On May 15, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) celebrated its students during RCSJ–Cumberland's Sixth Annual Commencement Ceremony.
Nearly 400 students were present and awarded their degrees and certificates. The students' educational and athletic achievements were celebrated by their family members, friends, and fellow graduates.
Local government officials, administrators, and educators were in attendance to support the graduates and cheer their numerous accomplishments.
The RCSJ–Cumberland student address was delivered by Megan P., a Psychology major. She is also president of the Rho Gamma chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and executive vice president of the Student Government Association, among other clubs she participated in.
Several students expressed their feelings about their collegiate journeys, as well as fulfilling their missions of graduating from RCSJ.
Rahimenur (Ra) A., 27, Vineland, Integrated Marketing Communications and Public Relations: This is a major accomplishment for me because I had taken a break from college back in 2019 and [came] back in 2023 after the merger. It really made a big difference for my experience here. I just put in my head that, hey, I'm going to finish what I started. So now that I have, it's a major accomplishment and I'm super excited to celebrate. I feel very special. This college makes me feel very special.
Lexi B., 37, Millville, Biological Science/Health Science: I'm very excited. I can't contain myself. I'm so proud of myself. It was hard. I'm a little bit older and I proved it's never too late to start – and I finished! I wanted to show my children – I have a high schooler who's graduating this June – that I can be a better example for them. That just made me strive harder and do what I needed to do.
Caleb B., 19, Vineland, Horticulture: I am very excited to be graduating. I plan to go to Stockton [University] to finish my bachelor's. I'm going for Hemp & Cannabis Business Management. I only [have] two years left [of college] and we should be straight. I aspire to be a cannabis cultivator.
Denise H., 61, Cumberland County, Health Science: They are very supportive here. It took a while, but I got here, and I am very excited. Congratulations to everyone.
Dahlia L., 32, Bridgeton, Psychology Major: For me personally, it was a big, monumental thing for my family. My abuela is up in the sky watching my graduation. She was my biggest cheerleader. So, graduating today makes me so excited because I know she's proud of me up above.
Madison M., 20, Rosenhayn, Liberal Arts/Primary Secondary Education: I'm excited to see what the future holds with my next two years at Rowan University, get my degree and get to work.
Jenice R., 34, Vineland, Liberal Arts/General, RCSJ employee: It took me a while to get here but we're here with the support of the school and my colleagues. I'm super excited to get this degree. I did it for my daughter. I became a single mom two years ago and she pushed me to just keep going. It took me about 10 years to finish this degree but we're here. This place is amazing. The support, the love, the family; this is the place to be.
