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Center for Student Success Recognizes Students, Faculty and Staff at Annual Graduate Awards Ceremony

05/06/2025 | Media Contact: David Zuba, Public Relations Manager and Copywriter | (609) 343-4933
Alejandra Ceballos gets a hug from volleyball coach Karla Maisto at CSS awards Photo Credit: Craig Matthews

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College’s Center for Student Success (CSS) presented awards to graduating students for their outstanding academic achievements, as well as, faculty and staff members for their unsung dedication this school year during the Annual Graduate Awards Ceremony on May 2 in the Walter E. Edge Theater on the Mays Landing campus.

Dean of Students Stacey Zacharoff speaks to the audience“Today, we gather together to celebrate the academic achievements, dedication and perseverance of all of you, our graduates. This marks the beginning of your milestone and we look forward to celebrating with you on graduation day,” said Dean of Students Stacey Zacharoff. “Today also begins the end of one chapter and an exciting beginning of another. We celebrate and allow you the opportunity to reflect upon your experiences here at Atlantic Cape because we know that once you graduate you will go on and spread the word letting everyone know that at Atlantic Cape we truly are a family.”

The CSS program offers a variety of services that include, but are not limited to, counseling, academic advisement, monitoring of academic progress, leadership development, mentoring, assistance with transfer process and cultural activities. At this year’s Commencement, 281 students will be graduating from the College’s special programs.

Counselor Najah Jones receives her Extra Miler AwardSuch academic support programs that are available to help eligible students attain their academic goals include the Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF), Student Support Services (SSS), New Jersey STARS (NJSTARS), Center for Accessibility (CFA) and Men of Atlantic Cape (MAC).

The ceremony began with graduating students receiving a certificate signifying their academic achievements. Many of those students bestowed upon a college faculty or staff member the Extra Miler Award for going above and beyond to help them succeed along the way. Overall, more than 265 students were recognized for their successes as a CSS-eligible student.

Student Tina Austin thanks her Extra MilerThe following college faculty and staff members were recognized with an Extra Miler Award, which rewards those who have gone above and beyond to help a student achieve success during their time at Atlantic Cape: Jeanine DiNardo (3), Kyle Fields, Keith Forrest, Wendy Gray, Jerome Ingram, Lynette Ingram, Najah Jones (4), David Jungblut, Cheryl Knowles-Harrigan, Linda Koch, Karla Maisto, Svetlana Marzelli, Jean McAlister, Angela Migliaccio, Stephanie Natale-Boianelli, Renee Patterson, Jessica Reynolds, Rich Russell, Dr. Beth Sanders-Rabinowitz, Christine Scarpa, Amy Shelton, Eric Stewart, Dr. Ashley Sullivan, Michelle Togashi and Dr. Francis Toriello.

Atlantic Cape CSS staff members announced the staff and student award winners in the following categories:

 

Staff Awards

Paula Stewart Davis Award: Samantha Adelman, Jessica Gustafson and Dr. Raymond Keller. The award is named after Paula Stewart Davis, a former Atlantic Cape retired Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

 

Student Awards


In Memory of Juan Alvarez Award: Imani Gray

Director's Awards (3.0-3.49 GPA): Lilibeth Garcia (EOF) and Jessica Gross (SSS)

Outstanding Achievement Awards (3.5 GPA or higher): Tina Austin (SSS), Brooklyn Fennen (EOF) and Isaiah Watson (MAC)
 
EOF Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards: Brooklyn Fennen and Lilibeth Garcia
 
EOF Academic Achievement Award: Tina Austin

 

Learn more about the Center for Student Success at atlantic.edu/student-life/student-resources/counseling/index.php.

View a photo gallery from this event on Flickr at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCcB6c.

 

 

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 46 undergraduate degree programs, and 32 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County 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.