TOMS RIVER, N.J.— Ocean County College presented awards totaling over $94,000 to graduating students at its 59th Annual Awards Ceremony, held on Tuesday, May 19 in the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts on the College’s main campus in Toms River.
Scholars were recognized for their hard work and commitment in the pursuit of academic excellence at the annual ceremony, which is part of OCC’s Commencement Week activities.
“This program honors and celebrates the achievements of our outstanding graduating students with the awards and scholarships that are generously donated from both within the OCC community and beyond, thanks to the support of our community partners and the generosity of our donors through the OCC Foundation,” said Jennifer Kane, OCC’s executive director of Student Engagement.
Dr. Pamela Monaco, president of Ocean County College, congratulated the honorees and expressed her personal pride in their accomplishments. “All of us who work at the College do so because we want to see students achieve goals and to continue to pursue their aspirations. Tonight is one of the dream days for us, for we have the honor of recognizing the outstanding graduating students who have dedicated themselves to academic excellence.”
The ceremony is available for viewing online at ocean.edu and will be re-broadcast on Ocean TV-20 via Comcast Channel 20 and Verizon FiOS of Northern Ocean County Channel 24 on Thursday, May 21 at 9 p.m.; Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 23 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 24 at 8:30 p.m.
The 2026 student award recipients are:
Charles Read Memorial Music Scholarship
Johnny Friedman
In memory of Charles Read, OCC’s first professor of Music who taught at OCC from 1966 until 2000 and was the founder and director of the OCC Community Chorus. $100 is awarded to a graduating student with a 3.5 GPA or higher in all music classes who is accepted into a four-year institution as a Music major.
Enrollment Services Leadership & Service Scholarship
Batool Abdelmalak, Ellie Dowek, Kate Ibarra
$150 is awarded to three graduating Student Ambassadors who have demonstrated exceptional student leadership and a meaningful impact on both prospective and current students. Recipients are trusted peer leaders who enhance the enrollment experience and expand the reach of the college through exemplary academic achievement, initiative, dependability, and a student-first mindset.
Armando Quiroz Award
Kate Ibarra
Donated by Marilyn Kralik, $200 is awarded to a graduating student for their commitment to biliteracy and second language learning or advocating for cultural responsiveness in their community.
Viking Athletics Commitment Award
Ryan Kanarkowski
$200 is awarded to a student who has shown outstanding commitment and support of the athletics program and loyalty to the college.
Christopher W. Mannion Scholarship
Giovanni Miraglia
Donated by Dr. Marilyn Kralik, $200 who has demonstrated a commitment to international travel for the purpose of academic achievement.
Patrick Carroll Award
David Alvarez
$200 is awarded to a student who has excelled academically, whose influence has been most constructive in the field of Athletics, and who has exhibited satisfactory scholarship, sound citizenship, and loyalty to the college.
Julie Foukarakis Memorial Award
Batool Abdelmalak, Lola Darcy
$200 each is awarded to two female students who have excelled academically, whose influence has been most constructive in the field of Athletics, and who has exhibited satisfactory scholarship, sound citizenship, and loyalty to the college.
Amanda Cantillon Award
Johnny Friedman
Donated by Marilyn Kralik, $200 is awarded to a graduating student who has actively supported the Fine Arts program at OCC.
Phi Theta Kappa Fraternity Award
Kate Ibarra, Ellie Dowek, Ana Jimenez, Annellie Lopez, Ayleen Mujica
A total of $1,000 is awarded to five students who best exemplify the ideals of the Phi Theta Kappa fraternity, for making significant contributions to the work of the Tau Iota chapter, and promoting intellectual and cultural growth.
Who’s Who Among Students at Ocean County College
Batool Abdelmalak, Molly Bryceland, Kasper Catalan, Lola Darcy, Ellie Dowek, Liyannys Feliz, Leonello Flavin, Kate Ibarra, Ryan Kanarkowski, Minseo Kim, Annellie Lopez, Gianna Masi, Samantha Fredes Mercer, Anne Nyangaga, Regan Ottinger, Lucia McGuire-Pettersen, Noemi Reyes, Matthew Rose, Sabrina Watts
$250 each is awarded to graduating students nominated in 2026 for significant contributions to Ocean County College in the areas of scholarship and leadership.
Meals on Wheels of Ocean County
Milena Machado
$250 is awarded to a graduating student interested in pursuing a career in public affairs, policy or government.
