Q: What does community college mean to you?

A: Community college to me means opportunity. Community college is a key foundation in starting your career, as there isn’t too much pressure placed on you to figure out who you are. It allows you to dabble in a little of all possible majors that may or may not interest you. It’s sort of a safety net, for being able to get a further education near you, while being able to balance your personal life at home alleviates much anxiety than going straight to a four-year college without a sure mind.

Q: Why is it important to pursue a degree?

A: A degree to me is a form of validation. It’s a “Yes, I do know what I am doing” and you can really have physical proof to believe it. Because I am continuing in the workforce in the career I further want to flourish in, having a degree provides a little more appeal to resumes.

Q: What has your experience been like at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝?

A: As all colleges go, there are the stressful times, the easygoing times, the slow times, and the super fast times. However, my overall experience has been better than I would have imagined. I have built some great friendships with other students, some who have graduated already and are in the same timeline as me, and positive relationships with some professors. I have enjoyed the walks around campus on beautiful days, some dedicated work sessions in the library, and have enjoyed the knowledge I have received in many of my classes.

Q: How has being involved with the Hospitality, Culinary, and Dietetics (HCD) program affected your journey thus far?

A: I own a business called “Food Coma Kitchen” doing catering and have been operating it ever since the pandemic. Even though I have worked in the culinary industry before going to college, gaining the technical and business knowledge from this program has made business ownership even better. I move to improve myself every semester by seeing what I can apply from the classes taken to myself, my skills, and my business. It even allowed me to garner more confidence to move forward with bigger business decisions, like opening up a ghost kitchen.

Q: Is there a professor or staff member who has helped you navigate college life/academics?

A: Majority of the HCD Department, even down to the lab assistants, are fantastic and have helped me so much in my college life, guiding me to improve my skills and business knowledge. However, one that sticks out to me is Professor Andrew Rubin. Never have I met a professor so caring, so knowledgeable, and so considerate while being so humble at the same time. Rubin’s business knowledge has been an integral part to my business improving every semester. If I had any questions or wanted advice on how I should price out something, advertise, or even move my business forward, he has taken the time to ask the key questions and provide guidance. Not only that, his classes were so well-explained and he was always eager to ensure clarity and understanding amongst his students. I always look forward to his classes, as I know I will learn something new or solidify a point that I may have been misunderstanding or confused about. Rubin, alongside the HCD Department, is a fantastic support system!

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My family to the one-millionth degree. I come from a family of hardworking, driven, and caring people, especially the women in my family. The history of my family has always been consistent with endurance, courage, faith, hope, strength, toughness, and love. There are so many more qualities that are abundant in my family, but what encapsulates it all is love. Despite the stress and challenges generations of my family have gone through, love and togetherness has always been present. That is why I have such a love of food and the culinary industry because when our family, immediate and extended, would come together, it was always paired with homemade food because we cooked not just to eat and survive, but to express love and come together. I always look back on my great grandparents, abuelo, abuela, aunts, uncles, and parents on what sacrifices they have made for the next generation and I am eager to follow suit.

Q: Do you have any advice for current students?

A: Balance! Coming from a person who is operating a business, working at a regular job, going to school, and having other important responsibilities, it can get to be a lot at times, and if you do not keep up, it can lead to a lot of stress. Be sure to take your time in selecting classes, do not overload yourself, even if you think you can handle it, and be sure to have a schedule for everything that is in your life! It has helped me so much to have set schedules, and even though it deviated at times, being able to restructure and balance life while in college made the day-to-day more clear and focused.

The ReClam the Bay organization helps promote environmental involvement and education in an effort to replenish the population of clams and oysters in the Barnegat Bay Watershed, which includes Barnegat Bay, Manahawkin Bay and Little Egg Harbor Bay.

Condie has been an active member of the organization and during her recent teaching sabbatical helped foster this idea of a new program open to ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ students. It’s a rolling application, so there is no deadline. Proposals will be analyzed and the funding will hinge on the depth of the project and time needed.

