About the Foundation - NJCU Foundation

About the NJCU Foundation

Every year the alumni, faculty, staff, retirees and friends of NJCU give generously to help provide the resources needed to make our campus the best that it can be. The NJCU Foundation works with these philanthropically minded individuals and organizations to create and support student scholarships, world-class academic programs and capital improvements that together make NJCU an accessible university of excellence.

Our Mission

NJCU’s mission is to provide a transformative, affordable education that promotes upward mobility and civic leadership while serving as an anchor for economic and cultural vitality in the region.

The NJCU Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, advances this mission by securing philanthropic support that empowers NJCU students to excel academically, professionally, and personally — ensuring access to high-quality, affordable higher education for generations to come.

Our Approach

NJCU addresses some of the most urgent challenges facing underserved communities, including intergenerational poverty, limited access to higher education, workforce disconnection, and systemic inequities in access to financial, knowledge, and social capital. The university’s approach is both holistic and practical: we integrate academic programs with real-world support services, build bridges between education and industry, and engage deeply with our local communities to promote shared prosperity.

Our Vision

NJCU aims to inspire intellectual curiosity, nurture conscious citizenship and community engagement, and uplift our community through teaching, research, and service by dedicated and supportive faculty, staff, and partnerships that create opportunity.

The vision of NJCU Foundation is a thriving community where every student has the financial support and resources needed to reach their highest potential and create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Financials and Strategic Plans

Kean/NJCU Merger Plan
Financial Statements (June 30, 2024 and 2023)
Financial Statements (June 30, 2023 and 2022)
FY2022 Form 990
FY2021 Form 990
FY2020 Form 990

Leadership & Staff

Lizette Delgado Polanco

Executive Director

Lizette Delgado Polanco

Executive Director

Lizette Delgado is an accomplished leader with a distinguished career in government affairs, labor relations, policy development, and public service. Currently, Lizette serves as the Executive Director of the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Foundation, where she provides strategic oversight, guides university-wide fundraising efforts, and ensures that the Foundation aligns with NJCU's mission and goals. In this role, she manages donor relations, stewards assets, and collaborates closely with the Board of Directors to drive impactful initiatives. Previously, Lizette was the Vice President of Government Affairs at BioNeat, where she directed strategic planning and strengthened partnerships with governmental entities. As Director of Labor Relations and Strategy at SBM Management, she led initiatives that improved engagement and productivity while serving as a liaison with federal, state, and local agencies.

Her career also includes serving as Senior Vice President of Labor Strategy at Cratos Group, where she provided policy counsel and championed diversity and inclusion. Lizette’s tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority saw her overseeing $12.5 billion in educational infrastructure projects. Additionally, she held the role of Regional Political Director at the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters, managing legislative programs across five states.

As Executive Director of the SEIU New Jersey State Council, Lizette coordinated legislative agendas for seven SEIU locals, advocating for over 40,000 members across various industries. Her experience as Deputy Secretary of State and earlier roles, including Director of Special Projects for U.S. Senator Jon Corzine, further underscore her leadership in public service and community engagement.

Lizette’s pioneering spirit led to her historic appointment as the first Hispanic Assistant Secretary of State in New Jersey in 2002. Her strategic oversight of voter programs significantly boosted Latino voter turnout in gubernatorial elections, solidifying her commitment to civic engagement.

Lizette holds a background in Labor Studies from the National Labor College and is bilingual in Spanish. Residing in Essex County, New Jersey, she is a proud mother of four and grandmother of four, continually dedicated to family, community, and the causes she champions.

Nadia Tini

Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Nadia Tini

Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Nadia Tini began her professional career in 2016 as a Student Assistant with the NJCU Foundation and Alumni Relations, where she provided high-level administrative and event support. After graduation, she returned to the NJCU Foundation and University Advancement as the full-time Gift Processor, managing donor records, gift reporting, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of foundation data. She’s committed to fostering a welcoming and responsive environment that aligns with the values and mission of the institution, and adept in student, community, alumni engagement, and institutional support, data entry, Raiser’s Edge, campaign marketing, and communications.

