Scholarship Gala Raises More Than
$200,000 for Student Success
Bergen Community College President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., and Bergen Community College Foundation Director/Chief Development Officer Peter Kirk thanked student ambassadors who volunteered their time at the gala.
The Bergen Community College Foundation hosted its inaugural Scholarship Gala on December 3 at The Venetian in Garfield, raising more than $200,000 for student scholarships.
More than 300 community leaders, elected officials, donors, faculty, staff, alumni and students attended the organization’s signature fundraising event, which recognized Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chair Kevin O’Toole, the Southpole Foundation and Dr. Hillel Ephros for their commitment to supporting education.
“I am incredibly proud of the Bergen Community College Foundation Board of Directors for their leadership and helping to make this event a success,” Foundation Board Chair Dan Foley said. “I am also grateful for the many donors who contributed through sponsorships, pledges and ticket purchases. These acts of generosity will literally transform our students’ lives through scholarships that allow them to pursue their academic aspirations.”
Celebrating the Impact of Scholarships
Event speakers included Bergen President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and students who have benefited from scholarships.
Friedman reflected on the importance of making higher education accessible for students facing financial hardship.
“We come together as supporters of Bergen Community College students who want to do better for themselves and their families,” Friedman said. “That’s the heart of the matter. We are a lifeline to people in our community. Pursuing the dream of a college education often takes a back seat when a student needs heat for their home, food for their family, or gas for their car to ensure they can drive to work.”
Honoring Leaders Who Champion Education
The evening recognized three honorees whose leadership and philanthropy have made a lasting impact on education and the community.
Community Torch Award
Kevin O’Toole received the Community Torch Award for his contributions as a regional leader, attorney and former elected official. In addition to his role as Port Authority chair, he founded and serves as a managing partner of O’Toole Scrivo, LLC. Among his elected positions, O’Toole led Cedar Grove as mayor and served multiple terms as a state assemblyman and senator.
Philanthropy Award
Representatives of the Southpole Foundation accepted the Philanthropy Award for their sustained efforts to support the College over the last two decades. Established in 2003 as the Khym Foundation, the organization supports underserved members of the New York and New Jersey community. The family behind the foundation also established the iconic Southpole streetwear brand in the 1990s.
Dedication to Education Award
Dr. Hillel Ephros received the Dedication to Education Award for his years of service as a Bergen dental hygiene faculty member and leader in the regional medical community. He directs the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson as chair of the Department of Dentistry and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery.
Recognizing Community Support
Elected officials from the County of Bergen, Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39) and Assemblymen Robert Auth (R-39) and John Azzariti (R-39), presented each of the honorees with legislative commendations.
The event was made possible through the support of more than two dozen sponsors, including the Perino Family Foundation, Russo Development, the Southpole Foundation, DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP, Daniel Foley, Ellucian, Holly Schepisi, Joel & Joel, LLP, the Marcello & Graziano Roviaro Foundation, Montana Construction, O’Toole Scrivo, Stephanie Jeanette-Reynolds and Reynolds Asset Management, Traphahen CPAs & Wealth Advisors, Veolia, ADP, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the Choi Family Foundation, Daniel Allen, In-Line Air Conditioning Co., the Judith Ehm Foundation, Judy Chang Law Firm, the Kamlaben & Raojibhai Patel Family Foundation, Mi Na Ahn, Novins, York, Jacobus & Dooley, Pharmasphere and RSC Architects.
Supporting Students Through the Bergen Foundation
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, the Bergen Community College Foundation awards student scholarships in amounts up to and including the full cost of tuition, fees and educational expenses to help students remain enrolled by reducing financial barriers to continuing at the College.
Donors support the Foundation through one-time gifts, endowments and grants. Contribute at Bergen.edu/donate.
About Bergen Community College
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College is a public two-year coeducational college enrolling more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst.
The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in New Jersey.