Author: ericwinch

Cranford, NJ – New Jersey Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari joined the Union County Board of County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek, Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, Commissioners Lourdes Leon, Stan Neron, and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, along with UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ leaders, to announce $250,000 in support of the College’s Nourish the Future initiative, which addresses food insecurity and nutritional barriers facing Union County students.

The funding, provided by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the County’s Social Services 2026 Grant Program, will strengthen UCNJ’s efforts to ensure that students have reliable access to food while pursuing their education. The investment reflects a shared commitment among state and county leaders and UCNJ to removing barriers that can prevent students from succeeding in College and achieving greater economic mobility. The County’s investment continues its longstanding partnership with UCNJ and builds upon previous support for the College’s food insecurity programs. In 2023, the Union County Board of County Commissioners provided $250,000 to support UCNJ initiatives, including Hoot’s Market, meal vouchers, and farmers’ markets. That support helped the College expand its efforts to provide students with immediate food assistance.

Through Nourish the Future, UCNJ will continue and expand several initiatives designed to address food insecurity among students. The College’s meal voucher program provides students with immediate access to hot, nutritious meals on campus. UCNJ’s on-campus food pantry offers emergency groceries and daily essentials, while farmers’ markets provide fresh produce to students at no cost.

“Students should not have to choose between purchasing a meal and paying for their education,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “We are incredibly grateful to Senate President Scutari and the Union County Board of County Commissioners for recognizing that meeting students’ basic needs is an important part of helping them remain focused on their education, complete their degrees, and build a better future for themselves and their families.”

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ welcomed three new members to its Boards this fall: Andrew Wallen of Berkeley Heights, Daryl Palmieri of Scotch Plains, and Oscar Salas of Cranford. The new members were sworn in during a joint meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors in September. Mr. Wallen will serve on the Board of Trustees as an appointee of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, while Mr. Palmieri and Mr. Salas will serve on the Board of Governors.

Andrew Wallen is a union carpenter and U.S. Marine Corps veteran with extensive experience in commercial and industrial construction. A journeyman carpenter with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Mr. Wallen has worked on projects involving bridges, hospitals, airports, schools, and office complexes. During his military service, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he held leadership roles overseeing personnel, training, and operations.

Daryl Palmieri returns to UCNJ’s Board of Governors after previously serving on the Board of Trustees as Interim Executive County Superintendent for Union County. He has nearly 25 years of experience in public education and currently serves as Chief of Operations and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Elizabeth Public Schools. In his role overseeing human resources, he manages the district’s talent, labor relations, and personnel policies. He also oversees operations, including the logistics and physical safety of learning environments. Mr. Palmieri is a graduate of Manhattan College and Kean University. He is currently studying in a doctoral program at Grand Canyon University.

Oscar Salas is a 2011 UCNJ alumnus and a finance professional with more than 10 years of experience in financial planning and analysis. He currently serves as a Senior Manager and Finance Business Partner at Moody’s, where he works with senior leadership on financial planning, forecasting, strategic initiatives, and business performance. Previously, Mr. Salas served as a Vice President at BNY Mellon, where he managed a $1.5 billion business unit. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with concentrations in finance and statistics and an MBA in finance, both from Montclair State University.

“We are pleased to welcome Andrew, Daryl, and Oscar to UCNJ’s Boards,” said UCNJ Board of Trustees Chairman Rafael J. Betancourt, Esq. “Each brings a unique combination of professional experience, leadership, and commitment to our community. Their expertise in education, finance, workforce development, and public service will provide valuable perspectives as we continue to advance UCNJ’s mission and support student success.”

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford – The Union County College Foundation will host its 2026 Illuminate the Future Gala on October 29 at the Westwood, 438 North Avenue in Garwood, New Jersey, with doors opening at 6 p.m. This year, the Foundation will be honoring Mark E. Manigan, Dr. Maris Lown, and PSEG for their leadership, service, and commitment to UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.

