Statement from NJCU President Andrés Acebo on the Passing of Dr. Steven M. Rose, President of Passaic County Community College

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Steven M. Rose, who devoted three decades to one of the most important missions in all of higher education — ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open to every student, regardless of background or circumstance.

In an era when college presidencies have grown increasingly brief and few presidents remain at the helm for more than a few years, Dr. Rose's 30-year commitment to Passaic County Community College was a testament to something deeper than ambition. It was a calling. He understood that in communities where opportunity is too often scarce and unequally distributed, an accessible college education is not a luxury but a lifeline. He was a steadfast champion for the students who needed a champion most, and the tens of thousands of lives shaped by his leadership stand as his most enduring legacy.

The New Jersey higher education community has lost a respected voice, and the people of Passaic County have lost a tireless advocate who believed deeply in their potential and worked each day to meet them where they were. Our thoughts are with his family, his colleagues, and the entire PCCC community as they mourn this profound loss.”

Andrés Acebo
President
New Jersey City University