New Scholarship Connects Bloomfield College Students with Alumni

“We need to encourage alumni and students to interact more,” said John B. Skowronski ’91. “As a proud member of the Bloomfield College Alumni Association (BCAA), it is my intention to do whatever I can to advance our wonderful institution, recognize outstanding alumni for their achievements, and to record for posterity the stories of fellow alumni so others can learn and be inspired by their fellow Bloomfield College grads.”

Skowronski is a long-time Director at Automatic Data Processing (ADP), a human resource management company that graciously matches his gifts to his alma mater. A dedicated member of both the Bloomfield College Board of Trustees and the BCAA, Skowronski aims to foster student-alumni interactions with many different initiatives, including the creation of his scholarship, the John B. Skowronski '91 Communications Scholarship Fund.

A unique aspect to the parameters is the scholarship recipient is required to interview at least one notable member of the alumni community. The interview would then later air on WBCR, the Bloomfield College radio station.

WBCR is a student-run radio station operated by the Broadcast Journalism program. For 12 years, the Station has given students the opportunity to gain hands on experience with the medium. The current manager of the station is adjunct professor Douglas Doyle.

“This extraordinary gift from alumnus and Board member John Skowronski solidifies how much he truly believes that Bloomfield College alumni and current students can enhance each other’s experiences,” said Jackie Bartley, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “We are so appreciative of John’s ongoing commitment to encouraging these relationships and for creating opportunities for current students and alumni to collaborate. When helping students connect with alumni, it’s important to be strategic, and this scholarship is just that.”

The inaugural scholarship recipient is Stephanie Valdiviezo ’18, a Broadcast Journalism major. Valdiviezo interviewed Carlos Gomez ’13, who has quickly made a name for himself in the world of finance.

“Receiving scholarships from members of the Board of Trustees impacted my life one hundred percent,” said Gomez, in the interview, who noted a scholarship from trustee Rosemary Iversen made studying abroad in France possible. “It was a life changing event because in that moment I knew I would be able to continue my education at Bloomfield College.”

Gomez, an international student, came to the College from the Dominican Republic. Gomez earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business and went on to earn an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.

Soon after, Gomez began working at IMG, a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion that operates in more than 30 countries, as an International Treasury Analyst. The day following his interview with Valdiviezo, Gomez was on a plane to England, headed to IMG’s London office, where he will work anywhere between one to three years.

Throughout the interview, which acts as the first installment of the new series “Bloomfield’s Best,” Valdiviezo asked Gomez questions about his upbringing, favorite professors, love for sports and finance, and his volunteer experience with the Special Olympics.

Valdiviezo plans to enroll in law school following earning her bachelor’s degree.

“The John B. Skowronski '91 Communications Scholarship has lifted a financial burden off my shoulders,” expressed Valdiviezo. “This scholarship has helped me pay at least half my tuition for the semester. I am able to focus on my studies without the worry.”

“I am so very grateful for the opportunity and honored to be the first recipient of this award,” she added.

WBCR will air the Carlos Gomez interview on the following dates:

  • Monday, February 27 at 8:00 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, February 28 at 3:00 p.m. (Zach Brown show)
  • Wednesday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. (Stephanie Valdiviezo show)
  • Thursday, March 2 at 5:00 p.m. (Tea Time with Ke'Anu Sims, Jaime Gates and Yvana Romelus)
  • Friday, March 3rd 11:00 a.m. (Izzy in the Morning -Isiah Crute)

If you are interested in creating your own scholarship fund and/or contributing to the Bloomfield College (BC) Fund, please contact Vincent Fay at 973-748-9000 x. 1293 or emailing vincent_fay@bloomfield.edu

© Bloomfield College 467 Franklin St. Bloomfield, NJ 07003 973-748-9000