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Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ held its spring commencement ceremonies for the class of 2025 on May 21 at the College’s Cranford Campus. There were two ceremonies to accommodate more than 700 graduates and their families. UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin presided over the commencement ceremonies.

The ceremonies included the conferral of Associate Degree in Science, Arts, Applied Science, Certificates, and Certificates of Achievement, and a presentation of the Alumni Prize and the Post-Day Memorial Award. These special recognitions highlighted graduates who demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The UCNJ celebrations included presentation of awards and the traditional address to the graduating class.

In the morning ceremony, the Alumni Prize was presented to Reynaldo Bautista, a computer science graduate from Elizabeth. The Post-Day Memorial Award was presented to students Omowonuola Oyedele, an engineering major from Woodbridge and Odudu Ekpenyong, a computer science major from Springfield. Ekpenyong was selected as a recipient of the national Jack Kent Cooke Foundation transfer scholarship which can provide him with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree. The ceremonies included a student speaker to represent the graduating class. The student speaker for the first ceremony was Jackson Donzella, who earned his degree in chemistry and is from Plainfield.

In the afternoon ceremony, the Alumni Prize was presented to Griffin Cederquist, a psychology graduate from Plainfield. The Post-Day Memorial Award was presented to Yarddy Jaramillo, President of the College’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter and business major from Newark, and Rachel Sweet, a psychology major from Cranford. Sweet was one of two students who received this year’s Margolies Family Transfer Scholarship to support her bachelor’s degree attainment. The student speaker for the second ceremony was Faris Gabriel Areqiat, who earned his degree in computer science and is from Elizabeth.

“UCNJ’s Class of 2025 represents a group of high achieving and hardworking students. I congratulate them on their academic achievements and earning their associate degrees at UCNJ. We are committed to helping all students graduate and supporting their economic mobility. Whether they continue their education at a 4-year institution or enter the workforce, I look forward to seeing where their journey continues” 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.

Cranford, NJ – This spring, the Union County College Foundation hosted the 33^rd annual Golf Outing at Fidler’s Elbow Country Club. More than 250 golfers, guests, and volunteers attended, making this outing the largest and most successful in Foundation history.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and participants, more than $210,000 was raised to provide crucial funding for scholarships, academic programming, and emergency student assistance for UCNJ students.

The day concluded with a celebratory dinner, which included a keynote address by Carlos Leon-Hernandez, a proud UCNJ graduate and scholarship recipient. Sharing his personal journey, Leon-Hernandez spoke passionately about how the Foundation’s support transformed his education and future, reinforcing the profound impact that donor contributions have on students’ lives.

To check out highlights from this year’s Golf Outing, click here.

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.

Lansdowne, VA (May 9, 2025) – Odudu Ekpenyong, a student at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, is one of 90 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 Odudu Ekpenyong with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Ekpenyong, of Springfield, NJ, will graduate from UCNJ this spring with a computer science degree. He serves as Vice President of Public Relations for the Iota Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Vice President of the Entrepreneurs Club, is a member of the Cybersecurity Club, an academic tutor, and is an Union Honors scholar. Notably, Ekpenyong was selected as a 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and was part of the All-NJ State Academic Team in recognition of his scholarly achievements. After earning his associate degree, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aviation science with a concentration in professional piloting, aiming to become an airline captain and mentor underrepresented pilots. His dream transfer institutions include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Purdue University, and Tuskegee University.

The 2025 cohort marks one of the largest in the Foundation’s 25-year history, reinforcing its continued commitment to creating debt-free pathways to higher education for high-achieving students with financial need.

“This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable talent and determination thriving in community colleges nationwide,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “As we mark 25 years of impact, we remain committed to amplifying the successes of these students and opening doors to the opportunities they deserve.”

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, which makes this goal more attainable for selected students, provides last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year for up to three years and eases the financial burden of completing a four-year degree. Beyond funding, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. Scholars 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 every tool needed to thrive beyond community college.

“We are proud of Odudu. Being named Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholar will allow him to transfer to and graduate from a university of his choice – debt free. Our previous Cooke Scholars have successfully transferred to Columbia, Dartmouth, Michigan, and UPenn. UCNJ has the top Honors Program in New Jersey and our students benefit from small class sizes, expert but compassionate faculty, along with a price that can’t be beat. Our College is the destination of choice for discerning students who want a great education, an engaging college experience, and an affordable price. I look forward to seeing what great things he will do with this transformative scholarship opportunity,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,600 applications from community colleges across the nation. The 90 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence, and leadership qualities.

A complete list of the 2025 Cooke Transfer Scholar finalists and their respective community colleges is available here. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here.

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About The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded almost $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org

Media Contact: Julia Florence, media@jkcf.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.

For the fourth year in a row, UCNJ hosted Open House on its Cranford Campus for prospective students and their families. More than 350 potential students learned about the College’s academic programs, destination venues connected to majors, athletic programs, and financial aid opportunities. Attendees went to sessions where they were able to meet UCNJ deans, faculty, and current students. Throughout the event, the Admissions and the Community College Opportunity Grant teams were there to answer questions and share the opportunities available at the College with prospective students.

Most recently, UCNJ was recognized as a finalist for the $1 million dollar prize by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. Students who study at UCNJ can pursue a degree in more than 65 different programs across Allied Health, Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, and STEM fields. Also, the College is home to more than 15 sports and more than 35 clubs and organizations for students to join. To check out highlights from Open House, click here.