Mark E. Manigan, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, will receive the 2026 Man of the Year Award. Under his leadership, RWJBarnabas Health has expanded access to healthcare and strengthened its role as a community partner throughout New Jersey. The organization has also partnered with UCNJ to support nursing education and workforce development, creating pathways for students to pursue careers in healthcare.

Dr. Maris A. Lown, UCNJ Executive Vice President and Provost, will receive the 2026 Fiat Lux Award. Dr. Lown has served UCNJ since 2011 and currently oversees Academic Affairs, Student Development, and Administrative Services. A nursing educator and higher education leader, she has held numerous leadership positions in professional and community organizations and has supported UCNJ students through both her leadership and philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of a scholarship for UCNJ students.

PSEG will receive the 2026 Corporate Partner of the Year Award in recognition of its support of UCNJ students, education, workforce development, and economic opportunity. PSEG’s partnership with the Foundation has supported programs and initiatives that help students overcome barriers to education and prepare for careers.

The Illuminate the Future Gala supports the Union County College Foundation’s efforts to provide scholarships, emergency assistance, and other resources that help UCNJ students remain enrolled and complete their education. Foundation support helps address financial barriers that can prevent students from achieving their academic and career goals.

“The support raised at the Foundation’s annual gala directly helps students access scholarships, emergency assistance, and other resources that can make the difference between facing financial barriers and being able to continue their education and reach graduation. We are grateful to this year’s honorees and to everyone who continues to support UCNJ students and their futures,” stated UCNJ’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement Douglas Rouse.

Tickets are available for the Union County College Foundation Gala, with sponsorship opportunities also offered. For more information on the Union County College Foundation Gala, please visit ucc.edu/gala2026, contact the Foundation office at (908) 709-7505 or email foundation@ucc.edu.

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Vice President of External Affairs and Government Relations Dr. Jaime M. Segal has been named the 2026 Northeast Regional Professional Board Staff Member of the Year by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). The award recognizes the Northeast Region’s outstanding board secretary and professional board staff member for exemplary leadership and service. This marks the second time Dr. Segal has earned this distinguished regional honor. As the Northeast Regional recipient, Dr. Segal is now a finalist for the 2026 ACCT Professional Board Staff Member of the Year award. The national honoree will be announced during the ACCT Leadership Congress in Chicago this October.

Dr. Segal has served as UCNJ’s Board Secretary since 2017, providing strategic leadership in support of the College’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors. She oversees the preparation and dissemination of board materials, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and Board bylaws, and helps advance effective institutional governance. In addition, Dr. Segal leads the College’s government relations efforts, serving as UCNJ’s primary liaison to local, state, and federal agencies while strengthening strategic partnerships that advance the College’s mission.

“Dr. Segal’s leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to UCNJ have strengthened our institution and expanded opportunities for our students,” said Chairman of the UCNJ Board of Trustees Rafael J. Betancourt. “Her dedication to sound governance, public service, and collaborative leadership has earned the respect of colleagues throughout the region. This recognition is a well-deserved reflection of her outstanding contributions to our College and the community we serve.”

Dr. Jaime Segal earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. A lifelong Union County resident, she remains deeply committed to serving the community through her leadership at UCNJ.

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ celebrates Associate Professor of Chemistry Shahrzad “Sherry” Heidary and Assistant Director of Athletics Dianna Constable, who were both recognized as 2026 Union County SHEROs for their leadership, mentorship, and commitment to student success and community impact.

Professor Heidary holds a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering and a master’s degree in polymer science from Pennsylvania State University. She joined the College in 2007 and has been a passionate advocate for student success. During her tenure, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including faculty leadership positions, faculty advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and co-chair of the College’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Professor Heidary has been leading the development of institutional AI implementation guidelines across academic and administrative departments.

She is also engaged in the Union County community, serving as a Commissioner for the Union County Commission on the Status of Women and as a board member for the Union County YWCA. She currently serves as a Trustee on the Union County College Foundation Board.

