​ ​Justin Rubiski, United States Army veteran and Rowan College of South Jersey Radiography program student, and his family, honored members of the armed forces at RCSJ–Cumberland’s Veterans Day Celebration. 

Rowan College of South Jersey–Cumberland (RCSJ) proudly hosted a Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, Nov. 10, the same day as the United States Marine Corps 250th birthday. The event, which was held in the Guaracini Center, honored the bravery, sacrifice and courage of America's veterans.​ 

RCSJ students, staff, faculty, and administrators attended the celebration. Also, members of the local community including veterans who live in New Jersey's Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland were on hand to support on this special day. ​ ​

“Veterans Day at RCSJ means a lot for our employees, our students, as well as all the veterans," said Dr. Brenden Rickards, interim president, RCSJ. “When we look at Veterans Day, it's a day for all of us to reflect and learn from our brothers and sisters who have served in the military and to thank them for their service. 

“Thank you on behalf of RCSJ, the county, the state, and the country for everything that you've done."

Dr. Jim Piccone, vice president and Chief Administrative Officer, RCSJ–Cumberland, shared his thoughts about the special event.

“It was an honor to have the Veterans Day Celebration on the Cumberland campus," he said.  “Throughout the College's 60-year history, veterans have [excelled] as some of the most respected and accomplished members of our campus community.​​

“They have led by example as students and leaders. Their experiences, stories, and strength have taught us lessons that no textbook ever could."

The significance of the Veterans Day Celebration brought out some emotions in some of the attendees. 

“Having served in the Air Force from 2003 to 2007, there've been a few [service members] I've lost along the way and to have a ceremony like this to honor them and remember them, to thank them for their service as well – this is an important day for me," said Danielle Crawford, who works in Military Services and Student Affairs, RCSJ. 

She also noted the special connection she shared with veterans who attended the event from New Jersey's Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland. 

“I got to meet some of the veterans who live [there] and to get to hear their stories is awesome," she said. “We all served at different times … but having talked to them and compared stories … it kind of brings us together. We have that common [ground that] we want to protect and serve."

Justin Rubiski, who served eight years in the U.S. Army and is currently a sophomore in the College's Radiography program, was selected as RCSJ–Cumberland's student veteran to be honored at the ceremony.

“It feels great. I'm grateful because I know there are quite a few people that go here who are veterans, and they're very worthy as well," he said. “So, the fact that they picked me is an honor."

Rubiski said joining the Army was the best decision he ever made. It's the place where he met his wife and together, they are now growing into a small family. Rubiski also noted the Post-9/11 GI Bill is helping him pursue his radiography degree. He shared some lessons he learned in the military that he utilizes as an RCSJ student. 

“With clinical, when I go to the hospitals … you kind of learn [which] battles to fight," Rubiski said. “You kind of see which ones you can stand ground on and the ones you can't. 

“Because, no matter where you go, you're going to have to make sure you know how to fight for what's right for you and then also know when to step back… It taught me so much while I was in – integrity, work ethic, [and] how to shave properly," he said, with a laugh. 

RCSJ's Office of Military Services continues to ensure veterans have access to the benefits and support they need to succeed, both academically and personally.

This year, RCSJ earned the designation of being a 2025-2026 Military Friendly School and a 2025-2026 Military Friendly Spouse School.

​For information about Rowan College of South Jersey's Military Services, visit RCSJ.edu/Veterans.​​