Brookdale Community College celebrated four extraordinary members of its community at the 41st annual Barringer Award for Educational Excellence, an evening marked not only by recognition, but by heartfelt stories, humor, and reflections on the impact of education.
Opening the ceremony, President Dr. David Stout, reflected on the legacy of the award’s namesake, Dr. Bob Barringer, describing a leader whose life was “defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.”
“It’s in this spirit that we present the Barringer Awards,” Stout said, honoring individuals who embody Brookdale’s core values of compassion, collaboration, creativity, and courage.
Throughout the evening, each honoree was introduced not just by title and accomplishments, but through personal stories that revealed the character behind their work.
Professor Catherine Blackburn, a Brookdale alumna and longtime faculty member, was celebrated for her ability to inspire students to find their voice. The evening’s MC, Geoff Shields, recalled how even in high school, “she gave you that sense of hope… that we could rise to something better,” a quality that continues to define her teaching today.
Blackburn has dedicated more than 40 years to Brookdale, shaping the Speech Communication curriculum, leading award-winning forensics programs, and mentoring both students and faculty. She has served on countless college-wide committees, contributed to curriculum development and general education initiatives, and has been a strong advocate for open educational resources to improve student access and affordability.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Brookdale has been such a wonderful place for me… I’ve gotten so much help from my friends here.”
Dr. Jayne Edman, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, has devoted more than three decades to advancing healthcare education. A member of the Brookdale community since 1991, she has strengthened academic programs, expanded clinical partnerships, and ensured that graduates are well prepared for licensure and professional practice. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped maintain academic continuity while supporting critical workforce needs. She has also played a key role in developing initiatives such as the Nursing Bridge to Excellence and fostering partnerships with regional healthcare providers.
In her remarks, she reflected on how her time at Brookdale shaped her path.
“I actually thought I was going to be here for a year,” she said. “Instead, that one year turned into 35… this place changed me.”
She emphasized the mission of community colleges as “a place of access, opportunity, and transformation,” where students are supported in building futures they may not have imagined.
Ed Johnson, Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Community Relations, was introduced as someone who “brightens the whole building,” known for leadership that is both purposeful and deeply personal.
Over more than two decades at Brookdale, Johnson has built strategic partnerships with government, business, and community organizations, expanded access to educational opportunities, and championed programs that support student success, including the Community College Opportunity Grant. A former mayor of Asbury Park, he has also strengthened civic engagement and workforce development initiatives that extend Brookdale’s impact beyond campus.
Accepting the award, Johnson grounded his remarks in gratitude and family. “It’s all about family and team,” he said, noting that every step of his journey has been guided by those who supported him.
He added, “No matter what I have done… it is all for our students. They are the reason I get up every day excited to come to Brookdale.”
Professor Michelle Zuppe, Assistant Dean of Business and longtime leader in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, was celebrated as an innovator who “did not inherit a recipe—she wrote one from scratch.”
Zuppe has transformed Brookdale’s Culinary and Hospitality programs through curriculum redesign, global learning opportunities, and experiential education. As Department Chair and ACF Program Coordinator, she helped achieve exemplary accreditation status and has guided students to national recognition. A Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, she has also developed interdisciplinary curriculum and led community initiatives such as the Empty Bowls hunger-relief event since 2001, while building partnerships through organizations such as the American Culinary Federation and the New Jersey Hospitality and Restaurant Association. She also served as advisor to the Epicurean Club for 15 years, guiding students to three Gold Star Awards and national recognition.
In her remarks, she shared the unconventional path that led her to Brookdale. “I saw an ad to teach a class in food… and I fell in love,” she said.
Now a leader shaping multiple programs, she added, “Brookdale just gives me new challenges, and I absolutely love my job.”
The evening, guided by humor from the master of ceremonies, balanced celebration with reflection, reminding attendees that behind every title is a story of dedication, resilience, and impact.
Closing the ceremony, Dr. Katie Lynch reflected on the deeper meaning of the evening, emphasizing that the legacy of the Barringer Award lies not only in programs built, but in people impacted. “This place changes us, and in turn, our honorees have changed this place,” she said, noting that the true measure of leadership is found in the students and colleagues shaped along the way.
Lynch also described the Brookdale experience as a “journey of joy,” highlighting the shared commitment of the College community to serve students with purpose, compassion, and dedication.
Together, the 2026 honorees represent the very best of Brookdale Community College. A. Individuals who not only excel in their roles, but who shape lives, build community, and carry forward the enduring legacy of Dr. Barringer.