Ed Blake named Atlantic Cape 2022 President’s Distinguished Foundation Board Member

Former Atlantic Cape Foundation Board member and Gala supporter Ed Blake was recognized June 22 as the 2022 President’s Distinguished Foundation Board Member for his years of dedicated service to Atlantic Cape Community College.

Blake was presented with the award by Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba at the Atlantic Cape Foundation Board of Trustees meeting.

Since 2011, Atlantic Cape has presented the President’s Distinguished Foundation Board Member Award to a current or past member of the board who has demonstrated leadership, advocacy and support on behalf of the college and its students.

“As president of Atlantic Cape Community College, I am pleased to recognize and honor Mr. Ed Blake for his tireless support of our students. His hard work and dedication as a Gala Committee member and Foundation Board member has truly made a difference in the lives of Atlantic Cape students and alumni,” Gaba said.

Blake was a Restaurant Gala Committee member from 1985 to 2020 and served on the Foundation Board from 2006 until 2008, a time when the Foundation engaged in planning its first capital campaign and continued to grow the Restaurant Gala.

Blake’s other service ventures include Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, A.C.O.R.A. (Just for Kids), Seashore Gardens Foundation, Workforce Investment Board, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Epicurean Society of Southern New Jersey.

“Mr. Blake’s service-oriented attitude and generosity with his time and expertise has been a benefit to many facets of our community,” the resolution supporting Blake’s award states. “Mr. Blake’s philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy makes a difference in our community, especially at Atlantic Cape and the Atlantic Cape Foundation where his support over the years has been exemplary and impactful.”

The Foundation Board also honored several other Atlantic Cape supporters at its June meeting. 

Atlantic Cape Board of Trustees student Alumni Trustee Shane Winkler, whose term ends June 30, was recognized along with retiring Foundation Board member Nancy Cleaver for six years of service that included help to procure a grant supporting the Cape May bizHub, a transformative initiative supporting small businesses in Cape May County; outgoing Foundation Board member Terri Lutz, for her six years of service; and outgoing Foundation Board member Roger Mussa, for nine years of service especially for his financial and investment guidance.

Mussa will serve as an Honorary Trustee on the Foundation Board beginning July 1.

Atlantic Cape Foundation Board President James Rutala, retiring Foundation Board member Nancy Cleaver, Atlantic Cape Community College President Dr. Barbara Gaba and Atlantic Cape Foundation Associate Director Maria Kellett at the June 22, 2022 Foundation board meeting.

Atlantic Cape Foundation Board President James Rutala, Atlantic Cape student Alumni Trustee Shane Winkler, and Atlantic Cape Community College President Dr. Barbara Gaba at the June 22, 2022 Foundation board meeting.