Ocean County College OceanViews Magazine 2026 Winter Volume 19 Issue 02 - Flipbook - Page 16
OCC FOUNDATION
A SAFE
HARBOR
The OCC Foundation Provides
Steady Support in Uncertain Times
Amid the sea of reports of declining enrollment and
shrinking support for higher education, the Ocean
County College Foundation remains a safe harbor
for students navigating increasingly turbulent
waters. As external pressures continue to reshape
the academic landscape, the Foundation’s
commitment to access and opportunity has
never been stronger.
“Despite an evolving landscape in higher education, the desire and need amongst our student body for access and support remain,” says
Casey Yetman, OCC Foundation Board Chair.
“We’re doing more than ever in the face of the
increasing need of students in our region.”
The numbers tell a compelling story. Scholarship
applications increased by 33% in fall 2025, then
surged to a 52% increase for the spring semester,
reflecting the financial challenges many students and
families are facing. In response to the growing need, the
Foundation’s scholarship and grant support reached an all-time high of
$2 million over the past year, benefiting hundreds of students who might
otherwise have been unable to pursue higher education.
In addition to scholarships, the Foundation continues to work to enhance
the student experience by supporting academic, cultural and experiential learning opportunities. “The OCC Foundation has an ever-growing
number of initiatives for students,” says Executive Director Kenneth
Malagiere. Programs such as the college’s Global Travel Experience
are a cornerstone of the Foundation’s vision. The Foundation provides
financial assistance for eligible students participating in Travel Seminar
courses, helping offset costs and making international experiences
accessible. Domestic travel initiatives to destinations like Washington,
D.C. and Boston further broaden student horizons. “We believe in not
only study abroad, but study away, and an immersive study experience,”
says Malagiere.
The Foundation also plays a vital role in enriching campus culture. From bringing
world-class performers like Chris Botti to campus to the expansion of the Grunin Center for the
Arts and growing the Foundation’s art collection, these initiatives—along with the widely-lauded
Blauvelt Speaker Series—create a more vibrant and meaningful learning environment for
students. “The Blauvelt Speaker Series brings thought leaders from around the world to our
campus to provide guidance and insight through their life-learned lessons,” Malagiere notes,
citing a visit from retired Admiral James G. Stavridis as a recent example. As he emphasizes,
these programs highlight the importance of community engagement and involvement, bringing global voices directly to Ocean County to support and strengthen educational opportunity.
IN
SO PE
LD RS
OU ON
T!
Even in these uncertain times, the OCC Foundation continues its mission of transforming lives
through education, ensuring access and opportunity for students at Ocean County College
through commitment and community support. Visit occfoundation.org
16 Winter 2026
VIRTUAL LIVESTREAM TICKETS AVAILABLE
A CONVERSATION WITH MARGARET ATWOOD
THURSDAY, APRIL 23 • 6:00 P.M.
