The Brookdale Community College Foundation is thrilled to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Trustees. These inspiring business leaders bring diverse experiences and a shared commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission of providing scholarships to deserving students, enabling them to pursue higher education and create a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The new board members joining the Foundation are:
Oscar Rodrigo Diaz, an Administrative Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction at the Freehold Regional High School District (FRHSD). With a strong commitment to expanding access and opportunities in secondary and technical & career education, Diaz strives to ensure students become college and career ready and he empower individuals to enter the labor force and thrive in the economy. He has a special connection to Brookdale, having received his associate degree from the college. While at Brookdale, he was active in the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and received the Outstanding Student Award in Communications. Additionally, graduating summa cum laude, he holds an undergraduate and graduate degree from Monmouth University, where he is currently working to obtain his doctorate. In addition to his professional endeavors, Diaz’s recent volunteer work includes coaching the Holmdel Football Club and serving as a board member on the New Jersey Social Studies Supervisors Association. Currently, he also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Monmouth University.
Joseph Cangelosi, who has over 16 years of experience at Provident Bank, currently serves as Vice President, Commercial Lender. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island graduating cum laude. He credits Brookdale for being there when he needed it for a class one summer. Cangelosi is actively involved in ice hockey leagues with his CBA teammates and alums and is committed to his community serving on various initiatives. He stated, “I look forward to working with the Foundation Board to help provide opportunities to educate our youth.”
Kyle McGrady, as Senior Principal at Eagle Point Credit Management, McGrady brings his expertise in investments and capital raising to the board. He has a strong background in the financial industry, having served as a Director of Business Development at ZAIS and as a portfolio manager specializing in structured credit investments. McGrady devotes his free time to giving back to the community as he also serves on the board of First Tee of Jersey Shore and Rutgers Road to Wall Street Program. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers Business School graduating summa cum laude.
“On behalf of the entire Brookdale Community College Foundation Board, I am delighted to welcome Oscar, Joseph, and Kyle to the Brookdale family,” said President Julia Zapcic. Their commitment to advancing access to education aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear at the Foundation. I am excited about the positive impact we will achieve together.”
The Brookdale Community College Foundation is a vital philanthropic resource that supports Brookdale Community College’s mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. By securing private support, the Foundation is pivotal in fostering student success through scholarships, grants, and innovative programs. Last year the Foundation provided $620,000 in scholarships and grants to support students in their educational journeys.
For more information about scholarships or to support the Foundation’s mission, please visit www.brookdalecc.edu/foundation.