Author: sharonsovany

Cranford – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has been selected as one of just 16 institutions nationwide to participate in the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) Institutional Mentorship Program. UCNJ is the only community college selected from the Northeast, placing the College among a select group of institutions working to expand applied artificial intelligence education and prepare students for an evolving workforce.

Through the yearlong initiative, UCNJ will work with NAAIC mentors and industry partners to develop industry-aligned applied AI credentials that connect academic learning with the skills employers increasingly expect. The program provides participating institutions with mentorship, professional development, industry-informed resources, and guidance to support curriculum development, faculty preparation, employer engagement, and sustainable AI education programs.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we live and work, and it is essential that our students are prepared for that future,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “UCNJ’s selection for this national initiative gives us an opportunity to translate innovation in AI into meaningful educational and career pathways for our students. We are committed to ensuring that they graduate with relevant skills that prepare them for successful careers and economic mobility.”

Representing UCNJ in this initiative are Agnes Drupka, Dean of Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Faraz Siddique, Dean of the STEM Division, and John Agar, Academic Specialist in Computer Science. Their work will help guide the College’s development of applied AI credentials and strengthen alignment between academic programs and workforce needs.

NAAIC connects community colleges, industry leaders, and educators nationwide to advance AI education and workforce development. Through its mentorship program, participating institutions learn from experienced colleges, access industry-informed resources, and build the capacity to develop sustainable AI programs that respond to workforce needs.

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 student Leandro Batista of Union has been selected as a Kaplan Leadership Scholar, placing him among just 12 community college students selected across the tristate region for this prestigious recognition. The Kaplan Leadership Program recognizes community college students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, supporting high-achieving students as they pursue their educational and professional aspirations.

Batista is pursuing an associate degree in Psychology at UCNJ and has distinguished himself through academic achievement, campus leadership, and a strong commitment to research. He serves as President of UCNJ’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, the international honor society for two-year colleges, and Vice President of Psi Beta, the national honor society affiliated with the American Psychological Association. He also serves as President of the History Club and is a member of the Student Leadership Council, Brown Family Honors Program, and National Society of Leadership and Success.

His commitment to academic and research opportunities extends beyond UCNJ. This past summer, Batista participated in Princeton University’s Transfer Scholars Initiative (TSI), further strengthening his preparation for transfer and advanced study. Following his anticipated graduation from UCNJ in spring 2027, Batista plans to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue studies in psychiatric research and neuroscience, with the long-term goal of earning an MD-PhD focused on psychiatry and consciousness research. Ultimately, he hopes to establish a clinical research center or contribute to leading research teams in the field.

“Congratulations to Leandro on being selected as a Kaplan Leadership Scholar. This recognition reflects the academic excellence, leadership, and intellectual curiosity he has demonstrated throughout his time at the College,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Leandro has embraced opportunities to lead, conduct research, and prepare for transfer to a four-year institution. His participation in TSI and his commitment to advancing research in speak to the ambition and purpose he brings to his education. We look forward to seeing how he continues to build on this foundation and contribute to his field.”

Batista’s selection as a Kaplan Leadership Scholar reflects the College’s commitment to high-impact educational experiences, student leadership, research, and transfer pathways that prepare students to pursue ambitious academic and professional goals.

For more information on UCNJ, go to https://www.ucc.edu/ and for more information on the Kaplan Leadership Scholar program, go to https://www.kaplanedfoundation.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 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Rafael J. Betancourt, Esq. has been elected Chairman of the UCNJ Board of Trustees effective July 1, 2026. The election occurred at the Board’s June Meeting upon the retirement of longtime board chairman Dr. Victor M. Richel.

Mr. Betancourt joined the UCNJ Board of Governors in 2017 and the Board of Trustees in 2020. He has held the role of Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees since 2020 and actively contributed to multiple key Board committees, supporting governance, fiscal oversight, and strategic decision-making. From 2022 to 2025, he served as board liaison to the College’s Middle States Steering Committee, helping guide the accreditation process and strengthen institutional accountability. Most recently, he was selected as one of three UCNJ trustees to participate in the Aspen Presidents & Trustees Collaborative, an Aspen Institute College Excellence initiative that helps community college leaders and boards align their governance practices to boost student success and sustain transformational change.

Professionally, Mr. Betancourt is a partner at Triarsi, Betancourt, Wukovits & Dugan, LLC, a law firm based in Cranford, and has served as an FBI Special Agent, Assistant Prosecutor for Union County, and Municipal Prosecutor and Acting Mayor for the Town of Westfield. He also served as an adjunct instructor at UCNJ from 2008 to 2012. Upon Mr. Betancourt’s election as Chairman, Board of Trustees member Brian Campbell (UCNJ ’95), of Berkeley Heights, was elected to serve as Vice Chair.

