, bachelor's degree in business marketing.
New Jersey Association of Counties
The PSEG Foundation awarded the New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation a grant of $12,000.00 for county vocational-technical school graduates who plan on studying environmental science, green design, green technology, alternative energy, and other related subjects at a county college or state college or university in the fall.
NJAC Foundation plans to award one $850 scholarship to a student nominated by the superintendent of their school in each county where PSEG maintains a service territory or generation facility. These counties include: Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties.
New Jersey Utilities Association
The Excellence in Diversity Scholarship Award is awarded to two students who are minority, female or have a disability and are pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university in New Jersey. The scholarship award is valued at $1,500 per academic year per recipient, and was awarded to: Daniela Cruz of Bound Brook, and Kelsey Ruiz of Harrison.
NJUA’s scholarship review committee selected this year’s scholarship winners based upon a number of criteria, including each students’ high level of academic excellence.
Northern Illinois University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois this spring:
Rajesh Dhanishetty of Middlesex, master's degree in management and information systems.
Susmitha Gutha of South Plainfield, master's degree in management and information systems.
Ohio Wesleyan University
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, this spring:
Alyssa Giarrusso of Hillsborough, bachelor's degree in arts, cum laude
Liam Keller of Westfield, bachelor's degree in music
Nicole Sanczyk of New Providence, bachelor's degree in arts.
Piscataway High School
A grant from Investor’s Bank will allow Piscataway High School to complete upgrades to the weight room, according to a news release. A total of $50,000 was awarded to the school over a five-year period. This year, on behalf of Investors Bank, Vice-President Market Manager Irene Conte donated a $10,000 check for upgrades that will include new equipment for strength training and cardio training.
According to a news release, all students will benefit as the weight room is used for strength and conditioning for athletics after school, but used by all students in general physical education classes during the school day.
Raritan Valley Community College
Several members of the Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) faculty have received promotions for their hard work and dedication to the College. The RVCC Board of Trustees has approved the promotions of the following faculty members:
Pattiann Kletz of Hillsborough, Business & Public Service Department from Associate Professor to Professor
William Klinger of Basking Ridge, Business & Public Service Department from Associate Professor to Professor
Dennis Russo of Wayne, Visual and Performing Arts Department from Associate Professor to Professor
Steven Schwarz of Hillsborough, Computer Science Department from Associate Professor to Professor
Beryl Stetson of Flemington, Health Science Education Department from Associate Professor to Professor
Susan Arvay of Highland Park, English Department from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Marianne Baricevic of Whitehouse Station, Science & Engineering Department from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Youngjun Choi of Closter, Mathematics Department from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Nader Copty of Bridgewater, Science & Engineering Department from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Megan Dempsey of Pompton Plains, Library from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Linda Romaine of Alexandria Township, Health Science Education Department from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Darren McManus of Lambertville, Visual and Performing Arts Department from Instructor to Assistant Professor
Claudette Spencer of Ringoes, Health Science Education Department from Instructor to Assistant Professor
Rochester Institute of Technology
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from Rochester Institute of Technology this spring:
Steven Cerqueira of Kenilworth, bachelor's degree in 3D digital design.
Jason Constant of New Providence, bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
William Gowell of Flemington, bachelor's degree in computer engineering.
Jefferson Hotz of Far Hills, bachelor's degree in industrial design.
Shariq Madha of Bridgewater, bachelor's degree in bioinformatics.
Annie Monaco of High Bridge, bachelor's degree in ASL-english interpretation.
Jay Patel of Piscataway, bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
Peter Roth of Hillsborough, master's degree in mechanical engineering.
Kimberly Stager of Stockton, bachelor's degree in graphic design.
Ryan Trumpore of Warren, bachelor's degree in computer engineering.
Nicholas Zweig of Bernardsville, bachelor's degree in film and animation.
Salisbury University
The following Central Jersey residents at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland, were named to the spring dean's list: Chiara Benato, Erick Maddock of Raritan, Joshua Lipowski of Belle Mead, Amy Mahlik of Bernardsville, Thomas Cocca of Bridgewater, Bryan Merriman of Hillsborough, Molly Mahoney of Martinsville, Megan Smiley of Somerset.
Stockton University
Stockton University has been approved by the Panamanian Ministry of Education to offer training to teachers from Panama as part of the government’s Bilingue Initiative.
The University has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Universidad Latina de Panama to expand opportunities for Stockton students to study in Panama.