“This is one of the outshoots of my sabbatical,” said Condie. “Our students in oceanography and climate science are the first ones to hear about it. We want to show the students that there are opportunities in the field and employment. This is another way to give our students real-world experience outside of the classroom.”

Condie is happy to serve as a point of contact for students to ReClam the Bay and guide them through the process. She said there is a current study underway on the findings of heavy metal inside clams close to marinas and a possible link to the paint used on nearby boats.

Students interested in applying can send an email to ReClam the Bay (info@reclamthebay.org) for an application.

Mir serves as senior program coordinator for the Collaborative Center for Community Engagement, Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Rutgers University, where he oversees the Advancing Community Development Program, which was co-developed with Johnson & Johnson.

Mir moved to the U.S. at the age of 22, trained as a professional actor at the National School of Theater in the Fine Arts Palace of Santo Domingo in his native Dominican Republic.

“Spanish was my mother language, and I knew that if I came [to the U.S.], I would not be able to work as an actor. Even though I spoke a little bit of English I could not act in English,” Mir said.

He would parlay his theatrical talents in other ways. For the first eight years of his life in the U.S., Mir worked for a social service agency in Trenton putting together plays about social issues like AIDS.

“It was in the middle of the AIDS epidemic and I was working with people infected with HIV, doing theater, teaching people how to prevent infection.”

He later accepted a research job at what was then the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), where he collected data from members of the Latino population for a state HIV prevention project. But that grant-funded project lasted for only one year.

“I applied for unemployment benefits and someone said I could go back to school [tuition free] for approved study. I chose photography, and that’s how I ended up at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝,” he explained.

Mir needed to complete a year of remedial classes in his first year at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝.

“It took me three years to graduate because I had that year of remedial in English and math since I had not gone to school in the U.S. Once I did that, I was unstoppable.”

He credits the “rigor” of ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ for helping him reach the next milestone in his educational journey – acceptance into and thriving at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.

“I actually put my portfolio together at Middlesex before I applied to Mason Gross School of the Arts,” he recalled, adding that a lot of people discouraged him from applying. “Even my friends were saying I was crazy for applying to Mason Gross.”

Proving the naysayers wrong, Mir was at the top of the list of students accepted to that competitive school. Once there, Mir says he was well-prepared.

“There was nothing they could throw at me that I didn’t have the discipline for or know how to tackle – from math to English to whatever, Middlesex got me ready.”

After graduating from Mason Gross, he worked at the Institute for Arts and Humanities Education as an artist-in-residence responsible for designing and implementing arts integrated curricula in various New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania schools.

While at that institute, Mir started a project with a dean at Rutgers – Community Artists in Residence and Training (CART) – which had him supervising 5-7 artists who were being trained to work in communities all around New Jersey.

When his position with the institute required him to move to Princeton, Mir accepted Rutgers’ offer to operate CART from the Rutgers’ side, allowing him to remain in New Brunswick.

“And that’s how I found myself working at Rutgers. After a year of being there, the CART program ended and I was offered another position working in a civic engagement/service learning program, placing students in community organizations. In 2007, we became the [current] Collaborative Center for Community Engagement, Office of Diversity and Inclusion.”

In addition to his associate degree in Professional and Commercial Photography, a B.F.A. in visual arts from the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Mir holds a M.F.A. in creative writing from Rutgers.

“After getting my master’s, I was able to teach. And I taught those community-based learning seminars for almost 10 years, from 2013-2022.”

As Mir prepares to join the College community in celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2024 at Commencement, he is looking back on his time on campus with gratitude.

“I was thinking about how Middlesex made me feel like I was part of a community and gave me all the tools I needed. Whether your objective is to go to a four-year school, to take a break, or go straight into the workforce, those tools I got at Middlesex.”

Mir will deliver his remarks to the Class of 2024 at Commencement on May 16, 2024 at Jersey Mike’s Arena at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. For more information about the 2024 Commencement Ceremony, visit middlesexcollege.edu/commencement.

Q: How has being involved with EOF made an impact on your journey thus far?

A: My time at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ has been truly transformative, and my involvement with the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) has played a pivotal role in my journey. As a first-generation college student and a single mother, I faced numerous challenges in pursuing my academic dreams. Through EOF, I received academic support, financial assistance, and mentorship, which helped me navigate the college experience with confidence.

