Issuu

FoundationNEWS COUNTY COLLEGE OF MORRIS

FALL 2026

Letter from KELLY L. MEOLA

Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement Fall always brings a sense of turning a new leaf, and it’s no different here at County College of Morris (CCM). The CCM Foundation continues its efforts to support our students by raising funds for scholarships, programs and resources that Kelly L. Meola help our students and surrounding community thrive. With a new academic year underway, we look forward to another year of creating opportunities, celebrating achievements and helping CCM students reach their goals. A gift to the CCM Foundation is impactful, no matter the size, and support can take many forms. We value and are truly thankful for contributions from individual donors that fund scholarships; support from grantors, community partners and corporations that offset program costs and provide needed resources; in-kind gifts such as tools and equipment for classroom needs; or a planned gift through a will, retirement account or charitable gift annuity. Contributions can be made in different ways, but the unifying factor is the difference every gift makes in the lives of students today and tomorrow. In this issue, we’re highlighting a few of the many ways that your support is making an impact at CCM: • The CCM Foundation Legacy Giving Society, recognizing donors whose planned gifts help create opportunities for generations of students to come. • Student testimonials highlighting the impact of connection and opportunity in our new CCM Foundation video. • Spotlight stories from our CCM alumni who are making an impact in their careers and on those around them. Thank you for your continued support of the CCM Foundation and for helping us invest in the future of our students, our college and our community.

Kelly L. Meola

Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement

LEGACY LEAVE YOURS AT CCM

A gift to CCM can make an immediate difference for today’s students, but a planned gift can create an impact that lasts for generations. The CCM Foundation Legacy Giving Society recognizes individuals who have included CCM in their estate plans or made another planned gift. These gifts can take many forms, including a gift in a will or trust, a beneficiary designation on a retirement account or life insurance policy or other planned giving arrangements. Your legacy can help provide scholarships, support student success, strengthen academic programs and ensure CCM continues to serve our community for years to come. Maristella Brentani recently created her legacy at CCM by establishing The Brentani Second Act Scholarship to support students in the ReLaunch Center who are returning to college after a significant break. Her generosity will help students pursue their educational and career goals and give them the skills and confidence to thrive. If you have already included CCM in your plans, we would be honored to recognize you as a member of the CCM Foundation Legacy Giving Society. To learn more about planned giving, how to make a gift and leave your legacy, contact the CCM Foundation at 973-328-5060 or foundation@ccm.edu.

THE POWER

OF GIVING

SCHOLARSHIPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

For many CCM students, a scholarship can make the difference between simply hoping to attend college and having the opportunity to pursue their goals. Last year, the CCM Foundation awarded scholarships to more than 300 students, helping ease the financial burden of a college education.

300+

students supported last year

$413,984 in scholarship support

This year, 143 scholarships totaling $413,984 are available to CCM students all made possible through the generosity of private donors. These scholarships provide meaningful support that helps students stay focused on their education, complete their programs and move toward their careers. Every scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it represents an investment in a student’s potential and in their future.

143

scholarships available this year SCAN QR CODE to watch our CCM FOUNDATION VIDEO and see our impact in action!

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF JIM DELGIUDICE Scholarship recipients, family, friends, faculty and donor Dave Scinto gathered for a luncheon celebrating the legacy of the late Jim DelGiudice, beloved CCM photography professor. Scinto, Jim’s best friend, established a scholarship in Jim’s name to support outstanding photography students at CCM.

CCM Foundation scholarship recipient, Lydia S.

