Bergen Student Honored by HACU
PARAMUS, N.J. – Bergen Community College student Salome Jimenez has received the $5,000 Health Care Scholars United Scholarship from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
The scholarship recognizes students pursuing degrees in health-related fields who exhibit academic excellence, participate in community engagement and display a commitment to improving health outcomes in diverse communities.
“I am incredibly proud of Salome and deeply grateful for our HACU partners,” Bergen President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., said. “From supporting scholarships to offering internships and advocating for institutions such as Bergen, HACU has allowed us to expand resources and opportunities for our students.”
Studying respiratory care therapy, Jimenez, of Nutley, seeks to specialize in cardiovascular perfusion. Coupled with her background in respiratory care, she will provide advanced cardiopulmonary support for patients during heart surgery. She expects to graduate in spring 2026.
“Being selected by HACU is a tremendous honor,” Jimenez said. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity as it has inspired me to stay focused on my academic journey and has strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare with passion and determination.”
Outside of the classroom, Jimenez has participated in advocacy initiatives for Hispanic-Serving Institutions through HACU’s Capitol Forum in Washington, D.C. Bergen Spanish Professor Cesarina Vinas, the faculty adviser to the Latin American Student Association, said Jimenez’s contributions on- and off-campus make her a deserving scholarship awardee.
“Since joining the Latin American Student Association two years ago, Salome has consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to inclusion and cultural competence - values evident in her continued advocacy for diversity on campus,” Vinas said.
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
Photo Caption: Salome Jimenez
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