A Celebration of Philanthropy Brings Donors and Scholarship Recipients Together
The Middlesex College Foundation held its Annual Celebration of Philanthropy and Scholarship reception on the College’s Edison campus Thursday, November 16, to honor scholarship donors and recipients.
Liliana Arias Alvarez, recipient of the Colleen and Michael Maroney Endowed Scholarship
Lisa Kelly, executive director of the Middlesex College Foundation, began the ceremony with welcome remarks and introduced the first speaker of the night, DeAngelina Inman, assistant vice president of Citizens Bank and first vice chair of the Middlesex College Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Among her many contributions to the College, Inman helped secure Citizens Philanthropic Foundation support of the pilot program to provide Chromebooks to students through the Middlesex College Community Resource Hub and Food Pantry.
In her remarks, Inman highlighted the Middlesex College Foundation fundraising accomplishments for academic year 2022-23 in which 452 students received 832 awards totaling $606,989. Additionally, the Foundation secured funding to establish five new scholarships.
Inman was followed by Middlesex College Mark McCormick who remarked how he looked forward to this event, which he described as “a unique gathering of donors, alumni, College faculty and staff, and the students who we are all here to serve.”
He expressed his hope that scholarship recipients take advantage of the event to “meet face to face the individuals who believed and invested” in their future.
Middlesex College second year student Liliana Arias Alvarez did just that. The Criminal Justice major and recipient of the Colleen and Michael Maroney Endowed Scholarship, thanked her donors from the podium as she delivered her speech about the impact of scholarships.
“Colleen and Michael believed in me, and they have supported and encouraged me ever since. Colleen, Michael, you are not only generous, but you also happen to be some of the most amazing people I know. Thank you.”
Born and educated in Colombia, Alvarez came to the U.S. seeking greater opportunity. Despite earning an undergraduate degree in her native country, Alvarez said post-graduate opportunities in Colombia were limited due to economic challenges, and at times, civil unrest. She left her home and family to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. While acknowledging the challenges of learning a new language and culture, she noted that individual determination and drive needed to be coupled with support from others.
“The scholarships have been a turning point in the lives of many students that strive to create a better future for themselves, their families, and for the populations of people that they will someday assist once they enter into the professional workforce. I want to thank all of the donors that have made the unwavering commitment to support the students,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez’s speech was followed by Oylum Seker, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Provident Bank, a partner of the Middlesex College Foundation for over two decades and whose diverse support includes the establishment of a $100,000 endowed scholarship.
“This endowment has been a beacon of support, providing scholarships to more than 52 deserving students. These numbers represent more than just financial assistance. They symbolize dreams pursued, barriers overcome, and the promise of a brighter future. Each scholarship awarded is a testament to the potential we see in these students, and we are proud to be a catalyst in their educational journey,” said Seker.
Another long-time supporter of Middlesex College students, the Women’s Rehabilitation Group (WRG) of New Jersey, was also represented during the reception.
Over the years, WRG has raised funds through events and private donations in order to make gifts totaling $90,000 to the Middlesex College Foundation. WRG’s generosity has impacted 85 students in the past 20 years.
“In 2006, when WRG decided to expand its scholarship program, we didn’t have to look too far as Middlesex College is right in our backyard and a very worthy partner. Each year WRG grants five $1000 scholarships to deserving candidates. To date, we have helped 85 students,” WRG President Rita Chaudhary.
Lisa Kelly closed the ceremony by thanking donors and students.
“To all the generous donors and scholarship representatives in the room, I hope that after speaking with our students you are more fully aware of the tangible impact your gifts have on our students and their success. To the students who are striving to do their best work despite challenges, your perseverance will pay off,” Kelly concluded.
