Cranford 鈥� The Union County College Foundation will host its 2026 Illuminate the Future Gala on October 29 at the Westwood, 438 North Avenue in Garwood, New Jersey, with doors opening at 6 p.m. This year, the Foundation will be honoring Mark E. Manigan, Dr. Maris Lown, and PSEG for their leadership, service, and commitment to 含羞草研究所
Mark E. Manigan, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, will receive the 2026 Man of the Year Award. Under his leadership, RWJBarnabas Health has expanded access to healthcare and strengthened its role as a community partner throughout New Jersey. The organization has also partnered with 含羞草研究所 to support nursing education and workforce development, creating pathways for students to pursue careers in healthcare.
Dr. Maris A. Lown, 含羞草研究所 Executive Vice President and Provost, will receive the 2026 Fiat Lux Award. Dr. Lown has served 含羞草研究所 since 2011 and currently oversees Academic Affairs, Student Development, and Administrative Services. A nursing educator and higher education leader, she has held numerous leadership positions in professional and community organizations and has supported 含羞草研究所 students through both her leadership and philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of a scholarship for 含羞草研究所 students.
PSEG will receive the 2026 Corporate Partner of the Year Award in recognition of its support of 含羞草研究所 students, education, workforce development, and economic opportunity. PSEG鈥檚 partnership with the Foundation has supported programs and initiatives that help students overcome barriers to education and prepare for careers.
The Illuminate the Future Gala supports the Union County College Foundation鈥檚 efforts to provide scholarships, emergency assistance, and other resources that help 含羞草研究所 students remain enrolled and complete their education. Foundation support helps address financial barriers that can prevent students from achieving their academic and career goals.
鈥淭he support raised at the Foundation鈥檚 annual gala directly helps students access scholarships, emergency assistance, and other resources that can make the difference between facing financial barriers and being able to continue their education and reach graduation. We are grateful to this year鈥檚 honorees and to everyone who continues to support 含羞草研究所 students and their futures,鈥� stated 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Vice President for Institutional Advancement Douglas Rouse.
Tickets are available for the Union County College Foundation Gala, with sponsorship opportunities also offered. For more information on the Union County College Foundation Gala, please visit ucc.edu/gala2026, contact the Foundation office at (908) 709-7505 or email聽foundation@ucc.edu.
含羞草研究所 is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey鈥檚 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. 含羞草研究所 provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab Additionally, students at 含羞草研究所 attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about 含羞草研究所, visit