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 congratulates Dr. Gina Kabak for receiving the Honorary Dr. Richard Wisch Educator of the Year Award from Farleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Gina Kabak is a senior professor in Business at UCNJ and has been teaching at the College for nearly twenty years.

Dr. Kabak began her education journey at UCNJ, where she graduated with an associate degree in Business. She later earned her bachelor’s in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from Farleigh Dickinson University and her master’s in Science Management from Thomas Edison State University. Dr. Kabak completed her doctorate in Business Administration with a specialty in Strategy and Innovation from Capella University.

Professor Kabak is known for her student-centered teaching philosophy and prioritizes building strong relationships where students feel seen, heard, and challenged. She enjoys watching her students grow and hopes they walk away from her classes with the skills to succeed both academically and personally. When she is not teaching, Dr. Kabak advises the Women’s Empowerment Club, which supports women at UCNJ and raises money for their scholarship each semester.

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I want to congratulate Dr. Kabak for being recognized as Educator of the Year from FDU. Dr. Kabak encourages her students to think critically and collaborate with each other, helping them to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. We are grateful that she is part of the College’s community and for the impact she continues to make on our students” 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.

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ hosted STEM Research Day in the Victor M. Richel Student Commons, located on the College’s Cranford Campus. More than 15 research projects were presented by UCNJ student-scholars.

Before the student-scholar research posters were shared in the Richel Commons, the UCNJ community gathered in the Roy Smith Theater. UCNJ’s Vice President for Administrative Services Dr. Bernard Polnariev and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sara Lacagnino welcomed the students and congratulated them on their success. The keynote speakers were both from PsychoGenics, Dr. Afshin Ghavami, Vice President of Research Operations and Dr. Mark Varney, Chief Scientific Officer. The speakers discussed their careers in research, the impact research can make on millions of lives, and how researchers shape the future of medicine. For highlights from Research Day, click here.

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 – The UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ’s Men’s Volleyball team won the NJCAA Region XIX Championship and will advance to the NJCAA National Invitational. This marks the first championship win since the program began at UCNJ in 2023.

The Men’s Volleyball team dominated the tournament, defeating Northampton Community College 3-1 to claim the Region XIX title. The all-tournament MVP was Middle Blocker Javon Scott. Also recognized at the game were Sebastian Arias, Jaden Guzman, and Daniel Silva, who were named to the all-tournament team.

Head Coach Kevan Pidgeon-Hammock was named NJCAA Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the team finished their season with an overall record of 22 wins and 6 losses. They also clinched the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Championship, going 10-0 in conference matchups. This secured the Men’s invitation to compete in the 2025 NJCAA Men’s Volleyball Invitational, taking place at Finger Lakes Community College.

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I want to congratulate the Men’s Volleyball team and Coach Pidgeon-Hammock on their well-earned victory. In just two years since the program’s inception, our student-athletes have dedicated their time and energy to ensuring success. We wish them the best at the national tournament and look forward to many successful seasons to come” 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.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ announced that Dr. Hellen Castellanos Brewer was appointed as the new President of College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas. Dr. Brewer served as the Vice President of Student Development at UCNJ from 2014 to 2017. She is a dedicated higher education leader with a distinguished career in academic and student affairs.

Dr. Brewer has prioritized student success during her career. Most recently, she served as the Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at College of the Mainland, where she played a pivotal role in advancing student services and academic excellence. Prior to that, she was the Vice President for Student Services at the same institution.

Dr. Brewer holds a doctorate in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University, a master’s degree in Counseling from Trinity Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland-College Park.

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I want to extend my congratulations to Helen as the new president of College of the Mainland. She is dedicated to student success, and we are incredibly proud that she was selected to lead the college. President Brewer will continue to make a difference in the lives of students and the higher education community” 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.

The UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Board of Governors swore in Mathew Nazzaro, the latest appointed member. Board of Trustees Chair Victor M. Richel welcomed the new member at a joint meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.

Mr. Nazzaro serves as the Chief of Police in Cranford. He is a member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the Union County Police Chiefs Association. Throughout his time as a police officer, Chief Nazzaro has earned many awards and recognitions, including the 2022 FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award, the 2016 Cranford Knights of Columbus Police Shield Award, and in 2015, he received the AzureMasada Lodge No. 22 First Responder of the Year.

Mr. Nazzaro (’04) earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from UCNJ. He then went on to attain a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Kean University.

“We are proud to welcome Chief Nazzaro to the UCNJ Board of Governors. Not only does he bring his experience as a leader in law enforcement and public service, but also as an alumnus. He has an appreciation for UCNJ’s mission and is dedicated to serving his community. I look forward to the insight and expertise he will bring to help shape the UCNJ community” stated Board Chairman Victor M. 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 – The UCNJ community joined hundreds of members of Union County to march in the 28^th Annual Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. President Margaret M. McMenamin proudly led the charge of over 80 UCNJ students, faculty, and staff as they walked down Morris Avenue in Union.

Attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a tradition for the UCNJ community. Dr. McMenamin served as Grand Marshal of the Parade in 2015 and was named the 2023 Woman of the Year by the Irish Business Association of NJ, part of the Greater Westfield Area Chamber Commerce. To check out highlights from this event, click here.

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.