The Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) Foundation invites the community to an inspiring evening of celebration and impact at the 2026 Blue & Gold Gala on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Grove at Centerton. The evening begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner, dancing, and celebration at 7:00 p.m.

Each year, the Blue & Gold Gala raises more than $100,000 to transform the lives of RCSJ students. Thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community partners, over 100 students receive meaningful support that helps them stay enrolled, overcome challenges, and achieve their educational goals.

“I am truly honored to attend the RCSJ Foundation Gala for the first time as president," shares Brenden Rickards, Ph.D., president of RCSJ. “This event reflects the incredible impact RCSJ has on our community, and the generosity behind it directly supports our students on both campuses — empowering them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals."

Funds raised during the Gala directly support critical student initiatives, including:

• $60,000 for scholarships, including the STEM Academy, Presidential Start Smart, ACT, and Tri-Alpha Honor Society, empowering first-generation and high-achieving students.
• $20,000 for campus food pantries serving students at both RCSJ locations
• $20,000 for the Life Happens Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance when unexpected challenges threaten a student's ability to continue their education.

This year's theme, “Powering Potential. Accelerating Futures.", celebrates innovation, partnership, and opportunity. The evening will honor Atlantic City Electric as the RCSJ Foundation's 2026 Business of the Year.
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Since 2023, RCSJ and Atlantic City Electric have partnered on a three-year STEM grant supporting Cumberland County high school students. That partnership sparked the creation of the ACE-celerate! STEM Summer Camp, hosted at RCSJ's Cumberland campus. Entering its third year in 2026, the program will have welcomed more than 140 students from five Cumberland County high schools, introducing them to hands-on STEM learning and future career pathways.

With growing partnerships and a passionate community of supporters, the RCSJ Foundation remains committed to helping students unlock their potential and accelerate their futures.

To attend the Gala or become a sponsor, please contact Cody Miller, executive director of the RCSJ Foundation, at [email protected] or visit RCSJ.edu/Gala.

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