Operation Ocean Heroes Scholarship
Anthony Paris, Matthew Rose
$250 is awarded to a student who has impacted student engagement through SALUTE honor society, student VA, VMRC work-study program or other student organization.
Richard M. Trimble Scholarship
Ellie Dowek
$250 is awarded to a graduating student who has excelled in historical research and academic development in the field of History. Donated by the OCC History Club in conjunction with the Jersey Shore Civil War Round Table in recognition of the late Richard Trimble.
Jennie Horne Cece Award
Alexa Claeys
Donated by Dottie Cece LaPosa in honor of her mother, Jennie Horne Cece, a working mom with eight children, $300 is given to a working mother raising her children and pursuing her education simultaneously.
Joseph Hathaway Commencement Speaker Award
Sabrina Watts, Ryan Kanarkowski
Donated by Student Life, $300 each is awarded to the two student commencement speakers in honor of Joseph C. Hathaway Jr., commencement speaker for the Class of 2012.
The Mathematics Club Award
Daniel Goetchius, Anne Nyangaga, Tanner Rodriguez
A total of $1,000 is awarded to three graduating students pursuing a degree in Mathematics or related majors. Preference is given to students active in the Mathematics Club.
Faculty Association of Ocean County College
Jesse Nelson
Donated by the Faculty Association of OCC, $500 is awarded to an outstanding student transferring to a four-year institution.
Probation Officer Todd Benintente Scholarship
John Winkowski
$500 is awarded to a graduate of the Criminal Justice program in honor of Probation Officer Todd Benintente, who served and protected his community over his career.
Joan M. and William J. Kenneally Scholarship
Albaro Fuentes
A $500 scholarship donated by Professor Lynn A. Kenneally and Jeffrey J. McWeeney in recognition of Professor Kenneally’s parents, who encouraged education
Dr. Albert Socol Memorial Scholarship
Tanner Rodriguez
$500 is awarded to an outstanding student in Mathematics.
Dr. Stephen A. Kubow Memorial Scholarship
Matthew Rose
Donated by his former colleagues in memory of Kean Ocean’s Associate Vice President, $500 is awarded to a graduating student transferring to Kean University or Kean Ocean from the OCC Equal Opportunity Fund program.
Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Art Award
Gianna Masi
Donated by the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a certificate and $500 is awarded to an outstanding student in the field of Art.
PTK Heather Muser Memorial Alumni Award
Sabrina Watts
$500 total is awarded by the Alumni Association of Phi Theta Kappa of Ocean County College to one member of Phi Theta Kappa who has made significant contributions to the programs and activities sponsored by the Tau Iota chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
The Pauline S. Miller History Award
David Tees
Donated by the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a certificate and $500 is awarded to an outstanding student in the field of History.
Donald W. Smith Scholarship
Samantha Fredes Mercer, Juanito Quetua
Donated by DW Smith Associates, $500 each is awarded to two graduating students pursuing education in civil engineering, surveying, planning landscape design and/ or environmental services.
Frank Richetti Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Giovanni Miraglia
$500 is awarded to a graduating student in honor of Mr. Frank Richetti, Sr. who was an Ocean County College concert band member for over 30 years and served his country in the South Pacific during World War II.
Michael D. Vena Memorial MUAA Scholarship
Devyn Krinic
Donated by the Municipal Utilities Authorities Association of Ocean County, $500 is awarded to a graduate transferring to a four-year institution and majoring in Environmental Sciences or directly related field.
Viking Spirit Award
Kate Ibarra
$500 is awarded to a graduating EOF student who exemplifies leadership, service and character.
Ocean County PTA
Clark Marcoon
Donated by the Ocean County PTA in honor of Elise Kelber, $500 is awarded to a second-year student and resident of Ocean County, based on financial need.
Scott R. Farrell Memorial Scholarship
Kathryn Sternig
Donated by Mary-Ellen Rada, $500 is awarded in remembrance of a beloved chemistry professor who was dedicated to his students and always had the best interests of the students in mind. As HOSA Club advisor, Professor Farrell constantly did his best to prepare students for their career goals.
Dr. William Rickert Mathematics Award
Daniel Goetchius
Donated by Dr. William Rickert and his wife Lois, $500 is awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding service in promoting mathematics awareness on the Ocean County College campus.
