Awards

2008 Student of the Year Awards
By Patricia Stoudt

On June 12, 2008, out of thousands of students participating in cooperative education and internships across New Jersey, two wonderfully outstanding students and their employers were honored.

The four-year school award winner is Jeremy Hebert of Seton Hall University who was nominated by Reesa Greenwald. Jeremy worked in the summer of 2007 as an intern with the African Area Studies program of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), The U.S. Department of State’s Premier training facility.

During his internship, Jeremy was charged with several responsibilities regarding the training and development of ambassadors, Foreign Service officers and other US officials traveling to Africa. With the encouragement of his supervisor, Marlene Urbina de Breen, he took on responsibilities beyond the expectation of an intern. First, Jeremy did extension background research regarding the destination country that new Foreign Service officers would be deployed. He compiled the necessary information into electronic briefings, or “e-Briefings”, which are now used within the entire Area Studies department of FSI. Jeremy stated in his application “that the Ambassador to Namibia expressed personal thanks for the “e-Briefing,” as it helped prepare for her Senatorial hearing.” Second, when the FSI Chair was re-assigned to a new position, Jeremy stepped right in to assist Marlene “as Acting Chair with course design, syllabus development, course scheduling, and overall class management of the Sub-Saharan two-week intensive seminar, and weekly session of the 20-week program for language students of the SubSaharan African Advanced course.” These are only brief examples of his contributions.

Jeremy’s supervisor, Marlene, had many positive things to say about him. For her and the FSI Chair, Jeremy stood out from the crowd. Marlene stated, “Jeremy was one of those rare young professionals, seeking from day one new opportunities to broaden his knowledge and enhance his understanding of the agency, U.S. interests and policies in Sub-Saharan Africa and other regions of the world…. He came across as an extraordinarily matured, self-directed and self-motivated person, with a very strong academic background and a set of research and drafting skills more characteristic of a mid-level Foreign Affairs Officer than of a college undergraduate. He showed great enthusiasm for the African continent and for our program, undertaking multiple tasks while volunteering additional working hours in the Passport Office. His high energy and good sense of humor made him a valued colleagues.”

Jeremy recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Diplomacy and International Relations.

Jeremy’s co-op supervisor, Marlene Urbina de Breen, was not able to attend the luncheon. The NJCEIA Employer Certificate of Appreciation was mailed to Ms. Urbina de Breen.

The two-year school award winner is Michael Sztuk of County College of Morris who was nominated by Denise Schmidt. Michael worked in fall 2007 as an intern with Hamilton Park Hotel and Conference Center.

When Michael first started at Hamilton he was a buffet attendant. After a couple of months he started working in Room Service two days a week. By the end of his internship he was a “floater” which means he was able to perform more than one job on a regular basis. And, this past December, Michael was awarded “The Associate of the Month Award.”

The co-op experience had a huge impact on Michael. Michael stated that he was shy and did not engage in a lot of communication with the guests. But as time went by and he rotated to the different departments he learned that communication is important. Michael had stated in his application that he learned more by combining both working in his chosen field and going to school then if he had just went to school.

Michael’s supervisor, Michelle Mitterer, stated that:
“Michael has been a model employee. He has an innate sense of the hospitality business, anticipating guests’ needs before they even realize what it is they are looking for. He has a genuine and sincere personality that shines through with every action. His shyness does not discourage him from doing his very best to communicate with both internal and external customers. Michael is well liked and respected by his peers.”
Michelle went on to say they are committed in keeping Michael on through his college years to help him “grow and develop into an excellent food and beverage manager”.

Michael has recently transferred to Fairleigh Dickinson University where he is majoring in Hospitality Management. He is expected to graduate next year.

Michael’s co-op supervisor, Michele Mitterer, was able to attend the luncheon. Ms. Mitterer was presented the NJCEIA Employer Certificate of Appreciation.

Excitement was in the air on June 14, 2007, as two wonderfully outstanding students were honored.