The Panama Bilingue initiative is a national effort to improve public education and economic development in the country by increasing the English language fluency of its citizens.
The goal of the program is to train as many as 10,000 Panamanian teachers over five years in the latest teachings methods and techniques for classroom success, including the use of technology. Participants will also have the opportunity to expand on their own language skills, as they are immersed in an English-speaking culture.
Stockton President Harvey Kesselman, his wife, Lynne, and Stockton interim general counsel Brian Kowalski visited Panama this month to meet with Ministry of Education officials, the Latina University president and other senior government representatives, to introduce Stockton University and present Stockton’s Bilingue proposal. They also toured Latina University, the nation's leading private university, and the City of Knowledge, an educational, economic and business development center in Panama.
“This has been an incredibly productive trip that will yield significant results for Stockton,” Kesselman said. “The officials I met with in Panama are very excited about our partnership. “
The partnership will be managed by Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Michelle McDonald and the Director of Stockton’s Office of Global Engagement, India Karavackas. It will be supported by Stockton’s School of Education, ELS Language Center, and Southern Regional Institute and Educational Technology Training Center.
The first group of teachers from Panama is expected to arrive in January and will be housed at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club. Stockton will offer two programs and anticipates hosting 24 to 30 participants in each.
The first option is an eight-week program for working teachers to enhance their ESL teaching methodology, pedagogic skills and the use of technology in the classroom.
The second program, for pre-service teachers studying to work as English teachers or elementary school teachers, will be a 16-week program focusing on English language acquisition, ESL classroom methodologies, and technology training.
Participants will attend classes, visit area schools, participate in local social and cultural events, and explore the region more broadly through trips to Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C.
This partnership is the latest in a series of projects supported by Stockton’s Global Engagement Initiative to prepare students for a multicultural and interdependent world.
The College of New Jersey
The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees from The College of New Jersey this spring:
Annandale: Alyssa Marie Keenan of Annandale, bachelor's degree in early childhood, cum laude; Emma Hopkins, bachelor's degree in communication studies; Erica Lindsey Fuhrman, bachelor's degree in special education- iSTEM, summa cum laude; Grace Lazarus, bachelor's degree in self designed, magna cum laude; Gregory Joseph Borowski, bachelor's degree in communication studies; Keaton Gray, bachelor's degree in psychology, summa cum laude; Leah Greif, bachelor's degree in communication studies; Phoebe Roth, bachelor's degree in special education
Asbury: Jessica L. Meyers, master's degree in education, instruction; Karoline Perez, bachelor's degree deaf/hard of hearing/el, cum laude
Basking Ridge: Daniel J. Homan, college certificate in career and community studies; Eric C. Klacik, bachelor's degree in accountancy; Farsha Rizwan, bachelor's degree biology, cum laude; Nicole Broomhead, bachelor's degree in communication studies
Bedminster: Edianys Lima Enriquez, bachelor's degree in sociology; Jenna Leo, master's degree in teaching, deaf/hard of hearing; William F. Gross, bachelor's degree in management
Belle Mead: Andrew J. Link, bachelor's degree in finance; Bina Ramesh, bachelor's degree in elementary education - iSTEM; Catherine Elizabeth Killian, bachelor's degree in management; Emma Rarich, bachelor's degree in english secondary education, cum laude; Erin Marie Brendel, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jessica Noelle Ganga, bachelor's degree in journalism and prof. writing; Kevin E. Johnson, bachelor's degree in accountancy; Lance Anders Erickson, bachelor's degree in criminology; Nicole York, bachelor's degree in nursing, cum laude; Shannon Williams, bachelor's degree in history secondary education, cum laude
Bloomsbury: Megan Decker, bachelor's degree in mathematics second. education
Branchburg: Daniel Naples, bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary business; Elaine Theresa Vostrovsky, bachelor's degree in nursing; Emily Bartow, bachelor's degree in psychology, cum laude; John Robert Alfieri, bachelor's degree communication studies, summa cum laude; Kathleen Alma Adler, master's degree in literacy
