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JERSEY CITY, N.J. | �鶹��ý (NJCU)'s Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education announced today the establishment of its Distinguished Alumni Awards program, designed to recognize outstanding graduates whose work has made significant impacts in schools and communities.

The new awards program honors the legacy of Dr. Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe, the college's namesake, who broke racial and gender barriers throughout her career and helped shape landmark educational initiatives including Head Start, financial aid programs, community colleges, and modern vocational education. As former Chief of Education for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, Dr. Wolfe's influence on American education continues to resonate today.

Eligible nominees include teachers, administrators, and education or counseling professionals who have completed either undergraduate or graduate programs at NJCU's College of Education. 

Dr. Lourdes Sutton, the Acting Dean of the College of Education, said "At a time when �鶹��ý and our nation face critical challenges in recruiting and retaining exceptional educators, it's more important than ever to celebrate the transformative impact our alumni are having in classrooms and communities. The Distinguished Alumni Awards program not only honors our graduates' achievements but also spotlights the vital importance of quality educator preparation. These awards will help tell their stories and underscore the crucial role of well-prepared educators in addressing our state's educational needs."

"These awards celebrate alumni who exemplify our mission to prepare educators who empower every student, carrying forward Dr. Wolfe's commitment to educational equity," noted Dr. Mary McGriff, Acting Associate Dean of the College of Education. 

Nominations can be submitted by colleagues or individuals may nominate themselves. All nominations must include a detailed statement describing how the nominee's NJCU education has contributed to their impact as educators, along with supporting documentation such as a current resume and letter of recommendation. Nominations should answer the question: how does the nominee exemplify the college's mission to prepare educators to empower every student to fulfill the university’s mission to “enter to learn, exit to serve”?

A selection committee comprising faculty, staff, and alumni will review nominations and select the award recipients. Winners will be honored at a special recognition ceremony on April 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the Gothic Lounge, Hepburn Hall 202, on campus.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 7, 2025. Nominations can be submitted through an online form at:

For additional information about the Distinguished Alumni Awards program, please contact Dr. Mary McGriff at mmcgriff@njcu.edu or call 201-200-2101.

�鶹��ý NJCU: 
�鶹��ý is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, �鶹��ý, NJCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of �鶹��ý.

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Contact: 
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301