BCC Inaugurates its 5th President

Friday, April 11 2008, 12:42 PM EDT

Contributed by: Mel Fabrikant

On Tuesday, April 8, 2008, Bergen Community College inaugurated G. Jeremiah Ryan as its 5th president. Traffic was so heavy that County police officers were called in to help direct the flow of parking vehicles. Held in the gymnasium, the inaugural program played to a full house

With all the pomp and ceremony befitting such an auspicious occasion, the Bergen County Police Honor Guard presented the colors. This was followed by the national anthem sung by James P. Miller and accompanied on the piano by Dr. Linda Marcel. Introductions and greetings were offered by David J. Kasparian, Dr. Lawrence Nespoli, Dennis McNerney, Tomas J. Padilla, Dr. Alan Kaufman and Student Council President Ignacio Acosta.

The Investiture was offered by Stephen J. Moses followed by the keynote speaker, Steve Kalafer, an old friend of Ryan's. This was followed by a touching tribute from Gail Ryan, the president's wife. During all this, a team of two teachers provided sign language for the hearing impaired.

On the dais were many dignitaries, some of whom I recognized: Mayor James Tedesco III, Freeholders Elizabeth Calabrese and Julie O'Brien, Foundation Chair Bob Dill and Senators Bob Gordon and Paul Sarlo.

Setting the basis of his term, President Ryan left the podium and came down to the floor where he delivered his address without the benefit of notes. He covered what had been done in the past plus his broad reaching future plans. In the almost 9 months since he has taken office, the college has entered into many agreements with other two and four year venues. He sees positive growth for Bergen Community College during his term as president.

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