Spring 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS

Alumni Reunion Weekend

October 18 & 19     
            

    

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Women’s Leadership Panel

On March 20, 2013, a distinguished panel of women participated in an interactive discussion that highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced by female business and community leaders. 

Panelists (left to right):

• Anne FitzSimmons, Assistant Chief, White Plains Department of Public Safety
• Christine Connolly, PhD, Health Services Faculty, Berkeley College.
• Cheryl Hutin Lavery ‘84, Head of Human Resources for BAM (Build America Mutual Assurance Company) and Berkeley’s 2013 Alumni of the Year for NY
• Moderated by Dallas Reed, PhD, Associate Vice President, Student Development and Campus Life.

Attendees included alumni and current students, including national honors society students.

Alumni of the Year

Each year, two alumni that have distinguished themselves in their professional and personal lives are chosen for the Alumni of the Year award. The award is presented at the annual commencement ceremony, held this year on April 26.

2013 Awardees:

Donna Boles ‘72
Sr. Vice President Human Resources, Becton Dickinson

Donna Boles joined Becton Dickinson in 1973 and took on positions of increasing responsibility before becoming vice president, human resources for BD Medical, the organization’s largest business segment, in 2001.

Ms. Boles has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morris, Bergen, Sussex & Passaic, Inc. since 2005 where she currently holds the position of Vice-Chair of the Board. She has also served on the Board of the Center for Human Resource Strategy at Rutgers University and as a member of the HR Advisory Councils of the Conference Board. Ms. Boles is a member of the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) and the Executive Leadership Council.

Cheryl Hutin Lavery ‘84
Head of Human Resources, Build America Mutual Assurance Company (BAM)

After spending a few years in the fashion industry during turbulent times for the field, Cheryl was recruited by her headhunting firm and her career in human resources began. In 2011, after 25 years in the field, she was invited to lead human resources efforts for a new company, BAM.

In additional to her professional accomplishments, Cheryl has devoted significant time to mentoring and literacy programs in New York City and was a speaker at Berkeley’s Women’s Leadership Panel event.



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!

Celebrating Women's History Month at Berkeley College

"Women’s Leadership: Reflections, Insight, and Wisdom”

To celebrate Women’s History Month, Alumni Relations was honored to host, “Women’s Leadership: Reflections, Insight, and Wisdom”, an interactive panel discussion with distinguished guests and invited alumni.  President Cortes welcomed everyone to the event and spoke about the importance of celebrating  women in leadership roles. 

Left to right:  Marie-Yolaine Eusebe, Dr. Dario Cortes,
Cecilia Garcia '85, Dr. Deborah Berebichez, Liz Ngongi, Laura Jewell

Panelists:

Cecilia Garcia, 1985 Berkeley College graduate and Vice President, Investment Management Division, Goldman Sachs

Deborah Berebichez, PhD, physicist, author, and media personality; Senior Associate in Equity Analytics, MSCI Barra

Marie-Yolaine Eusebe, Founder, "Firestarter" and CEO, Community2Community

Liz Ngonzi, international educator, speaker, and 2011-2012 Entrepreneur-In-Residence, Cornell University Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship

Laura Jewell, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, moderated the panel discussion and asked each panelist to define their style of leadership and provide leadership advice to the audience. 

The panelists shared inspirational stories about breaking boundaries to become leaders in their fields and spoke about the leaders (women and men) who have inspired them throughout their lives and careers.  The night ended with a lively question and answer session.

The event was attended by twenty five alumni, students, and guests, in New York City. 

Berkeley College Celebrates Women's History Month

Using Social Media in Your Job Search Workshops

On February 8th, Berkeley College Alumni attended free workshops on using social media in the job search process. 

In New York, Amy Soricelli, Director of Alumni Career Services presented a workshop on the Benefits and Features of using Linkedin.com for networking and job search assistance. Linkedin.com is considered an invaluable source for connecting with industry leaders and the workshop was designed to remove the fear and provide tips for easy use!

In New Jersey, Angie Welchert, Director of Social Media presented a workshop on using social media as a job search tool. Use facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogs to research, connect, and engage a potential employer.

Are you on facebook and Linkedin?

Join the Berkeley Alumni pages!www.facebook.com/#!/berkeleycollegealumni                                                               www.linkedin.com/groups



Berkeley College Alumni Holiday Party

THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US! 

We had a wonderful time at the Alumni Holiday Networking Party in
New York December 2011. 

