Brookdale Community College Honors Exceptional Individuals at 2023 Commencement with Honorary Degrees

Brookdale Community College proudly awarded honorary degrees to two outstanding individuals, Stephanie Hueston-Paden and Douglas Quinn, at the 2023 Commencement ceremony held on May 11, 2023. These individuals were recognized for their remarkable contributions to their respective fields and unwavering commitment to positively impacting their communities.

Stephanie Hueston-Paden, the founder of Coping with Laryngomalacia, received an honorary associate degree in recognition of her tireless efforts in supporting families of infants and children with airway disorders. The organization also offers support for, as well as information and education about, laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, bronchomalacia, and pharyngomalacia.

As a mother of an infant with an airway disorder, Stephanie felt uneducated and unprepared to deal with all the health issues her daughter was born with. She created this nonprofit to help other families deal with the same issues. The organization sends care packages worldwide to families of infants and children who suffer from airway disorders, including educational information and needed baby items to every family who registers.

Her organization has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2022 Great Nonprofits Award. In 2017, Stephanie co-wrote the first-ever Malacia E-Book with Dr. Prasad Thottam, D.O., FAAP, and Dr. Suzanne Forman, D.O. Stephanie’s passion for educating others about airway disorders and her compassion for families facing similar challenges make her an exemplary role model for the Brookdale community.

Douglas Quinn, an accomplished professional in insurance, investment planning, and philanthropy, was honored with an honorary associate degree. Douglas has demonstrated exceptional expertise in designing innovative financial solutions to maximize wealth accumulation, manage risk, and facilitate philanthropic activities through planned charitable gifting strategies.

He works with families of special needs children and adults to address this community’s unique challenges and planning needs. In his work, he offers creative use of life insurance to leverage and maintain family wealth, implement tax-saving strategies and fund charitable giving. In addition, he helps businesses maximize savings, tax benefits, and retention of key employees through qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and pensions.

Moreover, his extensive community service efforts have touched the lives of many. Douglas has been actively involved with various organizations, including the U.S. Senator Robert Menendez Veterans Affairs Committee, Howling Woods Farm Animal Rescue, Autism Speaks, Cancer Care, Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group, the Jersey Shore, Food Not Bombs founding member, and the Toms River Lacrosse Club. His dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families, particularly those with special needs, exemplifies Brookdale Community College’s values.

“Stephanie Hueston-Paden and Douglas Quinn embody the spirit of excellence, service, and leadership that we celebrate at Brookdale Community College,” said Dr. David M. Stout, president of Brookdale Community College. “Their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to making a difference in their communities serve as an inspiration to our students, faculty, and staff. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary contributions and present them with honorary associate degrees.”

The recipients were selected by the Honorary Degree Committee, comprising of esteemed faculty, administrators, and alumni. The committee carefully evaluated nominations from the college community and the public, considering criteria such as professional accomplishments, community/public service, personal achievements, and the ability to inspire Brookdale students.

The honorary degree recipients, Stephanie Hueston-Paden and Douglas Quinn have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also dedicated their lives to creating positive change in the lives of others. Their impact resonates with the values and mission of Brookdale Community College, making them deserving recipients of this esteemed recognition.

For more information about Stephanie Hueston-Paden and Coping with Laryngomalacia, please visit copingwithlm.org. To learn more about Douglas Quinn and his outstanding contributions, please visit unitedsurvivorsrelief.com, New Jersey Organizing Project.

About Brookdale Community College

Brookdale Community College is a public college in Lincroft, New Jersey committed to providing accessible, affordable, and quality education to students of all backgrounds. With a rich history of academic excellence and a vibrant community, Brookdale empowers students to achieve their educational and career goals while positively impacting the world.

Founded in 1967, Brookdale offers A.A., AFA, AS, and AAS degrees in 68 academic programs, 4 Academic Credit Certificates, and 9 Academic Credit Certificates of Achievement. Brookdale offers fully online degree programs in Business Administration, English, History, Liberal Education, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Sciences. In addition, an Academic Credit Certificate of Achievement is available in Cybersecurity. Furthermore, they offer partnerships with top four-year colleges and universities to make the transfer process seamless and with local businesses to provide students with the opportunities to achieve their educational and career goals. In addition, Brookdale offers non-degree courses through its Office of Continuing & Professional Studies. This unique division provides coursework tailored to meet today’s businesses’ training needs. Learn more about Brookdale Community College at brookdalecc.edu.