Bergen Bulldog Bytes

Annie and Danielle sit down with PTK and Honors Coordinator, Anna Gergen. Anna speaks about the academic and social benefits of being apart of the organization and honor society.

Listen to Dr. John Findura speak about his role and all of the great things going on at the Award Winning Tutoring Center. Let this episode ease you up, before finals. 

Annie and Danielle sit down with Academic & Personal Counselor Jessica Peacock. Jessica speaks about safe spaces an everything Bergen Community College has to offer its students.

A new semester has opened up and we have added a new student element to the team. This episode we introduce the new voices of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, Annie Echeverry & Danielle Colon. Listen as they tell you what attracted them to the Bergen Community College and Student Life. 

Welcome to summer 2021! This summer, we will be releasing episodes once or twice a month with topical information for the student experience!

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from another member of the Office of Student Life & Conduct. Matt Biggiani serves as the Student Leadership Commons Generalist. In this role, he supports student leaders and clubs at the college. Matt reviewed the 2020-2021 school year from a student engagement standpoint. Matt's leadership advice is, "change starts at the individual level and as a leader you have to speak it into existence." We thank Matt for the time that he took out of his busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy. Matt can be reached via email at mbiggiani@bergen.edu. 

This episode is the season finale of 3B! Greg Fenkart briefly previewed what's in store next academic year. We're going to use the summer to examine the delivery of our podcast so that it continues to meet the needs of our campus community. Keep an eye out for special summer 2021 episodes as well! 

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from Class of 2021 Valedictorian Crystal Yoo. A valedictorian is a term used for the top academic student in a graduating class. Crystal is both a non-traditional student and an international student from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Crystal has a very bright future ahead of her and plans to become a physician in the future. Crystal's advice to current and future Bergen students is to get involved, use tutoring, ask questions, and "reach for the stars!" We thank Crystal for the time that she took out of her busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy!

In this special podcast episode, host Jared Farra interviews Joli Nelson from the Office of Student Life & Conduct. Joli is an expert on all things Commencement 2021! Jared poses important questions to Joli about this year's commencement exercises. This episode was recorded on April 13th. 

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from Student Government Association (SGA) Chief Justice Melissa Jara. As Chief Justice, Melissa serves as the Elections Chair for the 2021-2022 Executive Board elections. Melissa is joined by host-turned-guest Ian Wolf who advises the SGA Elections Committee. Listeners learn about what the SGA does and how it promotes student needs. The 2021-2022 academic year will be rather unique and the SGA Executive Board will play a large part in advocating for students. Melissa and Ian share key information about this year's SGA elections. We thank Melissa for the time that she took out of her busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy!

Students can find more information about the SGA elections at bergen.edu/sga. Melissa can be reached via email at sgachiefjustice@me.bergen.edu. 

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from the Co-Chairs of our Asian Heritage Month Committee, Associate Professor of Psychology Mina Ahn and Managing Director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning Amarjit Kaur. The third Co-Chair but unable to attend this recording is Joan Liu-Divizio, Associate Professor of Library Services. 

Mina and Amarjit share their journeys to Bergen and how they both have a deep passion for teaching and educating the next generation of students. Then, they review the series of programming for the 2021 Asian Heritage Month at the College which runs the entire month of April! The theme for this year is very timely, Rebuilding Better Together. We thank Mina and Amarjit for the time they took out of their busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy!

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from Academic & Personal Counselor Jessica Peacock. Jessica shares with listeners her journey to Bergen and what she does to support students from a holistic point of view. Counselor Peacock shares with us how students can become connected to personal counselors on campus in our hybrid environment. Jessica leaves listeners with practical tips for coping with stress and anxiety. We hope that students reach out for support and assistance when needed! We thank Jessica for the time she took out of her busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy!

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from proud Bergen student leader Raymond Yoon. Raymond is involved in several student clubs and other leadership opportunities across campus that be joined prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These range from a leadership role in Phi Theta Kappa, to providing mentorship in the college's STEM program, and the focus of this episode as the president of the Computer Science Club. Raymond shares his journey to Bergen and how he hopes to leave his mark at Bergen through "the act of giving." We thank Raymond for the time that he took out of his busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy!

