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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.

Cranford – The Union County College Foundation recently received a generous $25,000 donation from Bill and Pam Starkey of Westfield, New Jersey. This significant gift will support the creation of a new completion scholarship while also advancing three of the College’s most impactful strategic initiatives: Operation Graduation, Student Emergency Relief, and Food Insecurity.

The newly established completion scholarship will provide critical financial assistance to students who are close to finishing their degrees but face unexpected financial barriers.

The Starkeys were inspired to support the Foundation by their strong belief in UCNJ’s Mission and in the College’s transformative impact on students striving to achieve their goals.

“We are incredibly grateful to Bill and Pam for their extraordinary generosity and belief in our mission,” said Douglas Rouse, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “This gift will have a direct and lasting impact by helping students complete their degrees. By supporting initiatives like food insecurity and emergency relief, alongside completion scholarships, they are ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. They are truly making a difference in the lives of our students.”

For more information about how to support UCNJ students, please contact the Union County College Foundation at 908.709.7505 or 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 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

UCNJ community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Steve Rose, President of Passaic County Community College.

We join the PCCC community in mourning the loss of a respected leader, the longest serving college president in New Jersey, whose legacy shaped not only his institution, but the broader community college sector. President Rose was a steadfast champion for student access, opportunity, and success.

Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and the many students whose lives he touched. His impact will be enduring, and he will be deeply missed.

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

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.

Cranford, NJ – Mr. F. Jim Della Sala, of Summit, was sworn in as a new member of the UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Board of Trustees. At a joint meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees and Governors, Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel initiated his swearing in.

Mr. Della Sala, who is Head of Shared Services for M&T Bank, is also a member of the College’s Board of Governors as well as treasurer for the College’s Foundation Board. Mr. Della Sala has more than 40 years of banking experience with knowledge of global corporate trust, corporate finance, securities processing, and hedge fund administration. He attended Glendale Community College in California and earned a bachelor’s degree in business information systems from California State University, Los Angeles. As it relates to the College’s Boards, Mr. Della Sala currently serves on the Budget & Finance, Buildings & Grounds, and Marketing Committees.

“Mr. Della Sala has been a committed member of UCNJ’s Board of Governors and supporting our students. His extensive background in finance and banking, as well as being a community college graduate himself, provides valuable insight into how UCNJ can best serve its students through strong fiscal stewardship, strategic leadership, and a deep understanding of the community college journey” stated Chairman Richel.

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 – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ celebrated its Winter Commencement on January 15, 2026, at the historic Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. Two ceremonies were held for more than 700 graduates who received their Associate in Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Applied Science Degrees, and Certificates. The graduates completed their degrees in either August or December 2025.

UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin served as the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed graduates and attendees to the celebration. Each ceremony included a member of the graduating class who was selected to speak at the ceremony. The speakers were Theo Hamadallah, of Westfield, and Rosebertine Mitchel, of Union.

The Alumni Prize was presented to Juan Alvarez of Linden, who graduated with a 3.8 GPA and Sophia Mencia of Harrison, who graduated with a 3.9 GPA. The Abdallah-Thomas Memorial Award, which was established in memory of UCNJ alumni, is awarded 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 Juline Placide and Rosebertine Mitchel.

“On behalf of the entire UCNJ community, I am proud to congratulate the Winter 2026 graduates on this meaningful achievement,” said President McMenamin. “This graduating class has demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to their academic and personal goals. As they transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce, I am confident they are exceptionally well prepared to lead, contribute, and succeed. We look forward to the lasting impact they will have on their families, careers, and communities.”

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 – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is expanding opportunities for students and career-changers looking to break into one of the state’s fastest-growing industries, film and television. In partnership with the New Jersey Film Academy (NJFA), UCNJ is now enrolling for Spring 2026 certification programs designed to deliver real-world, job-ready skills for entry-level roles on professional productions.

In these immersive, industry-driven courses students are guided by experts who work in the entertainment field and will gain hands-on experience with production workflows, set operations, and department responsibilities.

All students begin with the flagship course, “Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry,” which provides a complete overview of the production process from concept development through distribution. This course runs Mondays and Thursdays, January 5–March 2, 2026, 6:00–9:00 PM at UCNJ’s Cranford Campus.

Students can then advance to “Production Office: Coordinating and Management,” offered Monday through Thursday, March 16–May 4, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM. This course equips students with the organizational, communication, and logistical skills essential for supporting production managers and coordinators on active film and television sets. Additional specialized programs will continue to roll out in future semesters. Register today: http://bit.ly/3TJbh9p For more information, contact: coned@ucc.edu. Upon completion of the certification programs, graduates are automatically listed on NJProductionGuide.org, New Jersey’s database for industry professionals.

“The entertainment industry continues to grow rapidly across New Jersey, creating exciting new career pathways for our students to earn industry credentials,” stated UCNJ’s Executive Director Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Lisa R Hiscano. “Through our partnership with the New Jersey Film Academy, UCNJ is providing hands-on, industry-aligned training that prepares students and career-changers for immediate entry into this dynamic field. These certification programs reflect our commitment to meeting workforce demands, expanding access to high-quality education, and ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, experience, and professional connections needed to succeed in high-demand, family-sustaining careers.”

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.

About the New Jersey Film Academy

The New Jersey Film Academy provides career-focused education and certification programs for the film and television industry. Supported by the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the NJFA is part of a statewide network of community colleges offering NJFA programs. Students across New Jersey can prepare for careers in the state’s dynamic entertainment sector through this collaborative initiative. For more information, visit njfilmacademy.org.