Bergen Community College Recognizes Innovative Professors

Bergen Community College Professor Margaret Hayes, of New Milford, and Rachel Wieland have been recognized as the school’s submissions to the League of Innovation in the Community College for their recent innovative efforts.

Hayes spearheaded the effort to require nursing program students to produce movies demonstrating their ability to perform safe nursing practices.

Students work in groups and take video of their performances. Once satisfied with their work, the videos are submitted to nursing faculty for evaluation and grading.

Professors MaryanneBaudo, of Glen Rock; Dr. Maria Fressola, of Hewitt; Marie Griffo, of Rutherford; Joan McManus, of Ramsey; Carrie Polnyj, of Wayne; and Natalie Timme, of Oradell, collaborated on the project and worked to implement the innovation.

Professor Rachel Wieland’s work regarding sustainability, which has resulted in the recycling of more than 10,000 lbs. of paper each semester, has earned her the John and Susanne Roueche Excellence Award.

Wieland, of Hillsdale, has led a group of full-time students to direct campus-wide sustainability initiatives during the past four years.

“The superlative efforts of these individuals have not only supported student success, as an institutional priority,” said Dr. William Mulaney, Bergen’s vice president of academic affairs, “but further solidified the College’s commitment to academic excellence and progress.”

The two projects will be recognized at upcoming events sponsored by the League of Innovations in the Community College.