Berkeley College Celebrates 95th Anniversary and 20 Years in Newark at Networking Breakfast Focused on Community Partnerships

Photo Caption: Berkeley College leaders stand with nonprofit and community partners during a networking breakfast on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Berkeley College in Newark, NJ. The event celebrated the 95th anniversary of Berkeley College and the 20th anniversary of its Newark campus.

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Berkeley College celebrated its 95th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of its Newark campus during a networking breakfast on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The event highlighted community partnerships that support student engagement and workforce development as well as programming and operational collaboration.

"The only way we survive as nonprofits and as communities is if we learn how to trust, collaborate, and partner," said Nayibe Capella, CEO, Programs for Parents, who delivered the keynote address. "The strongest organizations are not always the ones with the most resources - they are the ones with the strongest relationships."

Photo Caption: Nayibe Capella, CEO, Programs for Parents, delivers the keynote address during a networking breakfast focused on community partnerships on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Berkeley College in Newark, NJ. The event celebrated the 95th anniversary of Berkeley College and the 20th anniversary of its Newark campus.

"Each of you plays a vital role in strengthening our communities - whether you are providing services, creating jobs, mentoring future professionals, or supporting community initiatives," said Luis Collazo, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Newark, to nonprofit and community leaders. "The work you do is not easy - but it is essential."

Berkeley College leaders shared opportunities for collaboration through immersive educational opportunities and workforce readiness initiatives.

"At Berkeley College our mission is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success through career-focused education and supportive, inclusive learning environments," said Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College. "That mission extends beyond our campuses. It calls on us to actively engage with our communities, to listen, to collaborate, and to create pathways that connect education with opportunity."

"What makes all of our Berkeley College programs truly impactful is what happens when students engage with you and your organizations," said Patricia Greer, JD, Provost, Berkeley College. "There are tremendous opportunities to deepen our partnerships through internships, service-learning experiences, and experiential learning."

Amina Bey, Council Member, Central Ward, City of Newark, and Louise Scott-Rountree, Council Member at-Large, City of Newark, delivered well wishes and proclamations recognizing the 95th anniversary of Berkeley College and the 20th anniversary of the Newark campus. Scott-Rountree also presented congratulatory letters from herself and Ras J. Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark.

Photo Caption (L to R): LaTysha Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ; Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College; Louise Scott-Rountree, Council Member at-Large, City of Newark; Luis Collazo, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Newark, NJ; and Patricia Greer, JD, Provost, Berkeley College, display proclamations from the City of Newark recognizing the 95th anniversary of Berkeley College and the 20th anniversary of the Newark campus during a networking breakfast on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Photo Caption (L to R): LaTysha Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ; Amina Bey, Council Member, Central Ward, City of Newark; Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College; and Luis Collazo, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Newark, NJ, celebrate the 95th anniversary of Berkeley College and the 20th anniversary of the Newark campus during a networking breakfast on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.

Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor's Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans for 13 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.

The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.

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