The four-year school award winner is Diana Rodriguez of New Jersey Institute of Technology who was nominated by Sharon Gilbert. Diana worked each summer from 2004 to 2006 as an Engineering Intern at T&M Associates.

During her internship, Diana participated in the steel bridge team from 2004 to 2007 and achieved first place in the Metropolitan area in 2006 and 2007. She participated in the seismic design team from 2005 to 2007 and achieved the Saul K. Fenster Innovation in Design Award from Newark College of Engineering. She actively participated in the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers and worked for two years as a Peer Mentor for the school’s counseling center where she assisted students and facilitated workshops on various issues associated with college life.

Diana recently graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Civil Engineering. She was hired full-time at T&M Associates as an Assistant Staff Designer in the Structural Division.

The two-year school award winner is Kwabena (Kobe) Ofori-Atta, a Chemical Technology major from County College of Morris who was nominated by Al Foderaro. Kobe was unable to attend the award ceremony because he was getting married, but he has requested to come in the fall to thank the NJCEIA personally. Al Foderaro accepted on his behalf.

Since 2006, Kobe has been working as a Co-op Stability Technician in the Underarm Product Development Department at Colgate-Palmolive. During his internship Kobe was responsible in the smooth running of the stability laboratory. Kobe also helps train incoming cooperative education students at Colgate-Palmolive.

In his absence, a statement from Kobe’s biography was read. One thing that stands out from his statement is his sincere gratitude towards the staff of the Cooperative Education department at County College of Morris for all of their support and the determination they showed in securing him an internship position with Colgate-Palmolive. To sum up Kobe’s statement,
“Need I say more? The journey to where I am currently has not been easy. I sure do have a while to go. Nevertheless, I know with the assurance and support that I have benefited from in the past, the journey is endurable and will result in certain success, should I stay true to the course set before me and not deviate from it.”

Elaine DiTonno, Cook College Graduate receives 2006 New Jersey Cooperative Education and Internship Association Student of the Year Award (Laurel Van Leer, Elaine DiTonno, and Bruce Crawford are pictured at the Recognition Luncheon)

New Brunswick, NJ – Elaine DiTonno, a recent graduate of Cook College, Rutgers University, was the recipient of the 2006 New Jersey Cooperative Education and Internship Association (NJCEIA) Student of the Year Award. Elaine was recognized by the NJCEIA for her outstanding work while a cooperative education student and for her involvement in the community through academics and volunteerism.

As a Cook College cooperative education student, Elaine worked in positions related to her college curriculum while earning a salary and academic credits. Her co-op education experience with the Cook College Alumni Association included writing a production and marketing plan for alumni notecards and items created from Kilmer Oak (made famous by the poem written by Alfred Joyce Kilmer's poem, "Trees," was a white oak which once stood on the campus of Cook College) wood currently in storage. She developed a plan to sell items to be crafted from the Kilmer Oak including pens, coasters, and plaques. Elaine also worked as a Sales Department Assistant with Atalanta Corporation, a multinational gourmet foods importing company based in Elizabeth, NJ. Elaine was awarded a $300.00 scholarship by NJCEIA at a statewide recognition luncheon held at Cook College in New Brunswick, New Jersey on June 1, 2006.

The NJCEIA scholarship award was established to acknowledge students in New Jersey educational institutions that represent the best of what experiential learning can offer students. Cook College faculty sponsors, Dr. Donn A. Derr and Professor Ned Lipman, sponsored Elaine during her co-op education employment experiences. Elaine also received the Rutgers--Cook College, Cooperative Education Student of the Year Scholarship Award at a campus-wide recognition luncheon in May of 2006.

While at Cook College, Elaine was an active participant in the following charitable events: Locks of Love, Toys for Tots, MS Walk and Relay for Life. She was also a member of the Cook College Environmental and Business Economics Club. Elaine graduated as an Edward Bloustein Distinguished Scholar, a Teagle Foundation Scholar, and she completed a semester of study-abroad in Australia. She graduated with High Honors in May 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Business Economics.

