STARS Spotlight
Genesis Capellán, ‘21 Genesis Capellán, of Englewood, a professional studies major at Bergen Community College, found that the NJ STARS program opened up new possibilities for her. Capellán said, "The NJ STARS program gave me the opportunity to begin my college experience without any debt, which allowed me to explore my educational endeavors free of financial stress. As a result, I’ve been able to become a part of many awesome organizations on campus and dedicate more time to academic excellence and leadership!"
Bergen Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisers Lisa Mayer and Kelly Keane in a joint statement said, “Genesis is an incredibly diligent and compassionate person who continually demonstrates extraordinary leadership skills as PTK chapter president by spearheading PTK academic research projects, the executive team, and many social events.”
“I actively participate in all things music, art, and creative writing. I often spend my free time collaborating with others in the arts. Though I have many goals, my biggest desire is to enjoy the different phases of my life every step of the way, and to help those around me feel joyful,” said Capellán who has certainly lived up to her statement.
Capellán was one of 72 students in the U.S. (seven in New Jersey, four at Bergen Community College) to earn the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the most prestigious award for junior college students, which provides up to $40,000 per year for recipients to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
She began her journey at Bergen by participating in the fourweek Summer Intensive Program (SIP). She said, “It taught me so much about the opportunities that Bergen offers and the SIP office also served as a support community throughout my involvement at the College.”
If you joined us at the College’s 2021 commencement exercises, Capellán sang the National Anthem so beautifully, she brought tears to many attendees’ eyes. She was one of 59 students at Commencement 2021 to earn the Dr. Judith K. Winn School of Honors & Phi Theta Kappa Dual Honors Award and graduated with a 3.95 GPA.
“At Bergen, I found there are immense opportunities to get involved in the community. Bergen is thriving in clubs, organizations, research opportunities, community service, and social events. Even with remote learning, students are able to connect with others if they are willing to put themselves out there. The wide variety of opportunities at Bergen also stems from the diversity found here, people from many different walks of life gather here to start or continue their education.” Capellán served as president of Bergen Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Epsilon Phi, and as an ambassador for the Violence Intervention Prevention Center. She also participated in the Educational Opportunity Fund program and took an active leadership role in Bergen’s D.I.V.A. Girl Club student organization. Capellán earned a spot on the 2021 New Jersey All-State Academic Team, which recognized her as one of 36 top community college students in the Garden State. She also received recognition as a 2021 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar, securing a $1,500 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and PTK – an award received by only 50 of 2,000 applicants.
“I have received so much support from my mother, the PTK community and many special individuals right in my hometown of Englewood,” Capellán said. “It goes to show that a loving community will really take one far. It truly does take a village. Strength is found where communities are gathered to support one another.”
Capellán plans on pursuing additional higher education opportunities in cultural anthropology and global research, and hopes to write articles, create films, compose music and use creativity to educate others. “I aim to take what I learn in the field of anthropology and create media content to help spread awareness about cultural issues,” she said. She transferred to the University of San Diego and is majoring in Communications and Media Studies. "While pursuing my Bachelor's Degree, I aim to get involved on campus and work to improve my surrounding community just as I did at Bergen.” ● 2020-2021 Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Epsilon Phi Chapter President ● 2021 New Jersey All-State Academic Team Member ● 2021 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar ● 2021 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar ● Phi Theta Kappa & Dr. Judith K. Winn School of Honors Dual Honors Award ● Phi Theta Kappa Graduate ● Graduated with a 3.95 GPA • University of San Diego - B.A. in Communications and Media Studies by 2023