Ocean County College OceanViews Magazine 2026 Winter Volume 19 Issue 02 - Flipbook - Page 2
BUILDING OPPORTUNITY
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT
Dear Alumni, Students, Friends:
Welcome to the latest edition of Ocean Views. For many of you, this publication provides a snapshot of the
amazing people who work or study at Ocean County College, or you learn of the great accomplishments
of our alumni. For me, each new edition reminds me of the people, the energy, and the creativity that our
faculty, staff, and students bring to animate the College into a place where lives are changed.
The theme of this issue is “Breaking Barriers.” The College endeavors in all ways to welcome everyone and
help each person achieve their goals. Many people are the first in their families to attend college, and many
people are not certain whether they “fit” in college. OCC recognizes the importance of breaking the barriers
that can interfere with a person’s sense of belonging and access. You will learn about some of the many ways
we support our students, through tutoring, our basic need programs, counseling, and disability services. In
addition, you will read stories of people who found their sense of purpose through education, as Ocean Views
highlights amazing stories of our faculty, staff, students, and alums who have challenged themselves or
others in personal or professional goals and action. You will read about a determined student, balancing
family life and business ownership while earning a GED and continuing on toward a business degree. You will
gain insights into our outstanding American Sign Language Interpreter Training Program. I am delighted, too,
that we highlight employees who are OCC alumni who are paying it forward day to day.
I hope you learn some new things about the College, how we live our mission, and the
wonderful people who call OCC home—as students, faculty, and staff.
All the best,
Pamela Monaco, Ph.D.
President, Ocean County College
2 Winter 2026
