Toms River, NJ - Ocean County College Executive Director of Athletics Ilene Cohen received the "Spirit Award" from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges on June 5 in a ceremony held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atantic City, NJ.

Ilene, an athletic administrator for over 30 years, and a member of The College of New Jersey and Union High School Athletic Halls of Fame, was recognized for her tireless efforts on behalf of the student-athletes she serves, and for her service to the community at large. "What an incredible evening. I am truly honored by this recognition," remarked Cohen. "It's not a job when it's about loving what you do and who you do it with, as well as the difference one can make for students."   

Congratulations also to Ocean County College student Areeba Zulkarnain, who was named an "NJ Student of the Year" at this event as well!

Governed by the presidents and trustees of New Jersey's 18 community colleges and enshrined in state law, the members of the prestigious NJ Council of County Colleges work together to provide high-quality education, grow careers, and up-skill the workforce through the more than 230,000 students they serve annually. 

To learn more about the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, please visit: https://www.njcommunitycolleges.org/