Q: How do you balance motherhood with being a full-time student? What strategies have you found most effective in juggling these responsibilities?

A: Being a full-time student and balancing motherhood, especially with a child with special needs, can be extremely challenging and requires effective time management. I prioritize tasks, create a schedule, and communicate it openly with family, friends, and professors. I utilize campus resources, like academic support programs, and adapt to changing circumstances. Self-care is crucial, so I make time for activities that recharge me. I remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help and seek support from fellow students, mentors, or professionals. By prioritizing, communicating, and seeking help when needed, I successfully juggle my responsibilities and achieve my goals.

Q: Is there a professor or staff member who has helped you navigate college life and academics?

A: The EOF and ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ communities have been instrumental in my success. The EOF program has provided a supportive network of peers, mentors, and counselors who understand the unique challenges I face as a first-generation college student. Meanwhile, the broader ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ community, including students, professors, advisors, and administrative personnel, have been consistently supportive, approachable, and dedicated to my academic and personal growth.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: As a single mom, I’ve learned to draw inspiration from my own resilience and determination. Despite the challenges, I’ve found strength in my ability to juggle multiple roles, advocate for my family and pursue my education. I’m inspired by the example I’m setting for my children, showing them that hard work, perseverance, and self-care can overcome any obstacle. By pushing myself to grow and succeed, I’m creating a brighter future for us all. In essence, I inspire myself to keep striving, to keep pushing, and to keep shining, not just for myself, but for my family and the life we’re building together.

Q: Do you have any advice for current students?

A: I would say: embrace your journey, imperfections and all. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing your best, and that’s something to celebrate. Seek out resources, support, and mentorship. You don’t have to do it alone. Prioritize self-care and make time for joy, even in the midst of challenges. Remember that every accomplishment, no matter how small, is a step closer to your goals. And most importantly, believe in yourself: your resilience, creativity, and determination will carry you.

Mateo was one of only 200 Phi Theta Kappa members to have been awarded the coveted Leaders of Promise Scholarship from the Coca-Cola Foundation in August. Winners are selected based on academic achievement and leadership potential and receive $1,000.

“I received an email from my advisor, Professor [Charlotte] Quigley, and she congratulated me and told me that my news had turned a gray morning much brighter!” Mateo said. “It meant a lot to me.”

Mateo is a first-generation college student born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and graduated from high school there in 2004. When she came to New Jersey to live with her family, she wanted to continue her education.

“ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ has provided the tools that I can use to get the best out of myself,” Mateo said. “In addition to my effort and dedication, the faculty members have been an important part of my journey because of the way they have taught and inspired me on many occasions during lectures.”

Mateo was extremely active during her time at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, serving as Vice President of Membership. She volunteered with the Mobile Family Success Center in Middlesex County, Toys for Tots and the Letters to Foster Children program.

She said time spent working as a volunteer was extremely rewarding.

“I felt great volunteering and have given my time to pack and deliver food straight to people’s apartments [through MFSC]. In addition, there are other tasks, like gift-wrapping presents for children in other events the organization had,” said Mateo. “I loved when I started volunteering with the organization Letters to Foster Children in 2023. Letters are made for children in foster care to send positive messages in a creative way, using drawings, varied colors, and personalized designs.”

Mateo will graduate from ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ in May with an Associate of Arts in Psychology. She was a member of the Dean’s List in 2022 and 2023 and on the Honor Roll.

Q: How did you end up at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝?

A: I was originally going to ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ way back in 2007 graduating from Edison High School, this was the plan to start Middlesex and head to Rutgers University. Upon coming to ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝, I mainly went to school for journalism because of my writing abilities, however after getting involved with clubs on campus I discovered my true passion which is event planning and project management.

Q: In 2014, you created an anime convention called Kogaracon. What has that been like for you? What role, if any, did ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ play in your success in that industry?

