MCCC Foundation Establishes Endowed Scholarship Fund in Memory of Three Trenton Campus Leaders
10/25/21
Trenton, N.J. – The Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to celebrate the legacies of three pioneering leaders at the college’s James Kerney Campus (JKC) in Trenton. The endowed Frederick, Jones, Weaver Scholarship Fund is earmarked for JKC students in memory of Dean Edward Frederick, Assistant Dean Donald Jones Jr., and Provost and Dean Monica Weaver. All three left major imprints on the lives of thousands of MCCC students.
According to Dr. Beverly Richardson, who co-chairs the JKC Development Committee with Foundation Board member Ty Robinson, friends and colleagues of Frederick, Jones and Weaver have endowed the scholarship to ensure that the legacy of these visionary and dedicated leaders will live on and support students in perpetuity.
“Each year the scholarship committee plans to select three students who embody their values of leadership, loyalty, and service to the college and community,” Richardson said. The committee's goal is to raise $50,000, which will allow for the awarding of three $1,000 annual scholarships.
In addition to Richardson and Robinson, members of the JKC Development Committee include Rev. Bill Coleman, Elenora Frederick, Sam Frisby, Edward Kahn, Esq., Dan Klim, Kathy Klockenbrink, Savita Lachman, Doug Palmer, Dr. Aamir Rehman and Kai Weaver.
Richardson observes that even with financial aid, students often struggle to cover unanticipated expenses. “A lack of funding can derail students’ plans to earn their degrees,” she said. “These scholarships will go a long way to covering costs for books and other essential materials."
Richardson, who served as provost at JKC and as former vice president for college advancement until her retirement in 2009, notes that Frederick, Jones and Weaver were student-centered and selfless. “I was very close to all three. It was an honor to work with them. They supported me in my work at the college and helped ensure that students’ needs always came first,” she said.
To donate, visit JKC Scholarships here or send a check payable to the MCCC Foundation with "JKC Scholarship" in the memo line to 1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, NJ 08550. Questions? Email foundation@mccc.edu or call 609-570-3607.
More About Edward Frederick, Donald Jones Jr., and Monica Weaver
For nearly five decades, Edward Frederick made MCCC his home, serving in multiple roles and ultimately as JKC dean. He was a key member of the administration, reaching out to develop and maintain programs and relationships with Trenton public schools, private corporations and businesses, governmental entities, church and civic groups, and more. He served as the college's first Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) director. In recognition of that pioneering role, the EOF program established the Dean Edward Frederick Champion Award, presented annually to a staff member who embodies Dean Frederick’s commitment to students.
Donald Jones Jr. was a giant among MCCC’s staff and faculty. A 30-year employee and alumnus of the college, Jones was JKC’s assistant dean of Enrollment and Student. He also served as coordinator for Veterans Affairs and as a student counselor. He inspired students in the classroom as an adjunct professor, teaching theater, math, and the college’s first academic readiness course. A talented actor and writer, he produced and wrote numerous plays for the Mill Hill Playhouse in Trenton, always involving MCCC students as well as community members. He founded and for many years directed the MCCC Gospel Choir. He was honored with MCCC’s Human Relations Award in 1996.
Monica Weaver was a passionate advocate for improving lives through education. As JKC provost, she oversaw academic programs that served students of all ages with a variety of educational goals: degree programs for college students seeking their associate degrees; pre-college enrichment for middle and high school students in Youth College; and non-traditional learners enrolled in the Career Training Institute, English Language Institute, and high school equivalency programs. Weaver was also active in the community, serving on the boards of numerous organizations dedicated to the betterment of Trenton.
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is a publicly supported comprehensive educational institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. MCCC is home to 70 associate degree programs and numerous credit and noncredit certificate programs. The college also offers many educational experiences, leadership opportunities and the chance to interact with other students and faculty/staff members in an informal setting.
