Trusted Local News

Atlantic Cape seeks distinguished alumni nominees

  • Atlantic County

2019 Recipients are Chad Affrunti '05, James Hennessey '00, Deputy Chief James Sarkos '96, and Nathan Evans, Jr '15.
Bottom row from left: Freeholder E. Marie Hayes '79, Toshira Maldonado-McIntosh '08, Atlantic Cape president Dr. Barbara Gaba, Felix Contreras-Castro '14, and Bert Lopez '81.

MAYS LANDING - Atlantic Cape Community College is seeking nominations for its annual Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Achievement Awards.

The college unveiled the President's Distinguished and Young Alumni Wall of Honor in J-Building during a ceremony Dec. 12. The Wall of Honor, located in a busy corridor that links J-Building with the Student Center, was made possible with a donation from the Estate of Patricia J. Ogle. It includes the names of those alumni who have made important contributions to the college and the community.

Past recipients include former Ventnor Mayor Beth Holtzman, a 1982 graduate who received the award in 2020, and Ventnor Commissioner Maria Mento, a 1977 graduate who was inducted in 2018.

Alumni are one of our most important stakeholder groups here at Atlantic Cape. They support the ongoing efforts to fulfill the college's mission through giving back with their time, talent and treasure, Atlantic Cape President Barbara Gaba said in a release. As our students walk by this Wall of Honor we hope that they are inspired to succeed when they see the faces of our distinguished alumni and they realize that their success will truly come in time with hard work.

Atlantic Cape Foundation Executive Director Jean McAlister said she hopes the diverse group of honorees will inspire the next generation of leaders.

The President's Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2010 to recognize Atlantic Cape graduates who have made significant contributions through a combination of professional, academic and community-based accomplishments, and have also remained committed to supporting the college, its mission and students. Meanwhile, the Young Alumni Achievement Award is bestowed upon a graduate who is 40 years or younger and has excelled in his/her profession, made positive contributions to his/her community and remained connected to the college while supporting its mission and values.

Nominations for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni awards are being accepted through Monday, Jan. 26.

Visit atlanticcape.edu/alumniaward to nominate a deserving graduate for this year's award and view past honoree biographies.