A: Creating Kogaracon has been one of the greatest accomplishments I’ve had to this date, creating the con was a lot of work and took a lot of time, energy, and effort but the result has always been completely worth it. Being an alumnus of ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ made this show what it is today without meeting a lot of the faculty administrative team being a part of clubs on campus also being an employee on campus to have the faculty have full trust in me being able to do this event would not have been possible if I never made the connections needed to have Kogaracon be this successful.

Q: Is there a professor or staff member who has helped you navigate college life and academics?

A: There have been several staff members who have helped shape the way I view and pursue all the ideas that helped create not just categorical ion but any other ideal or event I have in the future. These facilities include counseling career services, academic advising, and student life. Without these amenities on campus, I do not believe the career that I have chosen for myself would be able to take off the way it has.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: The two main people who inspire me are my late mother Peggy Haskins and my father Jerome Haskins they have always believed in me even as a child. They would tell me to always be a leader and not a follower and to work hard so that I may do my best so that I can be smart and educated. Other people who have inspired my conventional outlook would be the mentors that I’ve had throughout my career as part of the anime circuit the main person who has always looked after me is Jason Lafarte, we call him Boston he is taking me under his wing and showed me the ways of how to properly lead a team and help jumpstart my convention career.

Q: Do you have advice for current students?

A: Yes of course, for all new students or even current students, the one thing I would suggest to do is to please get involved on campus, whether it’s for the club a community service activity if you’re going to see a play or even if you want to do tutoring or even getting a job on campus get involved. Do not have this be the 13th grade that people seem to think it is this is a real college with real benefits you just must be able to take advantage of every opportunity that comes in front of you. If you do want to do something that isn’t available on campus create it and go to student life make sure to talk to them about a club that you may want to start go to academic advising to make sure that you are on the path that you want to be on to graduate and finally if you want to look into certain careers that you feel are best suited for you head to counseling career services and they will be able to give you of their words of wisdom and advice and help put you on the right track.

Q: How did you end up at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝?

A: My journey to ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ is a testament to resilience. Born in New Jersey, my family faced upheaval after my parents’ divorce, leaving us stranded in India. With little financial support, returning to the U.S. seemed like a distant dream. Determined to reclaim home and pursue my passion for medicine, I sought education as my lifeline. Despite setbacks, a friend’s suggestion led me to Middlesex. With limited resources and no financial backing, I took a leap of faith, arriving in 2019 with empty pockets but big dreams and ambitions. Overcoming numerous hurdles, I secured admission and embarked on my academic journey. Middlesex wasn’t just a destination, it was a transformative moment that shaped my future. I found Middlesex under strange circumstances, but it set me up for life.

Q: How do you believe your experience as a student at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ prepared you for success in medical school?

A: ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ cultivated my path to medical school. Immersed in a supportive community, I discovered my purpose beyond academics. Engaging in diverse experiences, from volunteering to leadership roles, ignited my passion for service. Mentored by professors who saw my potential, I delved into research and honed leadership skills. Middlesex taught me that success transcends grades; it’s about compassion and impact. Equipped with invaluable lessons, I carry Middlesex’s ethos to medical school: service, leadership, and self-discovery. My time at Middlesex wasn’t just about earning degrees; it was about embracing wisdom, compassion, and the journey towards making a difference.

Q: What does community college mean to you?

A: When I think of community college, I think of the countless individuals like myself who found themselves at a crossroads in life, unsure of where to turn or how to pursue their dreams. For me, community college represents resilience in the face of adversity, the promise that a weak financial situation will not drive away my dreams. Starting at a community college reignited innumerable possibilities for me. It gave me a second chance to pursue my dreams and cultivate the future I desired for myself. But most importantly, community college is a testament to the fact that education is the great equalizer, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth to anyone willing to seize them. It’s a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream, showing them that no matter where they come from or what challenges they face, they have the power to shape their own destiny.

Q: Why is it important to pursue a degree?

