On May 14, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) celebrated its students during RCSJ–Cumberland's Seventh Annual Commencement Ceremony.
Approximately 400 students, representing the Class of 2026, were present and awarded their degrees and certificates. The students' educational achievements were celebrated by their family members, friends, and fellow graduates.
Local government officials, and RCSJ administrators, faculty and staff were in attendance to support the graduates and cheer their abundant accomplishments.
This was the first graduation ceremony led by Dr. Brenden Rickards, who was announced as the second president of RCSJ in January.
Miss New Jersey 2025, Belle Nicholas, sang a rousing rendition of the National Anthem that immediately uplifted the audience and helped jumpstart the program.
The RCSJ–Cumberland student address was delivered by Marisol P., a first-generation student and a Social Services major. Marisol is the executive vice president of the Student Government Association. She is also a member of CRU and the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS), Sigma Alpha Pi, among other clubs she participated in.
Several students, who were filled with emotions of joy and gratitude, shared their feelings about completing their quests to earn an RCSJ degree.
Vinnie A., 65, Sewell, Liberal Arts, Navy Veteran: I'm really excited. I've waited 45 years to graduate. Doing everything online was really helpful to me. I really appreciated the ability to do my schoolwork anywhere at any time, and I did not meet one professor that I didn't like. I've just had a wonderful experience.
Joshua C., 17, Pittsgrove, Business Administration: It feels amazing. There were definitely times when it didn't feel like there was light at the end of the tunnel, but being here today, being able to show up for my family – to say I did this is an amazing feeling. My favorite part of my RCSJ experience is the memories and the friends you make along the way. It's not even just about peer to peer; it's also the relationships you get with professors that's just so special.
Kate D., 79, Cedarville, Fine Arts: I was in the first graduating class at Cumberland in 1968. The first Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, I was the secretary for that. This College has been awfully good to me. After I graduated the first time, I came back and taught nursing here for 40 years and loved every day. My favorite part [about being an RCSJ student] is my teachers and the students. The students were really wonderful to me, because for me, it was a chance to be with young people again, and that was pretty wonderful.
Amerie G., 21, Vineland, Criminal Justice: I'm very proud of myself, very proud of my classmates and ready to further my education. I got into RCSJ's 3+1 program and then I'll transfer to Rowan. Shout out to Professor [William] Addison. He really opened my eyes about law.
Marla J.G., 31, Millville, Biological Science, RCSJ employee: My favorite part about RCSJ is the family I've built here. They have been a big reason why I've been able to pursue higher education and complete my degree. I'm going to go to Rowan University to get a bachelor's in Biological Sciences.
Zoe R., 35, Millville, Business Administration: It feels amazing. I didn't think I was going to make it here, but I'm here! My favorite part was all the amazing people that I got to meet. I also like all the different programs that I could get help from such as NSLS. I was in student government; I was the vice president of PR marketing. I also was just a part of everything. I love it here. It's my second home.
Brandon Z., 23, Vineland, Radio, Television & Film: It feels great. I feel relieved, but it also kind of has a bittersweet feeling. My favorite part about my RCSJ experience is the professors. I felt like all of them were really good at what they were doing, especially Mr. [Nathaniel] Clark. He really made me more interested in film.
Brenda Z., 54, Vineland, Health Science: it feels amazing. I feel blessed and truly honored, especially because I get to do this with my only son, Brandon. My father passed away my first semester here at RCSJ. He said, 'You're going to do great when it's graduation.' He's not here today physically, but I know he's here in spirit. So, my message to Brandon is to keep going. That is what my father said to me.
