RCSJ Unveils Art Sculpture Honoring Dr. E. Ross Beitzel, Announces $100,000 Endowment in His Name

Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) and the RCSJ Foundation hosted an Art Sculpture Unveiling Ceremony on Friday, October 30, 2026, in the Gloucester campus plaza. The sculpture, titled “Hydra,” honors the late Dr. E. Ross Beitzel, a longtime professor of humanities at RCSJ and curator of the college’s extensive permanent art collection.

Beitzel founded the RCSJ art gallery (then Gloucester County College) more than 40 years ago and served as its director until he retired from full-time teaching. In 2008, the art gallery was renamed the Dr. Ross Beitzel Gallery, honoring his contributions.

“Ross’s legacy is defined not only by his love for art, but by his commitment to people,” said Brenden Rickards, president of RCSJ. “He understood that art has the power to connect, inspire, and transform lives, and he dedicated himself to ensuring others could experience those opportunities. Whether supporting students, championing artists, or serving the community, Ross brought passion, purpose, and an extraordinary level of commitment to everything he did.”

At the ceremony, Betizel’s loved ones, RCSJ leadership, Gloucester County commissioners, and RCSJ Foundation members unveiled the new sculpture. This abstract contemporary art piece was forged in steel by acclaimed U.K. artist, David Harber, and inspired by the graceful movement of aquatic plants. It stands as a lasting tribute to Beitzel’s legacy at RCSJ.

Beitzel was an award-winning artist, photographer, and renowned world traveler. He was a member of the Worldwide Century Club, travelers who have visited over 100 countries, and visited a total of 131 countries and territories on all seven continents. During his travels, he collected artworks to be featured in the college’s art gallery.

He was also a member of several esteemed organizations, including the National Art Education Association, the Association of American University Professors, the Philadelphia Art Alliance, Alpha Psi Omega, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Beitzel served as vice president of the International Print Society and was the historian for Music at Bunker Hill. Additionally, he was a member of the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the RCSJ Foundation.

As a lifetime member of Art Educators of New Jersey, Beitzel was honored twice as a recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education.

Richard Hughes, Beitzel’s lifelong friend, reflected on Beitzel’s character, sharing his affinity for telling the truth no matter how unpleasant.

“If you knew Ross at all, you knew he was a character,” Hughes explained. “He was unrelenting with students and everyone around him about art. He’d go into offices and say, ‘you need artwork’… This sculpture right here actually has a bit of his personality. I hope you enjoy it.”

This special ceremony also honored Beitzel’s commitment to the RCSJ community and recognized his significant contribution to student scholarships. A special announcement was made, revealing a $100,000 endowment in his name. Cody Miller, executive director of the RCSJ Foundation, revealed Beitzel’s generous bequest.

“This is a very important day today. Not only are we acknowledging culture, art, and history at this art unveiling, but we’re also honoring somebody who served at the college for a long time, was heavily involved in the college’s foundation, and always supported our students … Ross wanted to make sure that students had access to opportunity, which is why we’re very excited to announce the $100,000 endowment.”

This $100,000 endowment will fund $5,000 in scholarship support annually, providing eligible students with tuition assistance and coursework materials. This support further reflects Beitzel’s commitment to his community and passion for helping RCSJ students.

“There could be no more meaningful tribute to Ross than an investment in our students,” said Rickards. “This scholarship endowment embodies his lifelong dedication to helping others succeed. Through the lives he will continue to touch, Ross’s legacy will remain a permanent and cherished part of RCSJ.”