Bridgewater:Amy Hopper, bachelor's degree in english secondary education; Christian Hansen, bachelor's degree in computer science; Grace Dimock, bachelor's degree in biology; Jesse Viscel, master's degree in teaching, special education - five year; Jessica Ledbetter, bachelor's degree in elementary education, cum laude; Lauren Cascio, bachelor's degree in management; LeeAnn Bak, bachelor's degree in biology; Maris Campanella, bachelor's degree in mathematics second education; Matthew Jones, bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; Megan Muessen, bachelor's degree communication studies, cum laude; Meredith Rosemary Carro, bachelor's degree in fine arts; Morgan Pestorius, bachelor's degree in elementary education, cum laude; Nicole Pontarollo, master's degree in school counseling; Nikita Jhawar, bachelor's degree in biology, summa cum laude; Tara J. Kemble, bachelor's degree in english secondary education
Califon: Ryan Koenig, bachelor's degree in political science
Clinton: Kalie A. Mehaffy, bachelor's degree in english secondary education; Laura Angelica Velazquez-Casillas, bachelor's degree in early childhood, magna cum laude; Mary Claire F. Spadone, master's degree in education, instruction
Fanwood: David Leavitt, bachelor's degree in finance, cum laude; Karla Rizzi, bachelor's degree in psychology, cum laude
Flemington: Connor M. Donnelly, bachelor's degree in communication studies; Elaina Katherine Hart, bachelor's in history, cum laude; Emily Williams, master's degree in teaching, special education; Jaime Martine Kindervatter, master's degree in teaching, special education-five year; Jill Holewski, college certification program; Kyle Mazewski, bachelor's degree in marketing; Lawrence Frank Scheetz, bachelor's degree in nursing; Mali Syltevik, bachelor's degree in special education, summa cum laude; Megan Krause, bachelor's degree in marketing; Michael Anthony D'Angelo, bachelor's degree in communication studies, magna cum laude; Monica Martinez, bachelor's degree in biology, magna cum laude; Piper Torsilieri, bachelor's degree visual arts, magna cum laude; Samantha Murray, bachelor's degree elementary education; Shannon Steele, bachelor's degree in communication studies; Simone Siegel, bachelor's degree in elementary education, magna cum laude; Stephen Swider, bachelor's degree in marketing; Sukhman Bhurjee, bachelor's degree in finance; Tara Manz, bachelor's degree in special education, cum laude; Veronica Cioni, college certification program, school nurse non-instructional; Victoria Marie Scaturro, college certification program, early child p-3 certificate
Franklin Park: Jennifer Butera, bachelor's degree in elementary education, cum laude; Maria Printon, bachelor's degree in self designed, magna cum laude; Nicole Marie Stevens, master's degree in English
Frenchtown: Alexandra Burcham McKeever, bachelor's degree in management, magna cum laude; Brittany Horvath, bachelor's degree in health & physical ed. teaching; Haley Johnson, bachelor's degree in sociology
Gillette: John Ballon , Bachelor of Science, Finance
Glen Gardner: Arantxa Simal, bachelor's degree in elementary education; Sarah Jane Holland, bachelor's degree in special education art, magna cum laude
Green Brook: Meaghan Lenae Sloop, master's degree in teaching, deaf/hearing; Nicole Alexandre, bachelor's degree in accountancy, cum laude
Hampton:Bijal Vimal Patel, bachelor's degree in nursing
High Bridge:Brian P. Scanlon, master's degree in education, instruction
Hillsborough: Alexandra Piwtoratsky, bachelor's degree in visual arts; Andrew Katz, bachelor's degree in accountancy; Brian Nagy, bachelor's degree in history secondary education; Christine Pavona, bachelor's degree in accountancy; Courtney Kestner, bachelor's degree in biology secondary education, magna cum laude; Elizabeth R. Tripod, bachelor's degree in art education, summa cum laude; Franco Obour, bachelor's degree in biology; Grace Ann Pugh, bachelor's degree in nursing, summa cum laude; Jaclyn Alyssa Schwankert, bachelor's degree in early childhood, cum laude; Jessica Roman, bachelor's degree in psychology, summa cum laude; Jonathan Schramm, bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, cum laude; Kaitlin Dunn, bachelor's degree in music education; Kevin Ellis, master's degree in English; Matthew Marnell, bachelor's degree in history secondary education; Meghan Barry, bachelor's degree in biology; Meghan Elizabeth Ingram, master's degree in teaching, deaf/ hard of hearing; Nick Alaimo, bachelor's degree in health & physical ed. teaching; Nicole Stuebben, bachelor's degree in psychology, cum laude; Rachel C. Jones, master's degree in educational leadership; Sandro DiBartolomeo, bachelor's in accountancy; Sara Sbeiti, bachelor's degree in mathematics, magna cum laude; Shauna A. Morrisey, bachelor's degree in music education, cum laude; Siobhan M. Strickhart, master's degree in clinical mental health; Sophia Roth, bachelor's degree in deaf/hard of hearing, cum laude; Steve Mejias, bachelor's degree in music education; Thomas Slinsky, bachelor's degree in marketing; Tobi Alder, bachelor's degree in mathematics
