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Why ECC?
The following are the 2023 Candidates for the Essex County College Alumni Board. Candidates’ profiles may be viewed by clicking their names.
VOTING RUNS FROMJULY 14 – JULY 25, 2023
“I am running for office to join colleagues find committee best strategies to maintain the foundation of the association and implement new strategies that would help the vision and purpose of the association.
I hope to bring on board my organizational leadership skills and project management skills. “
I am running for office in the Association to be a liason between alumni and current students, imploring upon all parties the value of ECC and how to get more students registered.
As a former member of the Student Government Association, running for the Alumni office is a contribution to the student body. I want to become a positive attribute to the Association and give my time and efforts to a cause that will transcend significantly for years.
I am choosing to run because their is simply still work left to do. During my previous term, we were able to make good progress. I wish to carry the torch and continue the work. In addition, I am hopeful that with the newly elected members as a team we can make greater strides toward improving the Alumni Association.
“As a recent 2023 graduate, I am now interested in running for office because joining the association provides an opportunity for graduates to give back to the college. Alumni associations also offer chances to meet other graduates and network, encourage current students to become more involved, and the opportunity to promote the college to prospective students. Additionally, I am running for office because I am always open to trying and learning new things. Although I was an active member of clubs during my time at ECC, I never held a leadership position. Therefore, I am looking for opportunities to grow as a leader and strengthen my innovation/ creativity skills. If elected, I hope to host in-person networking events and panels to discuss the challenges graduates may have faced since leaving ECC. Hopefully, together, we can provide a supportive space to encourage graduates and learn how to better prepare upcoming graduates. Lastly, I hope to raise money for scholarships and better inform students of the scholarships available/ ones they are eligible to apply for. Thank you.“
I am running for office to assist in bringing for more diversity and culture awareness to Essex County College students. I plan to assist in any way possible. The importance of education is vital and our everyday lives. Exceeding expectations just does not start at Essex County college, it is a long-term goal that all students, board members, faculty, and staff should strive to obtain and live by.
“I am running for office in the Alumni Association because I had a great experience at ECC which set me up for success at my current institution and I would like to do my part to give back to ECC in helping new students and current alumni achieve similar success.
I believe that networking is a crucial service that an alumni office can provide and I believe that ECC graduates need to have access to a strong network as they either begin their careers or apply to four-year institutions where letters of recommendations, volunteering opportunities/internships, and professional connections can help advance the careers of fellow ECC graduates. I want to help establish a strong alumni network for the purpose of networking and career advancement.
I also want to use the alumni office to reach out to the community to attract ambitious students who might not realize that ECC could be the missing link between where they are now and where they strive to be in their professional careers. I know for me personally, I did not want to return to school because I thought I was too old or I wouldn’t find success at ECC but my decision to attend has made all the difference in my future career plans and I would like to help future students realize that as well.”
To help the school in any way possible because as a student who went to night classes it was challenging because the offices, library etc were closed at a certain time and if I can be a part of something that not only affects but also effects.
As a ECC Alumnus it remains crucial to me that I give back and serve my former Alma Mater that not only helped me throughout my collegiate career but also helped form me as a professional that went on to work in many sectors. One as a published writer for the former Washington Times LLC and as a flight attendant for United Airlines. My hope is to contribute not only my time but also help students realize their own potential. It is my hope to help draw talent to ECC as well as partake in any fundraising efforts. Happy to help.
Vice President- The journey of my educational endeavors began at Essex County Community College. I am now a proud alumni of Rutgers-Newark and Ramapo College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, respectively. As an institution representative, I hope to bring about a diverse, unique perspective for the non-traditional and all student’s of the college. I hope to increase the alumni association membership by 20% with the next 2 years by conducting more outreach and fundraising efforts.
To ensure students like myself continue to receive the very best Essex has to offer to help further them in a positive direction in life.
Would love to give back to the school and community. Using my professional experience to increase participation within Alumni and develop programs to connect more Alumni with students.