Frank Richetti, Sr. Nursing
Gabriella Chinappi
$500 is awarded to a graduating nurse in honor of Mr. Frank Richetti, Sr., who was a member of the Ocean County College concert band for over 30 years and served his country in the South Pacific during World War II.
OCC Adjunct Faculty Association Award
Emily Hetzel, Amanda Klass
Donated by the Adjunct Faculty Association of Ocean County College, $500 each is awarded to two graduating students.
Joyce Previte Memorial Scholarship
Jeffrey Sommer
$500 is awarded to an outstanding graduate of the Nursing Program who has maintained a 3.0 GPA or better.
Support Staff Association of Ocean County College
Lucia McGuire-Pettersen, David Tees, Giovanni Fevola
Donated by the Support Staff Association, $700 each is awarded to three graduating students who have worked at Ocean County College while earning their degrees.
Andrew T. Baran Scholarship
Britney Santiago
$750 is awarded to a graduating student enrolled in a four-year institution pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
100 Women Award
Ayleen Mujica
$750 is awarded on behalf of the 100 Women campaign, an endeavor by the Ocean County College Foundation to bring together dynamic, innovative, and accomplished Ocean County women who will support each other’s life and career goals, share their insights and experiences, and encourage education through Ocean County College.
The Paul Family Scholarship (In memory of Joyce Previte)
Colleen Hill
$775 is awarded to a student who demonstrates aptitude in the study of Nursing with the intent to pursue a career in Nursing.
Associated Students of Ocean County College Award (In memory of Thomas J. Brady)
Ryan Kanarkowski, Ana Jimenez, Alma Ladino, Noemi Reyes
Donated by Student Life, a total of $1,600 is presented by Student Government to graduating students displaying a consistently strong record of involvement in a cocurricular program.
Norcia Aspiring Attorney Award
Grace McMahon
Donated by OCC alum RJ Norcia, class of 2010, $1,000 is awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated interest in attending law school and becoming a practicing attorney in the State of New Jersey.
Phi Theta Kappa Outstanding Service Award
Anne Nyangaga
$1,000 is awarded to a student who has made outstanding contributions to the activities of Tau Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. The recipient must exemplify the ideals of Phi Theta Kappa as set forth in the four Hallmarks, namely: Leadership, Scholarship, Service and Fellowship.
Outstanding Tutor Scholarship
Felicia Miller
Donated by retired professor of mathematics Dr. William Rickert and his wife Lois, $1,000 is awarded to an outstanding graduate who also served as a peer tutor within OCC Tutoring Center.
Carleen Sterling Orsi Memorial Award
Kamari Jones, Marcus Kreiger (initial); Areeba Zulkarnain, Sarah Brush (renewal)
$1,000 is awarded to two graduates transferring to a four-year institution. (Renewable for second year.)
Douglas C. King Memorial Award
Devon Lindsay
$1,000 is awarded to a graduate of the Criminal Justice program who is pursuing a four-year degree in Criminal Justice.
James Inman Award
Ellie Dowek
$1,000 is awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding qualities of scholarship, loyalty, citizenship, and contribution to extracurricular activities.
Joseph J. Quattrock Memorial Scholarship
Rebecca Melendez
$1,000 is awarded to a nontraditional graduating student with a 3.0 GPA or better, continuing in a four-year institution.
LaVerne D. and Robert R. Weigold Scholarship
Ian Henry
$1,000 is awarded to an outstanding student demonstrating scholarship abilities and an interest in the area of English or the Humanities.
Ocean County Sheriff’s Foundation
John Winkowski
Donated by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Foundation, $1,000 is awarded to Criminal Justice graduate pursuing a four-year degree in Criminal Justice who has demonstrated academic success and service to the community.
Ocean County Society of Professional Engineers
Samantha Fredes Mercer
$1,000 is awarded to a student for achievement in Engineering.
Sheldon Linz Memorial Award
Ashley Wojcik
Donated by the family of Jennifer Linz Cooper, $1,000 is awarded to an outstanding Photography and Visual Arts student.
Alumni Fund for Academic Excellence
Brett Goldman
$1,000 is awarded for scholarships and opportunities for students and alumni of Ocean County College.
NJ Association of Public Accountants Fund
Richard Pristas
$1,000 is awarded to students committed to a career in accounting.
Thomas R. Dorso Memorial Scholarship
Alyssa Hick
$1,000 is awarded to a graduating student pursuing a degree in Social Work or Education from Lacey Township School District.