Raymond can be reached via email at ryoon@me.bergen.edu. 

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from proud Bergen student leader Jade Tollis. Jade is the founder and current president of BCC Outdoors, a student organization focused on educating students about all things outdoors ranging from wildlife to land conservation. Jade shares her journey to Bergen and how she's blended her passion for both animals and educating others! Jade reminds listeners that even with the COVID-19 pandemic, the outdoors never closed and adventuring outside can help promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness. We thank Jade for the time that she took out of her busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy!

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from College President Dr. Eric Friedman, who began his tenure as the college's eighth president on January 1, 2021. President Friedman shares his journey to Bergen and his vision for bold, stable executive leadership at the college in the years ahead. Listeners will hear President Friedman's approach to "stretching students intellectually" and the importance he places on inclusive and intentional language. We thank President Friedman for the time that he took out of his very busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from the Co-Chair of our Women's History Month Committee Assistant Professor of Composition & Literature Caroline Kelley. Listeners hear Professor Kelley's journey to Bergen as "military brat" and her familial connection to Bergen County. Then, Professor Kelley reviews the series of programming for the 2021 Women's History Month at the College which runs the entire month of March! The theme for this year is the Women (Re)writing History. We thank Caroline for the time she took out of her busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy!

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from proud Bergen student leader Allen Herrera. While no student is a "traditional student" at Bergen Community College, Allen considers himself a non-traditional student arriving at Bergen when he was 25 years old. He shares this unique outlook on college life through the episode. Allen also has leadership roles in the Math Club, Phi Theta Kappa, and through the College's Turning Point Program. Allen shares a few defining moments from his time at Bergen, his perspective of getting involved during the pandemic, and how to balance competing interests in one's life. We thank Allen for the time that he took out of his busy schedule to record this episode. We hope our listeners enjoy!

In this week's episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from Bergen Community College Athletic Director and eSports Coach Jorge Hernandez. While the COVID-19 pandemic has paused many in-person athletic competitions, Jorge has been busy establishing Bergen's eSports Team. Listeners will hear Jorge's interesting journey to Bergen as well as his "jump in the pool" approach to starting the college's eSports Team. Jorge does a terrific job of connecting eSports to future employment, citing all of the jobs that eSports has created in recent years. Hear him talk about this growing trend! We thank Jorge for the time that he took out of his busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In our 15th episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from proud Bergen alumnus Bryant Gomez. Bryant is a 2019 Bergen alumnus, currently a senior at Rutgers University - Newark, and a former alumni representative to the College's Board of Trustees. Listeners will hear about Bryant's journey to Bergen, journey after Bergen, and the ways he got involved both on campus at Bergen and in other facets of his life. Bryant shares some brilliant pearls of wisdom about his approach to leadership and how to be the best version of yourself. We thank Bryant for the time that he took out of his busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In our 14th episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from the Co-Chairs of our Black History Month Committee. This college-wide committee composed of faculty, staff, and students is tasked with promoting all things Black History Month. Professor Ellis-Davis teaches in the Social Sciences Department focusing on sociology. Assistant Dean Manning works in Adjunct Administration for the college helping our adjunct faculty during their time at Bergen.

Listeners hear about these two women's journeys at Bergen, the origins of Black History Week and then Month, and the series of events slated for February 2021 for Black History Month. The theme for this year is the African American Family. We thank Maureen and Debbie for the time they took out of their busy schedules to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In our lucky 13th episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from Bergen student leaders Miguel Atanacio & Urimy Cha. Both students are second year students at Bergen slated to graduate this academic year. Miguel is a student staff member for the Office of Student Life & Conduct. Urimy is also a staff member in the Office of Student Life & Conduct and serves as the 2020-2021 Student Government Association Executive Secretary. Both students share their journeys to the college, perspectives about how to get involved at Bergen, how to manage competing interests before and during the pandemic, and how to avoid the Bergen Shuffle, a common phrase among Bergen students. We thank Urimy and Miguel for the time that they took out of their busy schedules to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

Welcome back Bergen Bulldogs! We're excited to kick off our first full semester of this educational and informative podcast! 

