West Windsor, N.J. -- At an event that brings together Mercer County Community College's high achieving students and the donors who help to make their education possible, there were smiles, handshakes and applause all around. Approximately 240 guests filled the cafeteria on the West Windsor campus for the Annual Continuing Student Recognition Ceremony Oct. 18. A total of 136 students received scholarships, with 10 students receiving two awards.

Addressing the large crowd that included family members, faculty, MCCC Foundation Board members, college administrators and staff, MCCC President Patricia C. Donohue emphasized that the students selected for these scholarships are some of the college's most motivated learners, ones who often make major sacrifices to attend college. She congratulated them and the families who support their efforts.

Dr. Donohue also singled out Mercer's long list of generous donors. "Our donors recognize the vital role of education in improving lives," she said. "Through your support, all of you play a role in helping these students learn and succeed." MCCC Foundation Board members, under the leadership of Chair E. Karen Kennedy, were recognized as well.

Presenters included Dr. Guy Generals, vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Robin Schore, dean of Liberal Arts, and Dr. Linda Martin, dean of Math, Science and Health Professions. Also participating were program coordinators and other faculty members, and a number of corporate and private donors who had an opportunity to meet their student recipients.

Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of the first Jim and Fannie Floyd Scholarship to adult student Gwendolyn Alexander, who accepted her award accompanied by her grandson. The endowed scholarship, funded by the Floyds' large network of friends, honors the couple for their charitable activities in the region over many years. Mr. Floyd currently serves as chair of the MCCC Foundation's Nominating and Governance Committee.

A unique tradition at Mercer is the Chef Jacket Partnership Scholarships. This year, nine restaurants and food service companies contributed to the program. The scholarships cover the cost of chef whites, as well as additional college expenses. Each jacket is inscribed with the donor's logo and the student's name. Participating companies include Blue Bottle Cafe, Duncan Hines, Elements, Mercer Oaks Catering, RC Fine Foods, Sysco Foods, Terra Momo Restaurant Group, Wegmans Food Markets and Vlasic. Merrill Lynch and several private scholarship funds provided support for four additional hospitality students.

Architecture students also benefitted from the major generosity of donors. Ten students earned Architecture Scholarships, an endowment effort spearheaded in the 1990s by retired architect and Foundation Board member Jamil E. Faridy and MCCC's former Dean of Arts and Communications, Dr. David Levin. Mr. Faridy also funds a scholarship awarded annually in his name. The David R. Fraytak Scholarship, established by architect and MCCC alumnus John Veisz, honors Mr. Fraytak for his many years of service with Fraytak Veisz Hopkins Duthie P.C.

More information about giving opportunities at Mercer is available at the MCCC Foundation webpage here.

Read alumni success stories here.

Long-time supporter Susan Colavita presents the James J. Colavita Memorial Scholarship to Fine Arts student Ian Everson.

Professor Emeritus Charles Prettyman, fifth from left, presents Professor Emeriti Scholarships to, from left, Maria Dasana, Linda Cruzeta and Dana Boso. They are pictured with Vice President Guy Generals, far left, and President Patricia C. Donohue.

Adult student Pamalli Prather, left, accepts the Ronald J. Kopcho Scholarship from Nadia Kopcho, third from left, and her family. The scholarship is presented annually in memory of Mrs. Kopcho's late husband, the former dean of the Liberal Arts Division and professor of Psychology.

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