The Cooperative Education Program at Cook College, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey was established in 1974 and had 310 students employed in positions with businesses, government and non-profit agencies during 2005.

Edward Schruba, a mechanical engineering technology student from County College of Morris, was the 2006 recipient of the Two-Year College New Jersey Cooperative Education and Internship Association (NJCEIA) Student of the Year Award. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions while employed as a cooperative education student at the United States Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center located at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, New Jersey. Ed received a $300 scholarship from NJCEIA at a statewide recognition luncheon held at Cook College in June.

Mr. Schruba worked as an engineering aide and reported to the Director of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Directorate. During his co-op employment he was assigned to support three engineering teams: the Robot Applications Team, the Foreign Material Exploitation Team, and the Media Team. Ed was assigned to all three teams because of his proven ability to multi-task and because his skills were diverse enough to contribute to all three groups.

During his co-o, Ed was recognized for a number of outstanding accomplishments that included:

The Robot Team Leader also had Ed assist with testing of on a new low cost Disrupter Cartridge for the RE-70 Standoff Disrupter. Ed supported the data capture and data analysis associated with the test. While assisting the Robot Applications Team Leader, Ed organized test data and technical information so that a draft of a Technical Report on the development of the RE-70 Full Bore Plain Slug could be published.

In addition to these projects, Ed assisted the Director of the EOD Technology Directorate, Joseph Wu, in his personal project to study the existing process for recovering fragments in an Arena Test. Ed’s role was to prepare the floor plan of the existing building where these operations are performed and to assist consultants in the rendering of their concepts in engineering drawing format using Auto Cad and PRO-E.

Ed was nominated for the award by both Al Foderaro, Director of Career Services and Cooperative Education at County College of Morris and his supervisor, Joseph Wu. Mr. Wu, in his endorsement, described Ed as “a mature, helpful, productive co-op student who exuded a strong work ethic with a positive attitude.” Mr. Schruba’s accomplishments contributed greatly to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Directorate’s success in supporting its mission and the mission of its customers. Ed helped the Directorate accomplish its mission to train EOD soldiers in foreign ordnance recognition so that, when they are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, they can better perform the mission of rendering safe unexploded foreign ordnance.

The County College of Morris and Picatinny Arsenal join in saluting Edward Schruba for his outstanding contributions and for being recognized as the 2006 Two-Year College NJCEIA Student of the Year.

The four-year school award winner was Jibu Abraham, an student from Stevens Institute of Technology. He worked for HoneyBee Robotics and was nominated by Catherine L. Rooney.

The two year school award winner was Jhonatan Munoz of County College of Morris. He was nominated by Al Foderaro and worked for Howmet Castings.

The two year school award winner was Enrique Agapay of Middlesex County College. He was nominated by Barbara Gross and worked for Accutest Labs.

PHOTO Left to right: Cathy Pearl, Human Resources Manager at Accutest, two-year school award winner Enrique Agapay, and Terri Orosz and Barbara Gross, Middlesex County College.

The four-year school award winner was Michael Phipps, an engineering student from Stevens Institute of Technology. He worked for Stryker Orthopedics and was nominated by Lynn Insley.

PHOTO Left to right - back row: Peter Verrillo, Manager of Platform Innovation and Michael Phipps supervisor at Stryker, and four-year school winner Michael Phipps.
Front row: Amy Corona, HR Recruiter at Stryker, Lynn Insley Stevens Institute of Technology, and Debbie Ackerly, Recruitment Manager at Stryker.

Despite gray skies, spirits were bright on June 5 when the New Jersey Cooperative Education and Internship Association honored three students with the 2003 NJCEIA Student of the Year Award. Hosted by Montclair State University, the awards luncheon was held at the elegant Valley Regency in Clifton. The students’ family, friends, and employers joined NJCEIA members to recognize their accomplishments.

