Taiphane Orange of Brookdale Community College is being honored with four other standouts at New Jersey colleges and universities with the Rising Star Award because of her academic work, leadership, and community service. The winners will be introduced at the opening reception at The Palace at Somerset at NJBIA’s 7th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum on September 22.
“This year, we are proud to recognize the accomplishments of five students who have distinguished themselves at New Jersey institutions of higher education and are destined for great professional success,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association President & CEO Michele Siekerka.
Orange of Neptune, NJ, is a political science major at Brookdale and would like to one day work for a nonprofit or community organization dedicated to helping people. She volunteered at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, and there she said she learned that she loves to help people.
At Brookdale, Orange served alternately as vice president and secretary of the Black Student Union and is a public relations associate responsible for the social media accounts of the school’s Educational Opportunity Fund Student Alliance.
Additionally, Orange is a chair member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, a student for Global Citizenship Distinction, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at Brookdale.
“Tai is a fantastic student that continuously strives to engage in experiences that are challenging and promote her career readiness development,” said Brookdale’s Assistant Director of Career, Leadership & Transfer Pathways, William Kelly. “She has shown great growth within her student employment position and actively participates in career development seminars and workshops. In addition, Tai is a valuable member of the Brookdale community and will without a doubt demonstrate continued success in her beyond Brookdale journey.”
“Brookdale found me. I was in the dual enrollment program at my high school and could easily continue my studies at Brookdale,” said Orange. “One of my professors told me, life should not be a straight line; it has curves that make you a better version of yourself. I have lots of curves in my life. While studying here at Brookdale, I am benefitting from those curves.” After Orange graduates in May 2022, she hopes to continue her studies at Monmouth University and make her mom proud.