TOMS RIVER – The John F. Russo Scholarship celebrates the legacy of the late New Jersey senator. The $100,000 endowment was gifted to the Ocean County College Foundation by Mary Ann Russo, the wife of the senator.
“The OCC Foundation expresses its gratitude to Mrs. Russo for this generous donation, which will assist many deserving, politically engaged, students for years to come. In addition, a special note of appreciation is expressed to OCC Foundation Trustee Stephan Leone for his assistance in acquiring this gift,” Kenneth J. Malagiere, Executive Director of the Ocean County College Foundation, said.
The scholarship is available to political science majors, either those taking classes at OCC or going on to a four-year institution.
County high school or OCC students who have worked with a declared political party and are active in the political process can apply. Two awards will be given in the spring and fall semesters, one to a Democrat and the other a Republican. Recipients can be either part- or full-time students but must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Students awarded the scholarship must then take at least one political science class each semester.
“Mrs. Russo and her family can be proud of Sen. Russo’s dedication and contributions to the political landscape in Ocean County. This endowment will help keep his memory and work alive in the hearts and minds of our students, faculty, and staff,” Malagiere added.