Berkeley unveils 80th Anniversary Legacy Timeline

2011 marks Berkeley College’s 80th anniversary and is celebrating 80 years of changing lives. Throughout the year special events will commemorate this occasion and a special 3D wall exhibit has been created and will be displayed at each campus that highlights Berkeley College’s achievements over the past eight decades. A virtual timeline is also planned. The Leadership Berkeley Class of 2010 conceived the idea for the timeline which was expanded upon by the 80th Anniversary Committee to its present form.

The 9-panel exhibit traces the 80-year Berkeley College history from its inception with The Berkeley Schools in East Orange, NJ, in 1931 and the Graybar Building near Grand Central Station, NY, in 1936, until today. The Brooklyn Campus Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, the Newark Campus 5th Anniversary Celebration, and the New York City Campus Howard Newhouse Dedication highlighted the unveiling of the timeline exhibit.

Berkeley alumni gather for a happy hour at The Stag's Head, NYC

On Thursday, June 23, 2011, 15 alumni gathered at The Stag's Head bar and grill in Manhattan for a happy hour.  "I had a great time and I'm sure the other Berkeley College alumni did also," said Karen Venzen '05.

"We have thousands of alumni who live right here in New York City, so I'm not surprised we had a good turnout," said Michael Smullen, Director of Alumni Relations.  "Happy hours are a great way to network, but they are also a great way to meet friends you haven't seen in a while, or make new friends."

Alumni in attendance enjoyed two free drinks and hors d'ouevres on the rooftop of The Stag's Head.

You can see photos from the event below.

June 23, 2011 - Alumni Happy Hour at The Stag's Head, NYC

Berkeley hosts a panel on Franchise Business Development for students and alumni

Nearly 50 students, alumni and associates attended the Franchise Business Development panel on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the Garret Mountain Campus.  Attendees heard from Dr. Frank Khoury, professor of Business Management and former owner of a chain of 7-11 franchises; Carol McManus, founder of Ywait4success and former head of a $20 million Realogy franchise; and Mitchell Kassoff, a lawyer specializing in franchise law.  Dr. John Rapanos, Dean of the Business School, moderated the event.  A networking reception was held at the event’s conclusion.  Thirty-six students, three alumni, and several faculty and associates attended the event.

May 25, 2011 - Starting Your Own Franchise

Berkeley alumni Sebiena Davis '00 and Daniel Saynt '04 participated as guests panelists at Fashion Entrepreneur panel

Fifty students, alumni and associates attended a Fashion Entrepreneurs Panel on Wednesday, May 4 at the Princeton Club, NYC.  Attendees heard from Sebiena Davis ’00, Chief Designer for FME Productions; Alan Kosa, owner of Alan Kosa Interiors; Justin Pettress, owner of DreemzDenim; and Daniel Saynt ’04, Chief Marketing Officer of Rebecca Minkoff and Co-Founder of FashionIndie.  Professor Wayne Bruce of the Fashion department moderated the event.  A networking reception was held at the event’s conclusion.  Twenty-three students, fifteen alumni, two guests and several faculty and associates attended the event.

You can see photos from the event below.

May 4, 2011 - Alumni Fashion Entrepreneurs

Busingye Matsiko-Andan '04 and Eduardo Perez '99 honored as Alumni of the Year at Berkeley College Commencement

Berkeley College honored Busingye Matsiko-Andan '04 and Eduardo Perez '99 as Alumni of the Year at the 2011 Commencement Ceremony.  Held at the IZOD Center, Busingye and Eduardo received awards honoring their professional accomplishments and contributions.

Read the press releases below.

BERKELEY COLLEGE HONORS BUSINGYE MATSIKO-ANDAN
AS NEW YORK ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

 

BERKELEY COLLEGE HONORS EDUARDO PEREZ AS
NEW JERSEY ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

Berkeley Alumni Gather for Bermuda Reception

On Friday, April 29, 2011, the Departments of Alumni Relations and International Admissions partnered to support Berkeley College's first international alumni reception.  Twenty-one alumni attended the social gathering, which was held at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo in Flatt's Village, Bermuda.

"The venue was beautiful and everyone really had a good time.  I couldn't get enough "thank yous" from them as they were glad to be part of it," said Yaruby Petit-Frere, Associate Director for International Admissions.  "They left motivated to get together again and plan more events.  Many expressed interest in coming back to complete their degrees online, or had family members they would refer to Berkeley."

You can see photos from the event at the link below.

