Ocean County College celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Pamela J. Monaco as the fifth president of the college on Friday, Oct. 13 in the gymnasium of the Health & Human Performance Center.
The event started when the college’s staff and faculty ceremoniously walked in together in their cap and gowns, making their way to their seats. As everyone settled in, the Master of Ceremonies, Paul Chalakani, welcomed everyone and introduced Ocean County’s Vocational Technical School Performing Arts Academy to perform the National Anthem.
Following the introductions of the Ocean County Board of Trustees, Board of Commissioners, Directors, Staff, and Student Representatives, the inauguration continued with opening remarks from the Chairman of the OCC Board of Trustees, Jerry Dasti.
“The role of the president is a very solemn responsibility. One that is pivotal to the shaping of the future of the college. It’s a role that requires a strong vision, collaborative spirit, and steadfast commitment to the success of our institution. In addition to all of those qualities, President Monaco brings to the role a passion for education and an impressive history of experience and dedication to the purpose of the community college,” Dasti said in his opening speech.
Selected board members, professors, directors, staff, students, and alumni each came up one by one to greet the president and share their remarks about the college and the transition. Many of the remarks expressed their excitement for the new president. “So many of us were chitchatting on campus thinking to ourselves. ‘Wow, she’s gonna be an amazing addition here on campus’ and just to let you know, you have not let us down,” Ilene Cohen, Executive Director of Athletics said.
The Inauguration continued with the Oath of Office when Judge, Robert A. Fall administered the oath to Monaco. Fall had Monaco place her left hand on the Bible and repeat after him to be sworn in. Following the oath, Dasti came up to ceremoniously award Monaco the Presidential Medallion.
The inaugurated President Monaco then came up for her inaugural address. She hammered hard on the needs of students and is determined to change the narrative and bad reputation that has been associated with attending college. She explained how many students are demotivated to attend college due to its high costs and high debt accumulated through its tuition. Monaco went in-depth and brought up how service, networking, and united relationships with organizations, schools, and students are a way to regain the trust of the public.
“We can regain the public’s trust and higher education through our mission of service to the residents and businesses of our county but to do so we must listen to what students and employers want to partner with our middle and high schools collaborate with our local vocational, technical schools and our four-year partners, nurture relationships with our community-based organizations to solve the immediate and long-term needs and approach, teaching and learning differently,” Monaco said.
The event concluded when President Monaco finished her inaugural address and the Master of Ceremonies, Paul Chalakani, came to do the final and closing remarks. Monaco and everyone exited the gym as the song “The Best Is Yet to Come” by Count Basie and Frank Sinatra echoed throughout the room, symbolizing the start of a new season at Ocean County College.
Everyone including guests and attendees then went to the Student Center for a luncheon to celebrate the new president.
On Dec. 8, 2022, The Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Pamela J. Monaco was selected to be the next president of Ocean County College, succeeding President Larson. After six months of searching and looking at many candidates across the country, Monaco’s experience and dedication to serving students with diverse needs is what stood her out to make her the best candidate for the position. Monaco joined OCC, on July 1. 2023.
To watch the live stream of the inauguration, go to OCC’s website at ocean.edu/presidential-inauguration/