I would like to promote the encouraging aspect of Essex County College. The experience, for me, was not just obtaining a degree. The experience was uplifting and monumental. There are many educational institutions in New Jersey but not all of them provide the extra resources you need to become successful. I am running for office so I can be apart of something great in my community. I am elated that I can call myself a graduate of Essex County College.
“As a student, I understand the challenges of staying on top of studies and the impact it can have on one’s GPA. Reflecting on my own journey, I realized the power of collaboration and creating study groups. That’s why, as a candidate for Vice President of the alumni office, I aim to foster an environment of connectivity among students facing similar struggles.
One of my key objectives is to provide opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zones and team up with peers who can support and inspire them to succeed. To achieve this, I plan to create study groups for each subject and facilitate their formation through an accessible app. This way, students can easily find and connect with others who are studying the same topics, enhancing their understanding and performance.
But my motivations go beyond improving GPAs. My ultimate goal is to represent and give voice to students who often feel unheard in their academic journey. I believe in creating a space that embraces the diversity of every race and ethnicity, fostering a sense of belonging for all students. By promoting a better school environment, I aim to strengthen the relationship between current students and alumni, creating a supportive network that lasts beyond graduation.
Furthermore, I understand the value of memorable experiences during the student years. That’s why I will work diligently to create opportunities for students to forge lasting memories. These experiences will not only enrich their time at our institution but also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for their future endeavors.
By communicating my vision effectively, collaborating with various stakeholders, and utilizing the resources available, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on the academic journey of our students. I am dedicated to paving the way for their success and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued. Together, let’s create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive.”
“I am running for office to join colleagues find find best strategies to maintain the foundation of the association and implement new strategies that would help the vision and purpose of the association.
I have been actively serving in my community for a very young age. I belong to leadership Organizations such as Sadie Nash, which has taught me healthier ways to build and partner with others. In high school, I became Student Body president and learned how to fundraise and connect with like-minded students who shared my views for a better institution for learning. I oversee the youth ministry at the Paradise Baptist Church in Newark. I am currently an English tutor at the Learning Center while completing my bachelor’s Degree in psychology at Pillar College. These accomplishments qualify my ability to ensure I am able to do the work if I was able to be elected for office.
I believe in ECC. Education has saved me and if it wasn’t for ECC I would not have gained a spark in education that has encouraged me to earn my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Rutgers University-Newark
“As a recent 2023 graduate, I am now interested in running for office because joining the association provides an opportunity for graduates to give back to the college. Alumni associations also offer chances to meet other graduates and network, encourage current students to become more involved, and the opportunity to promote the college to prospective students. Additionally, I am running for office because I am always open to trying and learning new things. Although I was an active member of clubs during my time at ECC, I never held a leadership position. Therefore, I am looking for opportunities to grow as a leader and strengthen my innovation/ creativity skills. If elected, I hope to host in-person networking events and panels to discuss the challenges graduates may have faced since leaving ECC. Hopefully, together, we can provide a supportive space to encourage graduates and learn how to better prepare upcoming graduates. Lastly, I hope to raise money for scholarships and better inform students of the scholarships available/ ones they are eligible to apply for.
Thank you.”
Because I want to be an active member of the association and help my students
“Being involved in the Alumni Association is my way of giving back to the school for teaching me the necessary skills. Because of Essex County College, I was able to transfer to Bloomfield College in 1993, and be involved in student activities there. I graduated with a B.A. in Political Science, Class of 1996. All this was made possible by what I learned at Essex County College: leadership, being focused on goals, studying hard, doing excellent research. After Bloomfield, I transferred to Rutgers Newark, Graduate School Newark. I graduated Rutgers -Newark in 2005, with a Master’s in Political Science. Again, thanks to the skills I learned at Essex County College.
