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MCCC Celebrates
Student Achievement and
Donor Generosity at Recognition Ceremony
10/5/10
West
Windsor, N.J. --In an event that celebrated both the academic
achievements of students and the generosity of donors, Mercer
County Community College welcomed approximately 250 guests
to the Student Center for the Continuing Student Recognition
Ceremony on Sept. 28. In addition to scholarship recipients
and their family members, Foundation Board members, administrators,
faculty, staff, and donors came out in force in support of
education.
A total of 109 students were awarded scholarships, with eight
receiving two awards. Close to 40 corporate and private donors
presented scholarships in person to deserving students.
Addressing the large gathering, President Patricia C. Donohue
noted how proud the college is of students who make the most
of what Mercer has to offer. And she expressed her sincere
gratitude to the donors who provide vital assistance to students.
"We are so indebted to all of you present - donors, parents,
friends, faculty and staff, who help to make our work of teaching
and student success possible."
Long-time donor Joan Mainzer, who established the John M.
Mainzer III Memorial Scholarship 18 years ago in memory of
her son, Jack (A.A.S. Fire Science '80) said that this annual
event is very meaningful for her. "My son was a dedicated
fireman, who was preparing to pursue his doctorate when he
was diagnosed with cancer. Helping Fire Science students get
their education would be his wish," Mainzer said. Fire
Science student Wayne Hannon, the recipient of the Mainzer
scholarship, is already serving his community as a member
of the Lawrence Road Fire Company, and has both his Emergency
Medical Technician and Firefighter 1 certificates from the
state.
Also in attendance was the family of former Business Division
Dean Fred Anker, which established a scholarship in his memory
following his death in 1987. Noted wife Phyllis, "We're
glad it is a legacy in his memory. He was here when the school
was built. MCCC was a very important part of his life."
Starting as a purchasing agent in the 1960s, Anker held several
administrative posts, taught business classes and served as
advisor for funeral science students. Mrs. Anker, a retired
school librarian, explains that she continues to give each
year in honor of family members' birthdays. "Education
is the future for our country," she said.
Recipient of the Anker scholarship was Cheryl Jeffrey, who
also received an award from PNC Bank. "It's a huge honor
to receive both scholarships," Jeffrey said. "It
makes a big difference for me as an older student going back
to school." With a background in both administration
and sales, Jeffrey plans to transfer to The College of New
Jersey to study management after graduating from Mercer.
Sam deTuro, representing the Marquand Park Foundation, presented
horticulture scholarships to four students, Cynthia Begue,
Sean Cox, Louis Kiesling and Sean Clayton. "We are very
enthused about Mercer students," he said. Recipient Cynthia
Begue, a military retiree, is equally enthusiastic about her
Mercer experience. "I love it here. Everyone is so helpful."
Begue is grateful for the Marquand scholarship, which covered
the cost of her books.
Thanks to the college's unique partnership with restaurants
and food service companies, 11 students studying Hotel, Restaurant
and Institution Management were recipients of Chef Jacket
Partnership Scholarships, which cover costs for chefs whites,
as well as additional college costs. Observed presenter Suzanne
Maxwell, a sales manager for Barilla Pasta, "Barilla
always looks to partner with up-and-coming chefs in the workplace.
We show them how our products work for them. It's all about
cooking, networking and marketing." In addition to Barilla,
this year's donor group includes Blue Bottle Café,
Flavor Dynamics Inc., Grover's Mill Coffee, KatManDu, Mercer
Oaks Catering, PIM Brands, RC Fine Foods, Sysco Foods, Terra
Momo Group and Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Robyn Kohn, a representative of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc.,
presented Dr. Paul Janssen Memorial Scholarships to two nursing
students, Vi Ngoc Hoang and Justin Framolaro. Kohn notes that
Janssen is truly committed to giving back to the community,
and supporting scholarship programs at MCCC are an excellent
way to do that.
"We recognize the importance of giving students the opportunity
to pursue all they wish in terms of career development,"
Kohn said. "Nursing is such a versatile profession, with
educators, counselors and healthcare providers who give so
much of themselves."
Michael Leuthy, assistant vice president and branch manager
at Roma Bank, presented scholarships to Nadia Gabsi and Christopher
Randolph, also pursuing careers in nursing. According to Leuthy,
Roma Bank has been a strong supporter of Mercer since the
1960s. "What better way to give back than to support
the pursuit of education? That's what Roma Bank is all about.
Giving is part of our being. We are compelled to do this to
make a difference."
Learn
more about contributing to learning and student success at
the MCCC Foundation webpage here.
Read alumni
success stories here.
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Presenting
the John M. Mainzer III Memorial Scholarship, from left, President
Patricia Donohue, Fire Science Coordinator Scott Loh, donor
Joan Mainzer (mother of Jack Mainzer), student Wayne Hannon
and Vice President for Academic Affairs Guy Generals.
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Presenting
the Fred Anker Memorial Award, from left, President Patricia
Donohue, Larry Anker (son of Fred Anker), student Cheryl Jeffrey
and Vice President for Academic Affairs Guy Generals.
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Presenting
the Chef Jacket Partnership Scholarships, from left, Chef
Anthony Todaro (RC Fine Foods), President Patricia Donohue,
faculty member Frank Benowitz, presenter Suzanne Maxwell (Barilla
Pasta), student Christopher Santiago, Chef Christopher Albrecht
(Terra Momo Restaurant Group, executive chef of EnoTerra),
student James Han, HRIM Program Coordinator Doug Fee, students
Thomas Bernhard, Christine Cirkus, Minerva DeCarlo, Daniel
Santiago,and David Aust, and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Guy Generals.
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Presenting
the Dr. Paul Janssen Memorial Scholarships, from left, President
Patricia Donohue, Robyn Kohn of Janssen, nursing student Vi
Ngoc Hoang, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Guy Generals.
Not pictured: student Justin Framolaro.
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Presenting
the Marquand Park Foundation Scholarships, from left, President
Patricia Donohue, Sam deTuro (Marquand Park), students Cynthia
Begue, Sean Cox, Louis Kiesling and Sean Clayton, and Vice
President for Academic Affairs Guy Generals.
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Presenting
the Roma Bank Scholarships, from left, President Patricia
Donohue, presenter Michael Leuthy of Roma Bank,students Nadia
Gabsi and Christopher Randolph, and Vice President for Academic
Affairs Guy Generals.
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