6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Galloping Hill Catering

Union, New Jersey

Beverly Barnes

2026 Community Leader of the Year

Beverly E. Barnes is a dynamic and purpose-driven leader who serves as President and CEO of SGW Integrated Marketing, a New Jersey-based agency known for delivering insight-driven marketing solutions across the healthcare and pharmaceutical, financial services, higher education, and manufacturing sectors. Under her leadership, SGW has built a reputation for innovation, operational excellence, and measurable results, while fostering meaningful, long-term client partnerships.

Beyond her professional achievements, Beverly has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community impact. Through her leadership, SGW Integrated Marketing has been a steadfast and leading supporter of the Union County College Foundation’s Close the Gap campaign since its inception. As a lead sponsor each year, SGW has played a critical role in advancing the campaign’s mission to eliminate equity gaps and expand opportunities for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Beverly’s dedication has helped drive awareness, engagement, and resources that directly contribute to student success and increased graduation outcomes.

Beverly is deeply committed to mentoring future leaders and advancing thought leadership within the broader business community. Her leadership style is grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach that consistently positions SGW as a trusted and impactful partner.

She is a graduate of Berkeley College and has completed the Center of Excellence Program, the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth Executive Education program, and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.



In recognition of her leadership, generosity, and enduring commitment to educational equity, we are proud to honor Beverly E. Barnes as the 2026 Community Leader of the Year at the 11th Annual Close the Gap Reception.

Nate Vaughn

2026 Frank Bolden Award

Nate Vaughn is a transformative and strategic executive who serves as Senior Client Partner and Global Account Leader in the Healthcare Services Practice at Korn Ferry, the world’s leading organizational consulting firm. In this role, he partners with healthcare organizations to strengthen leadership and talent strategies, helping them achieve sustainable growth and organizational excellence.

Over the course of his career, Nate has built a reputation for driving growth, profitability, and high-performance outcomes for some of the most respected companies in the industry, including Pfizer, Stryker, GE Healthcare, Sodexo, and Modivcare. Known for his expertise in business development and commercial sales, he has consistently built diverse, inclusive, and results-driven teams while aligning strategic vision with measurable impact.

In his previous role as Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Modivcare, Nate led a cultural transformation that significantly expanded diversity hiring, with a focused commitment to increasing opportunities for minorities and women. His leadership also contributed to improved employee retention and a stronger, more inclusive workplace culture. Earlier, as Vice President of Commercial Sales for Sodexo’s healthcare division in North America, he managed a $200 million portfolio and led cross-functional teams to deliver significant business results.

Nate’s career foundation includes leadership roles at AstraZeneca, Aldi, Pfizer, and Stryker, where he developed a broad and deep expertise across sales, marketing, operations, and human resources.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nate is deeply committed to community engagement and service. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., reflecting his dedication to leadership, mentorship, and community impact.

A former collegiate athlete in both football and baseball, Nate continues to value teamwork, discipline, and excellence in all aspects of his life. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and Finance from the University of Tennessee.

In recognition of his leadership, commitment to equity and opportunity, and dedication to building inclusive pathways for success, we are proud to honor Nathan Vaughn as the 2026 recipient of the Frank Bolden Award, named in tribute to UCNJ’s first African American Board Chairman and a champion for access, equity, and educational opportunity.

WHY IS THE CLOSE THE GAP FUND SO IMPORTANT?

"Receiving this scholarship had a significant impact on my academic success. It relieved financial stress, which allowed me to focus more on my studies. With that extra time and peace of mind, I was able to maintain strong grades and even take on additional academic projects. It also boosted my confidence, knowing that someone believed in my potential." 

Oladapo Odusanya - Close the Gap Scholar

Thanks to YOU...

THE STORY OF STUDENT SUCCESS

Over the past eleven years, the Close the Gap campaign has played a critical role in advancing UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ’s mission to support student success. While our commitment remains steadfast in ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need, we are especially proud of the extraordinary progress made in increasing the graduation rates of our African American students.

Thanks to our donor family, we have raised over $600,000, which has been invested in scholarships, programming, grant support, and emergency funding. As a result, the graduation rates of African American students have continued to rise over the years, an achievement that would not have been possible without our dedicated College staff and the generosity of corporate and community donors.

Close the Gap, a part of our overall Operation Graduation strategy, is a truly unique initiative in the community college system, delivering a profound and measurable impact. While we celebrate these successes, we recognize that the work is far from over. To meet the growing needs of all our students, we must continue pushing forward, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. Our goal is to provide limitless opportunities for all students and ensure that they have the resources they need that will provide them with social and economic mobility.  

To join us on July 22 or to donate

please click on the link below