Outstanding Alumni Recognized at Brookdale’s 2023 Commencement

Brookdale Community College is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious Outstanding Alumni Award for 2023. This distinguished accolade is presented to selected alumni whose professional, personal, and civic accomplishments, along with their exceptional service to the community, have earned them unquestionable recognition. This year, two exceptional individuals, Sean P. O’Halloran and Dana Tango, have been honored with the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award. 

Sean P. O’Halloran, a 1999 graduate of Brookdale Community College, exemplifies the transformative power of education. Initially aspiring to a career in law enforcement, O’Halloran pursued a major in Business Administration at Brookdale, following advice to explore other fields before joining the police academy. This decision laid the foundation for a remarkable educational and professional journey, including a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Individualized Studies and a Master of Administrative Science Degree from Farleigh Dickenson University.

O’Halloran’s commitment to continuous learning and personal growth led him to graduate from the New Jersey Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy, as well as the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Today, he serves as the Chief of Police of Wall Township, where his dedication, bravery, and exceptional leadership have made Monmouth County a safer place to live, work, and raise families. O’Halloran’s involvement in various community organizations, such as the Wall Township Recreation Advisory Committee and Wall Helps Its People, further demonstrates his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. 

Dana Tango, a 2004 distinguished alumna, who was in Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Biology Club member while at Brookdale. She has made significant contributions to the fields of biomechanics, motion analysis, and wound care research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Tango’s work in occupational environmental epidemiology and healthcare-associated infectious disease prevention research, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, further showcases her dedication to advancing public health. 

Tango’s commitment to education and her profession extends beyond her research endeavors. She has served as a lecturer in Community Health and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at both Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Her involvement in numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Alumnae at the University of Pennsylvania and the American Women in Science (AWIS), reflects her dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia and healthcare. 

Brookdale Community College is proud to honor Sean P. O’Halloran and Dana Tango for their exceptional achievements, unwavering commitment to their communities, and remarkable contributions to their respective fields. These outstanding alumni exemplify the values and mission of Brookdale and serve as inspiring role models for current and future students.