Professor Heidary has earned numerous honors throughout her distinguished career. She was the first recipient of UCNJ’s prestigious Fiat Lux Award in 2017 and is a two-time recipient of the Dr. Richard and Barbara Neblett Prize Award for Educational Excellence in Teaching and Learning. In 2015, she received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. More recently, Professor Heidary was honored with the 2023 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Northeast Region Faculty Award and the 2024 New Jersey Council of County Colleges Distinguished Faculty Award.

Assistant Director of Athletics Dianna Constable was recognized as a 2026 Union County SHERO for her mentorship and dedication to student-athlete success. Ms. Constable joined the College in 2018 and brings a strong academic and professional foundation to her role, holding a bachelor of science degree in health information administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a master of business administration from Rider University. At UCNJ, she has played a vital role in supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. Known for her leadership and unwavering commitment to student success, she has guided countless students through their academic and athletic journeys, helping them graduate, transfer to four-year institutions, and pursue opportunities they once believed were out of reach.

As Assistant Director of Athletics, Ms. Constable has helped students navigate the transfer and recruitment process by assisting with eligibility requirements, connecting students with opportunities at four-year institutions, and encouraging them through challenges both academically and personally. Her efforts have helped create meaningful pathways for students to continue their education while pursuing their athletic aspirations.

“Sherry and Dianna exemplify the very best of UCNJ through their unwavering commitment to our students and the Union County community,” said UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Whether in the classroom or on the field, they have transformed the lives of countless students by helping students graduate and achieve greater economic mobility. Their impact extends far beyond UCNJ, and this recognition as Union County SHEROs is incredibly well deserved.”

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ celebrated its Spring Commencement on May 18, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. An evening ceremony was held for more than 700 graduates who received their Associate in Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Applied Science Degrees, and Certificates.

UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin served as the Presiding Officer and welcomed graduates and attendees to the celebration. The ceremony also featured remarks from graduating student Xavier Hernandez of Elizabeth, who was selected to serve as the student speaker for the event.

The Alumni Prize is presented to two graduates who have earned the highest GPAs and demonstrated leadership. This year, the Alumni Prize went to Libni Nivar Vizcaino from Roselle and Javon M. Scott from Hillside.

Established in memory of UCNJ alumni, the Abdallah-Thomas Memorial Award is presented to two graduating students who have at least a 3.25 GPA, have participated in college life activities and/or sports, and have completed community service. The recipients this year were Lara Demetrio from Cranford, Houmza Sheikh from Union, Maria Paula Ureña from Summit, and Katherine Jovel from Elizabeth. Ms. Jovel also received the 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a highly competitive national award that helps recipients complete their bachelor’s degrees.

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Class of 2026. Whether continuing their education at four-year institutions or entering the workforce, our graduates leave UCNJ prepared to lead, contribute, and make a meaningful difference in their communities. As a semifinalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and one of the top 25 community colleges in the nation, we are proud to celebrate students whose hard work and perseverance have led to this important milestone,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

PATH Scholarship program supports economically disadvantaged students globally

Cranford – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ was selected as a 2025 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The PATH Scholarship Program provides grants to higher education institutions worldwide to directly benefit students facing economic hardships and subsequent educational disruptions. UCNJ received $15,000 which will be distributed to individual students to help cover items such as housing costs, tuition expenses and food.

“The UCNJ community is deeply grateful for the Ellucian Foundation’s PATH Scholarship program. This support provides essential resources that enable our students to focus on their studies and stay on track to complete their degrees. By investing in our students, this scholarship helps remove barriers to success and advances their educational and career goals,” said UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

“Students across the globe are working hard to stay enrolled, but too many continue to face financial barriers that put their progress at risk,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “Our 2025 Student Voice Report — which includes insights from ‘stop-outs,’ or learners who left college before completing a degree — found that 23% cannot afford upfront costs to return, and 15% are already too burdened by student debt. The Ellucian Foundation’s PATH Scholarship Program is helping institutions reduce these barriers so more students can continue their academic journey with confidence.”

The PATH Scholarship is provided by the Ellucian Foundation, established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education. To date, the PATH Scholarship program has provided more than $3.7 million in grants to 200+ institutions, supporting 3,700+ students.