Dover Brick Beach First Aid Public Health Scholarship
Brittany Flynn, Moseley Louis, Hailey Remizowski, Nidia Sarpong, Jeffrey Sommer
$1,000 each is awarded to five graduating students in honor of dedicated volunteers who gave of themselves in service to the community. Dover-Brick Beach First Aid Squad offers financial support to those pursuing studies in the Public Health/Sciences field.
Senator John F. Russo Memorial Scholarship
Caitlyn Szczypinski
$1,000 is awarded to a graduating student with a 3.0 GPA or better, continuing in a four-year institution.
40 For 40 Graduating Award
Olivia Case
$1,000 is awarded to a student in honor of Foundation Executive Director Kenneth J. Malagiere’s 40th birthday; guests were invited to contribute to this unrestricted graduating award. The goal was to raise $40,000 and they were successful in raising more than double.
Next Gen Engineering and Technology
Samantha Fredes Mercer, Juanito Quetua
The Building a Better World Scholarship awards $1,000 each to two students enrolled and/or graduating from Ocean County College in the A.S. Engineering or A.A.S. Technical Studies with Industrial/Technical Option programs that demonstrate a commitment to building a better and more sustainable world through engineering and technology.
John F. Powell Award
Kasper Catalan
This $1,000 scholarship is named in memory of President Monaco’s father. Born and raised in Virginia, he worked as a statistician for the Census Bureau, but his love was supporting those who wanted to change their lives through education. He would be very proud of OCC students.
Mildred Kehne Award
Jasmine Telaj
This $1,000 scholarship is named in memory of Donald Kehne’s mother. Born and raised in South Dakota, Mrs. Kehne trained to be a nurse and served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. She and Don’s father settled in Maryland, where she raised nine children. Education was important to the Kehne family, and she would be honored to support a deserving student.
Dr. Charles Abeles Scholarship
Anthony Paris
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding aptitude in languages, literature, or philosophy.
Soroptimist Club of Toms River Scholarship
Camille Buzzerio
$1,250 is awarded to a graduating female student continuing her education at a four-year institution.
Soroptimist Sigma Award Kean Ocean
Carolin Perez
$1,250 each is awarded to a graduating student with a 3.0 GPA or better, continuing in a four-year institution.
Ocean County College Board of Trustees Award
Sienna Henninger, Abby Ardoin, Lola Darcy
Donated by the OCC Board of Trustees, $1,500 each is awarded to three graduating students who have achieved outstanding academic performance at Ocean County College and who will continue their education in the Kean Ocean program.
Dollie and Harry David Sussna Scholarship
Emma Stich, Kate Ibarra (initial); Max Kripinski, Nayeli Rojas (renewal)
Donated by Dollie and Harry David Sussna, an initial $1,500 each is awarded to two outstanding students transferring to four-year institutions. Possible $2,000 is renewable upon re-enrollment.
D’Onofrio Foundation Graduating Award
Tyler Abato
$2,000 is awarded to a student with a 3.0 GPA or better who demonstrates aptitude in the study of Health/Medicine, with the intent to pursue a career in a related field.
William T. Hiering Scholarship
Bryan Bobrowicz
$2,000 is awarded to an outstanding student who has completed 60 credits at Ocean County College and maintained a 4.0 grade point average.
Roberta W. Wintrode Memorial Award
Irving Robles, Sabrina Watts
Established to honor the memory of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Roberta’s love for education, biology, nursing and arts was present in every aspect of her career and avocation. $5,000 each will be awarded to two graduating students.
Philip G. Zitelli Scholarship in Leadership
Josselyn Alvaro
Donated by Phil Zitelli, a member of the first graduating class of Ocean County College in June 1968, $5,000 is awarded to an outstanding graduating student leader, with a 3.5 GPA or better, continuing in a four-year institution.
Grace Reinheimer-Lisotto Memorial Scholarship
Renee Kleniewski
$5,000 is awarded to a woman who is either returning to college after a break or starting her college journey after raising a family. This endowment was created by the family to honor their mother’s vision of supporting women pursuing higher education under unique circumstances.
About Ocean County College
For 60 years, Ocean County College, a public two-year community college sponsored by Ocean County and the State of New Jersey, has provided area residents with the opportunity to benefit from higher education. OCC is an innovative academic leader offering affordable, student-centered, high-quality educational experiences that empower diverse learners to achieve their goals while enriching the communities we serve. Learn more at ocean.edu