April 29, 2011 - Bermuda Alumni Happy Hour

By: Berkeley College Alumni Association Official Page

Berkeley Alumni Help to Raise Over $800 for MS Research

Thanks to alumni support, Berkeley College raised more than $800 for multiple sclerosis research at the 2011 MS Walk at Graydon Pool in Ridgewood, NJ.  Special thanks to more than a dozen team members, including Berkeley alumni and associates, who donated to support MS research and made the walk a success.

This event is part of the College's efforts to raise $80,000 for charity during the 80th Anniversary Celebration.  If you are interested in other upcoming charity and 80th Anniversary events, please visit http://www.berkeleycollege.edu/80th/index.htm.

Brooklyn Alumni Share Their Thoughts at Alumni Focus Group

On Wednesday, April 13, Berkeley alumni gathered at the new Brooklyn Campus to discuss their thoughts and experiences with Michael Smullen, Director of Alumni Relations.

Participants discussed their memories of attending the College, programs and services about which they wanted more information, best ways to hear Berkeley news, and what alumni programs they felt would be beneficial to their connection with the College.

Take our survey and participate in our online focus group today!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XRNDLQZ

Q&A with Rosemarie Berman, Director of Corporate Learning Partnerships

Rosemarie, thanks for agreeing to speak with us! First, please tell us a little about yourself.

I joined Berkeley College a little over two years ago as Director of Career Services for the Online Campus. I moved to my current role as Director of the Corporate Learning Partnership program in April of last year. In this most recent position, I am responsible for building relationships with companies to assist them with their employee development initiatives and the investment in their own future success by developing a better educated workforce. 

Message from the Alumni Director

Hello!  Two months into the new year, I am proud to say that the Berkeley College alumni network is growing stronger every day.  The Official Berkeley College Network on LinkedIn has more than 843 members, and our Facebook page has grown to more than 550 fans.  I can’t stress those numbers enough – whether you are a job seeker or a current student, retired or transitioning to a new career, the Berkeley College alumni network is the best place to make connections for professional advancement.

Alumni Celebrate 2011 in Hasbrouck Heights

On January 20, more than 20 recent alumni and friends visited the Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Inn to meet, chat and celebrate the new year.

“It was a great time,” said Michael Smullen, Director of Alumni Relations.  “This was a great chance for alumni to come out and have a good time, see old friends and make new ones.  I look forward to doing more events like this in the future.”

See photos from the event.

Career Advice from Amy Soricelli, Director of Alumni Placement

Tips for using LinkedIn to get your resume noticed

I recently spoke with an alum who was searching for her profile on LinkedIn. She told me that she had just completed a search using her zip code along with a keyword search, but her profile only appeared on the 10th page. I let her know that it wasn’t a question of popularity, but I resolved to find out why she wasn’t ranked higher.

Q&A with Brian Maher, Director of Athletics at Berkeley College

If you haven’t already heard about Berkeley’s new athletic teams, you will soon.  From soccer dominance in the Hudson Valley Athletic Conference to celebrating the first season of Women’s Basketball in New York, the Knights are blazing new trails for Berkeley College.

We asked Brian Maher, Athletics Director for Berkeley College, a few questions about how he and his staff have created such stunning successes. 

Thanks for sitting down with us, Brian.  How long have you served as Athletics Director at Berkeley?
I have been at Berkeley for five years.  I was named Athletics Director in February, 2008.  Before that, I worked in the Student Development and Alumni Relations Departments.

Happy Holidays from Berkeley College!

As we bid goodbye to 2010, we can look forward with excitement to 2011! Berkeley College will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary, with a theme of “Changing Lives”! There are many events planned for the upcoming year to which you will be invited. I encourage you to check out http://www.berkeleycollege.edu/80th/ to read more about Berkeley’s history, and discover our path to the future.

The holidays are a wonderful season for giving, and Berkeley College alumni exemplify this spirit. In this issue, you will read about Micki Sander ’54, an alumna who has dedicated her time and energy to helping the children of fallen servicemembers. You will also read about new developments in Berkeley’s athletics program as we speak with Brian Maher, Athletics Director. And don't miss our note from Amy Soricelli, Director of Alumni Placement, who has offered some tips for effective job-searching during the holiday season.

Finally, we will be celebrating the opening of Berkeley College’s new campus in Brooklyn, NY! The campus is now open, I encourage you to read more about the campus and COO Conrad Walker.

Have a wonderful holiday season! See you in the new year!