IN-KIND GIFTS MAKE A BIG IMPACT Not every gift to CCM comes in the form of a check. In-kind gifts, donations of equipment, tools, technology and other goods, can provide students with valuable resources while giving businesses an opportunity to directly support the programs that prepare their future workforce. For students preparing for advanced manufacturing and engineering careers, access to industry standards and equipment is invaluable. These resources give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the tools and technologies they are likely to encounter in the workplace, helping bridge the gap between the classroom and a successful career. Big Daishowa, a leading manufacturer of precision tooling and workholding solutions for CNC machining, recently donated $10,000 worth of tools to CCM’s Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Center through its Tools for Schools program. The gift included Accu Centers, Accu Indicator Stands and 3D Master Reds, providing students in CCM’s engineering and manufacturing programs with valuable tools for hands-on learning. If your business has equipment, tools or other resources that could benefit CCM students, we would love to hear from you. Contact the CCM Foundation at 973-328-5060 or foundation@ccm.edu.

Pictured above, from left: Mary Lou DelGiudice Pinizzotto, Jim’s sister; Dave Scinto, Jim’s best friend and scholarship benefactor; Joshua Grecco, scholarship recipient; Omer Akbay, scholarship recipient; Hrvoje Slovenc, Professor of Photography; Nicole Schwartz, Professor of Photography; Kelly Meola, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement; and Madeline Loughman, Jim’s dear friend.

CCM recently received grant funding from the Howmet Aerospace Foundation to support the development of a new Metrology course within the college’s Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Center (AMEC). The funding will help strengthen workforce readiness, enhance student success and expand the pipeline of skilled talent entering advanced manufacturing and engineering careers.

STUDENT

SUCCESS

PREPARING OUR NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

The CCM Class of 2026, the largest graduating class to walk at commencement, celebrated an incredible milestone made possible in part through the generosity of our donors. Among this year’s graduates were nine students from the College Promise Program, each celebrating the opportunity to earn a CCM degree.

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS

CCM Grad Class of 2026

A passion for engineering can start with a single hands-on experience. With support from Emerson, a global industrial automation leader providing technologies and software that help industries optimize performance, improve safety and achieve sustainability goals, CCM was able to engage middle and high school students through Engineering Day and NASA Astro Camp, giving them opportunities to explore STEM, solve problems and discover the possibilities of engineering careers. CCM engineering students also played a significant role, serving as mentors and working alongside younger students during these events. Their involvement gave participants a chance to learn from students who are already pursuing engineering at CCM and see a potential path for themselves. Former astronaut, Bob Cenker

Emerson’s support is helping CCM spark interest in engineering at an early age while connecting the next generation of students with the college and the opportunities available to them. These experiences help build a stronger pipeline for future engineers and tomorrow’s workforce.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TO SAY YES When Isabella Escobar Lopera chose CCM, she had a practical plan: stay close to home, keep college affordable and focus on succeeding in the classroom. What she didn’t expect was how much she would accomplish along the way. Pursuing an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, with a concentration in History and a pre-law focus, Isabella serves as president of the Student Government Association and vice president of Phi Theta Kappa. She recently completed a congressional internship and serves as vice chair of the HESAA Student Advisory Committee, helping advise the state on higher education affordability. CCM Foundation scholarships have helped make those experiences possible. “Scholarship support meant I didn’t have to choose one commitment and hope it turned out to be the right one,” Isabella said. “They aren’t only covering credits; they’re buying students hours, and hours are what let you build something during the time you’re here.” Isabella also credits CCM’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program and the faculty and staff who have supported her along the way. “EOF is a family,” she said. “The staff knows their students by name; they check in when you go quiet and they show up for you in ways that go well past what their jobs require.” EOF mentor Julian Gomez has encouraged Isabella to recognize her potential, while Professor Alexander Clemente has challenged her to become a stronger writer and critical thinker. Dean Ariella Panek has also been an important mentor, supporting Isabella in her student leadership. Being named CCM’s EOF Scholar of the Year was especially meaningful because Isabella saw the award as a reflection of the many people who helped her reach that moment. After CCM, Isabella plans to transfer to a four-year institution and attend law school, with aspirations of practicing immigration or constitutional law and pursuing public service. Her journey shows the powerful impact of scholarship support combined with a community of people who believe in students and their potential.

