Scholarship Ball Celebrates Honorees and Raises Funds for Sussex County Community College Foundation

VERNON, NJ – Attendees filled the dining area of the Red Tail Lodge at Mountain Creek for the black-tie optional 14^th Annual Sussex County Community College (SCCC) Scholarship Ball on Saturday, October 25.

The annual event honors individuals who have touched the Sussex County Community College Community, and raises money for the Sussex County Community College Foundation, as one of the foundation’s most monumental fundraising events of the year.

Silvermoon Music provided musical entertainment for the evening. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

“It’s really important to understand the importance of this event, which is to raise money for the students,” said Dr. Paul Mazur, Sussex County Community College President.

At the event, guests enjoyed a lavish four-course meal, and there were opportunities to win a variety of items in a silent auction. Among them were: gift certificates to a variety of destinations in the area and as far away as Antigua, autographed items like an Elton John Record Album, certificates for visits to salon, perfume baskets, and more. A 50/50 was another fundraiser, as well as the opportunity to drive a Porsche over the weekend. Winners of all of the contests were posted at the end of the evening.

Student volunteers point out their names on the volunteer list. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

The three honorees were: Caitlin D. Berkefeld, John M. Kuntz, and William E. Kulsar.

Berkefeld is a graduate of Sussex County Community College, who is now a biology teacher at the Newark Academy in Livingston, and who gained her start with scholarship support at SCCC. Berkefeld works with other students, assisting them to navigate from high school to college, as an advocate for affordable education.

From left to right: Chuck Roberts (Sussex County Community College Foundation Chairman), Judge Lorraine C. Parker (Sussex County Community College Board of Trustees Chair), Karen DiMaria (SCCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement), Caitlin D. Berkefeld, and Dr. Paul Mazur (SCCC President). Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Kuntz was responsible for the intercollegiate Athletic Program at SCCC. He also spearheaded the Skylander Summer Sports Camp at the college for children ages eight to 14-years, and helped to raise over $70,000 for the foundation, through the establishment of the annual Skylander Golf Outing.

From left to right: Chuck Roberts (Sussex County Community College Foundation Chairman), Karen DiMaria (SCCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement), Judge Lorraine C. Parker (Sussex County Community College Board of Trustees Chair), John Kuntz, and Dr. Paul Mazur (SCCC President). Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Kulsar is a retired CPA who formed the firm Caristia, Kulsar and Wade. During his days as a CPA, he assisted individuals with estate planning, and donations to not-for-profits, which he considers one of the most rewarding aspects of his career. Through it, Kulsar also helped the college and its students through volunteering his time.

From left to right: Chuck Roberts (Sussex County Community College Foundation Chairman), Karen DiMaria (SCCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement), Judge Lorraine C. Parker (Sussex County Community College Board of Trustees Chair), William E. Kulsar, and Dr. Paul Mazur (SCCC President). Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Congressman Scott Garrett (R-NJ, 5th District) presented awards as well to Berkefeld, Kuntz, and Kulsar.

Karen DiMaria, Sussex County Community College’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement announced at the event that the Clearing Corporation Charitable Foundation, which donated a $250,000 sum to help establish The Clearing Corporation Charitable Foundation School of Agriculture, just donated another $50,000 to the SCCC Foundation.

Karen DiMaria, SCCC Vice-President of Institutional Advancement, announces a $50,000 gift from Ira Polk and the Clearing Corporation. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Mazur reiterated that with the generosity of the foundation’s supporters, SCCC has been able to help keep tuition rates reasonable for students. Mazur said one of the initiatives the college is currently working on is to increase the college’s bandwidth to provide for more online and hybrid classes.

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