Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College alumna Jazmine Gutierrez, ‘15, serves as the Assistant Director of Community College Admissions at William Paterson University where she supports community college students looking to advance their education. She credits her current role in higher education to the leadership skills she developed at Bergen. 

“Bergen didn’t just educate me – it became a family,” said Gutierrez. “From the age of eighteen through my years working on campus and beyond, the friendships and connections I made there have remained lifelong, and the College will always hold a special place in my heart.”

When Gutierrez, of Paterson, enrolled at Bergen, she also entered the NJ STARS program to receive a tuition-free college experience. Bergen was her top choice because it would allow her to stay close to her family and community.

“Although I had been accepted to several other schools with scholarships, Bergen provided the opportunity to earn a strong, merited education for two years while staying connected to my community,” she said.

While earning her associate’s degree in professional studies, Gutierrez began supporting students on their college journey as a student ambassador and NJ STARS peer. “I had the incredible opportunity to connect with other students, particularly first-generation and minority students like myself,” said Gutierrez. “Helping them navigate their college journey sparked a deep passion in me for mentorship and supporting others.”

Gutierrez advanced her career at Bergen by working part-time, and later full-time, where she regularly interacted with students and guided them through the admissions process. She spent eleven years working in various student-facing offices including the Office of Admissions, Advising Center, and Testing Center. While working at Bergen, she supported recruitment initiatives, trained student tour guides, and strengthened the admissions process for students.

“Throughout my education, I balanced multiple jobs to help support my family, which gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges many students face,” said Gutierrez. 

After graduating from Bergen, Gutierrez transferred as an NJ STARS II scholar to William Paterson University  where she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and popular music in 2019. She accepted her current full-time role at William Paterson University, as it allows her to continue supporting students whose journeys reflected her own.

“Looking back, I have no regrets,” she said. “Bergen gave me a strong foundation, invaluable experiences and connections that continue to shape my personal and professional growth.”

Gutierrez has begun the next chapter of her professional life. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in public policy from William Patterson University. “This next step will allow me to further strengthen my work in higher education and apply policy-driven perspectives to support the communities in which I grew up,” she said.

Gutierrez credits much of her success to attending a community college, and urges others to enroll as well. “Starting your academic journey at a community college can be a powerful first step toward achieving your goals – and often leads to opportunities you may never have imagined,” said Gutierrez. “Programs like NJ Stars provide a strong foundation, helping you pursue your dreams while making smart, financially responsible choices for your future.”

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.

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