Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College alumnus Dylan Orlik, ’24, worked in the food service industry since high school. Building experience in his field, he worked in an ice cream shop and a traditional Italian deli. Orlik, a ServSafe certified food protection manager, went from student to faculty member after he graduated from Bergen with a degree in hotel restaurant management with a concentration in culinary arts in May 2024. Orlik served as a technical assistant at Bergen before being hired as a full-time lecturer and instructor at Bergen.

During his time as a Bergen student, Orlik received scholarships from Bergen for his academic standing in his chosen field of study. When asked why he chose to attend Bergen, he cited the “phenomenal culinary program” and the various scholarships available to students.

Orlik credits Professor Ronda Drakeford, Chef Aaron Morrisey, Rebekah Dejesus, and Chef Sam Kadko in his educational journey. “The people I met at Bergen, both peers and professors alike, were some of the most interesting and amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with,” said Orlik.

“You never know the impact you have on someone else’s life,” said Orlik. “Treat everyone with the respect and kindness you wish to have.”

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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