Nine members of Atlantic Cape Community College were honored during the annual President’s Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner this week.
The event was held at Careme’s, the student-run gourmet restaurant on the Mays Landing campus.
“It is an honor to share in the celebration of the impressive accomplishments of this year’s President’s Distinguished Alumni award recipients," Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba said. "These nine highly accomplished and inspiring individuals join our growing list of Distinguished Alumni who continue to serve as wonderful ambassadors of Atlantic Cape while doing great work, both professionally and philanthropically, in their communities.”
The President’s Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2010 and is presented to Atlantic Cape graduates who have made significant contributions in their professional field, community and/or through humanitarian service.
William Davenport
Class of 1984
Wayne Davenport served four years in the United States Marine Corps and is a retired 24-year former captain of the Wildwood Fire Department.
He also served as a Wildwood commissioner, president and vice president of the Wildwood Board of Education, and as City of Wildwood Emergency Management coordinator.
“Studying fire science while actually putting out fires allowed me to serve the community in a more efficient and effective way, and I learned that right here (at Atlantic Cape)," he said. "Receiving this recognition allows me to bring attention to the various projects that I'm involved with and hopefully create some interest for others to follow.”
Wayne Richter
Class of 1976
Wayne Richter has more than 45 years of professional accounting and finance experience in casinos and hotels to public utilities and nonprofits.
He recently retired from his position of CFO at Cape Atlantic Integrated Network for Kids. Richter has also been a senior adjunct instructor in accounting at Atlantic Cape since 1986.
“Fifty years ago, I was a student here," he said. "I was this shy, timid young man who didn't know what he wanted to do with his future, so I signed up for a Principles of Accounting class with Professor John Hall. Mr. Hall was an amazing professor and he taught me to love accounting.
"Not only did he teach me to love accounting, but he also gave me the motivation and the desire to succeed, and I took that motivation with me through my undergraduate graduate degree, and he convinced me that I could have a future and a career in accounting and finance," he continued. "I am proud of my career in accounting and finance, and it all started right here.”
Indira Santiago
Class of 2013
Indira Santiago began her educational journey at Atlantic Cape as a non-traditional student balancing motherhood, a full-time career and financial uncertainty.
She earned her associate degree from Atlantic Cape, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and a master’s degree from Temple University. She has built a successful 15-year career in marketing.
“I'm so grateful to all my Atlantic Cape professors for supporting me, but in particular, I am very thankful to the late Dr. Peter Mora. His encouragement and leadership really helped guide me," she said. "He was so kind and so thoughtful.
"It was not easy being a student in my 30s, being a mom, working full-time. It’s having people believe in you and Dr. Mora was somebody who cared and I felt that throughout my life," she added. "That's what I love about Atlantic Cape.”
Jean Haspel
Class of 1986
Jean Haspel is a 40-year healthcare professional in Atlantic County. She has mentored many colleagues and fellow Atlantic Cape students and alumni, and is currently a nurse practitioner at AtlantiCare.
“The courses I studied at Atlantic Cape prepared me for a lifetime of learning in nursing," she said. "They inspired me to further my education and to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in the science of nursing.”
Rita Rothberg
Class of 1991
Rita Rothberg has been affiliated with the Cape May County Clerk’s Office since 1985 and was elected county clerk in 2005, a position she maintains today.
She is also the chair of the Cape Women’s Resource Fund.
“When I started here in 1981, being a student at Atlantic Cape was an experience that opened my whole mind to the world around me of what was possible," she said. "As I grew as an adult in my life and career working full-time, I grew along with it. Atlantic Cape was a tremendous experience.”
Eric Scheffler
Class of 1990
Eric Scheffler, who was unable to attend, is currently the executive director of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
He spent 28 years in law enforcement as lieutenant with the Atlantic City Police Department and two terms as Atlantic County sheriff.
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.
Harrison Furman
Class of 2013
Harrison Furman, who also was unable to attend, has served as an alumni representative on the Board of Trustees for Atlantic Cape and as a trustee on the Atlantic Cape Foundation Board.
Patrick Reidy
Class of 2015
Patrick Reidy graduated from Atlantic Cape with honors and currently teaches chemistry at Atlantic County Institute of Technology.
He is an adjunct professor at Atlantic Cape. He also is an advisor for the ACIT Science Club.
Ahmet Sahingoz
Class of 2019
Ahmet Sahingoz earned two associate degrees at Atlantic Cape and served as the 2019-20 academic year’s alumni representative on the college’s Board of Trustees.
He currently serves on the Foundations’ Board since 2020 and is the president of the Alumni Association Executive Council. He is a senior finance analyst at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
“Being a part of the foundation’s Board of Trustees is one of the greatest honors of my life," he said. "So many great things happened since I joined the foundation. I have met so many incredible people that have mentored me, helped me and guided me to be where I am today.”
The Distinguished Alumni Award Selection Committee reviews all candidates and selects the award recipients.
CLICK HERE for full Distinguished Alumni Award recipient bios and a list of previous awardees, as well.
