Welcome to the Bergen Community College Foundation E-Newsletter!



We are proud to launch this new platform to keep you connected with the heart of our mission—supporting student success through scholarships, programs, and community partnerships. Each newsletter will bring you stories of impact, updates on Foundation initiatives, and opportunities to get involved.

Whether you’re a proud alum, generous donor, dedicated staff member, or passionate advocate, you’re part of a growing network that believes in the transformative power of education.

Thank you for joining us on this journey as we work together to empower students and strengthen our Bergen community.

Making an Impact

In May, the Bergen Community College Foundation hosted its Spring Scholarship Award Ceremony, celebrating students for their academic excellence and dedication to their educational goals. Over 250 students were awarded scholarships to support their studies during the Fall 2025 semester.

“By addressing the financial barriers to obtaining a college degree, the Bergen Community College Foundation helps students realize their dreams,” said Foundation Board of Directors Chair Dan Foley.



The Foundation supports students through both need-based and merit-based scholarships, helping to ease financial burdens and empower academic success.

"I can say without a doubt that community college students represent the most dedicated students in all of higher education" said Bergen Community College President Eric Friedman. "The Bergen Community College Foundation recognizes the barriers our students face, and rather than seeing them as setbacks, views them as opportunities to celebrate resilience, remove obstacles, and honor achievement."

As a cornerstone of the Bergen County community, the College's Foundation remains committed to innovation and growth to better serve students. A heartfelt thank you goes to the generous donors whose continued support makes these opportunities possible and helps to advance the College’s mission of shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Bergen students celebrate receiving their Fall 2025 scholarships at the Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony.

Left photo: Scholarship recipient Stacy Morris-South reacts to seeing her name in the event program. Right photo: Bergen Community College President Eric Friedman and Foundation Chair Dan Foley present BCC student Alejandro Nivicela with his scholarship certificate.

Are You a Bergen Alumni?

Bergen is proud of its alumni and the paths they forge, whether transferring to four-year colleges or launching directly into their careers. Many BCC Graduates remain right here in Bergen County, contributing to our community as professionals, neighbors, and leaders.

As a valued alumni member of our Bergen family, We would love to hear about your experiences and achievements.

Please take a few moments to complete our Alumni Information Survey so we can stay connected and keep you informed about exciting updates, events, and opportunities.

Your input will help us build a stronger alumni network and continue supporting future generations of Bergen students.

Celebrating Our Graduates

During the 2025 Commencement Ceremony held on May 13 at MetLife Stadium, the Foundation awarded five $1,000 “send-off scholarships” to randomly selected graduates in attendance. The scholarships, which have become an annual tradition to signify the end of the ceremony and the graduates’ Bergen education, aim to provide the selected graduates with a special head-start on their post-Bergen journey.

This year, Bergen Assistant Director of Information Technology Business Operations Kirsten Perino and her family foundation sponsored the scholarships.

Perino said her family made the donation after seeing the graduates’ response to receiving the scholarships at previous commencements.



“We were really inspired by the students in previous years,” she said. “You could just tell how much it meant to them. Supporting education – and our students – is the best investment you can make.”

Inspired by the Perino Family Foundation, four platform guests – President Eric M. Friedman, Vice President of Student Affairs AJ Trump, BCC Trustee Howard Haughton and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Andrew Tomko – spontaneously announced that they would each sponsor $1,000 send-off scholarships as well. 

Pictured above President Friedman celebrates with his send off scholarship recipient Morelia Rosales.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Every day, Bergen Community College students face financial roadblocks that can derail their education. Many are juggling work, family, and school. A small amount of support can often times make a life-changing difference.

Your donation to the BCC Foundation will help students stay enrolled, reach graduation, and build brighter futures. Donations to the Foundation are 100 percent tax-deductible and go directly toward scholarships, emergency aid, and academic resources.

SAVE THE DATE

The Bergen Community College Foundation is excited to announce it's Inaugural Scholarship Gala on Wednesday, December 3. Funds raised via this elegant event will celebrate and support BCC students by providing life-changing educational opportunities and scholarships. Guests will enjoy a sophisticated cocktail reception, gourmet desserts, and inspiring stories shared by current students, successful alumni, board members, and esteemed community leaders. Additional information and honorees will be announced soon.

Bergen Community College Foundation

400 Paramus Road, Suite A-325

Paramus, NJ 07652

(201) 447-7117

Bccfoundation@bergen.edu