Isabella Escobar Lopera

ALUMNI MAKING

THEIR MARK

MORE THAN A DEGREE: MY CCM JOURNEY After graduating from Jefferson Township High School, Nicolette Romano was unsure which career path to pursue. Having visited CCM multiple times through the Teen Arts program, she enjoyed the familiarity and decided to enroll at CCM to complete general education requirements while exploring different career options. Through CCM’s Career Services office, she was fortunate to receive an Impact & Belonging internship at Crum & Forster. Working along side the Crum & Forster team including CCM Foundation Board Member, Mari Marques-Thomas, Nicolette helped promote engagement, culture and social impact within the workplace and beyond. Her internship provided opportunities to volunteer with Family Promise and Nourish NJ, speak at the CCM Foundation Gala, attend a Food Bank for NYC Woman to Woman Networking Breakfast and many more valuable experiences. At CCM, Nicolette earned the Honors Course Credit Award, achieved Summa Cum Laude and joined Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She was also involved in several clubs, including the Alpha Beta Gamma Business Society, where she served as Secretary and later Marketing Director, the Youngtown Edition student newspaper and the Student Planning Activity Board.

“My favorite part of CCM was the strong sense of engagement and community on campus.” “There were countless opportunities to get involved, meet others and step outside my comfort zone at CCM. Rebecca Uong in the Career Services office also had a meaningful impact on my professional and personal growth by helping to improve my resume and prioritize internship opportunities. On top of that, Rebecca showed me the impact kindness and genuine compassion can have on a person.” Nicolette Romano

After graduating from CCM with an associate degree in Liberal Arts, Nicolette transferred to Drew University as a Marketing major. Above all, she is grateful to her parents who have always supported her achievements, kept her grounded and encouraged her to work her hardest through every milestone.

BRENDAN KUTY, ’07, LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES: MEDIA/JOURNALISM What influenced your decision to attend CCM? I wasn’t sure of my career path. CCM gave me a chance to figure that out close to where I grew up in Hopatcong and without the cost of a four-year school. What stands out about your time at CCM? Working at the school newspaper was a turning point. I had always enjoyed reading, especially newspapers, and joining the paper introduced me to new people and experiences. Those early interviews helped me overcome my fear of talking to strangers and gave me my career path. Was there a faculty or staff member who made a difference? Dr. Noel Robinson stands out. She was kind and thoughtful and encouraged me to be a young, inexperienced writer and reporter. She encouraged me to apply for my first journalism job as a desk clerk at The Daily Record. I was 19, and I’ve been in journalism ever since. I owe her so much.

Brendan Kuty

Tell us about your career today. Today, I’m a reporter for The Athletic, covering the New York Yankees. I’ve covered the team for more than a decade, and the job has taken me everywhere, from baseball fields and courtrooms to different countries and far-flung parts of the United States. I’ve been fortunate to work in print, television, radio and digital media.

Looking back, how did CCM help prepare you for where you are today? CCM allowed me to make mistakes. It allowed me to learn. If I could go back in time, I’d do it all again, except more. I’d try more things. I’d fail more. I’d experience more. Kuty was named the 2022 New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. His journey is a powerful reminder of how CCM gives students the opportunity to explore their interests, discover their talents and take the first steps toward a fulfilling career. Today, he is doing work he once only imagined and remains grateful to CCM for helping him find his path.

Class of 2024

Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS) Alumni Survey er ie ear ost rad

Alumni Survey Class of 2024

The survey was sent via email during summer 2025 to all May 2024, August 2024, and December 2024 graduates. A total of 983 invitations were extended, of which 64 responded, reflecting a response rate of 7%.

Top 3 Skills that CCM contributed to

Quantitative Literacy

91%

of respondents indicated they were either Satisfied or Very Satisfied with their education at CCM

Current Primary Activity

Critical Thinking Problem Solving

91%

of respondents indicated that they feel S e or Very Str connection to CCM

STRONGER TOGETHER

COMMUNITY IMPACT

COLLEGE PROMISE STUDENTS MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY Through CCM’s College Promise Program, students are gaining more than academic support; they are developing the leadership, teamwork and real-world skills they need to succeed in college, careers and their communities.