Through her dedication and leadership, she was promoted to Director of Development and Alumni Relations. In this role, she oversees alumni engagement programs, and signature events, successfully increasing participation and overall attendance for Alumni Relations. She also leads campaign marketing initiatives, impact reporting, coordinates outreach efforts, and continues to manage donor relations and foundation financial reporting with a strong focus on accuracy, strategy, and meaningful engagement.

With over 7 years of experience, she has a proven ability to manage priorities, project coordination, and streamline office operations to enhance departmental efficiency.

Desiree Francois

MBA Accountant

Desiree Francois

MBA Accountant

Desiree Francois supports the NJCU Foundation by providing financial oversight, reconciliation, and administrative coordination that keep the organization’s operations running with clarity and accountability. Working from within the NJCU Controller’s Office, she manages monthly and quarterly reconciliations, ensures all gift and grant revenue is accurately recorded, and maintains the financial documentation required for audits, budget planning, and compliance.

Desiree is a key partner in aligning Foundation activity with university financial systems. She troubleshoots discrepancies, streamlines reporting processes, and offers timely guidance that helps the Foundation track expenditures, monitor grant budgets, and make informed decisions about resource allocation.

Her work strengthens internal controls and supports the transparency that donors, auditors, and institutional leaders expect. Known for her reliability and clear communication, Desiree provides the financial backbone that allows the Foundation’s fundraising, stewardship, and programmatic work to move forward with confidence.

Eris Corbaxhi

Communications & Board Relations Specialist

Eris Corbaxhi

Communications & Board Relations Specialist

Eris Corbaxhi serves as the Communications and Board Relations Specialist at the NJCU Foundation supporting fundraising initiatives by contributing to board engagement activities, event coordination, data analysis, website content, and communications materials. Eris is passionate about the NJCU community, which gives him a deep understanding of the mission and operations.

In addition to his role with the NJCU Foundation, Eris is a graduate student in Business Analytics and Data Science at New Jersey City University. He brings a strong background in data science and data analysis, reporting, and stakeholder communication from his previous professional experience, as well as a distinguished academic background that includes honors degrees from Italian universities and excellent academic performance in his graduate studies.

Currently, Eris’s is developing AI-powered tools and analytics solutions to strengthen the NJCU Foundation’s ability to operate efficiently, make data-informed decisions, and enhance the impact of its fundraising and engagement initiatives.

Miguel Toro

Data Analyst

Miguel Toro

Data Analyst

Miguel Toro serves as the Data Analyst at the NJCU Foundation, where he supports data analysis, reporting, and operational initiatives of the organization while helping to strengthen the systems that sustain the university’s mission. In his role, Miguel contributes to data migration initiatives, scholarship disbursement processes, and institutional reporting, while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational continuity across NJCU Foundation activities.

Miguel, a proud NJCU alumnus, Class of 2026, earned his Master of Science in Business Analytics and Data Science. Drawing on his academic and professional background, Miguel enhances data integrity and streamlines workflows that assist donor stewardship and board development efforts. He closely collaborates with NJCU Foundation leadership to improve reporting structures, validate records, and aids informed decision-making through reliable analytics.

Known for his analytical precision and solutions-oriented mindset, Miguel enhances the Foundation’s ability to make informed, data-driven decisions, supporting transparent reporting, effective donor stewardship, and the long-term growth of NJCU’s philanthropic initiatives.

Jessica Cooke

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Jessica Cooke

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Jessica Cooke is a community-driven professional serving as the Marketing and Communications Specialist of the NJCU Foundation. Utilizing her experience in public relations and social media management, Jessica continuously supports the success of the NJCU Foundation through transparent content creation, website design, and alumni relations.