Mr. Betancourt, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, resides in Westfield with his wife, Esperanza, and has two sons. He earned a B.A. from Tulane University and a J.D. from the University of Puerto Rico.

“I am excited to work alongside Mr. Betancourt as we begin this next chapter for UCNJ. He is deeply committed to our Mission and shares our unwavering focus on student success: from fostering a strong sense of belonging on campus to ensuring our graduates are prepared to thrive in their careers and communities. I look forward to partnering with him to build on our strong foundation and continue creating opportunities that transform lives,” 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.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for high-achieving community college students, has named Nickey Kuhn of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ as a World Impact Scholar, an honor recognizing students pursuing degrees and certificates in programs that support economic opportunity and workforce needs in communities across World Cup host regions.

Supported by a donation from Coca-Cola North America, the World Impact Scholars program celebrates community college students enrolled in degree and certificate programs that prepare them to contribute to their local economies and meet real workforce needs. Kuhn, of Linden, is pursuing a degree in respiratory care.

The World Impact Scholarship recognizes outstanding community college students in cities where the 2026 FIFA World Cup^TM will be held who are pursuing high-demand careers aligned with real workforce needs. Through high-quality workforce programs and hands-on learning at community colleges, students are choosing educational pathways that expand economic mobility and translate into meaningful contributions that strengthen their local communities and regional economies.

“We are honored that Coca-Cola has invested in the World Impact Scholars,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Degrees and certificates from community colleges are powerful economic tools, and our World Impact Scholars are among the very best examples of students demonstrating leadership in high-demand fields that matter to their communities and to the future of our workforce.”

“We are incredibly proud of Nickey for being recognized as a World Impact Scholar by PTK,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Her selection reflects not only her academic achievement and leadership, but also her commitment to using her talents to address real-world challenges and strengthen our communities. At UCNJ, we are committed to empowering students to achieve their full potential and create meaningful impact both locally and globally.”

For Nickey, this recognition highlights both academic achievement and a commitment to applying education in ways that benefit their community. World Impact Scholars will be recognized locally and internationally.

About 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.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. The Society serves more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide. Learn more at ptk.org.

 

Cranford – Four UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ students recently presented original research at the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium (NJSGC) Annual Meeting and Poster Session at Rutgers University, culminating a highly competitive, NASA-sponsored internship experience that engaged students in cutting-edge scientific and engineering research.

Representing UCNJ were engineering students Karen Agudelo of Linden, Erika Reid of Union, and Emmanuel Martinez of Rahway, along with cybersecurity student Marisa Fuentes of Elizabeth. Selected through the NJSGC Undergraduate Research Internship Program, the students spent the academic year conducting faculty-mentored research aligned with NASA mission areas and emerging challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Guided by Chemistry Academic Specialist Dr. Sunjin Jo and Engineering Professor Jennifer Ebert, the students explored topics ranging from transit innovation and astrophysics data pipelines to material analysis for future lunar infrastructure and the modularity of launch vehicle systems. Their work was presented alongside research conducted by approximately 60 student interns from colleges and universities across New Jersey.

The NJSGC internship program provides undergraduate students with hands-on research experiences, professional mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to projects connected to NASA priorities. The program is designed to strengthen New Jersey’s STEM talent pipeline while preparing students for advanced study and careers in science, engineering, cybersecurity, and technology.

“These students exemplify the curiosity, determination, and academic excellence that drive innovation,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Through opportunities like the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium, our students are not only applying what they learn in the classroom, they are contributing to research that addresses real-world challenges and advances scientific discovery. We are incredibly proud of Karen, Erika, Emmanuel, and Marisa for representing UCNJ on a statewide stage and demonstrating the extraordinary talent that exists within our College community.”

The students’ participation reflects UCNJ’s commitment to expanding access to high-impact learning experiences that connect academic study with research, innovation, and career preparation. Through partnerships with organizations such as NASA and the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium, UCNJ students gain opportunities typically associated with four-year research universities while building the skills and experiences that position them for future 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, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has appointed Agnes Drupka as UCNJ’s inaugural Dean of AI Innovation. Drupka previously served as the College’s Assistant Director of Institutional Research and Research Analyst, where she helped modernize institutional analytics through the strategic application of artificial intelligence. Since 2022, she has leveraged AI-supported analytics to accelerate reporting cycles, strengthen data integrity, and reduce manual error across regulatory, accreditation, compliance, and institutional reporting functions, advancing the College’s capacity for more agile and data-informed decision-making.