Recently, College Promise juniors from Morristown High School partnered with Family Promise of Morris County to plan and host a barbecue at the Our Promise drop-in center. From budgeting and organizing to delegating responsibilities and bringing their plans to life, students College Promise Program Students took ownership of the project while providing lunch, lawn games and an afternoon of connection for families and community members.

BACKPACKS, SUPPLIES AND A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT CCM partnered with Table of Hope for its sixth annual Backpack Giveaway, helping Morris County students start a successful school year. Backpacks stocked with essential school supplies and produce were distributed to families facing financial hardship, continuing a valued tradition of community partnership and support for local families.

The experience gave students the opportunity to put valuable skills into practice while making a meaningful contribution to a local organization. With support and volunteers from Crum & Forster, students experienced firsthand how teamwork and community partnerships can turn an idea into an initiative that makes a difference. This is the kind of hands-on learning that makes College Promise so impactful. By investing in College Promise, donors are helping students build confidence and leadership skills while empowering them to give back to the communities they call home.

CCM students volunteering at the backpack distribution

CCM STUDENTS HELP EXPLORE THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN AT CCM

What happens when college students, educators, media professionals and community members come together to better understand how people get local news?

From September 25 through September 27, Remembering Our Fallen, a nationally recognized traveling memorial, came to CCM’s campus to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives during the Global War on Terrorism. The exhibit shared photographs and biographical information about the fallen service members, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about their lives, remember their sacrifices and reflect on the impact of their service.

That question was at the heart of the Community Mapping Fellowship, a 10-week, F.M. Kirby Foundation-funded project that brought together CCM, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and Journalism + Design Lab to explore the local news landscape in Morristown, Dover and Parsippany-Troy Hills. Three CCM journalism students, Emelia Belet, Katie Caron and Joshua Wilches Veloza, led the project, supported by five broadcasting students and CCM faculty members John Soltes, professor of Journalism, and Kelly Whalen, chairperson of Design. Students mapped local news sources, conducted community research and participated in listening sessions with Morris County residents to better understand how people receive information about their communities and what they need from local news. SCAN TO WATCH THE VIDEO

The collaboration also gave CCM broadcasting students the opportunity to use the college’s professional production facilities to document the community conversations, creating a resource that can continue to inform the work. The fellowship demonstrated the value of connecting students with real-world community challenges while bringing diverse partners together around a shared goal. The experience is now helping to inform plans for a new community journalism program at CCM focused on helping Morris County residents produce, share and engage with reliable local information.

Remembering Our

Fallen on display at the CCM’s Veterans CCM campus Resource Center connects veterans across the community to counseling, resources and services available through county, state and federal Veteran offices. The CCM Foundation also offers scholarships to support our students who are veterans.

STRENGTHENING THE LIFE SCIENCES & HEALTHCARE TALENT PIPELINE CCM is building strong connections between education, healthcare and industry to help prepare the next generation of life sciences professionals. On June 17, CCM hosted the Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s Life Sciences & Healthcare Forum, bringing together industry leaders, healthcare professionals and educators to exchange ideas and explore opportunities to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.

A LEGACY OF ART, A FUTURE OF OPPORTUNITY: CCM WELCOMES THE JOE KUBERT SCHOOL

The forum featured a keynote address from Chrissy Buteas, President & CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, followed by a panel moderated by Dr. Maria Isaza, Dean of CCM’s School of Health Professions and Natural Sciences. CCM faculty Professors Dorothy Salinas, Jenifer Martin and Paulina Cardaci joined Jill Massey, PharmD, Vice President of Global Medical Strategy and Operations at Gilead, for a discussion about education, workforce needs and the future of the industry. The partnership with Gilead is especially meaningful as the company’s Foundation is also a major philanthropic supporter of CCM’s new Center for Health Professions. Its investment, combined with opportunities for collaboration and dialogue like the Life Sciences & Healthcare Forum, is helping CCM strengthen pathways into high-demand healthcare careers and ensure students have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a growing industry.

