Latest news with #RVCC
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Raritan Valley Community College receives largest scholarship commitment in its history
Frank and Pat Russo have been creating opportunities to help students succeed at Raritan Valley Community College for several years. First, they endowed the Frank S. and Patricia F. Russo Scholarship in 2019 and then transformed the annual RVCC Giving Day with a "Match Challenge" for two consecutive years at $50,000 each. Now, their generosity has taken another step. Recently the couple decided to extend their scholarship well into the future with a $375,000 donation allowing for five full scholarships to RVCC in each of the next 10 years. It is the largest scholarship commitment in RVCC's history. "The role and intrinsic value of community colleges is undeniable," said Frank Russo. "Our support of several recent students of Raritan Valley Community College provides objective evidence of that. We hope our commitment to RVCC is a model for others to follow." Lucas Winkler was a recipient this past year of the Frank S. and Patricia F. Scholarship at RVCC. This fall he will be transferring to the University of Buffalo to pursue a bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical science, a field in which he ultimately plans to pursue a doctorate "I could not be more grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Russo − their generosity has been a difference maker for me," Winkler said. More: More than 1,200 graduate from Raritan Valley Community College Both Frank and Pat Russo enjoyed storied careers in the telecommunications industry, at AT&T, and then, for Pat Russo, as CEO at Lucent Technologies. Difference makers in the corporate world, they have carried that forward into a range of philanthropic interests. One beneficiary of their generosity is Raritan Valley Community College. When the Russos established the Frank S. and Patricia F. Russo Scholarship in 2019, it was the most generous scholarship offered at RVCC. The scholarship has been awarded to five students each year since its inception. "I know what it means to struggle or lose focus or maybe not even have the motivation to excel at all. That describes the early part of my life's journey," Frank Russo said. "But I eventually learned the importance of perseverance and determination. And with help along the way, including attending a community college in upstate New York, I overcame these obstacles. There are few things as gratifying as now having the ability to 'pay that forward' at RVCC." "New Jersey was an important part of our lives and livelihoods; we raised our family there and made our career marks there," said Pat Russo, herself a graduate of Georgetown. "And while we don't reside in the state any longer, we haven't forgotten our roots and greatly value the role of education in helping people succeed in life and advance their economic interests. The role of community colleges in that quest could not be more unique and valuable. We recognize that and are more than happy to support Raritan Valley Community College." email: cmakin@ Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@ or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on Raritan Valley Community College receives largest scholarship gift
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
More than 1,200 graduate from Raritan Valley Community College
BRANCHBURG - Raritan Valley Community College awarded associate degrees and certificates to more than 1,200 graduates at its commencement on Saturday, May 17. Bridgewater resident Vaanya Salwan, who is also graduating from high school this spring, was the student commencement speaker. Salwan, a general science/pre-health professional major, graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is also graduating from high school this spring in the Academy for Health and Medical Sciences program. Outside of the classroom, Salwan has engaged in service and advocacy work, from volunteering at local hospitals and hosting public health events to mentoring younger students. She plans to attend Rutgers University Honors College on a pre-medical track with the goal of becoming a physician. Dr. John Sichel, professor of music who delivered the faculty commencement address, is completing his 16th year of full-time teaching at RVCC. Before that, he was an adjunct faculty member at the college for 10 years. He also served as co-chair of the Arts & Design department from 2017-2023. At RVCC he has taught music theory, musicianship, composition and music history. He also conducted the RVCC Chorale from 2009-2023. Princeton resident Safa Rizwan also spoke at commencement. More: 18-year-old from Central Jersey is Rutgers' youngest 2025 graduate Rizwan, a member of the Honors College, is a first-generation college student who graduated Cum Laude with degrees in biological sciences and social sciences. She served as vice president of leadership for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where she spearheaded initiatives to inspire academic excellence and community involvement. Outside of college, she volunteered as an EMT with the North Brunswick Fire and Rescue Squad. At RVCC, Rizwan served as president of the Activities Board, an orientation leader, and an Open House volunteer. She plans to transfer to Rutgers University to pursue a degree in cell biology and neuroscience with the goal of becoming a physician. This article originally appeared on More than 1,200 graduate from Raritan Valley Community College
