Annual President’s Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards Dinner Recognizes Six New Honorees

MAYS LANDING — The Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation recognized six members of the college’s alumni during the Annual President’s Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 10 at Carême’s, student-run gourmet restaurant on the Mays Landing campus.

Honored this year were Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Christian Bolf ’93, Chef Michael D’Angelo ’84, Dr. Terri-Lynn Hamby ’94 & ’98, Chef Deborah Pellegrino ’92 and Dr. Antoinette Wilson ’84, as well as Young Alumni Award recipient Latoya Mcglone ’17.

“This year’s President’s Distinguished Alumni Award honorees all represent our mission and serve as exemplary role models for our current and future students,” said Jean McAlister, chief advancement officer, Atlantic Cape and executive director, Atlantic Cape Foundation. “We continue to work diligently to increase membership in our Alumni Association, a network of former Atlantic Cape students that want to build and maintain lasting relationships, engage with current students, and serve as ambassadors of Atlantic Cape and its mission.”

The President’s Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2010 to recognize Atlantic Cape graduates that have differentiated themselves through a combination of professional, academic and community-based accomplishments, and have also remained committed to supporting the college, its mission and students. The Distinguished Alumni Award Selection Committee reviews all candidates and selects the award recipients.

“On behalf of the entire college community, I would like to thank you for your longstanding support of Atlantic Cape. The alumni base constitutes three of the most important stakeholder groups within the college and is an asset that has a unique role in supporting the ongoing efforts to fulfill the college’s mission,” said Dr. Barbara Gaba, president, Atlantic Cape. “As our institution moves forward, I am confident that our alumni will continue to be an integral part of the college-wide effort to build on our achievements and meet the challenges of the future. Our diverse and impressive alumni represent one of the college’s many strengths, and in your everyday lives, you showcase the positive effects of an Atlantic Cape education.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to Atlantic Cape graduates who have made significant contributions in their professional field, community and/or through humanitarian service. 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.

Bolf, who earned his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in 1993 and worked for Atlantic Cape as a Junior Accountant after graduation, continued his education after Atlantic Cape at Glassboro State College (Rowan University) where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He has worked for the United States Secret Service for the past 25 years and currently serves as the Resident Agent in Charge for the San Juan, Puerto Rico office.

D’Angelo, who graduated from the Academy of Culinary Arts in 1984 with a Certificate with Bronze Medal, has been an Executive Pastry Chef since 1993. He has worked for several local casino properties, the Atlantic City Country Club, and is currently employed at Classic Cake and Symphony Pastry where he oversees more than 50 employees. Chef D’Angelo has received training in France for chocolate and sorbet, and blown sugar in Maryland.

“I am usually very shy and reserved, and I never did volunteer work, but then in 2011 I met my lovely wife and my life changed forever,” said D’Angelo. “She volunteered me for the Food Bank, the Salvation Army Advisory Board and since then we both get involved with every event that we possibly can to help people in here in Mays Landing, in Atlantic City, Philadelphia and Camden.”

Dr. Hamby, who earned an Associate’s Degree in Science & Math in 1994 and another in Biology in 1998, began working at Atlantic Cape in 1994. She ultimately completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New England and has been promoted several times during her tenure at Atlantic Cape where she currently serves as the Director of Science Laboratories.

“I tell people that I love it here so much that I have never left. It will be 30 years here in June,” said Dr. Hamby. “I am able to give back to the students, and give them the same encouragement and support that I was given because my success is directly related to all of those people who supported me.”

Pellegrino, who earned her associate’s degree from the Academy of Culinary Arts in 1992, pursued numerous exciting career opportunities after graduating from Atlantic Cape, including serving as crew chef on the Motor Yacht Virginian, as pastry chef at several local casinos and dining establishments, and business entrepreneur. She currently serves as the first Executive Director Chef at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.

“The best part for me was having a degree that afforded me so many opportunities to get me to where I am today,” said Pellegrino. “I most excited that I am now able to give back, which means more than anything to me.”

Dr. Wilson, who earned her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 1984, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College (Rowan University). She began her career as a school counselor for Galloway Township Public Schools. In 2005, she took on the roles of Supervisor of Instruction and school counselor for Pleasantville Public Schools, until her retirement in 2022.

“I want to say thank you for being given this opportunity to do what is my passion. Children have always been my passion and I am so grateful that I have been able to give back to the students,” said Dr. Wilson.

Mcglone, who earned her Associate’s Degree in Psychology in 2017, transferred to Rutgers University after graduating from Atlantic Cape and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Psychology. She has worked as an early intervention child development specialist and individual/family counselor. In July 2023, she took on the role of Director of Behavioral Health for the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. Mcglone is also an adjunct professor of psychology and biology at Atlantic Cape.

“One of my passions is teaching here at Atlantic Cape. It’s a passion for me and that is why I am very dedicated to Atlantic Cape,” said Mcglone.

View a photo gallery of the evening’s festivities here.

Visit atlantic.edu/alumniaward for full Distinguished Alumni Award recipient bios and a list of previous awardees, as well.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.

About Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation

Atlantic Cape established the Foundation in 1978 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity to build a broad base of financial support for its programs and services. Foundation members are drawn from local industry and small businesses and represent a broad cross-section of active leaders in the community. The Foundation has raised more than $5 million for scholarships, Foundation operations and to enhance academic programs and the campus environment. Annually, the Foundation provides nearly $600,000 for institutional scholarships, grants and emergency help.