Jessica Cortese, a 2008 graduate of Middlesex County College, was named the 2016 Alumna of the Year for Contributions to the College, its Alumni Association or its Foundation. The award was presented during Celebration Day, an annual event that honors College employees reaching milestone service anniversaries, two Outstanding Service to the College award winners, as well as the Alumna of the Year.
Ms. Cortese came to MCC as a student in Project Connections, a program that provides college-able students with learning disabilities with academic and other support so they can succeed.
“My gratitude and involvement with MCC never faltered,” she said as she accepted the award. “I worked in the First-Year Experience Department, in the Foundation Office, I was an adjunct English and Student Success instructor, I was invited back to speak to Project Connections students, and I am on the Alumni Association Board which gives me ample opportunities to volunteer with the people who inspired and continue to inspire me. It is because of the people here, in this room, and the students outside these walls that I am standing here today. I would like to thank Middlesex County College for shaping the person that I am today: academically, personally and socially. I would like to specifically thank Project Connections for helping me find my autonomy.”
After graduating from MCC, Ms. Cortese continued her education at The College of New Jersey where she earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree in English and in Women and Gender Studies. Ms. Cortese continued her studies at TCNJ where she earned her Master’s Degree in English, graduating with a 3.95 grade point average. In 2012 she published an article, “Third World Feminism: Finding Solidarity in the Global Market,” in TCNJ’s Journal of Student Scholarship.
She is now assistant to the director of the Plainsboro Township Recreation Department. She assists with grant writing, public relations, and program development and implementation. She also teaches yoga.
Ms. Cortese is very active in the community. She is the treasurer of the Human Relations Council of Plainsboro, which addresses the social needs of the community and plans events that celebrate Plainsboro’s diversity. A member of MCC’s Alumni Association Board, she participated in the Association’s Habitat for Humanity building project last summer, worked at MCC’s 50 th Anniversary Community Day Celebration, and, for the past two years, has entertained guests as “Lady Luck” at the MCC Foundation’s Casino Night.
Awards were also presented to two individuals for Outstanding Service to the College. Judy Robinson was presented the award for staff and Patricia Cardinale for administrators.
