UCNJ Board Chairman Richel Receives Prestigious Leadership Award

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel will receive the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) 2025 Northeast Regional Award for Trustee Leadership at the 56th Annual ACCT Leadership Congress in New Orleans. By receiving the Northeast Regional Award, he is eligible to receive the national M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award. The national winner will be named at the Leadership Congress.

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. Mr. Richel 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 has been a member of the UCNJ Board of Trustees for more than 40 years and has served as Chairman for 30 years. Mr. Richel also serves as Chairman of the Board of RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. His leadership was instrumental in facilitating Trinitas’ merger in 2022 with RWJBarnabas Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the state. In addition to his many civic and business accolades, he is a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

In 2021, Chairman Richel received the ACCT Trustee Leadership Award for the Northeast Region for the first time. Mr. Richel was recognized by the New Jersey Hospital Association as Hospital Trustee of the Year in 2018. He was honored by the YWCA of Union County in 2017 for Advancing Education & Economic Empowerment for Girls and Women. In 2016, he received the Ronald D. Winthers Community College Trustee Leadership Award from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. In addition, Mr. Richel received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1999 – an award given to notable American citizens who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving their communities.

It is a testament to Mr. Richel’s leadership and commitment to student success that UCNJ was named as one of only 10 finalists nationwide for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.

“We are honored by ACCT’s two-time recognition of our devoted Board Chairman Mr. Richel. He has devoted more than 40 years of service to the College community. We are indebted to him for the invaluable leadership he has provided to UCNJ. He loves our students, our community, and our College,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

The ACCT represents more than 6500 elected and appointed trustees who govern more than 1000 community colleges throughout the United States. The ACCT annually recognizes trustees and other community college leaders in each of its five regions for their contributions.

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.

Two UCNJ Athletic Teams Earn National Recognition as NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is proud to announce that two of its athletic teams have been named 2024-2025 NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

UCNJ’s Men’s Volleyball team earned the #1 spot nationally with a team GPA of 3.15. Also included in the national ranking was the Men’s Golf team; they secured the #3 spot in the nation for the highest team GPA, with an impressive average team GPA of 3.66.

The NJCAA Academic Team of the Year designation is awarded to collegiate athletic teams across the country that demonstrate exceptional academic performance while actively competing in athletics. To qualify, teams must maintain a collective GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the academic year.

“At UCNJ, our athletes are student-scholars first. These national rankings are a testament to their commitment to academic excellence, and we are proud of the hard work displayed by the athletes, their coaches, and the faculty, who are supporting them on their journeys,” stated UCNJ’s 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 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Union County College Foundation Hosts 10th Annual Close the Gap Reception

Cranford, NJ – The Union County College Foundation hosted the 10th Annual Close the Gap event on Tuesday, July 15 at Galloping Hill Catering in Union, New Jersey. This event supports the College’s strategic initiative to increase the graduation rates of students in Operation Graduation, a program for first-time, full-time students, to effectively “close the achievement gap.”

This year’s event honored Deborah Enix-Ross, Esq. and Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. Mrs. Enix-Ross received the Foundation’s 2025 Distinguished Volunteer of the Year award. She currently serves as Chair of the College’s Foundation and is a passionate advocate for access to education. Mrs. Enix-Ross also has the distinction of being the Past President of the American Bar Association, 2023-24. As one of the original champions of the Foundation’s Close the Gap initiative, Mrs. Enix-Ross played a critical role in its success, helping to raise essential funds to shrink graduation disparities and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.

Dr. McMenamin accepted the Foundation’s 2025 Beacon of Light Award in recognition her commitment to advancing student success as the President of UCNJ. She launched the College’s Operation Graduation to improve graduation rates for all students, especially for subgroups that struggled to graduate. During her tenure, the College has more than quintupled its graduation rates. President McMenamin revitalized student services, strengthened advisement, and fostered a culture of academic excellence. UCNJ’s accomplishments under her leadership resulted in the College becoming recognized as a 2025 finalist for the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program.