A: For me, pursuing a degree isn’t just about acquiring knowledge or obtaining a piece of paper; it’s about fulfilling a promise to myself and to those who believe in me. It’s about breaking the cycle of limitations and honoring my family’s sacrifices. For me, education was the only tool out of my misery and that is what a degree can represent for countless others. Pursuing a degree unlocks doors that were once closed, gives you a chance to make a difference, and make a name of your own. Education is a powerful tool for self-discovery and empowerment. If you use your purse to fill your head, no man can take that wealth away from you. So the countless sleepless nights, the hard work, the missed social outings, are temporary, the degree is permanent. And always remember, that your degree is your legacy and that is the only thing that will walk with you till your grave.

Q: Were there any professors or staff members who have helped you navigate college life/academics?

A: I’m indebted to three remarkable individuals at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝â€”Professor Rafael Manzanares, Ms. Evelyn Rosa, and Dr. Virender Kanwal. Ms. Rosa’s mentorship and leadership inspired me to excel beyond academics. Professor Manzanares not only guided me academically but also encouraged my passion for writing. Dr. Kanwal played a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey and fostering a passion for research. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in my personal and professional development. Grateful for their impact, I carry their lessons as I navigate my academic and professional endeavors.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My mother embodies resilience and sacrifice, inspiring me to carve my own path. Witnessing her struggles post-divorce, I learned the importance of independence and education. Her sacrifices instilled in me a drive to pursue my dreams relentlessly. Education, for me, is more than a means to an end, it’s a lifelong companion and a testament to determination. I’m motivated by the belief that my education will define my legacy, transcending familial ties and shaping perceptions. Inspired by my mother’s journey, I strive to leave a lasting impact through my career, embodying values of resilience and determination.

Q: Do you have any advice for current students?

A: Don’t be afraid to be uncertain. Life outside of ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ will be equally out of your control and unpredictable, but don’t be afraid to put your best foot forward. If you chase excellence and do the best you can, success will follow, regardless of where you go. Don’t be afraid to explore your passions or take the road less traveled. Work hard for your dreams and don’t waste your life living someone’s else dreams. The road ahead may be difficult, but remember that the best views always come after the hardest climbs. Say “yes” to opportunity and growth and be willing to stay optimistic and grateful. Live a tale that’s worth telling so that when this long adventure called life ends, you go out with a bang, leaving fireworks for those who can’t cast any of their own.

Past recipients of the scholarship such as Thomas Emens ’22 spoke of the tremendous financial freedom that the scholarship award provides for students transferring to costly four-year institutions.

“When I was accepted to Princeton, I felt a tremendous financial weight lifted off my shoulders because of the Cooke scholarship award,” Emens shared back in 2022, shortly before he was set to graduate from ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝.

In applying for one of the most lucrative scholarships in the country, this year’s crop of ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ contenders – Safia Ansari of Woodbridge Township, Adriana Fung of North Brunswick, Theodore Kozak of Middlesex Borough, Nima Sedghi of Piscataway, and Idaliz Herrera and Crystal Paulino, both from Perth Amboy – competed against thousands of community college applicants competing nationwide.

That recognition was not lost on Fung, a psychology major who plans on continuing her studies at Rutgers University in the fall so that she can one day become a counselor.

“It’s a great feeling to be acknowledged for my efforts, especially when I’ve had doubts about whether I’m doing enough. Winning this scholarship would be life-changing. It would bring me peace and confidence, allowing me to focus on my studies without worrying about debt,” Fung said.

Herrera, too, will be attending Rutgers this fall. The biology major plans to transfer to that university’s Environmental and Biological Sciences School.

“Once I transfer, I will pursue my bachelor’s in microbiology, with a possible minor in genetics. I want to work in a laboratory setting, but I am still deciding on what career will entail what I am looking for. So far, my interest lies in becoming a geneticist.”

Ansari will graduate with an associate degree in business administration. Her post-graduate plans include obtaining an internship in marketing, a bachelor’s degree in economics, and a certification in entrepreneurship. After achieving a bachelor’s degree, she hopes to work in business internationally, as well as pursue a master’s degree.

“Winning the [Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship] award would be life-changing for me. It would not only validate all the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made but also open doors to resources and opportunities that could shape my career and, ultimately, make a positive impact on the world,” Ansari aid.

Kozak had started his college career at another institution. He came to ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ to pursue nursing but changed his major to philosophy after developing a love for the subject. He now wants to pursue a bachelor’s in philosophy and eventually become a professor at a college or university.