Lambertville: Christopher J. Curto, master's degree in educational leadership; Kristin I. Bautista, bachelor's degree in nursing, cum laude; Lauryn Marie Burnett, master's degree in special education
Lebanon: Angela Marie D'Armiento, bachelor special education; Ashley Teets, master's degree in special education; Drew Dickison, bachelor's degree in management; Jessica Weeder, bachelor's degree in biology; Marisa Grillo, bachelor's degree in biology; Olivia C. Burton, bachelor in art history; Raphaelle Gamanho, bachelor's degree in visual arts, summa cum laude; Sarah Jane Barrett, bachelor's degree in marketing, magna cum laude
Manville: Alexandria Puza, bachelor's degree in mathematics; Rebecca Marie Burke, master's degree in special education
Martinsville: Brianna Petro, bachelor's degree in special education, magna cum laude; Michelle De Sousa, bachelor's degree in finance; Shirley Wang, bachelor's degree in psychology, summa cum laude
Middlesex: Matthew M Wyles, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies; William G Lester, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics Second. Education
Milford: Jacqueline O'Leary, bachelor's degree in management; Jillian Hope Moran, bachelor's degree in nursing; Maria K Kozak, bachelor's degree in management; Paige Kugelman, bachelor's degree in management, summa cum laude; Phyllis A. Lytle, bachelor's degree in nursing
Mountainside: Andi Hoy, bachelor's degree in criminology; Deanna L. Leonardis, master's degree in education, instruction
North Plainfield: Megan Hynes, bachelor's degree in management
Piscataway: Brooke Ruoff, bachelor's degree in elementary education; Jenna Maurer, bachelor's degree in early childhood, summa cum laude
Pittstown: Gregory James Sakos, bachelor's degree in management; Megan Vantslot, bachelor's degree in psychology, cum laude
Plainfield: Kurmaine May, bachelor's degree in finance
Raritan: Andrew Statkevich, bachelor's degree in health and exercise science, magna cum laude; Jason Geary, bachelor's degree in mathematics/education; Jessica Markus, bachelor's degree in psychology, summa cum laude; Meredith Bunner, bachelor's degree in civil engineer
Ringoes: Cynthia Brennan, college certification rogram, school nurse non-instructional; Shannon Elizabeth Yeager, bachelor's degree in elementary education, cum laude
Scotch Plains: Alyssa A. Apuzzio, bachelor's degree in journalism and prof. writing; Caroline Nucatola, master's degree in special education; Elsa Leistikow, bachelor's degree in sociology, magna cum laude; Hannah Nizri, bachelor's degree in elementary education, magna cum laude; Kathleen Flanagan Buchbinder, bachelor's degree in chemistry, magna cum laude; William Castore, bachelor's degree in civil engineering
Skillman: Elizabeth M. Snedeker, college certification program; Tracy Prentice, bachelor's degree in management
Somerset: Eric Vanderzee, bachelor's degree in music performance; James Shangle, bachelor's degree in physics secondary education; Jennifer Christiano, master's degree in early childhood education; Melanie Cella, bachelor's degree in of Science, special education, summa cum laude; Melody Hwang, bachelor's degree in early childhood education, magna cum laude; Nicholas C. Brown, bachelor's degree in music education; Renee Evangelista, master's degree in special education; Ryan Benjamin Kaplan, bachelor's degree in finance; Tara Siesputowski, bachelor's degree in deaf/hard of hearing, magna cum laude
Somerville: Lia Marie Dignam, bachelor's degree in english
South Bound Brook: Drew Bloksberg, bachelor's degree in interactive multimedia; Megan Esposito, bachelor's degree in elementary education
South Plainfield: Allison Marie White, bachelor's degree in nursing; Kaitlyn Pollock, master's degree in education, instruction; Michelle L. Lesniak, bachelor's degree in english, magna cum laude
Stockton: Brittany Plummer, bachelor's degree in computer science
Warren: Alexander Suitovsky, bachelor's degree in accountancy, magna cum laude; Amalia Kanaras, bachelor's degree in elementary education; Andrew Craig Helgeson, bachelor's degree in interactive multimedia; Benjamin Kramskoi, bachelor's degree in economics; Cristina Lauren Rodriguez, bachelor's degree in communication studies; Jaclyn Kukoff, bachelor's degree in psychology, cum laude; Jeremy Charles Di Calogero, bachelor's degree in biology; Michael Divito, bachelor's degree in accountancy
Watchung: Claudia Emmanuel, bachelor's degree in psychology; John Herrmann, bachelor's degree in political science
Westfield: Alana Lucia Zepka, bachelor's degree in communication studies, cum laude; Angela Gallagher, bachelor's degree in nursing, magna cum laude; Jack Frey, bachelor's degree in interactive multimedia, summa cum laude; Joseph Forlini, master's degree in education, instruction; Juliana Pastuzyn, bachelor's degree in history; Rachael Lobo, master's degree in marriage couple family counsel; Sarah Seitz, bachelor's degree in spanish secondary sducation, summa cum laude; Tara Bange, master's degree in special education