My contributing to the Alumni Association would be to get more alumni involved; establish links with students; organize and co-sponsor events; protect the rights of Essex County College Alumni; organize joint projects with other alumni associations; keep the ECC community informed of important matters; “
I believe that everyone has a chance and a opportunity to be the best that they can. It doesn’t matter the person background or circumstances people has the potential to be great.
By helping all student that need help and orientation, in one word bringing my support to the school and the student because I am a student too, I know student needs.
I’m running to represent the working class segment of the college’s population.
I am running for office because I believe that my leadership skills and creative ideas can contribute to the Essex County College Alumni Association. It is my hope that once I’m elected to be a part of the Alumni Association, I can improve the narrative surrounding attending a community college like Essex County College and implement more ways to add value to the college and the lives of the students that attend. I believe that this could be manifested by including more beneficial opportunities and ventures that will make ECC a top choice for future students and donors. My contributions to the association will be to improve the reputation of community colleges, provide more career opportunities to students and make ECC the top community college in the Nation.
I also want to use the alumni office to reach out to the community to attract ambitious students who might not realize that ECC could be the missing link between where they are now and where they strive to be in their professional careers. I know for me personally, I did not want to return to school because I thought I was too old or I wouldn’t find success at ECC but my decision to attend has made all the difference in my future career plans and I would like to help future students realize that as well.
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“I’m running for office because I would like to contribute to my learning institution.
Personally I feel with my past and current life and educational experiences, I can mentor future and current students.”
I would to help develop change to make transfer process before for the students. While attend ECC they get the right resources.
Curious and would like to help.
A better tomorrow starts with proactive planning. The essence of empowering your community starts with commitment to excellence and a growth mindset. This is what I bring to the table. As Member at Large .It’s time to take ECC to the next level. Our community needs this, and together we will make it.
“Vote Maria J. Andrade for ECC Alumni Board -Member at Large . “The power to empower, That’s the game changer” MJA “
I am running for office in the Association, to contribute and give back to the college, county and to encourage future students to participate in the college experience which will ultimately help to shape their future.
I’m returning because it’s important to share knowledge with people traveling a path your travel before.
Yes, I started out with an associate degree in 2018, I will be graduating in 2023 with a Masters Degree in Ethical Leadership.
Why I am running for office is to give back what was freely given to me by being an inspiration and a blessing.
I want to make a difference in other people lives.
During my time at the college, I was the president of the Muslim Students where I arranged several events to assist in breaking the barriers and enlighten the community on Islam.
Becoming an Alumni, to me is another way of bringing us together to share our success, carrying each other that wish to share and help, sharing culture, values and respect and given the new generation hope that with God and help of man nothing is impossible. A close mouth is a destiny say it loud and see humanity
I am running for office to provide a service to the students and alumni. I am a several time graduate of Essex County and an adjunct professor with a host of experience that can translate into advising students, tutoring students and offering my personal pathway.
I would like to run for office in the Association because I would love to give back to the institution while connecting with all of the students as well as staff members.
“I’m running for office in the association because I want to contribute to education development in the upcoming generations. Essex County College has helped me excessively throughout my educational years. Through ECC I was able to get the necessary financial support I needed to achieve my goal of walking the stage and accomplishing my goal. As I run for office, I hope to contribute to the association by sharing resources like scholarships, tutoring, and etc through ECC. When students are well supported, they can succeed without stressing about anything. While different ideas are combined, strategies are formed to determine which path is more beneficial for a student’s education. strategies are a buildup to best support students. Ideas being combined between the association would be strategic because it would be shaping the development of a student.”
To be an inspiration on other people lives and to make life better.
During my time in Essex county, I have learnt and developed myself as individual which I would like to impact my knowledge as member of the association.
I enjoyed my time at Essex and I would like to give back to the school. I am an older person and believe I can be an asset.
Either being a the Vice President or the member-at-large, my goal is to provide and serve all students the resources that is necessary for a better academic journey. So that they can thrive and learn better with our help and resources.