No one is more surprised by the Cooke Scholarship semi-finalist selection and all that has happened to him since enrolling at ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ than Kozak.

“It was kind of life-changing in a way coming back to school. I’ve been out of school for almost a decade. So, it’s kind of shocking for all this to work out. I can say, for the first time, I have self-worth and it’s gratifying,” he said.

Paulino will be graduating with an associate degree in human services/pre-social work. She plans to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in her quest to become a licensed independent clinical social worker.

“I did not ever think I would graduate high school, let alone college. As someone who was raised on Section 8 and experienced homelessness, I genuinely did not believe I would be able to afford college,” she explained. “With motivation, support, and psychotherapy, any person can feel more than capable of making the world a better place, and I plan to spend every moment doing just that.”

Sedghi, a chemistry major, was born and raised in Iran and moved to the U.S. just a few years ago. As an immigrant and a non-traditional student, he says balancing his full-time studies while working full-time has not been without its challenges.

“The financial assistance from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation would not only relieve these pressures, it would enable me to participate in different research opportunities, have hands-on clinical experiences, and dedicate more time to study so I can pursue my lifelong aspirations,” said Sedghi.

“To have six students from ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ selected for the semi-final round of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is a testament to the quality of education that our institution provides, but more importantly, the academic caliber of our students,” said President Mark McCormick. “We could not be prouder of Safia Ansari, Adriana Fung, Idaliz Herrera, Theodore Kozak, Crystal Paulino, and Nima Sedghi, and all that they have accomplished to have received this recognition. I have no doubt they will go on to achieve great things after they graduate from ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝.”

The finalists for the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship will be announced in May.

For a complete list of this year’s semifinalists, visit .

After ten years of service, full-time faculty members may apply for a sabbatical.

Condie divided her time on her sabbatical between conducting research and developing new Open Educational Resources for use in the Introduction to Geology course which generally has an enrollment of more than 100 students each semester.

Condie’s sabbatical afforded her time to focus on reducing textbook costs for students, align curriculum goals for transfer students, and update course evaluation materials used in the courses she teaches.

Outside of the classroom, Condie used some of her sabbatical time to work with the ReClam The Bay organization, which promotes education on the importance of Raritan Bay. She learned about oyster and clam hatcheries and has now started a small bed of clams and oysters in Main Hall Room 152 for her students to study.

“We are learning about how they grow, how they are filter feeders and how they can improve water quality, and we tie that into their impact on the economy in New Jersey and also ocean acidification,” said Condie. “What was really interesting was 75 percent of the class didn’t know that people ate oysters and clams when ReClam the Bay came in, even though our students are right by the Raritan Bay, they didn’t have any connection to it. That alone was a win in the lab for them to see.”

Condie shared that the favorite part of her sabbatical experience was the opportunity to spend time in Key Largo where she was able to go scuba diving with marine biologists to work with them on helping coral to grow. She has plans to return in May and continue the work. In the meantime, the marine biologists have made themselves available to Condie’s students to answer questions and exchange ideas, helping Condie bring a fresh approach in improving the classroom experience for her students.

“This accomplishment shows the exceptional work of our faculty, graduates, students, and staff. Nationally, we’re in a nursing shortage, and we want to be able to contribute and close the gap,” said Kara Kaldawi, director of the joint ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝/Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing Program.

The Associate Degree Program prepares students for entry level positions in nursing and for taking the NCLEX-RN. The ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ Nursing Program promotes student success through educational excellence and graduates nurses who are able to provide empathetic, evidence-based care to diverse populations.

“Our nursing program, consistently ranked one of the strongest in New Jersey, provides our future health professionals with a top-rate education in some of the most advanced facilities and technology in the state. This success rate from our recent graduates is a testament to our nursing graduates, our faculty and staff, and everyone that supports this program,” said ĚěĂŔ´ŤĂ˝ President Mark McCormick.

The Nursing Degree Program has been approved by The New Jersey Council of Presidents, and accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Learn more about the Nursing Degree Program.