An emerging national voice at the intersection of artificial intelligence, student success, and institutional effectiveness, Drupka has presented at major professional conferences and national convenings on the practical application of AI in higher education, including the use of generative AI to strengthen accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and strategic decision-making. Drupka is expected to earn a doctorate in Artificial Intelligence from Capitol Technology University in 2027. Her dissertation research focuses on predictive modeling of STEM student attrition and the development of proactive AI-enabled intervention strategies that support students throughout their academic journeys. Her work emphasizes the ethical use of technology to identify barriers to student persistence and improve student outcomes through timely, personalized support.

As Dean of AI Innovation, Drupka will help lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive institution-wide artificial intelligence strategy designed to strengthen teaching and learning, expand student engagement and persistence, enhance workforce readiness, and improve operational effectiveness across the College. Her leadership will support the institution’s broader commitment to innovation, responsible AI adoption, and student-centered transformation.

“UCNJ is committed to preparing students for success in a workforce increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “At the same time, we recognize the tremendous opportunity AI presents to strengthen teaching and learning, improve institutional effectiveness, and better serve our students and community. Agnes brings a forward-thinking and student-centered approach to this work, and her leadership will help position UCNJ at the forefront of responsible and impactful AI integration in higher education.”

The College’s expanding AI initiatives are focused on the responsible integration of emerging technologies to strengthen student success, academic excellence, workforce readiness, and institutional effectiveness. Through the use of predictive analytics, AI-enabled student support tools, and enhanced professional development opportunities, the College is advancing innovation across teaching, learning, operations, and decision-making while preparing students and employees for a rapidly evolving future of work and higher education. The creation of the Dean of AI Innovation position reflects UCNJ’s continued investment in forward-looking strategies that enhance opportunity, responsiveness, and long-term student and workforce outcomes.

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 celebrates 11 students who have been accepted into the highly competitive Princeton Transfer Scholars Initiative (TSI), a prestigious program designed to support high-achieving community college students as they prepare to transfer to selective four-year institutions.

The TSI offers community college students the unique opportunity to study on Princeton University’s campus from June 28 to August 14, 2026, where they participate in a rigorous academic curriculum and earn credit through a Princeton course at no cost to the student. Through the program, students gain valuable insight into the transfer process and participate in experiences designed to support long-term academic success with Princeton staff and faculty. TSI students also receive a stipend to cover expenses.

The eleven scholars from UCNJ attending Princeton’s TSI include:

• Leandro Batista, from Union, psychology major
• Sharon Dimbo, from Bloomfield, biology major
• Xarik Izaguirre Hernandez, from Linden, architecture major
• Alani Leopisi, from Westfield, architecture major
• Christiam Mejia, from Summit, mathematics major
• Jeyla Mutapcic, from Elizabeth, psychology major
• Almeïda Racine, from Elizabeth, biology major
• Steve Ruiz, from Plainfield, computer science major
• Allison Saucedo, from Elizabeth, chemistry major
• Jenna Serrano, from Newark, chemistry major
• Bryan Velasquez, from Elizabeth, engineering major

“Being selected for the Princeton Transfer Scholars Initiative is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our students’ hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “At UCNJ, we are dedicated to creating pathways that expand opportunity and advance student success. This prestigious program will provide our students with valuable resources and guidance as they pursue their educational and career aspirations. We are proud of these 11 scholars and look forward to all they will accomplish in the years ahead.”

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 Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Kean University during its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony at the Prudential Center in Newark. Mr. Richel was formally hooded by Dr. Thomas J. Bistocchi, Secretary of the Kean University Board of Trustees, marking the conferral of one of higher education’s most distinguished honors.

The honorary degree was conferred by Kean in recognition of Mr. Richel’s exceptional leadership in higher education, distinguished public service, and longstanding commitment to expanding educational opportunity throughout Union County and the State of New Jersey. The award also reflects the growing and impactful partnership between UCNJ and Kean fostered under his chairmanship. Mr. Richel has been a member of the UCNJ Board of Trustees for more than 40 years and has served as Chairman for 30 years.  Through innovative transfer pathways and collaborative educational initiatives, the partnership between the two institutions has expanded access and created seamless transfer opportunities for countless UCNJ students pursuing bachelor’s degrees and long-term career success. He guided the College through a period of significant institutional growth, innovation, and national recognition. Under his leadership, UCNJ earned national recognition as a finalist for the $1 million 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and was subsequently selected as a semifinalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize. He has also helped strengthen university transfer partnerships, expand student success and workforce development initiatives, increase educational access, and advance the College’s mission of promoting social and economic mobility through higher education.