The three hosts Jared, Ian, and Greg review the fall 2020 semester and the initial rollout of the 3B podcast. In addition, listeners get a sneak peak of what to expect as we turn our attention to the spring 2021 semester! In the meantime enjoy the holiday season and see you in January! 

In our 10th installment of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from Interim College President Dr. Tony Ross. Dr. Ross has been at Bergen since September 2019 when he was appointed Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. On January 1, 2020, Dr. Ross was appointed Interim College President after the retirement of former President Michael Redmond. Dr. Ross ends his tenure as College President at the end of 2020. Listeners will hear from Dr. Ross as he reflects on his leadership at Bergen and throughout his career. Additionally, Dr. Ross provides sage advice and shares his plans for the future. We thank "Tony" for the time that he took out of his very busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In our 9th installment of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from student leader Emanuele Calianno. Emanuele currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Torch, the student newspaper for Bergen Community College. Emanuele shares his perspective as a student leader. Hear Emanuele's unique perspective on college leadership both in the past and into the future. Additionally, he shares how the Torch has surveyed students and faculty about the pivot to online education since March 2020. While Emanuele is leaving Bergen after this fall semester, he lives out the motto of the Torch by "igniting students to make a difference."  We thank Emanuele for the time that he took out of his busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

During the Thanksgiving holiday week, Bergen Bulldog Bytes listeners will hear a special episode from the full Office of Student Life & Conduct team! Hear from the group which includes Joli Nelson, Nicole Babington, Jenny Gamez, and Matt Biggiani in addition to our three hosts Jared, Greg, and Ian. This episode has three guiding questions that focus on how/why each of us arrived at Bergen, what we are thankful for this holiday season, and how we each hope to leave our mark at the college! 

In our 7th installment of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from student leader Casey Troy. Casey currently serves as the Alpha Epsilon Phi General Vice President of Bergen's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter.  Casey shares her journey to Bergen and how she has evolved as a student leader since arriving at the college. Listeners hear Casey discuss one of PTK's major initiatives this academic year, "Help Unite Bergen" also known as the HUB. This initiative aims to connect Bergen students with vital and timely information about various college processes, which is needed now more than ever in a largely virtual campus. We thank Casey for the time that she took out of her busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In our 6th episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from Academic Counselor and Associate Professor, Tim Foote! Academic Counseling is housed within the Center for Student Success. Tim has had an interesting and unique journey to Bergen and he shares his honest truth about the college's current transition to a virtual campus while providing advice for all students during the pandemic. Tim thrives off of supporting students and assisting them during their college education experiences. We thank Tim for the time that he took out of his busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In our fifth episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners hear from Cerullo Learning Assistance Center (CLAC) Manager Candice Kaup Scioscia! The CLAC is Bergen's tutoring center. Candice shares various resources that the CLAC offers to support students' academic journey at the college, how the CLAC has pivoted to a virtual format since March 2020, and why students should utilize tutoring early and often in the semester. Listeners will also hear about Candice's personal journey at the college and why voting is important since this episode was recorded on election day! We thank Candice for the time that she took out of her busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In our fourth installment of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners will hear from Gallery Bergen Director and Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Tim Blunk. Tim provides updates on Gallery Bergen and how this exhibition of visual art has adapted since March 2020 in new, innovative, and collaborative ways. As always, Tim shares his journey to Bergen and how he hopes to leave his mark at the college by continuing to make connections between general academia and visual arts.  We thank Tim for the time that he took out of his busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy!

In our third installment of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners will hear from Head College Nurse Dania Huie-Pasigan from the Office of Health, Wellness, and Personal Counseling. Dania shares her perspective as a healthcare professional and educator on the COVID-19 pandemic. She also describes her background and journey while at Bergen. We thank Dania for the time that she took out of her busy schedule to record this episode. We hope listeners enjoy! 

In our second episode of Bergen Bulldog Bytes, listeners will hear from Student Government Association (SGA) President Laila Metwaly. Laila shares information about her journey to Bergen and her path to becoming an active and engaged student leader while a part of the Bulldog community. Additionally, listeners will learn about what the SGA has been doing this summer and into the fall semester and how they can get involved.