Currently, Jessica is an undergrad in marketing at New Jersey City University and knows first-hand the challenges the community faces to achieve an advancement. As someone who has worked overnight at Amazon to secure the chance at an education, Jessica understands the value of the NJCU Foundation and necessity to create opportunities for communities worldwide.

Outside of the NJCU Foundation, Jessica carries the foundation’s values by creating opportunities for the Hudson County Community. So far, she has established an initiative between NJCU’s Residence Life, the NJCU community, and the Hoboken Homeless Shelter to rehome usable, unwanted items and teaches NJCU students how to sew and repurpose materials.

Omar Law

University Advancement Specialist

Omar Law

University Advancement Specialist

Omar Law is an experienced financial professional using his experience in global markets, investment strategy, and corporate finance to serve the NJCU Foundation as the University Advancement Specialist. Within his role, Omar engages in university fundraising and alumni relations by managing strategic initiatives, cultivating donor relationships, and assisting in major gift solicitation to advance institutional goals.

Prior to joining the NJCU Foundation’s team, Omar worked with leading institutions including HSBC and BNP Paribas where he analyzed global macroeconomic developments, developed market insights, and supported institutional clients. His efforts connected investment managers with institutional investors and aided capital-raising initiatives through market research and strategic outreach.

As a Jersey City native, Omar understands the value of community and the power of bringing people together. Growing up in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country shaped his appreciation for collaboration, inclusivity, and diversity of thought. Omar brings an open perspective, along with experience in relationship building, strategic communication, and financial analysis, to foster meaningful connections between alumni, students, and the university while strengthening engagement and philanthropic support.

Board of Directors

Peter Hernandez, CPA

Chair

Peter Hernandez, CPA

Chair

Peter Hernandez, CPA, is a finance executive with extensive experience leading financial strategy, operational finance, and enterprise risk in highly regulated hospitality and gaming environments. He partners with executive teams to drive profitable growth through budgeting and forecasting, performance analytics, capital planning, and strong internal controls and compliance. While his career is rooted in financial management, Pete’s passion for corporate responsibility and ESG informs how he leads and why he serves on nonprofit and community boards.

Most recently, Pete served as Chief Financial Officer of Mount Airy Casino Resort (MACR), where he led the Finance Department and Finance Management Team for the integrated resort operation. In this role, he oversaw treasury, budgeting, revenue audit, accounting, and purchasing; ensured compliance with internal control standards and regulatory reporting requirements; and partnered with the COO/General Manager and executive leadership team on strategic planning, financial performance, and sustainable business growth.

Previously, Pete held senior leadership roles at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, including Senior Vice President of ESG and Organizational Effectiveness and Senior Vice President of Managed Finance. In these roles, he led ESG strategy and implementation and directed finance operations for the company’s managed properties division. Pete’s scope also included talent development through Wyndham University and oversight of safety, security, and risk management. Earlier, he served as Group Vice President of Social Responsibility.

Prior to WHR, Pete was Senior Vice President and Division Controller for Wyndham Destinations, where he oversaw accounting and financial operations for the hospitality services division. Previously, Pete spent more than 17 years at Wyndham Vacation Ownership in progressive finance leadership roles and served as an executive sponsor for mentoring and affinity initiatives.

Currently, Pete serves as Chair of the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Foundation Board of Directors and as a Board Member of JBWS, a nonprofit organization focused on domestic violence prevention and support services.

Pete is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed executive leadership programs at The Wharton School (Global Leader Program) and West Point’s Thayer Leadership Development Program.

Edward P. O’Connor

Vice Chair

Edward P. O’Connor

Vice Chair

Ed is a seasoned wealth management executive with a distinguished record of building and transforming retirement and investment businesses across major financial institutions. As Principal Partner at Princeton Financial Consultants, he leads strategic initiatives in regulatory response, public policy advocacy, and fintech advisory, guiding large-scale projects.

