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.