St. Joseph’s Health has recognized LaTysha “Ty” Gaines, Campus Operating Officer of Berkeley College in Woodland Park, with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award for Community Education. The award was presented during a commemorative luncheon on Jan. 19, at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, honoring local leaders who embody Dr. King’s legacy of equity and action.
The annual award celebrates individuals who utilize the transformative power of education and leadership to uplift their communities. According to Loretta Hall, co-chair of the African, Black, Caribbean Diaspora Affinity Group at St. Joseph’s Health, Gaines was selected for her unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation through mentorship and advocacy.
Gaines has served as the campus operating officer for Berkeley College since 2021, bringing over two decades of experience in higher education. Her career has spanned vital student-facing roles, including residence life, recruitment, and student conduct.
“The mission of Berkeley College aligns closely with my own guiding principles, specifically the practice of empowerment through collaboration and service through communication,” Gaines said during the ceremony. “The vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to inspire my commitment to advancing opportunity within all communities.”
Gaines was one of six distinguished recipients recognized across three categories:
| Category | Recipients |
| Community Education |
LaTysha “Ty” Gaines (Berkeley College)
Patricia May (St. Joseph’s Health Sciences Library) |
| Community Innovation |
St. Joseph’s Health Community Doula Program
Shana Manradge (A Better Market) |
| Community Empowerment |
Rev. Donna Farrar Warren
Theresa Johnston (Never Alone Again Domestic Violence Organization) |
A resident of Linden, Gaines’ influence extends deep into the North Jersey community. She currently serves as vice president of the Woodland Park Educational Foundation and sits on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Paterson and Passaic.
Her recognition by St. Joseph’s Health adds to a growing list of accolades, including the 2025 Leadership Excellence Award from Our Way to H.O.P.E. and the 2024 Executive Director’s Community Partnership Award from the Paterson Education Fund.
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution with campuses in New Jersey and New York, as well as a robust online presence. The college specializes in providing diverse student populations with the skills and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in a competitive global marketplace.