The two-year award winner was Paul Gonzalez, a Mechanical Technology major, from the County College of Morris. He was nominated by Al Foderaro, Director of Career Services and Cooperative Education at CCM and David Zweig, Vice President of Engineering for Glenbrook Technologies in Randolph, New Jersey. As a co-op student at Glenbrook Technologies, Paul, a Product Development Technician, worked on two prototype machines being used to demonstrate x-ray inspection for homeland security.

Evan Juska, from Seton Hall University, was the four-year winner. A Political Science major, he was nominated by Reesa Greenwald, Associate Director of The Career Center at SHU and Carol Lynch, Investigative Paralegal with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office in Freehold, New Jersey. During Paul’s summer internship with the Prosecutor’s Office, he drafted a version of the Amber Plan (a public emergency alert system for child abductions) for Monmouth County.

The graduate award winner was Edyta Jasinska, also from Seton Hall University. She was nominated by Reesa Greenwald, Associate Director of The Career Center at SHU and by employers from two internships: Mary-Irene Gladney, Human Resources Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark, New Jersey and Ahmad Kamal, Senior Fellow, from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Edyta worked as a student clerk for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and as a Research Assistant/Intern for UNITAR where she developed reference manuals for the office which provides training sessions primarily for developing countries.

The Student of the Year Awards program provides an opportunity for students, employers, college professionals and family to celebrate the rich experiences that await students involved in cooperative education and internships. This year was no exception. Through their co-op and internship experiences, this year’s recipients had the opportunity to be involved in work that promoted public health, safety, and welfare locally, as well as globally, testimony to the value of real world experience.

Cook College Graduate receives
2002 New Jersey
Cooperative Education and Internship Association Student of the Year Award

New Brunswick, NJ--Todd Haurin, a recent graduate of Rutgers' Cook College and a resident of TABERNACLE, was awarded the 2002 New Jersey Cooperative Education and Internship Association (NJCEIA) Student of the Year Award. Todd was recognized by the NJCEIA for his outstanding work while a cooperative education student and for his involvement in the community through academics and volunteerism.

As a Cook College cooperative education student, Haurin worked in positions related to his college curriculum while earning a salary and academic credits. His co-op education experience included an internship at the Office of Sustainable Business, a division of the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, in Trenton, New Jersey as well as a semester with the Union County Division of Parks & Recreation as an Environmental Program Aide/Program Developer. Todd was awarded a $300 scholarship by NJCEIA at a statewide recognition luncheon held at Middlesex Community College in Edison, New Jersey on June 6, 2002.

The NJCEIA scholarship award was established to acknowledge students in New Jersey educational institutions that represent the best of what experiential learning can offer students. Cook College faculty sponsors, Dr. Donn A. Derr, professor, agricultural, food and resource economics and Dr. George F. Clark, professor, human ecology, advised Haurin during his co-op education employment experiences. The Cook College Cooperative Education Student of the Year Scholarship Award was presented to Todd at a campus-wide recognition luncheon in April of 2002. He was also a finalist for the Cooperative Education & Internship Association and the Cooperative Education Division of the American Society of Engineering Education National Student of the Year Award in December 2001.

While at Cook College, Todd was an active member of Kappa Theta Epsilon National Honor Society, Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity, and the campus Leadership Committee among many others. He graduated with High Honors in May 2002 with a dual degree in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior and Environmental and Business Economics. Todd strongly believes in protecting our environment through initiatives that will benefit the community and the environment, while promoting economic growth in the process. He plans to work in the environmental field and later attend graduate school.

The Cooperative Education Program at Cook College, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey was established in 1974 and had 305 students employed in positions with businesses, government and non-profit agencies during the 2001-2002 academic year. Students earned an average of $4,000 each semester with total student earnings at $1,085,278 in the past year.