Berkeley College Alumni News Summer 2012

Return - Reconnect - Rediscover 

Dear Alumni & Friends,


Jennifer E. Porter
Director of Alumni Relations

I am delighted to share the latest alumni news from Berkeley College.

The Alumni Relations Office is working hard to offer engaging events and programs, and I encourage you to learn about upcoming activities and participate in the Alumni Association.

I joined the College in May, and I’ve spent the last few weeks learning about the Berkeley community, our heritage and our programs. The College has transformed itself over its 81 year history, yet all Berkeley alumni have a shared experience shaped by our commitment to exceptional career education.

After Berkeley, graduates have access to career counseling and job search services, networking opportunities and continuing education. We also offer social events that exist for no other reason than having fun!

I look forward to talking with as many of you as possible in the coming weeks and months. Together, we can strengthen the alumni community and contribute to the College’s central purpose – educating, guiding, and empowering students for lives of achievement.

Jennifer E. Porter
Director of Alumni Relations

Alumni Events

The Berkeley College Alumni Association had a busy spring calendar full of fun and informative events aimed at creating opportunities for the alumni community to return, reconnect, and rediscover Berkeley.

Many of you have come back to the College after years of being away. We hope you will continue to join us for future events throughout the year and for Alumni Reunion Weekend, September 21-22, 2012.

MARCH 2012 - WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP PANEL

In March, the Alumni Association celebrated Women’s History Month with an interactive panel discussion, “Women’s Leadership: Reflections, Insight, and Wisdom.”The event was attended by twenty-five alumni, students, and guests in New York City.

Left to right:  Marie-Yolaine Eusebe,
Dario A. Cortes, PhD, President, Berkeley College
Cecilia Garcia, Deborah Berebichez, Liz Ngonzi, and
Laura Jewell, Assistant Vice President,
Institutional Advancement

The distinguished panelists included Cecilia Garcia, ‘85 Vice President, Investment Management Division, Goldman Sachs; Deborah Berebichez, PhD, physicist, author, and media personality; Marie-Yolaine Eusebe, Founder and CEO, Community2Community; and Liz Ngonzi, 2012 Entrepreneur-In-Residence, Cornell University.

The panelists discussed breaking boundaries to become leaders in their fields. Alumni and friends in attendance were encouraged to share stories of leaders who have inspired them throughout their lives.


APRIL 2012 - ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARDS

During the 2012 commencement ceremony, the Alumni Association honored two distinguished honorees with the Alumni of the Year Award. This award is an important recognition of alumni who have proven a dedication to the College as well as accomplishments in their career and personal endeavors.

Congratulations to the 2012 honorees!


Left to right:  Dario A. Cortes, PhD, President, Berkeley College,
 Etta Rudolf Denk '83, Laura Jewell, Assistant Vice President,
 Institutional Advancement, and Cecilia Garcia '85

From New York we honored Cecilia Garcia '85.

Ms. Garcia graduated from Berkeley with an A.A.S. Professional Secretarial degree and is currently Vice President, Investment Management Division at Goldman Sachs, a global investment bank in New York City.

The Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Ms. Garcia is joining us as the incoming President of the Alumni Leadership Council. In this role, Cecilia will help guide the Council and determine strategic goals for the Association.

From New Jersey we honored Etta Rudolf Denk '83.

Ms. Denk received her Executive Secretarial Diploma from Berkeley and went on to receive her B.A. in Urban Studies from Rutgers University. Ms. Denk is currently Senior Vice President - NJ Market Manager at Bank of America. She is a resident of Maplewood, New Jersey and is an active member and volunteer in numerous non-profit organizations across New Jersey.

Etta will represent the Alumni Association on the 2015-2020 Berkeley College Strategic Planning Committee, which will convene in the fall of 2012.


MAY - COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

On Friday, May 11, more than 350 Berkeley College associates and 14 alumni volunteered their service at organizations in New York and New Jersey as part of the third annual Berkeley College Community Service Day.

“Berkeley College has a long tradition of serving organizations in the local and global community,” said Dario A. Cortes, PhD, Berkeley College President. “Community Service Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to the communities where we work and live.”

This was the first year that Community Service Day included alumni volunteers. We thank everyone who gave their time.

JUNE - SALSA DANCE AND CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS

On June 13, we celebrated summer with a salsa dance and networking event. Twenty-five alumni and friends perfected their dance steps with acclaimed choreographer Arial Pichardo and Berkeley's own Tami Maurer, Coordinator of Veterans Support Services.

On June 20, Alumni Relations partnered with the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce for a career discussion and networking event at Woodland Park entitled "Finding a Job in a Changing Marketplace." This free event included lunch and opportunities for introductions to over 30 local business leaders, Chamber members, and alumni.


SEPTEMBER - ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND

Alumni Reunion Weekend
2011

SAVE THE DATE! Alumni Reunion Weekend is scheduled for September

21-22 in New York and New Jersey.

Reunion Weekend is the highlight of our annual event calendar and is an opportunity for all alumni to return to the College, reconnect with faculty and friends, and rediscover all that Berkeley College has to offer.

Weekend events will include educational and career workshops, panels and seminars, and receptions. Whether this is your 50th anniversary or first, we hope you will join us.

Berkeley College News

Larry L. Luing School of Business

On June 15, 2012, Berkeley College officially renamed the School of Business the Larry L. Luing School of Business after the former President and Chairman of the Board. Larry L. Luing became President of Berkeley College in 1969. Through his vision and leadership, The Berkeley School was transformed into a regionally accredited coeducational college awarding Bachelor's and Associate's degrees with a solid reputation locally, nationally, and around the globe.


Left to right: Glen Zeitzer, PhD, Provost; Cynthia C. Marchese, Vice President, International; Dario A. Cortes, PhD,  President; John Rapanos, DPS, CFP, Dean, Larry L. Luing School of Business; Kevin L. Luing, Board Chairman; Larry L. Luing, former Berkeley College President and Chariman Emeritus; Timothy D. Luing, Trustee. Brian D. Luing, Trustee; and Randy B. Luing, Board Vice Chairman



Woodland Park Renaissance

The Woodland Park (formally Garret Mountain) location is undergoing extensive renovations over the next year. Completed renovations include a new entrance featuring a stone-wall and electronic signage.

Alumni Relations is now sharing space with Career Services on the lower level of Building 1. Current students who visit Career Services can also learn about a range of alumni benefits, including career counseling. We encourage you to visit if you are in the area!

News and Notes – Reconnect with your fellow alumni

Do you have something you want to share with Berkeley? A promotion, a wedding, a new baby? The Alumni Association wants to know! Share your news, updates, and professional accomplishments in Berkeley’s class notes. Email alumni@berkeleycollege.edu.

Social Networking

The Berkeley College Alumni Facebook and LinkedIn pages are also a wonderful way to keep up to date with your fellow alumni and learn about events throughout the year. Join today!