Previously, as Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and UBS, Ed oversaw product development and management, crisis management efforts, advisory programs, and led significant asset growth—eventually overseeing $0.5 Trillion in client assets. His earlier roles at JP Morgan Chase and Merrill Lynch include pioneering managed account platforms, structured solutions, and international wealth management expansion. In addition, Ed has an MBA, is a non-practicing CPA, and holds several securities licenses.

Finally, Ed is Vice-Chair of the NJCU Foundation Board and is a Co-inventor with the US Patent Office. He utilizes his experience from a non-voting member position of the OECD Private Pensions Committee and testiments on tax policy to the House Ways & Means Committee of the 107th Congress to effectively execute his current positions.

Andres Acebo

President, New Jersey City University

Andres Acebo

President, New Jersey City University

Andrés Acebo, the 13th President of New Jersey City University, is the proud first-generation son of Cuban exiles and a Hudson County native who grew up in Union City, N.J. In January 2023, he became the only third Hispanic to lead a four-year public institution of higher education in New Jersey and the youngest known president to ever lead a public university in the state.

Acebo was unanimously appointed president by the Board of Trustees on July 23, 2025, after serving as interim president since January 17, 2023, and formally installed during an investiture on September 10, 2025. On December 8, 2025, the University Senate issued a proclamation recognizing his leadership during one of the "most difficult and transformative periods in NJCU's history."

In nearly three years of mission-driven servant leadership, Acebo has guided NJCU from a $22.7 million deficit to a remarkable financial recovery, achieving the university's first balanced operating budget since 2017 and earning consecutive rating upgrades from Moody's and Fitch. He signed a letter of intent in May 2025 to advance a historic merger integrating NJCU into Kean University, with a definitive agreement signed on October 1, 2025.

Under his leadership, NJCU has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in New Jersey for social mobility for two consecutive years, with undergraduate enrollment surging 10% and first-time freshmen increasing 20% in Fall 2025. He has forged transformative partnerships including the Hudson Connect Program and international collaborations facilitated through Governor Murphy's mission to Mexico City.

ROI-NJ named him the No. 1 Influencer in New Jersey Higher Education, while NJBIZ ranked him No. 4 in their Education Power 50 List — the highest ranking of any college president in the state.

Acebo holds a B.A. from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. He is father to three young children and husband to an NJCU alumna.

Ashley L. Atkins

Director, U.S. Corporate Responsibility, Novartis

Ashley L. Atkins

Director, U.S. Corporate Responsibility, Novartis

Ashley L. Atkins, Ph.D. is Director, US Corporate Responsibility at Novartis where she is responsible for the company’s community engagement strategy in the US, including corporate giving, the Novartis U.S. Foundation and employee engagement efforts. She joined Novartis in 2018 following 16-years at Johnson & Johnson as part of the company’s Global Community Impact Team, where she led local community-based partnerships related to education, food security, urban green space, arts & culture, and community health. Ashley is committed to driving social change through a collaborative systems approach.

Ashley holds degrees from Duke University, University of Massachusetts, and Rutgers University, where she received a Ph.D. in art history. She recently published the white paper “Arts, Health, and Well-being Across the Military Continuum: White Paper 2.0 – 2020 and Beyond” for Americans for the Arts. The paper chronicles the achievements of the National Initiative for the Arts & Health in the Military and articulates the need for an increased focus on how to serve the most underserved military-connected communities, using arts interventions to create better health outcomes. She lives in Central NJ with her husband and 2 sons.

Carol Cuadrado

Carol Cuadrado

Will Eaves

Partner, PwC

Will Eaves

Partner, PwC

Will Eaves brings to NJCU a robust background in governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and technology assurance through his role as Trust Solutions Partner at PwC’s Digital Assurance and Transparency practice in New York. He specializes in operational oversight for asset managers, banks, and financial institutions — with deep experience in regulatory and reporting frameworks.

