CCM Foundation Scholarship Gala Raises Record Amount

The County College of Morris Foundation’s 2013 Scholarship Gala, held April 26 at the Hyatt-Morristown, raised net proceeds of more than $100,000 for the college’s scholarships and programs. The amount set a new record for the annual event.

The gala, attended by more than 200, also recognized Public Service Enterprise Group President, Chairman and CEO Ralph Izzo for outstanding contributions to higher education with the foundation’s 2013 Leadership Award.

“Education is important, not only to those who wish to make a better life for themselves, it is also a key component to a healthy economy,” said Izzo in receiving the award. “New Jersey is fortunate to be home to a number of respected higher education institutions and County College of Morris is one of them.”

“We were honored to recognize Dr. Izzo, not only for his leadership of one of our state’s most well-respected companies, but for his commitment to improving higher education in New Jersey,” said Joseph Vitale, president of the CCM Foundation. “In particular, we acknowledge his leadership in efforts to pass last fall’s Building Our Future bond act.” The statewide measure, which was approved by voters, will provide $750 million to New Jersey’s colleges and universities for infrastructure improvements.

In addition to Izzo, four of the college’s alumni were honored for their professional achievements: Anthony Leggio of Lumberton, NJ received the Alumnus of the Year award. Leggio, a 1977 CCM graduate, is regional vice president and corporate director of AT&T Business Solutions. Erin Fowler of Gaithersburg, MD, a 1997 graduate, received the Alumni Achievement award. She is senior policy advisor to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and Predecessor Organizations/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Scott Kansky of Morristown, NJ received the Alumni Humanitarian award. Kansky, who graduated the college in 1997, is a flight paramedic with Atlantic Ambulance Corporation and vice president of the Morris Minute Men Emergency Medical Services. Christopher Linne, his wife, Jan, and daughter Jennifer of Hackettstown, NJ were winners of the Alumni Service Award. Christopher Linne and Jennifer Linne are graduates of CCM. This year, the Linne family established a scholarship at CCM for students majoring in business administration or criminal justice.