The highlight of the evening was UCNJ student, Shemar Guthrie, who was this year’s Close the Gap keynote speaker. He shared his personal story regarding how UCNJ’s Project Achievement, an Operation Graduation program, impacted his accomplishments. An engineering major and member of the Union Honors program, Shemar said “you’ve given me more than just a scholarship. You’ve given me the confidence to dream bigger, the tools to succeed, and the belief that I belong in every room I walk into, as a student, as a future engineer, and as a leader.”

“On behalf of the Union County College Foundation, we want to congratulate two transformative leaders who have made a lasting impact on our students, like Shemar, and community. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Close The Gap, I want to thank Mrs. Enix-Ross and President McMenamin for their support and generosity. Because of their unwavering dedication, thousands of students earned their diplomas from UCNJ,” stated Vice President for Institutional Advancement Douglas Rouse.

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.  For more information on how you can support UCNJ students contact our Foundation at 908.709.7505 or email foundation@ucc.edu.

UCNJ’s Accreditation Reaffirmed by Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has received official notice that the institution’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This is a significant milestone in the College’s ongoing commitment to its Mission, student learning and support services, institutional improvement, and leadership.

Institutions in the MSCHE region undergo a comprehensive self-study and peer review to renew their certification every eight years. The preparation for the visit was led by the College’s self-study tri-chairs, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sara Lacagnino, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Humanities Dr. Melissa Sande, and Associate Professor of Business Marc Postiglione. More than 140 UCNJ faculty and staff members participated in the process, contributing to the self-study and engaging directly with the visiting peer review team.

“Accreditation reaffirms the strength of our academic programs, student support services, integrity, and operational effectiveness,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff who work daily to ensure our students receive excellent and affordable education.”

The MSCHE is a non-governmental, peer-reviewed organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It accredits more than 500 colleges and universities, ensuring that institutions uphold rigorous standards of quality and continuous improvement.

With its accreditation reaffirmed, UCNJ continues to provide educational opportunities both in-person and virtually to thousands of students across its campuses and locations. The College offers over 65 academic programs and was selected as a 2025 finalist for the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.

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.

Union County College Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members

Cranford, NJ – The Union County College Foundation is excited to welcome three members to its board. The newly elected trustees include Ryan McDevitt, Phyllis Mirabella, and Amit Patel.

Ryan McDevitt serves as the Associate Director of Local Government Affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb. A long-standing supporter of the Foundation, Mr. McDevitt has consistently championed efforts to improve access to higher education and uplift students across Union County.

Phyllis Mirabella recently retired as Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Kean University. A dynamic community leader, Phyllis has held various municipal leadership roles and served on several nonprofit boards. She is a passionate advocate for women and the community.

Amit Patel is Vice President of AME, headquartered in Fairfield, NJ. Mr. Patel and his family have been loyal supporters of the Foundation’s work for many years, helping to provide vital resources to students and their families.

The UCNJ County College Foundation’s mission is to cultivate resources in support of UCNJ students to accelerate the pace of their educational success. Foundation funds provide vital scholarships and innovative programs as well as equipment to enhance opportunities and experiences for students.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan, Phyllis, and Amit to our Foundation Board,” said Doug Rouse, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Each of them brings unique perspectives and talents that will strengthen our ability to serve students. Their leadership and dedication will have a powerful impact on the lives of those striving to achieve their academic and career dreams at UCNJ. We are grateful for their commitment and excited to work together to continue transforming futures through education.”

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.

Five UCNJ Student Leaders Attend Susan N. Wilson New Leadership Summer Institute

Cranford, NJ – Five UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ students were selected to participate in the Susan N. Wilson New Leadership New Jersey Summer Institute, held at Rutgers University.

The Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership® New Jersey program is a non-partisan, residential leadership institute designed to educate and empower the next generation of women leaders. Over five intensive days, students engaged directly with elected officials, community leaders, and policy experts. Through workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative projects, participants explored the role of women in American politics and developed practical leadership skills to effect positive change in their communities. This year’s leadership program began with a keynote from New Jersey State Senator Teresa Ruiz.

The five student-leaders from UCNJ that participated in the leadership program include:

  • Pamela Bazan, from Linden, liberal arts major
  • Jenna Medina, from Roselle Park, cyber forensics major
  • Rachel Sweet, from Cranford, psychology graduate
  • Nehomie Vilbrun, from Elizabeth, criminal justice major
  • Libni Vizcaino, from Roselle, public administration major

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I want to congratulate these five student leaders who were selected to participate in this initiative to deepen their understanding of political systems and strengthen their voice as future leaders. We’re proud of their achievements and look forward to witnessing their future successes” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

Upon completion of the program, the students were awarded certificates and inducted into the national NEW Leadership® alumnae network, joining a distinguished community of women leaders from across the country.

