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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.

Cranford, NJ – Libni Vizcaino, a student at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has completed a fall internship with United States Senator Cory Booker. Vizcaino, of Roselle, is pursuing a degree in public administration and will be graduating from UCNJ in May 2026.

Born in the Dominican Republic and immigrating to the United States at 17, Vizcaino has made remarkable strides in the nearly four years since her arrival. At UCNJ, she is an active member of Union Honors, Phi Theta Kappa, Operation Graduation, and serves as a student worker in the Office of College Life. This past summer, she completed the Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership New Jersey Summer Institute at Rutgers University, a highly regarded, non-partisan leadership program that introduces college women to political leadership and public service.​

Vizcaino’s interest in public service deepened after taking Associate Professor of History Dr. Michele Rotunda’s Government Honors class, where she met Assemblywoman Linda Carter (NJ-22). That connection led to her first internship in Assemblywoman Carter’s office, after which Vizcaino designed and completed a self-led leadership project in her hometown of Roselle, helping immigrants gain better access to local job opportunities.​

Motivated by her passion for serving others, Vizcaino went on to apply for and secure an internship with U.S. Senator Cory Booker. In this role, she took on a wide range of responsibilities, including supporting federal constituent assistance, helping communicate immigration updates to local and state communities, working with lobbyists, coordinating events, engaging directly with community members, and providing bilingual support to those needing language assistance.

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I congratulate Libni on successfully completing her internship with Senator Booker,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Libni consistently takes initiative, leads both in and outside of the classroom, and is deeply committed to making a difference in her community and the world. We look forward to seeing the many opportunities that lie ahead for her.”

After completing her degree at UCNJ, Libni plans to transfer to a four-year institution to study international relations or business. She hopes to build a career focused on expanding access to the kinds of opportunities she has received, working in international affairs, and continuing to pursue her passion for the creative arts.

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 student Kelly Constante Yanzapanta, of Plainfield, has been selected as a Kaplan Leadership Program (KLP) scholar. She is one of only 12 students recognized in the tri-state area for this leadership opportunity. The KLP targets students at two-year schools who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.

Constante Yanzapanta, a first-generation college student, is pursuing an associate degree in business. She is actively involved in numerous clubs and programs at the College, serving as Committee Leader of Public Relations for Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President of the Humane Society Club, and Secretary of the Teachers of Tomorrow Club. She also helps her peers as a tutor in UCNJ’s Academic Learning Center. Over the summer, Constante Yanzapanta participated in Princeton University’s Transfer Scholars Initiative (TSI), a highly selective program that enables exceptional students from community colleges to take courses at Princeton free of charge.

This spring, Constante Yanzapanta will graduate from UCNJ and continue her education in anthropology. She looks forward to exploring her many passions, including nonprofit work that supports students and immigrants, as well as opportunities in business.

“Congratulations to Kelly for being selected as a Kaplan Leadership scholar. Her academic achievements, involvement on campus, and continued pursuit of success embody the spirit of UCNJ,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “The College strives to provide an environment where students like Kelly are supported and encouraged to pursue transformative opportunities such as the Kaplan Leadership Program. Her accomplishments remind us that a high-quality education opens doors and changes lives. We know she will continue to make us proud as she moves forward in her journey.”

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 the Kaplan Leadership Scholar program, go to https://www.kaplanedfoundation.org/

 

$1 Million Prize Honors Colleges Achieving Strong Student Results, Both in College and After Graduation

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the Aspen Institute named UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.

“The UCNJ community is honored to be selected as one of the Top 200 Community Colleges by the Aspen Institute. Our Mission is to transform our community, one student at a time, and we are committed to providing affordable and quality education for all our students. This recognition is a testament to our hardworking students, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to making an impact in the community and the nation. We greatly appreciate the continued support of the College’s Boards and Union County Board of County Commissioners. We are grateful to once again be recognized by the Aspen Institute, reaffirming our excellent academics, continual support of our students and alumni, and our unwavering commitment to the success of every that student we serve” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

Together, these 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.

UCNJ’s Board Chairman Vic Richel noted that “being recognized as a 2027 TOP 200 community college is validation of our continuing focus on student success that was celebrated when we were named an Aspen TOP 10 for 2025. Our institutional commitment to excellence has been, once again, affirmed by the Aspen College Excellence Program.”

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

Community colleges educate nearly six million students. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges which demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.

The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to submit an application and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the coming 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on (1) student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and (2) whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.

“Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner said. “Our job over the coming 20 months is to gather a lot more data and work with a deep bench of field experts to assess which of these 200 stand out so we can not only honor them with a monetary award, but drive attention to the most effective field practices that other colleges can replicate.”

This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, over 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.

The full list can be accessed on the Aspen Prize homepage.

The next steps in the process include:

• November 13/December 9, 2025: Application deadlines for the 2027 Prize

• April 2026: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, selected based on assessments of extensive data and the application by a group of 11 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce

• June 2026: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the same group of experts

• Fall 2026: Collection of additional data from the 10 finalists, including employment and earnings data for graduates from 2020 and 2025, as well as qualitative assessments of practices by field experts during multi-day site visits to each of the 10 finalists

• February 2027: The Aspen Prize winner selected by a distinguished, independent jury

• Spring 2027: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists at an event in Washington, D.C.

To read more about the selection process, visit as.pn/prize.

The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Joyce Foundation.

Previous winners are:

• 2025: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (WI)
• 2023: Amarillo College (TX) and Imperial Valley College (CA)
• 2021: San Antonio College (TX)
• 2019: Indian River State College (FL) and Miami Dade College (FL)
• 2017: Lake Area Technical Institute (SD)
• 2015: Santa Fe College (FL)
• 2013: Santa Barbara City College (CA) & Walla Walla Community College (WA)
• 2011: Valencia College (FL)

Note: Colleges that have won the Aspen Prize are not eligible to apply in subsequent years.

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. 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, D.C. and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.