Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College alumnus Christopher Gagliardi, of Englewood, graduated with his associates degree in communications in May 2022.

“I attended Bergen Community College the first time because I wanted to basically see what I could do,” said Gagliardi. “When I returned I wanted to show how much I’ve grown and what I could do to make a difference in the lives of people with special needs, particularly on the spectrum of autism.”

Gagliardi attended Bergen twice. The first time he stopped enrollment after his first attendance because there was no transition program to adjust to college life. He decided to take a job in a coffee shop; however, he came back 20 years later to Bergen to complete his degree for his dream career as a journalist. 

During his time at Bergen, Gagliardi was a student journalist for The Bergen Torch. He credits his success to having professors at Bergen who cared and encouraged him. Gagliardi commended Professor Jessica Peacock for her commitment to helping him become the person he is today. He recalled how Professor Anne Marie Prendergast encouraged him during the struggles he faced with autism. When reflecting back on the Communications Department, he commended Professors Brian Hemstreet, Alex Chan, and Susan K. Toth for their help. Through their dedication, Gagliardi succeeded in his coursework during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My mother taught me a long time ago, the best way to show gratitude is to keep moving forward and never forget those who helped you,” said Gagliardi. “I am trying to show that now by repaying my gratitude to Bergen Community College for helping me to get my future goal off the ground.”

Gagliardi completed a documentary about the world’s view on individuals on the autism spectrum. He plans to put the finishing touches on the documentary and submit it to film festivals. “The world can finally see profoundly the struggles we have faced, especially in our movement to be accepted on the spectrum of autism in society to live happy, joy-filled lives,” said Gagliardi.

Gagliardi is working toward his bachelor’s degree in communications with a concentration in journalism from Felician University. During his time at Felician, he served as a junior senator and was recently elected treasurer for the Student Government Association. He is a DJ for Felician’s radio station and has a Wednesday show from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

He said, “Take that leap of faith, go forward in your dreams, and live life abundantly!”

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 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.

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