For more information on NEW Leadership® New Jersey, visit: https://cawp.rutgers.edu/programs/new-leadershipr/susan-n-wilson-new-leadershipr-new-jersey

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.

From left: Libni Vizcaino, Jenna Medina, Nehomie Vilbrun, Rachel Sweet, Pamela Bazan

UCNJ Receives STEM Collaboration of the Year Award

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ’s Vertical Farm Hydroponic STEM-Business Project received the 2025 STEM Collaboration of the Year Award from the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network. Dr. Mohamed Mohamed, Director of Student Research & Science Laboratories and Dr. Donovan Smalls, Director of the Business Center, were recognized for their groundbreaking collaborative STEM-Business project. This cross-disciplinary project not only enhanced students’ transfer and workforce readiness skills but also contributed to the College’s food pantry offerings to help feed students in need.

Under this innovative system, plants grow vertically indoors at UCNJ with synthetic material instead of  soil and can be harvested every six weeks. STEM students observe and document the behaviors of the plants, making the necessary adjustments needed to help the plants grow and thrive. From the business side, students are tasked with creating detailed reports and developing a business plan that enables this project to become a successful farming business. STEM and business students are mentored and partner to create a successful agricultural business that also helps the College community.

“Congratulations to Drs. Smalls and Mohamed for creating an educational opportunity for the students involved in the research and the students who are nourished with the crops. With this Hydroponic Farm, students have hands-on experiences in both the STEM and business fields, preparing them for their future careers” stated UCNJ’s 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 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

From left: Director of the Business Center Dr. Donovan Smalls and Director of Student Research & Science Laboratories Dr. Mohamed Mohamed

UCNJ Selected to Join the Aspen Institute’s Inaugural President and Trustee Collaborative Focused on Student Success

Cranford, NJ – The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) announced the inaugural participants in the Presidents & Trustees Collaborative – an initiative designed to strengthen board-president alignment in support of lasting reforms that improve community college student outcomes. UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is one of ten institutions across the nation to be selected for the inaugural cohort.

This multi-year effort will begin with a national cohort of ten community colleges and two statewide partnerships with the Texas Success Center and the Michigan Community College Association. The cohort members and state partners will work with Aspen to scale high-impact board development and advance governance reforms that embed student success as a core priority and sustain meaningful change.

This multi-year initiative will engage college leaders through a series of in-person and virtual sessions focused on aligning governance practices with student success priorities. Guided by Aspen’s trustee framework and lessons from Aspen Prize-winning institutions, participants will explore proven strategies for how boards and presidents can collaborate effectively to build long-term governance structures that drive student outcomes and set new standards for leadership accountability in the field.

“Over the last decade, we’ve seen that community colleges make the most progress when presidents and trustees are unified in purpose and aligned in strategy,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “Through the Presidents & Trustees Collaborative, we’re advancing the field by working with colleges and statewide partners to strengthen that alignment—grounding governance in student success priorities, sustaining reforms through leadership transitions, and ultimately driving long-term improvements in student outcomes.”

“The UCNJ community is honored to be selected as one of only ten institutions nationwide to participate in this collaboration with the Aspen Institute. This initiative deepens the College’s commitment to help our students earn a college credential that leads to a family living wage. We look forward to working alongside national leaders to strengthen governance practices that will support transformational change for our students” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

By fostering stronger collaboration between presidents and trustees, the Presidents & Trustees Collaborative aims to embed student success into the very fabric of college governance. With support from Aspen and in partnership with leading institutions and statewide organizations, participating colleges will serve as national models for what it takes to sustain transformational change—and set a new standard for leadership and accountability across community colleges.

To learn more about the collaborative, visit highered.aspeninstitute.org/programs/presidents-trustees-collaborative.

About the Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

 

About UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ

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.

