Middlesex College Celebrates Class of 2026 Accomplishments at 59th Annual Commencement Ceremony
The College awarded degrees and certificates to 1,616 students who comprise the Class of 2026.
Middlesex College is closed on Fridays in the summer effective May 10 through August 14.
A legacy of Impact
Since 1966, the Middlesex College Foundation has been the compassionate heart of Middlesex College—committed to opening doors, uplifting lives, and fueling the dreams of students throughout Middlesex County. By providing scholarships and addressing essential resources like food and technology, the Foundation supports students as whole individuals, empowering them to thrive in and out of the classroom.
Give TodayEvery Student has a Story
We’re here to help them write their next chapter.
Our students are resilient, resourceful, and determined to succeed. They come to Middlesex College with different backgrounds, unique challenges, and powerful aspirations:
- A first-generation scholar breaking new ground for their family.
- A single parent balancing classes with caregiving, determined to create a better future.
- A student deciding between an extra shift at work or showing up to a class or lab.
- A learner staying close to home and closer to their budget, pursuing a big dream on a modest path.
These stories are real. And they deserve real support.
The Middlesex College Foundation is here every step of the way—fueling personal empowerment, advancing academic success, and inspiring lasting community change. Together, we’re building a momentum of impact that extends far beyond campus.
Our Commitment, Your Support
When you give to the Middlesex College Foundation, you’re investing in potential—with the power to transform lives, families, and communities.
$22.5 million
distributed in scholarships, financial aid, and grants since 1966
150+
scholarship opportunities for students each year
550+
students helped each year
Every need. Every gift. Real impact.
At the Middlesex College Foundation, we recognize that every student’s journey is different—and so are the challenges they face. That’s why our support is just as diverse: from scholarships and food security to technology access and emergency funds, we work to remove barriers so students can stay focused on their future.
Our community of donors—alumni, friends, faculty and staff, businesses, and local organizations—share a united purpose: to help students overcome challenges to reach their full potential. Whether it’s a generous corporate gift, an endowed scholarship, or a recurring monthly donation, every contribution fuels opportunity and drives transformation.
You can make a difference. You can have an impact.
Explore the many ways to give and join us in creating lasting change—one student, one story, one gift at a time.
Food Pantry & Community Resources
Support an essential resource that addresses the immediate issue of food insecurity facing our students, and provides other basics like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and baby items. Other services related to housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare, technology, Wi-Fi access, and more are available.
Scholarships
Financial aid through scholarships can make a world of difference for students funding their education. The Middlesex College Foundation offers over 150 scholarship opportunities, which help offset the expense of higher education for a broad range of students across academic disciplines.
Named annual scholarships may begin with a contribution of $2,000 a year for a minimum of 3 years.
Named endowed scholarships may be established with a minimum gift of $25,000.
Speak to the Foundation about creating a scholarship at Middlesex College.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Give students the technology needed to be successful in the classroom. The Middlesex College Foundation’s Chromebook Ownership Program is available to students through the Community Resource Hub and Food Pantry. A gift of $280 gives a hard-working student the technology needed to succeed.
Student Emergency Fund
Unanticipated spending can derail a student’s academic journey. Your support can help students pay for non-tuition expenses such as rent, emergency medical costs, food or transportation, and utility bills.
Annual Fund
Provide broad, unrestricted support for the Foundation’s mission of assisting students in realizing their educational goals.
Program and Academic Support
Student life and academic support provides opportunity or faculty and college leadership to develop or enhance specific programs. Restricted gift to programmatic restriction can be made based on donor interest and College priorities. Naming opportunities are available for significant gifts.
Please contact Lisa Kelly, Executive Director, lkelly@middlesexcollege.edu, for information about making a transformational gift.
Capital Support
Our beautiful campus is an amazing asset in the educational experience and a resource to the community. Gifts in support of facilities including naming opportunities are exceptional ways to invest in the long-term sustainability of the College.
Please contact Lisa Kelly, Executive Director, lkelly@middlesexcollege.edu, for information about making a transformational gift.
Your Support Powers Our Mission
At the Middlesex College Foundation, our commitment goes far beyond tuition assistance. We create pathways to opportunity by providing scholarships, financial aid, and essential educational resources.
We raise funds that support every aspect of the student experience, from life-changing academic programs and enriching student life to basic needs like food, transportation, emergency aid, and technology access. We also invest in capital projects that shape a more vibrant, equitable, and supportive campus.
