Centenary College and United Way of Northern New Jersey Women's Leadership Council Announces Recipients of $10,000 Scholarship

Hackettstown, N.J. – Centenary College and United Way of Northern New Jersey Women’s Leadership Council recently announced the recipients of a new scholarship designed to assist female, non-traditional students from Warren County afford the costs of completing their college education.  The scholarship is designed for students who have graduated from Warren County Community College.  The scholarship was instituted with $5,000 by United Way for Centenary students in the Fall 2012 semester, with Centenary College providing a $5,000 match.  The recipients are Tracey Kosar from Lopatcong and Christina Chmielewski from Harmony.

This agreement builds on a similar partnership United Way of Northern New Jersey Women’s Leadership Council established with Warren County Community College in 2010 to provide financial assistance to students struggling to afford the costs of higher education.

“At United Way we believe in working together with invaluable partners like our local colleges, in order to improve residents’ lives and strengthen our local communities,” says United Way Women’s Leadership Council Director Sarah Brelvi.

For Kosar, the scholarship means she is able to pursue her dream of becoming an advocate for victim’s rights.

“I am beyond thrilled to receive this scholarship,” says Kosar.  “I was not going to have enough money to come to Centenary otherwise and since Centenary was my first choice this is truly a gift.”

Kosar’s story is one that can resonate with many moms who have been out of the work force for an extended period of time.  She was a legal secretary and had been out of the corporate world for 13 years.  She was concerned about what her employment options would be after not being employed for so long and felt that going to college was the best option for her.  She graduated from Warren County Community College last May and was selected to be the student Commencement speaker. 

Kosar’s passion is advocating for victim’s rights, so she decided to major in Sociology and pursue a concentration in Criminal Justice.  After she graduates, Kosar would like to mentor women who have experienced domestic abuse.

Chmielewski was not working a little over two years ago as a result of needing time away from the workplace to manage some medical issues that she thought could be life threatening.  She re-evaluated her life and decided to go to college once she was better. 

She has a flair for number crunching, so she decided to go to Warren County Community College and earned her associates degree last May.  She will pursue a dual degree in Accounting and Mathematics at Centenary College with the goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. 
 
“I am so pleased to partner with United Way on this initiative, one which will make a positive impact on the lives of these women.  In addition, I would like to thank United Way Women’s Leadership Council Director Sarah Brelvi for spearheading this opportunity,” says Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, Centenary College President.  “I am so pleased that Tracey and Christina have now become part of the Centenary community and wish them much success during their academic journey here.”

Those who are interested in learning more about the United Way of Northern New Jersey Women’s Leadership Council Scholarship should call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2162, for more information.

About United Way of Northern New Jersey
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health.  These are building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health.  United Way of Northern New Jersey leads caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform people’s lives.  Together, united, hope can be inspired and create opportunities for a better tomorrow throughout Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties.  Give Advocate Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call 973-993-1160 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.

About Centenary College
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary College’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.

Centenary College’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County).  The Centenary College School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in three locations: Hackettstown, Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.  The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad.
 
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