438 North Avenue

Garwood, New Jersey

Doors Open at 6:00 PM

Northfield Bank

2025 Corporate Partner of the Year

The Union County College Foundation is proud to honor Northfield Bank as our 2025 Corporate Partner of the Year in recognition of their long-standing commitment to our students and our mission. For more than a decade, Northfield Bank has provided critical scholarship support, removing financial barriers and expanding opportunity so that students can achieve their academic and career goals.

Northfield Bank’s commitment to student success extends beyond scholarships. As active supporters of the Foundation’s major fundraising events, including the Annual Scholarship Gala and Golf Outing, they consistently serve as a model of corporate citizenship. Their presence and leadership are felt throughout Union County, where they invest time, resources, and expertise to strengthen the community they serve.

Northfield Bank exemplifies what it means to be a true partner in education. Their generosity, vision, and values reflect the very best of corporate leadership, and we are proud to recognize them for the enduring impact they have made on the lives of our students.

Victor M. Richel

Chairman, UCNJ Board of Trustees

2025 Fiat Lux Award

The Union County College Foundation is proud to honor Victor M. Richel with the 2025 Fiat Lux Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, vision, and philanthropic support of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ. A distinguished banking executive and civic leader, Mr. Richel, alongside his wife Andrea, has been one of the College’s most steadfast champions, working tirelessly to expand access to education and opportunity for students across Union County.

As Chairman of the UCNJ Board of Trustees, Mr. Richel has played a central role in shaping the College’s strategic vision and academic mission. Under his leadership, UCNJ has advanced equity, innovation, and student success, gaining national recognition as a top 10 community college by the Aspen Institute. Through the Richel Family Foundation, the Richels have generously supported student scholarships, provided critical resources for academic initiatives, and helped ensure the success of every major Foundation event, including the Scholarship Gala, Golf Outing, and the Close the Gap Reception.

In addition to his work with UCNJ, Mr. Richel has led a distinguished career in banking, healthcare, and public service. He served as Chairman and CEO of Statewide Savings Bank and later as Vice Chairman following its merger with Independence Community Bank. His leadership has extended to Elizabethtown Gas, NUI Corporation, and his current roles as Chairman of Dominion Partners, Westminster Properties, and Richel Commercial Brokerage. He has also provided decades of leadership to RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center, where he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Richel’s lifetime of service has earned numerous accolades, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Caritas Award, the Trustee Leadership Award from the Association of Community College Trustees, and recognition as Hospital Trustee of the Year by the New Jersey Hospital Association.

Mr. Richel exemplifies what it means to invest in the future. His legacy at UCNJ will continue to inspire and empower generations of students to come.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - BE THE CHANGE

By joining us at this year’s Investing in the Future Gala, you become a catalyst for change in the lives of UCNJ students. Your presence and support will help break down financial barriers and ensure that a student’s potential, not their economic reality, defines their future. Now more than ever, the Foundation serves as a lifeline for hundreds of students striving to stay in school, succeed, and graduate. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers, one student at a time.

“Your support is not only an investment in my future, but in the lives of the patients and communities I hope to serve one day. Thank you again for your generosity and belief in students like me. I am motivated to work even harder and remain committed to achieving my academic and professional goals.”

 – Cynthia Ejiofor | Northfield Bank Scholarship 

TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THIS YEAR'S GALA, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOUNDATION OFFICE AT 908.709.7505 OR EMAIL FOUNDATION@UCC.EDU

MISSION SPONSOR - $10,000

Includes:

• Ten Tickets
• Inside cover of the Tribute Journal
• Name Placement on Event Banner

GOLD SPONSOR - $6,500

Includes:

• Six Tickets
• Gold Page Ad in the Tribute Journal
• Name Placement on Event Banner

SILVER SPONSOR - $5,000

Includes:

• Six Tickets
• Silver Page Ad in the Tribute Journal
• Name Placement on Event Banner

BRONZE SPONSOR - $3,000

Includes:

• Four Tickets
• Full Page Ad in the Tribute Journal
• Name Placement on Event Banner

TABLE SPONSOR - $2,500

Includes:

• Ten Tickets
• Quarter Page Ad in the Tribute Journal
• Name Placement on Event Banner

PATRON SPONSOR - $1,500

Includes:

• Two Tickets
• Full Page Ad in the Tribute Journal
• Name Placement on Event Banner

DONOR SPONSOR - $1,000

Includes:

• Two Tickets
• Half Page Ad in the Tribute Journal

FRIEND SPONSOR - $600

Includes:

• Two Tickets
• Owl Listing in the Tribute Journal

TICKETS - $250

Cost per ticket

TRIBUTE JOURNAL OPPORTUNITIES

AD SALES ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED

Donation Levels for Tribute Journal

Back or Inside Cover $ 5,000

Gold Page $ 3,500

Silver Page $ 2,500

Full Page $1,000

Half Page $550

Quarter Page $350

Owl Listing $150

For information about the tribute journal, please contact the Foundation office at 908.709.7505 or email foundation@ucc.edu. You can also click on the link below for additional information.

For a PDF of the Gala Sponsorship and Tribute Journal opportunities, click on the link below.

Contact:

Union County College Foundation

908.709.7505

foundation@ucc.edu

UCNJ, Union College of Union County, NJ is proud to recognized by the Aspen Institute as being one of the TOP TEN Community Colleges in the nation.

Union County College Foundation

1033 Springfield Avenue

Cranford, NJ 07016

908.709.7505

foundation@ucc.edu