Jersey College Updates: Soccer Season Launch, Folk Festival, Athletic Transitions, Awards, and Community Highlights – August 18, 2025

Good afternoon, Jersey College community. Today is Monday, August 18, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus and beyond. Our women's soccer team has unveiled its 2025 schedule, featuring a mix of non-conference opponents and the challenging New Jersey Athletic Conference lineup. The season kicks off with three consecutive road matches, starting on Friday, August 29, at SUNY Delhi. The home opener is set for Tuesday, September 2, against Manhattanville at 4:00 p.m. at Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field. Head Coach Anthony Tuesta expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season, highlighting the blend of experienced returners and promising newcomers. The New Jersey Folk Festival, originally postponed due to weather concerns, is now scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in North Brunswick. This year's event marks the festival's 50th anniversary, celebrating New Jersey's rich history, music, and culture. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Bloomfield College of Montclair State University has announced its transition from NCAA Division II to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division I, beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year. This move is part of a broader athletic realignment following the institution’s merger with Montclair State University. The college aims to provide competitive opportunities and academic resources to support student-athletes during this transition. New Jersey's community colleges are advocating for the restoration of $20 million in operating aid in the FY 2025 state budget. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges emphasizes the essential role these institutions play in providing accessible, high-quality education that transforms lives and communities across the state. The student newspaper at Middlesex College has earned 15 statewide awards, highlighting the dedication and talent of its student journalists. These accolades reflect the newspaper's commitment to excellence in reporting and storytelling. Centenary University has secured first place in the small college division of the eighth annual New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge for the 2024–2025 academic year. This achievement underscores the university's commitment to promoting health and wellness among its student body. New Jersey City University has unveiled the NJCU President’s Community Advisory Council, consisting of 20 members from the education, business, and political sectors. This initiative aims to strengthen the bond between the university and its surrounding community through collaborative efforts. Ocean County College has been actively engaging with the community. Notably, the Lacey Cohort 8 College Academy held its orientation on August 6, welcoming 31 students to campus. Additionally, discussions are underway with Pinelands Regional School staff regarding evening course opportunities at Pinelands High School for the upcoming school year. New Jersey City University has announced several upcoming opportunities, including the NASA-NJ Space Grant Research Internship and a cutting-edge AI research team initiative. Application deadlines are approaching, so interested students are encouraged to apply promptly. On August 15, 2025, 148 new state troopers received their badges during a graduation ceremony at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ. The 167th New Jersey State Police Class includes individuals with diverse backgrounds, including prior military and law enforcement experience. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around Jersey College.