2021-2022 Scholarship Recognition Reception
October 27, 2021Berkeley College Foundation 2021 Scholarship Awards Recipient Event
On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, the Berkeley College Foundation (BCF) hosted its 2021 Scholarship Recipient Awards ceremony, recognizing the achievements of nine students, bestowing $9,000 in scholarship money for the fall 2021 semester. The recipients were selected based on demonstrating academic achievement, leadership skills, financial need, and compelling personal statements. This year’s group represent a full gamut of academic areas of study, including business, medical, health services, and interior and graphic design.
In adhering to COVID protocol, the event was scaled back, but despite capacity restrictions, the intimate gathering was filled with energy, inspiration, lively conversation, and plenty of laughter. Ellen Zitis, BCF Board Secretary, opened the ceremony by thanking all in attendance, including the scholarship recipients and their family members, event sponsor CohnReznick, the BCF Board Members, Berkeley College employees, and BCF staff member and co-host, Michael Iris, Assistant VP of Alumni Relations and Career Services. Powerful and moving speeches were given by Berkeley College alumnae and BCF Board Members Donna Boles, former Senior Vice President, Human Resources at BD and Nancy Robles, Chief Operating Officer/Compliance Officer, Eastern Funding. Both women stressed the value of education, perseverance, gaining strength through adversity, and the importance of giving back.
The 2021 Berkeley College Foundation Scholarship recipients honored at the event were:
Arlene Lopez
Medical Assistant
Evelyn Hopler
Medical Assistant
Karen Garcia
Interior Design
Makhi Rodney
Graphic Design
Rachelvy Tejada
Accounting
Vanessa Hernandez
Health Services Management
Victoria Rizzi
Interior Design
Linda Lozano
Jared Diaz-Palma
Business Administration
Since the program’s inception in 2018, the Berkeley College Foundation has provided scholarship funding to 35 students. As long as the student maintains eligibility, the $1,000 scholarship award per two semesters remains in effect for the duration of the student’s program. In addition, contributions from the Berkeley College Foundation assisted in establishing a Food Pantry at the Newark, NJ and New York City campuses for all students, and helped provide discounted MetroCards for eligible students to meet their transportation cost needs in New York City.
Any contribution amount to the Berkeley College Foundation is deeply valued, whether you are an alumnus, student, parent, friend, faculty member, or staff. We are grateful for your commitment to the BCF and its mission.