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Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has appointed Agnes Drupka as UCNJ’s inaugural Dean of AI Innovation. Drupka previously served as the College’s Assistant Director of Institutional Research and Research Analyst, where she helped modernize institutional analytics through the strategic application of artificial intelligence. Since 2022, she has leveraged AI-supported analytics to accelerate reporting cycles, strengthen data integrity, and reduce manual error across regulatory, accreditation, compliance, and institutional reporting functions, advancing the College’s capacity for more agile and data-informed decision-making.

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

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

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

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

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

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

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

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

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

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

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

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

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

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

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

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

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ celebrates Associate Professor of Chemistry Shahrzad “Sherry” Heidary and Assistant Director of Athletics Dianna Constable, who were both recognized as 2026 Union County SHEROs for their leadership, mentorship, and commitment to student success and community impact.

Professor Heidary holds a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering and a master’s degree in polymer science from Pennsylvania State University. She joined the College in 2007 and has been a passionate advocate for student success. During her tenure, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including faculty leadership positions, faculty advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and co-chair of the College’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Professor Heidary has been leading the development of institutional AI implementation guidelines across academic and administrative departments.

She is also engaged in the Union County community, serving as a Commissioner for the Union County Commission on the Status of Women and as a board member for the Union County YWCA. She currently serves as a Trustee on the Union County College Foundation Board.

Professor Heidary has earned numerous honors throughout her distinguished career. She was the first recipient of UCNJ’s prestigious Fiat Lux Award in 2017 and is a two-time recipient of the Dr. Richard and Barbara Neblett Prize Award for Educational Excellence in Teaching and Learning. In 2015, she received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. More recently, Professor Heidary was honored with the 2023 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Northeast Region Faculty Award and the 2024 New Jersey Council of County Colleges Distinguished Faculty Award.

Assistant Director of Athletics Dianna Constable was recognized as a 2026 Union County SHERO for her mentorship and dedication to student-athlete success. Ms. Constable joined the College in 2018 and brings a strong academic and professional foundation to her role, holding a bachelor of science degree in health information administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a master of business administration from Rider University. At UCNJ, she has played a vital role in supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. Known for her leadership and unwavering commitment to student success, she has guided countless students through their academic and athletic journeys, helping them graduate, transfer to four-year institutions, and pursue opportunities they once believed were out of reach.

As Assistant Director of Athletics, Ms. Constable has helped students navigate the transfer and recruitment process by assisting with eligibility requirements, connecting students with opportunities at four-year institutions, and encouraging them through challenges both academically and personally. Her efforts have helped create meaningful pathways for students to continue their education while pursuing their athletic aspirations.

“Sherry and Dianna exemplify the very best of UCNJ through their unwavering commitment to our students and the Union County community,” said UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Whether in the classroom or on the field, they have transformed the lives of countless students by helping students graduate and achieve greater economic mobility. Their impact extends far beyond UCNJ, and this recognition as Union County SHEROs is incredibly well deserved.”

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ celebrated its Spring Commencement on May 18, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. An evening ceremony was held for more than 700 graduates who received their Associate in Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Applied Science Degrees, and Certificates.

UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin served as the Presiding Officer and welcomed graduates and attendees to the celebration. The ceremony also featured remarks from graduating student Xavier Hernandez of Elizabeth, who was selected to serve as the student speaker for the event.

The Alumni Prize is presented to two graduates who have earned the highest GPAs and demonstrated leadership. This year, the Alumni Prize went to Libni Nivar Vizcaino from Roselle and Javon M. Scott from Hillside.

Established in memory of UCNJ alumni, the Abdallah-Thomas Memorial Award is presented 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 Lara Demetrio from Cranford, Houmza Sheikh from Union, Maria Paula Ureña from Summit, and Katherine Jovel from Elizabeth. Ms. Jovel also received the 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a highly competitive national award that helps recipients complete their bachelor’s degrees.

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Class of 2026. Whether continuing their education at four-year institutions or entering the workforce, our graduates leave UCNJ prepared to lead, contribute, and make a meaningful difference in their communities. As a semifinalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and one of the top 25 community colleges in the nation, we are proud to celebrate students whose hard work and perseverance have led to this important milestone,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT UCNJ

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

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