CCM President, Dr. Anthony Iacono joined by The Joe Kubert School Director, Anthony Marques

The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, one of the most iconic and influential names in the industry, has been acquired by CCM and will continue as The Joe Kubert School at CCM. For more than 50 years, the school’s Cartoon and Graphic Art program has prepared students for careers in comics, illustration and graphic storytelling, while connecting them with working professionals and leading companies such as DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Alumni have gone on to careers with renowned studios including Walt Disney Animation, Warner Bros. and Pixar Animation Studios. The full-time certificate program continues this fall through CCM’s Center for Workforce Development, with expanded opportunities for students pursuing careers in creative industries.

FOUNDATION

EVENTS

PRESIDENT’S GOLF CLASSIC TEES UP OPPORTUNITIES FOR CCM STUDENTS The CCM Foundation hosted its annual President’s Golf Classic at Spring Brook Country Club on Monday, October 5. The event brought together alumni, community partners and supporters for a day of golf with a greater purpose: raising critical funds for student scholarships, programmatic support, enhanced campus resources, CCM Athletics and Foundation initiatives.

Crum & Forster, our 2026 Presidential Sponsor

Throughout the day, golfers enjoyed on-course contests and challenges while connecting with CCM student-athletes, including members of the college’s golf team, who shared firsthand how philanthropic support enhances their student experience. Thanks to the generosity of our Presidential Sponsor, Crum & Forster, along with the support of our returning and new sponsors, this year’s Golf Classic was another record-breaking success which helps create life-changing opportunities for CCM students and strengthen the future of the College.

Ben Charles, CCM student athlete and Jack Martin Scholarship recipient, gives remarks

County College of Morris Board of Trustees

County College of Morris Foundation

Paul R. Licitra, Chair

Board of Directors William K. McElroy ’83, Chair John P. Beyel, Vice Chair Edward F. Nelson ’72, Treasurer MJ Sully, Esq., Secretary Joseph G. Bilotti ’88, Faculty Representative Joe D’Auria Stephen Eulie ’81 Carol Fitzpatrick ’86 Robert Flynn Mari Marques-Thomas Patrick Migliaccio Everton Scott Eric Seguin Patrick Swaszek ’05 Wilson Vasquez Greg Volz ’94 Gil Zweig Eileen Paragano ’91, Emerita

Lauren C. Inganamort, Vice Chair Donna T. Pepe, Treasurer George J. Milonas ’98, Secretary Dr. Nancy H. Gartenberg Loretta Gragnani Dr. Barbara L. Hadzima Justin R. Lash James B. Loveys Hector H. Mislavsky Sebastian Perez Brid ’26, Alumni Trustee Sandra Geiger, Trustee Emerita W. Thomas Margetts, Trustee Emeritus

County College of Morris Administration Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President Karen VanDerhoof, CPA, Executive Vice President of Business and Finance Patrick J. Enright, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Workforce Development and Student Success

Foundation Staff Kelly L. Meola, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Melissa Albright, Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and Enrollment Management

Casey Dolan, Associate Director of Development Colleen McArdle ’87, Director of Special Events

Vivyen Ray, SHRM-SCP, Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations

Dara Sanchez, Communications and Data Coordinator

Kelly Fitzpatrick, Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness

Pamela Williams, Executive Administrative Assistant

Kelly L. Meola, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement Julian Gomez, Executive Director of Educational Opportunity Programs

www.ccm.edu

Morris County Board of County Commissioners Stephen H. Shaw, Commissioner Director John Krickus, Commissioner Deputy Director Douglas R. Cabana, Esq. Thomas J. Mastrangelo Christine Myers Tayfun Selen Deborah Smith

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