Making a DIFFERENCE - RCSJ
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Making a DIFFERENCE
A Newsletter for Friends & Alumni of Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus SPRING 2021
Catherine J. Arpino Gift
A strong supporter of higher education, the Rowan Foundation nearly $1,000,000 to deserving students
College of South Jersey – Cumberland campus and making a difference in the lives of many for
and College Foundation for more than 25 years, generations. On Wednesday, July 14, a building
Catherine J. Arpino served as Foundation Board naming ceremony will be held on the Cumberland
treasurer, dedicating many years of service to the campus to honor her.
community. In response to a growing need for Arpino, who was born in Vineland to the late Joseph
healthcare professionals, she established the and Angelina (DiCiurcio) Arpino, attended grade
Catherine J. Arpino Scholarship, gifting the school in Minotola and as a child worked on the Arpino
(Story continued on page 4)
BUILDING NAMING CEREMONY HONORING
Catherine J. Arpino
JULY 14, 2021
Meet Our Our Mission
FOUNDATION BOARD OFFICERS The mission of the Foundation is to enhance the
College’s image within the community, foster
lifelong relationships with alumni and friends, and
advance students in their career aspirations through
Robert DeSanto, Esq., Chair
scholarships and program support.
Cadmus Hull, Ed. D., Vice Chair
Mary Jo Williams, Secretary
John A. O’Connor, Treasurer
(not photographed) Our Vision
The vision of the Cumberland County Campus
Educational Foundation is to maintain open access
James Andreacci Carl W. Kirstein
to Cumberland County students, to work collective-
Anthony Carter Dr. Jill Mortensen
ly and responsibly to meet the lifelong needs of our
Ginger Chase John A. O’Connor
diverse students and communities.
F. Mark D’Onofrio Frank Rumick
Christine L. Ward-Garrison, Ph.D. Diane Sacco
David Hemple Alan Woodruff
Lilly Kejzman Donna Perez Our Goals
Sherry Kejzman Soutiere Sharon Baxter The goals of the Foundation are to achieve its
mission by:
• Access to high quality education and
quality of life
• Sustainable employment through alumni
DIRECTOR OF FOUNDATION relations and productive career paths for adults
AND ALUMNI RELATIONS • Support programs and initiatives
through fundraising, partnerships, and
Maria LeBlanc creating scholarships.
Ms. Maria LeBlanc has been a dedicated higher
education leader for nearly 15 years with a BA For more than half a century, individuals, businesses, and
from Pace University in New York City and an organizations that believe in our mission have helped
MA from California State University – propel our students to great heights through scholar-
Sacramento. She holds a Certificate in ships. They have also funded state-of-the-art facilities to
Fundraising and Campaigns from Boston University. Currently, Ms. LeBlanc ensure that learning occurs in modern and technologically
is pursuing an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Administration. advanced facilities that reflect the real-world settings that
Prior to her position at Rowan College of South Jersey as the Director of await our students upon employment.
Foundation and Alumni Relations, she was a College Development
Administrator and instructor at Eastern New Mexico University, and an
adjunct instructor at California State University-Sacramento.
She also holds a Master Reviewer Quality Matters online course training
certificate and trained faculty in online course design. She is also an adjunct
instructor for writing, literature, college success, and leadership courses.
During her first year as Director of the Foundation and Alumni Relations at
Cumberland, she received the President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership.
In the past year, nearly $200,000 in School Counts! Scholarships have been
received, scholarship opportunities have increased by 10%, and a building
naming ceremony will be held in July 2021.The Making A Difference Newsletter
will showcase the strong dedication the Foundation and College contribute to
making a difference in the lives of students every year.
The Board of Trustees is committed to providing a work and academic environment that maintains and promotes affirmative action and equal opportunity for all employees
and students without discrimination on the basis of certain enumerated and protected categories. These categories are race, creed (religion), color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex
(including pregnancy and sexual harassment), marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary
cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, or mental or physical disability, including AIDS and HIV-related illnesses. For questions concerning discrimination,
contact Almarie J. Jones, Special Assistant to the President, Diversity and Equity/Title IX/Compliance at 856-415-2154 or ajones@rcsj.edu. For disability issues, contact
Dennis M. Cook, Director, Department of Special Services, ADAAA/504 Officer at 856-415-2265 or dcook@rcsj.edu.
