Cranford – The Union County College Foundation will host its 2026 Illuminate the Future Gala on October 29 at the Westwood, 438 North Avenue in Garwood, New Jersey, with doors opening at 6 p.m. This year, the Foundation will be honoring Mark E. Manigan, Dr. Maris Lown, and PSEG for their leadership, service, and commitment to UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.
Mark E. Manigan, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, will receive the 2026 Man of the Year Award. Under his leadership, RWJBarnabas Health has expanded access to healthcare and strengthened its role as a community partner throughout New Jersey. The organization has also partnered with UCNJ to support nursing education and workforce development, creating pathways for students to pursue careers in healthcare.
Dr. Maris A. Lown, UCNJ Executive Vice President and Provost, will receive the 2026 Fiat Lux Award. Dr. Lown has served UCNJ since 2011 and currently oversees Academic Affairs, Student Development, and Administrative Services. A nursing educator and higher education leader, she has held numerous leadership positions in professional and community organizations and has supported UCNJ students through both her leadership and philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of a scholarship for UCNJ students.
PSEG will receive the 2026 Corporate Partner of the Year Award in recognition of its support of UCNJ students, education, workforce development, and economic opportunity. PSEG’s partnership with the Foundation has supported programs and initiatives that help students overcome barriers to education and prepare for careers.
The Illuminate the Future Gala supports the Union County College Foundation’s efforts to provide scholarships, emergency assistance, and other resources that help UCNJ students remain enrolled and complete their education. Foundation support helps address financial barriers that can prevent students from achieving their academic and career goals.
“The support raised at the Foundation’s annual gala directly helps students access scholarships, emergency assistance, and other resources that can make the difference between facing financial barriers and being able to continue their education and reach graduation. We are grateful to this year’s honorees and to everyone who continues to support UCNJ students and their futures,” stated UCNJ’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement Douglas Rouse.
Tickets are available for the Union County College Foundation Gala, with sponsorship opportunities also offered. For more information on the Union County College Foundation Gala, please visit ucc.edu/gala2026, contact the Foundation office at (908) 709-7505 or email 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 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.