“Institutions know better than anyone the real barriers their students face — and how even modest financial support can change the trajectory of a learner’s academic journey,” said Jen Welding, Executive Director of the Ellucian Foundation. “The PATH program is built on that principle. By putting flexible funding directly into the hands of colleges and universities, we enable them to rapidly assist students whose education might otherwise be interrupted.”

For more details, visit: https://stayonpath.org/

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – Three students from UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (JKCF) Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This highly competitive award provides up to $55,000 per year for up to three years to support recipients in completing their bachelor’s degrees at any accredited four-year institution in the United States.

The UCNJ JKCF Transfer Scholarship semifinalists, Sabrina Da Silva, Katherine Jovel, and Libni Vizcaino, were selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 1,300 applicants nationwide. To qualify, students must have at least a 3.5 GPA, demonstrate exceptional academic ability, leadership, and demonstrate financial need. Finalists will receive not only a significant financial award, but also educational advising, access to internship opportunities, study abroad experiences, graduate school funding, and connections to a network of more than 3,800 fellow Cooke scholars and alumni.

The UCNJ semifinalists are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the international honor society for community college students, and the Union Honors program, which supports high-achieving students as they prepare to transfer to leading universities.

Ms. Da Silva, of Roselle Park, is majoring in psychology and is an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) student. She is a member of Psi Beta, the national honor society in psychology for community college students, and serves as a college tutor. Ms. Da Silva participated in the Transfer Scholars Initiative (TSI) summer program at Princeton University. She plans to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s degree in criminal psychology. Her long-term goal is to work in a mental health hospital or correctional facility.

Ms. Jovel, of Elizabeth, is majoring in business and is an EOF student. She serves as a tutor in the Academic Learning Center, Treasurer of UCNJ’s Dance Club, and was part of the 2025 Princeton TSI cohort. Ms. Jovel plans to transfer to a four-year university to study economics. She aims to develop policy and educational support systems for marginalized communities. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to attend law school, focusing on education or immigration law.

Ms. Vizcaino, of Roselle, is majoring in public administration. She completed internships with Senator Cory Booker and in the office of Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, and participated in the Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership New Jersey Summer Institute at Rutgers University, a prestigious program that introduces college women to political leadership and public service. After completing her degree at UCNJ, Ms. Vizcaino plans to transfer to a four-year institution to study international relations or legal studies, focusing on diplomacy and political science. She hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in public policy.

UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin said, “On behalf of the UCNJ community, I congratulate Sabrina, Katherine, and Libni for being recognized as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholarship. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them advance in their academic and professional careers. UCNJ remains committed to providing students with the support and opportunities they need to accomplish their dreams.”

Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, underscored the significance of this award sharing, “Through the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation works to ensure that exceptional community college students have the opportunities to reach their full academic potential.”

The finalists for the JKCF Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship are expected to be announced in May 2026.

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Partnership with WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility and NCII to Transform Community College Career Pathways for Working Young Adults

Cranford – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is excited to announce the launch of Back on Track, an initiative to build pathways from low-wage jobs to family-sustaining careers. Beginning in 2026, UCNJ will partner with the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility, and a cohort of eight colleges to launch three new pathways designed to meet regional labor market needs while helping young people advance in their careers. By 2029, UCNJ will graduate two cohorts of students from the new pathways while building capacity to scale project impact to other programs across the institution.

The project is designed to serve 600-800 students annually and addresses the urgent challenge of helping working young adults advance from unstable service sector jobs to living-wage careers.

“The Back on Track Initiative directly advances UCNJ’s mission to drive economic mobility and student success,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “In partnership with WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility and the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, we are intentionally redesigning career pathways to align with regional workforce demand and connect our students to family-sustaining careers. This is not simply a program enhancement. It is a strategic investment in our students, our employer partners, and the long-term economic strength of our community. By removing barriers and accelerating completion, we are creating real opportunity that transforms individual lives while fueling sustainable regional growth.”

Expected outcomes include improved employment stability for graduates and field-tested models that can be scaled nationally.

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.