RCSJ Grads — Heroes
Making a Difference
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes and professions. In 2020, a pandemic made us realize how much we
depend on the “essential” occupations in our lives — not only the doctors, nurses, police officers,
firefighters, paramedics and others working in the medical field, but also the heroes performing the
daily services required to keep a state and country functioning.
At Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), our graduates make a difference, supporting our community
through their expertise and dedication — answering the call of their professions with compassion and
grit. To our many Cumberland heroes on the front line, who are caring for others and helping to keep us
healthy and safe during this global pandemic, we thank you. We are also grateful to our graduates employed
in positions, that while may not be lifesaving by definition, still provide indispensable skill, knowledge and
commitment to keeping our families, jobs and everyday routines operational. Teachers have never been
as appreciated as they are now. IT technicians and computer specialists have connected businesses,
employees and students digitally. Scientists, engineers, social workers, mental health counselors, writers, food manufacturers, grocery
associates, and logisticians responsible for transporting goods to consumers have kept our communities, states and country informed
and functioning.
Community colleges play a critical role in educating many of our country’s heroes, providing affordable and accessible educational
opportunities. In this newsletter you will read about RCSJ’s School Counts! program, a unique two-year tuition scholarship created
specifically for Cumberland County residents. School Counts! exemplifies the core values that make a community strong —
punctuality, discipline, hard work and motivation —encouraging and rewarding high school students as they develop these “hero” skills.
Thanks to the generosity of Cumberland’s private and business donors working together with the College’s Foundation, RCSJ students
are able to receive financial assistance as they prepare for essential and rewarding careers. I am proud of our alumni for their varied
talents, services and contributions as they work to support our health, safety and welfare. At RCSJ, we educate heroes.
We Educate Heroes
Richard Bassett
RCSJ Class of: 2011 | Major: Criminal Justice
Employer: Salem Home Health | Job Title: Occupational Therapist
As an Occupational Therapist in home health, Richard Bassett’s job is to promote the health, well-being and independence of
patients within the community. When it comes to COVID-19, the Millville resident plays a critical role in the healthcare system,
keeping vulnerable populations safe and functioning in their home environment and reducing their need for hospital
admission and re-admission.
Elizabeth Espinosa
RCSJ Class of: 2017 | Major: Mathematics and Science
Employer: Thomas Wallace Middle School, Vineland | Job Title: Bilingual Science Teacher
Elizabeth Espinosa had been her students’ new science teacher for little more than one month before having to transition to
online learning because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Afraid she would lose the relationships she had started building with them,
Elizabeth kept the conversations going by creating daily themes such as #MindsetMonday, #TipTuesday, #WackyWednesday,
#ThrowbackThursday and #FunFriday. Each day the Vineland resident sends students an image or video based on the daily
theme, in addition to implementing “office hours” via Zoom so students can ask questions about assignments and talk with
their classmates. It is important to Elizabeth that her students know she believes in them, and is there to cheer them on.
Matthew Everwine
RCSJ Class of: 2013 | Major: Biological Science
Employer: Rowan University | Job Title: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
As an osteopathic physician, Matthew Everwine’s practice has always focused on prevention — something that has become
even more central to his work in the face of COVID-19. During these difficult times, the Vineland resident is pouring his all
into not only caring for his patients but also educating them on how best to stay safe and healthy.
Spring 2021 | 3
Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and
Nominating Committee, and treasurer for the Vineland
Education Foundation and Newcomb Health Services.
She also participated in the following campaign drives:
Newcomb Foundation Annual Giving Campaign,
Greater Cumberland County United Way, and
Vineland Y.M.C.A. Partnership Campaign. She was
a member of the Greater
Vineland Chamber of
Commerce, Financial
(continued from Cover) Women International,
farm, which was located on Vine and Wheat Roads. Christ the Good Shepherd
After graduating from Vineland High School, she Parish, and Women’s Club
pursued an education in banking at The American of Vineland.