Whitehouse Station: Chelsea LoCascio, bachelor's degree in journalism and prof. writing, cum laude; Kathryn Anne Scheffler, master's degree in special education; Seton Helwig, bachelor's degree in communication studies.
Thomas Edison State University
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program (www.acbsp.org) Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners has awarded Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, www.tesu.edu, accreditation of its business programs.
Established in 1988, the council is the only organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs. Council accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the undergraduate and graduate business programs offered through the School of Business and Management meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.
Based on the Baldridge Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, ACBSP accreditation evaluates aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support to determine whether or not the business programs offers a rigorous educational experience and demonstrate continuous quality improvement.
ALSO: Alicia N. Walker-Carman of Piscataway received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Thomas Edison State University this spring.
Union County College
With more than 100 guests and volunteers in attendance, the Union County College Foundation surpassed their goal and raised nearly $40,000 at its 2nd Annual Close the Gap Campaign cocktail reception.
Conducted earlier this month in the Richel Student Commons at the College’s Cranford campus, this campaign was developed by a small group of community volunteers to support the College’sinitiative to help shrink the ever-growing achievement gap that exists for African American students, and to provide financial assistance to help these students complete their degree on time.
During the VIP reception, attendees had an opportunity to meet Carl Banks, former New York Giants Super Bowl Champion and President of G-III Sports. Other supporters of the campaign who attended the event were Assemblyman Jerry Green and Assemblyman Jamel Holley who were members of the Host Committee and significant advocates for the campaign. United States Senator Cory Booker served as Honorary Chair of the event. He sent a video that was shared with attendees.
The funds raised will be used in many ways, such as to provide financial support for tuition, academic boot camps, books and supplies, emergency funding, employment or public transportation. Already a number of students who have received Close the Gap funding this summer will receive their degrees and transfer to four-year institution.
To donate to the Close the Gap Campaign, or to learn about other ways to provide financial assistance for students at Union County College, call 908-709-7505, email foundation@ucc.edu or visit at www.uccfoundation.org.
ALSO: Union County College was notified by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that they reaffirmed the College’s accreditation on June 22. The notification letter was the final piece of documentation needed to complete a more than three year process of preparation for the commission’s review.
“The preparation for the Middle States Site Team visit in March involved participation of many members of the faculty and staff. Everyone did their part to ensure that the College’s mission was reflected in the teaching done by the faculty and the support services provided by the staff. Thank you to the Middle States Site Team for recognizing the College’s efforts in continuing to provide affordable and accessible education for Union County residents,” President Margaret McMenamin said in a news release.
In March 2017, the 10-member Middle States Site Team visited all campuses of the College and reviewed the Self-Study Report to confirm its accuracy. The Site Team was led by Chair, Dr. Kathleen B. Hetherington, president of Howard Community College. Dr. Hetherington arranged for the team to meet with members of the faculty, staff, students, and boards to conduct the assessment and to confirm that the College met the requirements of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education’s seven Standards for Accreditation.
The College’s next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2025-2026. Visit www.ucc.edu.
Wheaton College
Alexandria Sun Kuo of Princeton received a bachelor's degree in political science and communication and Julia Arthur of Lebanon was named to the academic all-conference team at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, this spring
Student and School news appears Fridays: Email:cnmetro@mycentraljersey.com