Erica Mittenzwei Named Outstanding Student Award Winner 2019

Erica Mittenzwei was named one of the seven Brookdale graduates who will receive the Outstanding Student Award at commencement ceremonies on May 16. The awards recognize student academic excellence, community service, and personal accomplishments.

Mittenzwei will pursue her degree in finance and business analytics at a four-year institution and eventually plans to earn her master’s. Her career goal is to become a chief financial officer with a large financial company one day. Brookdale’s Erica Mittenzwei plans to work in the finance industry and an internship with has provided her with hands-on experience and insights. She was a tax/finance intern with Commvault, the Tinton-Falls based data protection and information management software company, since 2018, gaining valuable experience in her career.

She describes her Brookdale experience as life changing. “When I first started at Brookdale, I was determined to take advantage of every opportunity, and I would like to think that I did,” said Mittenzwei.

She cited her involvement with Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society, as increasing her self-confidence and leadership skills while forging lifelong friendships. As Vice President of Scholarship for Brookdale’s PTK chapter, she developed her leadership skills and ability to collaborate with diverse groups. Mittenzwei cited the chapter’s opioid awareness series as a key chapter achievement.

In addition to her work with PTK, Mittenzwei was a Career Peer Mentor. She has also volunteered with numerous organizations, including Bayshore Senior Day Care Center in Keansburg, NJ, The Raine Foundation in Hazlet, NJ, Unified Partners and Relay for Life.

Mittenzwei was ecstatic when she learned of her selection as an Outstanding Student Winner. She is proud of the work she has done at Brookdale inside and outside the classroom and is grateful for the recognition, adding that many faculty and fellow students provided her with guidance and encouragement during her tenure at Brookdale.

“Put everything that you have into the Brookdale experience. The stigma against community colleges today is so prevalent, but those of us who are students here know that there are so many places to succeed. Brookdale will challenge you inside and outside the classroom. You will be given opportunities every day, and it is up to you to seize them. There are so many well accomplished individuals here, and it is more than possible that you will become one too.”

-Erica Mittenzwei

“The Outstanding Student Award Winners excelled academically and helped to make the Brookdale campus even more vibrant and engaging through their leadership and involvement in student clubs, organizations and activities. Their positive impact and community service extended beyond Brookdale, and I know that we’ll see more great accomplishments from them in the coming years.”

-President David Stout

Photo Caption:

Erica Mittenzwei is on her way to a career in finance.