Find your path to success with a diverse range of more than 120 degree, certificate, and continuing education programs.
Bergen Community College alumnus Austin Peluso, ‘25, earned his associate’s degree in general studies to pursue a career in education and sports.
Peluso, of Fair Lawn, earned his associates degree by enrolling in Bergen’s Dual Enrollment Program, which allows high school students to earn college credit at their high school during regular school hours.
“It was an opportunity my high school offered that I knew would prepare me for the next level of education,” said Peluso.
Peluso has started his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. He later plans on attaining his master’s degree in education in the future. “My plan is to become a high school math teacher and coach sports teams for a few years before returning to school to pursue a career as an athletic director,” he said.
At Bergen’s May 2025 Commencement Ceremony, Peluso received a Bergen Community College Foundation send-off scholarship sponsored by Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Andrew Tomko. The scholarship will go toward Peluso’s pursuit of higher education degrees to accomplish his career goals.
“I enjoyed learning time management and the responsibility as a Bergen student, high school student and an athlete,” said Peluso.
Peluso wants to give students the following advice: “Plan, prioritize, and ask for help is advice that helped me in my success at Bergen Community College. Forming relationships with my peers as well as communicating with my professors in a timely manner was essential in my success.”
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
# # #