Institute of Banking and graduated from the Stonier Through her efforts and generosity, Arpino established
Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. the Catherine Arpino Nursing and Allied Health Field
Arpino began her career as a bookkeeper at the Scholarships in area schools: Vineland Senior High
Vineland National Bank and Trust Company and School, Sacred Heart High School, Buena Regional
became vice-president and secretary of the board of High School, Cumberland County College, Newcomb
directors when the bank merged with the First Peoples Foundation and Saint Augustine Preparatory School.
Bank of New Jersey. She was promoted to regional vice A recipient of the Greater Vineland Chamber of
president at a time when it was rare for a woman to Commerce Professional Business Award, Saint
advance to such a high level of management in Augustine Preparatory School Gregor Mendel Award,
her profession. Rotary Club of Vineland Vocational Award and the
Throughout her lifetime, Arpino was caring, generous Italian American Heritage Award, she received a Paul
and active in many civic, charitable, and professional Harris Fellow Scholarship and the Excellence Award
organizations such as: Vineland Y.M.C.A., Cumberland in recognition of outstanding contributions to
County College Foundation, Alumni Association Cumberland County College by the New Jersey
Stonier School of Banking, Greater Cumberland Council of County Colleges.
County United Way. She served as Newcomb Medical
Center vice-chairperson, chairperson Pension and
Personnel Committee, on the Newcomb Finance
Supporting Student Success
For the fifth consecutive year, the OceanFirst Foundation
will provide scholarships to eligible Cumberland County
high school graduates interested in pursuing a higher
OceanFirst Bank Foundation is education. The OceanFirst Bank Foundation will fund
proud to offer 40 $1,000 40, $1,000 scholarships to support student success.
For more information and
scholarships to Cumberland how to apply, visit: RCSJ.edu/First2Go.
county students this year. Scholarship applications are due July 1, 2021.
4 | Making a Difference
SCHOLARSHIP GIFTS
The Geraldine I. and Robert A. Hamilton
Foundation
The Geraldine I. and Robert A. Hamilton Foundation
of Hackensack, New Jersey, gifted $43, 400 to the
Cumberland County School Counts! Scholarship Pro-
gram. This generous donation will be used to provide
scholarships to Cumberland County students attend-
ing the Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland
campus. A special recognition will be presented during
the School Counts! Golf Classic on Wednesday, June 2,
at Union League Golf Club.
Jill Mortensen, D.O. School Counts! Gift
Dr. Jill Mortensen, D.O., FAAFP, of Cumberland
Mr. John Gibbs participated in theatrical shows on the Cumberland Campus. Family Medicine Associates, charitably donated
$10,000 to the School Counts! Scholarship Program.
“I am a very strong supporter of education for our
Professor John H. Gibbs Memorial Gift local students. Higher education will broaden the
A $50,000 School Counts! Scholarship gift, donated by possibilities for our young population and is the key to
the estate of John H. Gibbs to the RCSJ – Cumberland success and growth for our whole community. I know
campus, will provide tuition scholarships to students that our college plays a huge role in this community,
from nine participating Cumberland County high and I am happy to be a part of the success stories of
schools. these ambitious students.” –Dr. Jill Mortensen, D.O.,
FAAFP, Cumberland Family Medicine Associates
Professor Gibbs began teaching English courses at
Cumberland County College in 1967.
Throughout his 51 years of service to the
college, he received the “Professor of the
Year” award numerous times from his
students. Not only was Professor Gibbs a
dedicated professor, he also performed in
various plays throughout the years. The
memory of Professor John H. Gibbs will
continue to be a part of the students, the
campus community, and the community
at large. A tribute honoring Professor John
H. Gibbs will take place at the School
Counts! Golf Classic on Wednesday, June
2, at Union League Golf Club in Swainton,
New Jersey.
Mr. John Gibbs participated in theatrical shows on the Cumberland Campus.
Spring 2021 | 5
SCHOOL COUNTS!
