TOMS RIVER, N.J. – The Ocean County College Foundation is delighted to announce its annual Scholarship Celebration, to be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. on the Ocean County College main campus in Toms River.
This signature evening will bring together friends, supporters, and community leaders for an inspiring celebration featuring exceptional entertainment, a gourmet buffet, and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event directly advance the Foundation’s mission to expand access to education by providing scholarships and supporting transformative programs that empower students to pursue their academic and professional dreams.
“Education changes lives—and our community’s generosity makes it possible,” said Kenneth Malagiere, executive director of the OCC Foundation. “Each scholarship represents opportunity and belief in our students, and the Scholarship Celebration reminds us what we can achieve together when we invest in their future.”
“Community college students are amazing people who work, often multiple jobs, attend classes, participate in clubs, and often carry responsibilities for family and community,” said Dr. Pamela Monaco, president of Ocean County College. “The support the Foundation provides eases the burden on these students and allows them to worry less about making tuition payments. The Foundation provides the support that allows dreams to become reality.”
Each year, the Foundation proudly honors individuals and organizations whose dedication and service have left a lasting imprint on Ocean County College and the broader community. The Foundation is pleased to recognize the following distinguished honorees in 2026:
Linda Novak
In recognition of her decades of exceptional service to Ocean County College as a trustee of both the College Board and the Foundation Board. Her steadfast leadership, insight, and commitment have played a vital role in shaping the College’s continued success.
Paul Chalakani
For his extraordinary contributions to the arts at OCC as director of the OCC Repertory Theatre Company, College Lecturer II, and program chair of Performing Arts–Theatre. His passion and creativity have enriched campus life and inspired generations of students.
Kean University and the Kean Ocean Partnership
In celebration of their enduring support of the Foundation, the College, and the Ocean County community, and in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Kean Ocean Partnership. Formalized in 2006, this innovative collaboration has provided countless students with a seamless and affordable pathway to a high‑quality education.
Please join us on June 4 as we celebrate these remarkable honorees and the collective impact of philanthropy on student success. Sponsorship opportunities at all levels are available.
For tickets or additional information, visit occfoundation.org or contact jzipp@ocean.edu.
About the Ocean County College Foundation
Since 1965, the Ocean County College Foundation has been a cornerstone of student support, awarding more than $23.5 million in scholarships and special program funding. Through the generosity of its donors, the Foundation continues to strengthen the College and enrich student life by supporting initiatives such as the Helping Hands Food Pantry, Blauvelt Speaker Series, Grunin Center for the Arts, Global Travel Experience, Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC), Robert J. Novins Planetarium, Viking Athletics, and many other college and student‑led programs.
Together, the OCC Foundation and its supporters are building brighter futures—one student at a time.