Mr. Richel is a distinguished banking executive, civic leader, and philanthropist, whose lifetime of service has left a profound impact on the greater Union County region. He was a Vice President for Elizabethtown Gas, and it was under his leadership that the company gifted its building in Elizabeth to the College. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. His leadership was instrumental in facilitating Trinitas’ 2022 merger with RWJBarnabas Health, one of New Jersey’s largest healthcare systems. That partnership continues to strengthen critical healthcare and workforce development initiatives across the region, including UCNJ’s nursing program offered in collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health, which educates and prepares hundreds of nurses annually to serve communities throughout New Jersey.

Further honoring his longstanding contributions to higher education governance, Chairman Richel received the Association of Community College Trustees’ 2025 Northeast Regional Trustee Leadership Award. This marks the second time he has earned the distinction, having first received the ACCT Northeast Regional Trustee Leadership Award in 2021, an uncommon achievement that reflects sustained impact and leadership at both the institutional and regional levels. In 2016, he received the Ronald D. Winthers Community College Trustee Leadership Award from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. Additionally, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1999, an award presented to distinguished American citizens who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving their communities.

“Chairman Richel’s impact on higher education and the Union County community has been truly transformational,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “For decades, his visionary leadership, civic stewardship, and unwavering belief in the power of education have expanded opportunity and changed the trajectory of countless students and families. This recognition is especially meaningful given the Richel family’s longstanding connection to Kean University, where his wife, Andrea, is a proud alumna. It is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary service, enduring legacy, and lifelong commitment to advancing educational opportunity across our region.”

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 – Katherine Jovel, a student at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, is one of 60 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate educations with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Katherine with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Jovel of Elizabeth is majoring in business. She is a member of the Iota Xi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Union Honors Program, and the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF). She served as a tutor in the Academic Learning Center, participated in the 2025 Princeton Transfer Scholars Initiative cohort, and was selected for the 2026 Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership New Jersey Program. Jovel plans to transfer to a four-year university to study economics and aspires to develop policy and educational support systems for marginalized communities. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she intends to pursue law school, with a focus on education or immigration law.

The Cooke Foundation is committed to expanding access to high-quality, debt-free pathways for high-achieving students with financial need. While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship aims to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process.

“These Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.”

“The UCNJ community is proud of Katherine’s selection as a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholar. She has distinguished herself through her academic success, campus involvement, and dedication to helping others succeed. This opportunity will allow her to continue her education debt free while pursuing her passion for advocacy and public service. We are excited to see all that she will accomplish with this life-changing opportunity,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

Beyond financial support, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. They also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive beyond community college.

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,300 applications from community colleges across the country. The 60 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 485 students. Applicants were evaluated based on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership.

A complete list of the 2026 Cooke Transfer Scholar finalists and their respective community colleges can be found here. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here.

ABOUT 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 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 – The Iota Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at UCNJ earned significant recognition at both the regional and international levels during the Middle States Regional (MSR) Conference and PTK Catalyst International Convention.

Honored for its outstanding College Project, Honors in Action (HIA) Project, and overall excellence, the Iota Xi chapter received a total of eight awards at the regional level and six at the international level.

The College Project, “Assets for Life: Empowering Students Through Financial Literacy,” was developed in alignment with UCNJ’s transfer goals to enhance student success beyond graduation. The initiative featured workshops that built foundational personal finance skills and provided guidance on securing transfer funding opportunities.

The chapter’s Honors in Action Project, “Speak Your Truth: Raising Awareness About Campus Sexual Abuse,” addressed the often-silenced experiences of survivors. The project included a three-day event that combined artistic expression, survivor testimonies, and expert-led discussions to foster awareness and dialogue within the campus community.

At the MSR level, which includes 78 chapters, the Iota Xi chapter received the following honors:

• 5-Star Chapter
• 2nd Most Distinguished Chapter
• Legends Award
• Membership Excellence Award
• 5th Most Distinguished Officer Award – Lara Demetrio
• Hall of Honor Distinguished Officer Award – Hamza Sheikh
• Distinguished Honors in Action Project (Top 15)
• Distinguished College Project (Top 15)

At the international level, among 1,163 chapters worldwide, the chapter earned the following distinctions:

• 5-Star Chapter
• Reach Chapter
• Distinguished Officer Award – Lara Demetrio
• Distinguished Honors in Action Project (Top 45)
• Distinguished College Project (Top 45)
• Distinguished Chapter (Top 36)

“These recognitions reflect the hard work and dedication of our Phi Theta Kappa scholars,” stated UCNJ Executive Vice President & Provost Dr. Maris Lown. “Their commitment to advancing student success and addressing important social issues exemplifies the impact of student leadership at UCNJ.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing and encouraging academic achievement while providing opportunities for individual growth, leadership, and service.

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.