As the lead Human Resources and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion partner for his practice, Will also brings a strong commitment to justice, inclusion, and ethical leadership — qualities that align with NJCU’s mission and values. A licensed CPA in New Jersey and New York, and certified as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Will blends technical, financial, and governance expertise. He joined the Foundation Board in late 2022.

Will is a Queens, NY native and received his B.S. from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. Will serves on the board of St. Peter's Orphanage and is an active, lifetime member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Will’s presence on the board strengthens NJCU Foundation’s capacity for oversight, transparency, and ethical stewardship — reassuring donors that their contributions will be managed with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Nicole Leon

Director, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Con Edison, Inc.

Nicole Leon

Director, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Con Edison, Inc.

Nicole Leon serves as Director of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Con Edison, Inc., where she drives corporate diversity strategies, equitable practices, and compliance with anti-discrimination and EEO policies. Her career reflects deep engagement with inclusion, fairness, and organizational equity.

Nicole joined the Foundation Board in December 2021, bringing not only her corporate leadership and talent for building inclusive workplaces — but also a strong sense of social responsibility and justice.

Her professional accolades include recognition for advancing diversity and mentoring in major organizations, marking her as a generational leader in corporate inclusion efforts.

As a member of the NJCU Foundation Board, Nicole strengthens the institution’s commitment to equity, representation, and opportunity — values core to NJCU’s mission of accessible, inclusive higher education. Her presence on the board helps ensure that the Foundation’s philanthropic work reflects the diverse backgrounds and needs of its students and community.

Stephanie Lezcano

Jose Lozano

Brian Kirkpatrick

Vice President of Administration and Finance, New Jersey City University

Brian Kirkpatrick

Vice President of Administration and Finance, New Jersey City University

Jeffrey Martinez

Executive Vice President, Head of Branch Banking, PNC Bank

Jeffrey Martinez

Executive Vice President, Head of Branch Banking, PNC Bank

Jeffrey Martinez is Executive Vice President and Retail Territory Executive (East Territory) at PNC Bank, one of the largest and most diversified financial services institutions in the United States — giving him significant experience in retail banking, corporate service, and community financial engagement.

Appointed to the Foundation board during the 2021–22 academic year, Jeffrey has contributed both his financial-sector expertise and his strategic insight into institutional support — helping to shape philanthropic efforts that directly benefit NJCU students, facilities, and programs.

His understanding of community banking and regional economic dynamics makes him an important asset for aligning NJCU’s fundraising and development ambitions with real-world financial and community realities.

Through Jeffrey’s participation, the Foundation’s work gains credibility among donors and stakeholders — reinforcing NJCU’s commitment to access, stability, and long-term growth.

Joseph Nyamwange

Financial Strategist

Joseph Nyamwange

Financial Strategist

Joseph (Joe) Abuga Nyamwange is a notable financial strategist, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist that credits his current success to his humble beginnings in Jersey City. Born to Kenyan parents who migrated to this country in the 1980s for better opportunities, Joe has learned that with grit, hard work, and faith, all things are possible.

Growing up in Jersey City, Joe experienced firsthand that being Black in America comes with specific challenges unique to our culture. He has developed a burning passion for helping people of color overcome the racial and economic disparities that have kept them far behind their respective counterparts for centuries. The Nyamwange Foundation was founded because of this desire to be a catalyst for systemic change in the Black community. Nyamwange Foundation’s focus is on building a generation of leaders who positively influence others with empathy and advocacy.

He has an extensive career in the technology sector as an Enterprise Account Executive. Over the last 15 years he has worked for fortune 100 companies which include Amazon, Microsoft, and Dell.

Joe’s greatest joy is marrying his best friend, Sasha Wilson, and being the father of his children, Jade, Nia, and Wilson.

