Union County honors outgoing commissioners BJ Kowalski and Sergio Granados; Union County College recognized
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Summary
The board presented awards and offered tributes to outgoing Commissioners Betty Jane 'BJ' Kowalski and Sergio Granados. Union County College leaders praised the commissioners’ support and highlighted the college’s Aspen Prize finalist status.
Commissioners used the public meeting to present awards, commendations and personal tributes to two members who are leaving the board.
Margaret McMenemin, identified in the meeting as president of 'UCNJ / Union College of Union County,' told commissioners the college had been named a top-10 community college by the Aspen Institute and was a finalist for the $1,000,000 Aspen Prize; she thanked the board—naming Commissioners BJ Kowalski and Sergio Granados in particular—for consistent support of the college and its students.
Multiple commissioners delivered remarks recognizing the outgoing members’ years of service, mentorship and specific programmatic achievements. Speakers credited Commissioner Kowalski with sustained advocacy on mass transit, parks and libraries and a long record of constituent service in Cranford; they credited Commissioner Granados with leadership on workforce and equity initiatives, establishment of the Office of LGBTQ Services and creation of community gardens and youth programs. Assemblywoman Linda Carter presented resolutions honoring both commissioners on behalf of state legislative leaders.
Gifts and tokens of appreciation were presented from the board and partner organizations; commissioners emphasized continuing relationships and pledged to see the departing members at community events. The meeting closed after final remarks and an adjournment motion.
The tributes were ceremonial in nature; no policy actions or financial commitments were made as part of the presentations.