West Windsor, N.J. – The Mercer County Community College (MCCC) family mourns the passing of one of its most steadfast supporters and loyal friends. Foundation Director Emeritus Jamil Faridy, known to all as Jim, passed away on October 5 at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim’s ties to MCCC date back more than 50 years, when he was an evening instructor for MCCC in Trenton prior to the construction of the West Windsor Campus. As a partner in the architectural firm that designed the MCCC Conference Center and the addition to the Physical Education building, Jim’s imprint on our physical space is a major part of his legacy at the college.

So, too, is his generosity.

Over the years, Jim became a passionate champion of all things Mercer – first and foremost, our students. He was a member of MCCC’s Architecture Program Advisory Commission and spearheaded scholarship opportunities for multiple architecture students annually, including his own endowed scholarship, which he established with his wife, Lynne.

Architecture student Ronaldo Desiderio, one of many students to receive the Jamil E. Faridy Scholarship over the years, recalled the scholarship’s game-changing impact on his academic journey. “Awarding me this scholarship lightened my financial burden and allowed me to focus more on my studies. Thank you for your generous contribution to my education and for supporting Mercer County Community College,” Desiderio said.

Community service was Jim’s calling card. In 1997, he joined the college’s Foundation Board, serving with dedication for more than two decades. He was a long-time member of the Foundation’s Spring Gala Committee, often donating his and Lynne’s paintings to the Gala’s silent auction. He also donated regularly to other fundraising priorities at the college, including the purchase of a new piano for MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre in 2007. In 2015, the Foundation honored the couple with its Distinguished Benefactor Award in recognition of their significant contributions.

“Jim was one of a kind, an irreplaceable member of the MCCC family,” said Joseph Claffey, MCCC Vice President for College Advancement. “We are incredibly grateful to have had him and Lynne in our fold and are inspired by their belief in our educational mission.”

Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Jamil E. Faridy Architecture Scholarship by visiting MCCC givesmart.com. Please select the scholarship in his name from the drop-down menu under “Mercer Fund Designation.” If you prefer to mail your gift, make your check payable to MCCC Foundation, note “The Jamil E. Faridy Architecture Scholarship, and mail to MCCC Foundation, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550.

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From left, Jim and Lynne Faridy with scholarship recipient Ronaldo Desiderio in 2018.