 

11 UCNJ Scholars Accepted into Princeton’s Summer Program

Cranford, NJ – This summer, eleven UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ students will participate in Princeton University’s Transfer Scholars Initiative (TSI) summer program. This highly selective program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to take courses at Princeton for free.

This summer’s TSI program is scheduled to run from June 28 through August 15, and it is an opportunity for community college students to enroll in a full-time, eight-week academic curriculum, in which they will take two for-credit Princeton courses at no cost to the student. TSI participants will have the opportunity to engage with Princeton employees and students and will have access to campus resources comparable to Princeton undergraduates.

When they are not in classes, TSI students will receive support to successfully complete their associate degree and transfer advisement from Princeton staff and faculty. Transfer scholars also receive a stipend to cover expenses, including travel, and will be able to live on Princeton’s campus.

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

  • Astin David, from Rahway, computer science major
  • Vinit Shah, from Avenel, chemistry major
  • Sabrina Da Silva, from Roselle Park, Psychology major
  • Katherine Jovel, from Elizabeth, Business major
  • Katherine Gonzalez, from Elizabeth, health science major
  • Nevaeh Boyd, from Roselle Park, studying Psychology major
  • Kelly Constante Yanzapanta, from Plainfield, Business major
  • Diya Patel, from Iselin, health science major
  • Javon Scott, from Hillside, computer science major
  • Juan Pablo Vega Rojas, from Roselle Park, computer science /engineering major
  • Vincent Zeferino, from Elizabeth, history major

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I want to congratulate our scholars who will attending Princeton University’s Transfer Scholars Initiative program. This is a transformative opportunity for our students to learn and explore one of the country’s ivy league institutions at no cost to them. Their participation reflects their hard work and dedication to their studies at UCNJ, and we look forward to seeing all they will accomplish” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

For more information on Princeton’s TSI program, go to https://tsi-ebcao.princeton.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.

 

Two UCNJ Leaders Selected for the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship

Drs. Demond Hargrove and Sara Lacagnino Named Aspen Rising Presidents Fellows, Commit to Learning Stronger Student Outcome Practices

Cranford, NJ –  The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) announced today that Vice President of Student Development Dr. Demond Hargrove and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sara Lacagnino at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, are two of 40 leaders selected for the 2025-26 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. Rigorously selected from among over 120 applicants, fellows will learn from—and apply to their own contexts—lessons from over a dozen years of Aspen research about how to lead an institution to higher and more equitable levels of student success.

Many sitting community college presidents plan to retire in the next decade, creating an opportunity for college trustees and system heads to select leaders who have the skills and knowledge to achieve better outcomes for students. Aspen Presidential Fellows represent the next generation of diverse college leaders, including by institution and geography, representing 19 states and ranging from small rural to large urban colleges. The fellows will work closely with highly accomplished community college presidents and thought leaders over ten months to learn from field-leading research, examine demographic and labor market conditions in their communities, assess student outcomes at their colleges, and advance a clear vision for excellent outcomes for all their students while in college and after they graduate.

“Our research on excellent colleges reveals that they have a few big things in common: They have presidents who focus on a few large-scale reforms that transcend enrollment and completion goals and centrally focus on whether graduates are set up to succeed in the next stage of their lives—either the world of work or at a university where they aim to earn a bachelor’s degree,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “This cohort of fellows is clearly committed to advancing student success and has the talent to lead transformational reforms. We are really looking forward to our year with them in the fellowship and bringing their talents into our alumni network.”

“On behalf of the UCNJ community and as a previous Aspen Presidents Fellow, I want to congratulate Dr. Hargrove and Dr. Sara Lacagnino for being selected for the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. Both fellows display an unwavering commitment to student success and this recognition is a testament to their leadership” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

Rising Presidents Fellows are chosen based on their commitment to student success, the extent to which they exhibit the characteristics of excellent presidents revealed in our research, and interest in pursuing a college presidency within five years of completing the fellowship. As Aspen Presidential Fellows, they join a network of over 430 forward-thinking peers—197 of whom are sitting college presidents—who are applying concrete, grounded, and innovative strategies to meet student success challenges at their colleges.

The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is made possible by the generous support of the Burton Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, College Futures Foundation, and the Mellon Foundation.

For bios and photos of all 40 leaders, visit as.pn/RPF-C10

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.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.