Adam San Miguel '18

CEO, Cortaditos Coffee, Social entrepreneur & Soldier

Adam San Miguel '18

CEO, Cortaditos Coffee, Social entrepreneur & Soldier

Adam San Miguel is a CEO, Social entrepreneur, and Soldier. As CEO of Cortaditos Coffee, Adam owns and operates seven Cuban style coffee shops in New Jersey with over 70 employees. Also, as founder and chairman of the Cuban American Alliance for Leadership & Education, a local nonprofit organization recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ in 2020, Adam leads scholarship giving and leadership development programming for students nationwide. For this work, CNN has recognized Adam as a “Champion for Change", which is an annual broadcast event that highlights the stories of innovative individuals making a positive impact addressing various societal challenges, demonstrating the power of ordinary people to reshape the future.

Prior to opening Cortaditos, Adam spent over a decade in the technology sector working for Google, Microsoft, and Dell, where his responsibilities included technology for social impact. Also, as a civic leader, Adam is a member of the Cuba Study Group, a Miami based non-profit organization aimed at promoting civil society development in Cuba. Also on the international stage, Adam is a member of the Cuba Emprende Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization that supports the Catholic Church of Cuba's Proyecto Cuba Emprende in offering entrepreneurial training and business advisory services to Cuban entrepreneurs. Adam is also a commissioned Officer in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.

Adam earned a B.A. in finance from Monmouth University, where he also holds the school record for most receptions in a single season as well as career (Football), a B.S in Spanish from New Jersey City University, and an MBA from Fordham University.

Timothy White ’99

Vice President, River Crossing Strategy Group, Public Affairs, Government Relations and Communications

Timothy White ’99

Vice President, River Crossing Strategy Group, Public Affairs, Government Relations and Communications

Timothy White is Senior Vice President at River Crossing Strategy Group, where he leads public affairs, government relations, and strategic communications efforts for clients in real estate development, energy, and public utilities. He specializes in complex issue advocacy and regulatory approval campaigns, using stakeholder engagement, coalition building, and strategic navigation of legislative and regulatory environments to deliver results.

Tim previously founded and led the public affairs practice at Beckerman and served as Vice President at MWW Group. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles in political consulting as a communications director and campaign manager for numerous statewide, legislative, county, and municipal campaigns. His government experience includes serving as Special Assistant to Bergen County Executive William “Pat” Schuber and Jersey City Mayor Glenn Cunningham, Political Director for the New Jersey Republican State Committee (2004), and a member of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s 2013 transition team.

He serves on the New Jersey City University Foundation Board and holds a B.A. from New Jersey City University and an M.P.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Judith Wodynski, '76, M.A. '77

Retired Director of Development and Community Services, Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation

Judith Wodynski, '76, M.A. '77

Retired Director of Development and Community Services, Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation

Judith (Judy) Lipka-Wodynski is a seasoned advancement professional with more than 28 years of experience in fundraising and alumni relations. Now semi-retired and based on Nantucket Island, she runs a fundraising consultancy focused on helping small nonprofits strengthen boards and staff, adopt best practices in fundraising, conduct strategic planning and program assessment, and design effective campaigns.

Previously, she served as Director of Development and Community Relations for the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation in Leesburg, Virginia, where she oversaw membership, publications, public relations, special events, and development, while also serving as liaison to key board committees and managing the Equestrian and Museum Education programs. Before that, she was Director of External Relations at the Nantucket Historical Association, with responsibility for membership, publications, events, development, and trustee relations.

Earlier in her career, Judy spent 24 years in higher education and independent schools, including roles at New Jersey City University, Drexel University, The College of New Jersey, and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child. She currently serves as Secretary of the NJCU Foundation Board.An NJCU alumna twice over, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University and even attended its Laboratory School as a child.

Judy and her husband, fellow NJCU graduate Michael Wodynski, are members of the Royal Knight Society and avid travelers, having literally gone around the world on the Queen Mary 2.

About the NJCU Foundation

Our Mission

Our Approach

Our Vision

Financials and Strategic Plans

Leadership & Staff

Board of Directors

Newsletter