Your generosity is what makes this possible.
Every gift helps eliminate barriers, inspire achievement, and propel students toward a brighter future. Together, we’re not just funding education—we’re empowering success at every step.
Alumni Stories and Community Impact
Stay connected and inspired with the latest news from our students, alumni, faculty, and staff—celebrating milestones, achievements, and the powerful effect of a Middlesex College education across campus and beyond.
Read the Stay Inspired Newsletter
Celebrating Community College Month with Vetchay Vilvert ’13
Vilvert, owner of Naturalvert granola, earned his degree in the Hospitality, Culinary Arts, and Dietetics program, which taught him the fundamentals of the food industry.
Celebrating Community College Month with Jim Campbell ’84
Campbell is the owner of Campbell Chiropractic Center, where taking care of others began with a degree from Middlesex College.
Barbara Roberts Is Named Middlesex College’s 2026 Alumna of the Year
Roberts ’17, a music therapist, community leader, and advocate for healing through the arts, will speak at the College’s 59th Commencement.
Alumnus of the Year
Every year during commencement, the Alumni Association Board of Trustees, in collaboration with Middlesex College and Middlesex College Foundation, presents the Alumnus/a of the Year Award to recognize an outstanding alumnus/a for individual achievements, contributions to their field or profession, service to their community, and demonstrated loyalty to Middlesex College.
- 2026 – Barbara Roberts ’17
- 2025 – Angela Cruz ’86
- 2024 – Claudio Mir ’96
- 2023 – Eric Carney ’93
- 2022 – Keith Menscher ’16
- 2021 – Kathleen Morgan ’85
- 2020 – Samantha Milano-Sumalinog ’16
- 2019 – Michaela Macauley ’97
- 2018 – Paul Singh ’11
- 2017 – Robert Murdock ’79
- 2017 – Robert Giorgi ’16
- 2016 – Jonathan Finnerty ’15
- 2016 – Jessica Cortese ’08
- 2015 – Kim Silva-Martinez ’14
- 2015 – Donna-Marie Gardner-Beadling ’00
- 2014 – Marisol Conde-Hernandez Jr. ’08
- 2014 – Lacey Plichta ’06
- 2014 – David Brogan ’93
- 2013 – Paul Lazaro ’11
- 2013 – Douglas Wilson ’93
- 2013 – James Cahill ’72
- 2012 – Michele Sutera ’08
- 2012 – Mathew Spano ’82
- 2012 – Joanne Fillweber ’82
- 2011 – Richmond Garrick ’96
- 2010 – Eileen Palumbo ’78
- 2009 – Zusette Dato ’04
- 2008 – Michael Maroney ’80
- 2007 – Louis Hoffman ’84
- 2006 – Paul Avery ’79
- 2005 – Antonio Almeida ’82
- 2004 – Le Derick Horne ’96
- 2003 – George Bandics ’78
- 2002 – Helen Short ’69
- 2001 – Jose Tirado ’72
- 2000 – Donald Drost ’79
- 1999 – Mattie McCarthy ’68
- 1998 – Mary Lynch ’68
- 1997 – Norma Cameau ’91
- 1996 – Albert Gomolka ’71
- 1995 – Rudolph Johnson ’77
- 1994 – Stephen Larkin ’73
- 1993 – John Poloski ’92
- 1992 – Dorothy Bitetto ’69
- 1991 – Joseph Mangano ’76
- 1990 – Edward Young ’74
- 1988 – Alice Chatman ’77
Donate Now
Donate by Mail
Please make all checks payable to Middlesex College Foundation
Please make note in the check memo or with separate correspondence if this gift is restricted to a specific scholarship, purpose, or department.
Gifts should be mailed to:
Middlesex College Foundation
2600 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08818
Middlesex College Foundation
Contact
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Location Mailing Address: 2600 Woodbridge Avenue PO Box 3050 Edison, NJ 08818-3050
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Phone 732.906.2564
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Fax 732.906.2511
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Lisa Kelly
Executive Director
lkelly@middlesexcollege.edu2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Stewardship Report
2024 Public Disclosure (990)
Financial Statement
Featured Story
Middlesex College Foundation Hosts 14th Annual Casino Night
The fundraising event celebrated a year of success while increasing support for Foundation scholarships and programs.
