About Berkeley College Foundation

The mission of the Berkeley College Foundation (BCF) is to provide support and resources to students pursuing quality experiences in higher education. Scholarships are awarded to current and prospective students to help defray the cost of tuition and to enhance participation in educational enrichment activities. In addition, the BCF launched an on-campus food pantry at our Newark, New York City, and Woodland Park campuses, establishing a much-needed resource to address the growing economic and food insecurity challenge in higher education.

Based in New Jersey, the charitable organization received 501(c) 3 status in 2015.

Board of Directors

John Phillips

John Phillips

Chair

Andrew Fenster

Andrew Fenster

Board of Directors Member

Andrenaia Galeano

Andrenaia Giordano

Board of Directors Member

Tim Luing

Kevin Luing

Board of Directors Member

Warren J. Martin Jr.

Timothy Luing

Board of Directors Member

Melvin Montalvo

Melvin Montalvo

Board of Directors Member

Nancy Robles

Nancy Robles

Board of Directors Member

Rui Oliveira

Rui Oliveira

Board of Directors Member

Michael Lamendola

Michael Lamendola

Board of Directors Member

Jonathan Santiago

Jonathan Santiago

Board of Directors Member

Roshuana Bostwick

Roshauna Bostwick 

President of the Berkeley College Alumni Association

Diane Recinos

Diane Recinos, EdD

President of Berkeley College, Ex-officio

Donna Boles

Donna M. Boles

BCF Chair Emeritus, 2021-2022

History

2024
Since its inception, the Berkeley College Foundation has awarded $224,000 in scholarship money to 63 Berkeley College students.
Diverse students holding certificates against a plain background
2023
The BCF created a new Winter Semester Scholarship, awarded to up to five students annually. Nearly 600 individual students were served by our institution’s three campus food pantries.
Image of a food pantry
2022
The BCF opened its third college food pantry at the Woodland Park campus on September 14, 2022.
Multicultural business team standing together for a group picture at a corporate event
2021
The BCF opened its second college food pantry at the New York City campus on February 25, 2021.
Two women wearing protective gear supporting each other in a pantry setting
2019
The BCF opened its first college food pantry at the Newark campus on January 8, 2019.
A multicultural gathering of individuals standing in a room, interacting with each other
2018
The first Berkeley College Foundation Scholarship Recipient cohort of eight students received the award effective with the fall 2018 semester. The fall semester scholarship is awarded annually, for up to 10 students.
A diverse group of professionals smiling for a group photo at a business conference
2017
The BCF names John Phillips as its first Board Chair and Dario Cortez, PhD, as its first Executive Director.
The inaugural Berkeley College Foundation Annual Golf Outing, the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, took place on September 19, 2017.
Images of John Phillips and Dario Cortez
2015
Berkeley College Foundation (BCF) was formed as a nonprofit organization. The official launch ceremony took place on June 29, 2017 at the Woodland Park campus.
Berkeley College Foundation Logo

Officers

Ellen Zitis

Ellen Zitis

Executive Director

Michael Iris

Michael Iris

Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations & Career Services

Stephen Rutkowski

Stephen Rutkowski

Treasurer

Why I Give Back

Berkeley College has made an impact on our alumni in many ways, ranging from fostering cherished memories, career successes, developing skills, to learning lessons that will last a lifetime. Our alumni have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education, and many choose to give back to ensure future students have similar opportunities. Hear from your fellow alumni about why they support the Berkeley College Foundation.


Donna Boles

“My education at Berkeley College provided me with skills and knowledge that served as a foundation for my ultimate success as a corporate officer for a Fortune 500 company. However, I give back to Berkeley College because of how the College has grown in its outreach to those who desire an affordable education. I have had the pleasure of attending several scholarship dinners where the scholarship awardees and their families passionately testify as to what the scholarships mean to them. It makes me proud to have been a graduate of an organization that provides and finances educational opportunities not only to students graduating from high school but also to adults who are looking to expand their career opportunities.”

Headshot of Donna Boles

Kerry Maikranz

“I give back because of the opportunities that were afforded to me by Berkeley College. The courses, the professors, the associates, and the fellow students along the way all molded me into the person I am today. I want to continue to give back, so I can contribute to others in order for them to fulfill their educational dreams moving forward, as Berkeley College did for me.”

Headshot of Kerry Maikranz

Melvin Montalvo

“It's important for me to never forget those who helped me achieve my success in my career and life. Berkeley College has been an integral part of my journey, and I want to make sure I help those in need and those who want the help, as I once did. You can see the appreciation in the eyes of Berkeley College students today; I had it back then like they have it today. The Berkeley Spirit carries on! Berkeley students and alumni share a spirit to help others persevere to new heights! Giving back is just part of passing the baton for our future.”

Headshot of Melvin Montalvo

Miriam Resto-Ayala

“Since I became aware of the Berkeley College Foundation, making a donation was one of my ways of giving back to the Berkeley Community. I know some of the challenges students may face will have them question if college is for them. I give to the Berkeley College Foundation to 'PAY IT FORWARD!' hoping to give other students an opportunity to focus on their studies, not worry if they can afford to pay for tuition, study materials, or any other challenges college life may bring.”

Headshot of Miriam Resto-Ayala

Giving back isn’t just a gift – it’s a way to honor your journey. Making a gift to the Berkeley College Foundation is a powerful way to pay tribute to the experiences that shaped your life while helping future students thrive.

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