Bergen Community College: Two-Part Celebration Awards $700k To Students, Welcomes President

Ramsey NJ

10 May, 2022

3:26 AM

Description

Press release from Bergen Community College: May 9, 2022 PARAMUS, N.J. – In a two-day extravaganza hosted by the Bergen Community College Foundation at the institution's main campus, the nonprofit awarded more than $700,000 to student scholarship recipients, recognized the donors who made the scholarships possible and officially welcomed Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., as the College's eighth president. The first event, celebrated the evening of May 4, featured the dual purpose of donor recognition and welcoming President Friedman. Donors mingled with Bergen faculty and staff over hors d'oeuvres and entertainment provided by cabaret performer Kate Coffey and jazz musicians from the Joel Zelnik Trio before transitioning to a program highlighting the new president, Friedman. Well-wishers in attendance included members of Friedman's family, New Jersey Council of County Colleges President Aaron Fichtner, Ph.D., and more than 200 guests. Bergen County Commissioner Chair Tracy Zur and Commissioner Mary Amoroso presented Friedman with an official commendation before Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III recognized Friedman's 2021 entry to the College in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also presented Friedman with a commendation. "Dr. Friedman, you certainly hit the ground running and I'm excited to continue working together with you," the county executive said. "I'm proud to say that I have the utmost faith in your leadership and your vision because I know you want the best for Bergen Community College and its future." Three invited guests, Friedman colleagues, provided testimonials in support of the president – peer leaders Mark McCormick, Ed.D., of Middlesex College, and Chris Reber, Ph.D., of Hudson County Community College (Friedman's previous institution) and mentor New York University Clinical Professor Robin Nagle, Ph.D. Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state. This press release was produced by Bergen Community College. The views expressed here are the author's own.