GOLF CLASSIC
The Cumberland Foundation will hold its 21st
School Counts! Golf Classic at the newly renovated
Union League National Golf Club in Swainton,
on Wednesday, June 2. The golf tournament assists
the Cumberland County Campus Educational
Foundation with raising awareness and funding for
the School Counts! scholarship program, which
encourages students to develop workforce readiness
habits deemed necessary by area employers. Students
have the opportunity to earn a School Counts!
certificate for each year in high school if they
accomplish a higher than 95% attendance record,
complete Algebra 1, achieve a grade of C or better in
every course, and graduate from high school on time.
Students who earn four consecutive School Counts!
certificates are eligible for a two-year tuition scholarship
to the RCSJ - Cumberland campus. School Counts!
students meeting the criteria are also eligible for the
scholarship to Rowan University.
For scholarship information visit:
RCSJ.edu/SchoolCounts
To register for the Golf Classic visit:
RCSJ.edu/scgolfclassic
ONE BOOK, ONE COLLEGE
On October 14, 2020, the annual One Book, One
College visit with the author was held virtually with
this year’s author, Stephanie Land, and more than 80
faculty, staff, students, and community members in
attendance. Land was authentic, humble, and
honest as she described her incredible journey from Stephanie Land, author of Maid
surviving domestic abuse, homelessness, and extreme
poverty to the joys and challenges she experienced This May, campus and community members should
being a single mother, pursuing a college degree, and be on the lookout for the announcement for the Fall
becoming a successful writer. Land also revealed the 2021 author visit. The committee promises another
exciting news that filming has begun on a Netflix inspirational, impactful read and visit. Stay tuned!
series based on her memoir, Maid. A second virtual
event was held with Ms. Land and a small group of For information on selections, events, contact
RCSJ students for a more personal, informal chat information and more, visit: RCSJ.edu/OneBook.
during which the students asked the author questions
about the book, her life, her journey as a writer, her
role in the upcoming Netflix series, and more.
6 | Making a Difference
Alumni Association
Memberships
GRADUATE MEMBERSHIP:
Individuals who have graduated from a certificate or degree
program at RCSJ-Cumberland.
REGULAR MEMBERSHIP:
Current or former, full- or part-time students.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP:
Faculty and Staff of RCSJ-Cumberland, spouses of graduates
and regular members, and friends of the College (Associate
members will not have voting privileges)
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP:
Such persons whose activities tend to enhance the
Alumni – Stay Connected! Association and who exhibit concern for and work for the
Getting involved is a great way to stay welfare of the organization (Honorary members will not have
in touch with old friends & classmates, voting privileges)
make some new connections and have
fun! Consider getting involved in the ALUMNI UPDATE FORM
We’d love for you to update your information with us so that
Alumni Association. we can keep in touch We have some great benefits, events,
and connections to share with you. Please take a moment to
fill out the Alumni Update Form.
Apply at: RCSJ.edu/cc/Alumni
All Alumni Association Meetings are postponed until Summer 2021.
Distinguished Alumni
Nominations Open
Rowan College of South Jersey is accepting
nominations for the 2021 Distinguished Alumni
Awards. The Distinguished Alumni program honors
Rowan College of South Jersey Cumberland alumni
who have distinguished themselves in their careers and
in the service to their community. The program has
celebrated over 40 alumni since 1996.
2017 Distinguished Alumni Inductees
Lieutenant Colonel Gwyn M. Parris-Atwell Make a nomination by visiting: RCSJ.edu/cc/DAlumni
and Stephen P. Testa, Sr. The awards reception will be held virtually in
Fall 2021.
Spring 2021 | 7
3322 College Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360
Thank you to everyone who made
this year memorable!
Making a DIFFERENCE EVENTS SCHEDULED
SCH L SC! Virtual Ceremony
counts! April 20, 2021 Catherine J. Arpino Building Naming
July 14, 2021
SCH L SC! Donor Appreciation Dinner
counts! May 4, 2021
President’s Scholarship Ceremony
September 2021
SC! Golf Classic
June 2, 2021
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