NJ's Community Colleges

Thank you to the over 500 education, workforce, industry, labor, government, and community partners who joined us for the NJ Pathways Summit on June 9.

Congratulations to Marvin Alonzo and Kenneth Gally of Sunny Delight Beverages Co. on earning their U.S. DOL Journeyperson Apprenticeship Certificates as Industrial Maintenance Mechanics! Through Camden County College, they also earned an 18-credit Academic Certificate in IMT.

Congratulations to the Princeton University Program for Community College Engagement on receiving the 2026 Partnership Award! Recognized at the New Jersey Community College Awards Dinner for strengthening collaboration between Princeton University and NJ's 18 community colleges.

Congratulations to the Garden State Employment and Training Association, recipient of the 2026 Partnership Award at the Opportunity Summit. For 50 years, GSETA has strengthened New Jersey's workforce through its partnership with community colleges.

Matthew Nazzaro of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award. A career of public service, from EMT to Cranford Chief of Police, reflects the leadership and dedication that define New Jersey's community colleges.

Congratulations to the 10 graduates of Bergen Community College's 260-hour CNC Manufacturing Boot Camp! Students gained hands-on training in CNC manufacturing, robotics, and more while earning their OSHA 10-hour card.

Congratulations to Julie Diaz of Middlesex College, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumna Award at the Opportunity Summit. As Deputy Commissioner of the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Julie advances workforce opportunity across New Jersey.

Congratulations to Senator Renee C. Burgess, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumna Award. An Essex County College graduate, Senator Burgess has dedicated her career to public service, civic leadership, and expanding educational opportunities for New Jersey communities.

Five Composecure maintenance technicians earned their U.S. DOL Journeyperson Apprenticeship Certificates after completing 3K hours of training through Camden County College. Congratulations to Emmanuel Bonsu, Elkin Flores, Matthew Garibotto, Timothy Hynes, and Jigar Sukadia!

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Dougherty of Hudson County Community College, recipient of the 2026 Lawrence A. Nespoli Community College Leadership Award at the Opportunity Summit. Her leadership has expanded student success through innovative support services.

Congratulations to Dr. Keith Kirkland of Essex County College, recipient of the 2026 Lawrence A. Nespoli Community College Leadership Award at the Opportunity Summit. For more than 40 years, Dr. Kirkland has advanced student success through visionary leadership and mentorship.

Congratulations to Kayleigh Lavornia, recipient of the 2026 Honorary Spirit Award at the Opportunity Summit. Her leadership helped advance the NJCCC Opportunity Agenda, resulting in five new laws that strengthen New Jersey's community colleges. #NJCCAwards #NJCCOpportunitySummit

Congratulations to Samuel Aloi, recipient of the 2026 Honorary Spirit Award at the Opportunity Summit. Sam helped advance the NJCCC Opportunity Agenda, supporting legislation that strengthened New Jersey's community colleges. #NJCCAwards #NJCCOpportunitySummit

Congratulations to Stacy Denton of Mercer County Community College, recipient of the 2026 Spirit Award at the Opportunity Summit. Stacy has spent more than two decades creating pathways to higher education for underserved students through dedicated leadership and service.

Congratulations to Odé Hoppie of Middlesex College, recipient of the 2026 Spirit Award at the Opportunity Summit. As Dean of Students and leader of the CARE Team, Odé has created a culture of compassion and support that helps students overcome challenges and succeed.

Congratulations to Paul Licitra of the County College of Morris, recipient of the 2026 Ronald D. Winthers Trustee Leadership Award at the Opportunity Summit. A dedicated trustee, Paul has championed students, veterans, and workforce education through his leadership and service.

Congratulations to Patrick Fletcher of Bergen Community College, recipient of the 2026 Ronald D. Winthers Trustee Leadership Award at the Opportunity Summit. His leadership has strengthened partnerships that advance student success. #NJCCAwards #NJCCOpportunitySummit

Congratulations to Dr. Claire Condie of Middlesex College, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award at the Opportunity Summit, recognizing her leadership in environmental education and hands-on learning that inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.

Congratulations to Professor Antonio Acevedo of Hudson County Community College, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award at the Opportunity Summit for his innovative teaching and leadership. #NJCCAwards #NJCCOpportunitySummit

Congratulations to Dalia Cancel Batista of @MercerCollege, recipient of the 2026 New Jersey Student of the Year Award, presented at the NJ Community College Awards Dinner. Beginning college at just 16, Dalia will graduate with degrees in Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics.

Next stop: Denver, Colorado ✈️🦉 Check out UCNJ students Leandro and Revel and Assistant Dean of Learning Resources Jose Paez, who represented the College at the Global MindED: Dimensions of Our Democracy conference 👏