Adam Meliani, a Brookdale Community College student, from Howell, NJ, who graduated with his associate degree in business, is one of eight graduates who was recognized for their academic excellence, community service, and personal accomplishments at the commencement ceremonies on May 13 and 14.

Meliani said he was literally speechless when he found out he was being honored with the Outstanding Student Award for the Business and Social Science Institute. “It was very emotional for me to win the award as I was a very weak student in high school and did not know what I was capable of before attending Brookdale,” he explained.

Meliani accomplished a lot during his time at Brookdale. A member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, he decided to take a leadership role in the organization. “It was the best decision I ever made,” said Meliani. He served as the vice president of Finance, for the honor society and managed the chapter’s budget as well as organized fundraising events. In addition, Meliani is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at the College. “My leadership skills have advanced dramatically from attending the leadership meetings in the society and watching speaker broadcasts from some of the most intelligent leaders in the nation,” he said.

“Adam impresses me immensely as an outstanding individual with a strong character, positive attitude, depth of knowledge, and a kind heart,” said Debbie Meyer, professor of economics at Brookdale. “He is hard working, motivated, organized, and a people-person,” she said.

“Brookdale may only be considered a community college, but it is truly much more than that,” Meliani said. “The professors at Brookdale are one of the things that make Brookdale special, and they will always be happy to help you,” he continued.

Meliani plans to transfer to a four-year university in the fall where he will study finance. He has been accepted into the Rutgers University New Brunswick Business School and Rennes School of Business in France. He is still waiting to hear from a few other universities. No matter where Meliani decides to go, he has proven he will succeed.