On behalf of the Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association of New Jersey (EOFPANJ) Executive Board, I welcome you to the EOFPANJ Website.

 

EOFPANJ is in a season of celebration. For the next two years our theme will be, “EOF Celebrating 40 Years… A Legacy of Success.” As we approach the anniversary of former Governor Richard J. Hughes signing The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Act of 1968, we must look at the outcomes of the legislation that has afforded over 30,000 highly motivated people from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to earn a college degree. We should look back over the years and think about what has made our programs so successful.

 

Could it be the highly motivated students who walk through our institution’s doors every year? Could it be the dedicated staff who work long and hard hours to ensure successful academic programming for students?

 

Is it the awesome institutions that offer our students excellent support and resources?

 

Maybe, it is the dedicated professionals at the Commission of Higher Education who constantly work to make sure our students are able to

succeed? 

 

Perhaps, it is the advocacy efforts of our students and alumni who readily speak on behalf of EOF? 

 

Could it possibly be the legislators of the great state of New Jersey who recognize the importance of an education of students coming from low

income and underrepresented backgrounds?

 

Or, could it be people like you, the person who is reading this letter, who looks into the eyes of every EOF Student and says… “You can do it, you are important, you are college material!”

 

I would submit to you that it is all these factors and much more! As we come in to this season of celebration, let’s not forget what it has taken to come to where we are today. We must continue to advocate on behalf of our students so that as long as there is a need to offer higher education to low income and underrepresented students, there is a program like EOF. EOF is a vital part of the fabric of every college and university of New Jersey.

 

As EOF Professionals we know this, but we must make sure that every person across the state knows this. Look around you, EOF Alumni are

everywhere. They are your doctors, teachers, clergy, electricians, Peace Corps volunteers, nurses, military personnel, lawyers, state workers, business owners, etc. EOF students stay in New Jersey, pay taxes in New Jersey, and own homes and businesses in New Jersey. We contribute to and make the state of New Jersey a great place to live and grow.

 

I submit a challenge to every EOF Program. Find every possible way to reach out to your alumni and celebrate our 40th Anniversary on your campuses. This is a momentous event! Invite your EOF Alumni back to your campus. Have them sit and speak with your College’s President, Vice-Presidents, and

Provost. Have them make a presentation to the board of directors for your institution. Most importantly, have them mentor and speak with your current EOF students. Ask them to share their numerous success stories.

 

Finally, I ask all of you to have your alumni participate in the alumni-focused conference and Alumni Gala that will take place this fall.

 

It’s a great time for EOF. Let’s let everyone know about it! “EOF Celebrating 40 Years…A Legacy of Success!”

 

Sincerely,

Barbara L. Harmon-Francis

President, EOFPANJ