Welcome to 2021!
Although many people are excited to turn the page on 2020, I do not want to forget that we had a lot to celebrate before and despite the pandemic.
That’s why this year’s Annual Report to the Community takes the form of a calendar that provides an opportunity to celebrate both moving beyond 2020 and some extraordinary achievements from the 2019-2020 academic year.
- Our students inspired us by opening a food pantry, producing award-winning films and earning national recognition for creating a new way to securely transfer data.
- As the pandemic kept us in our homes, our community emerged stronger by connecting online, volunteering on the front lines and finding small ways to make a big difference.
- A custom-made ice cream flavor, student-created shirt and faculty-led anthology celebrated our college’s 50th anniversary with a flair fit for a Baron.
Enjoy a look back and I hope you see there are always great stories written at RCBC!
Dr. Michael A. Cioce
President
Rowan College at Burlington County
Let's look back to the last year
Behind the Baron: Davon Loeb
January
Each year, thousands of students choose Rowan College at Burlington County to pursue their educational goals. Multiply those thousands by 50, and you get an exponential return of unique experiences. From January 2019 to January 2020, we celebrated the college’s 50th anniversary by highlighting 50 remarkable students, alumni and staff. Click here to read them.
Behind the Baron: Faith Pierrecharles
February
It takes an unusual combination of passion, hard work and dedication to earn consistent recognition. We do it for the same reason we do everything else: our students.
The collective efforts of our faculty, staff and students have afforded us several honors over the years. Take a look at them here.
Behind the Baron: Cara MuMullen
March
COVID-19 changed our lives indefinitely. When the pandemic reached Burlington County and forced us to transition to a virtual learning environment, we found ways to maintain community engagement. Our nursing students joined the frontlines administering COVID-19 tests at the county testing center, several Barons put their sewing skills to work making facemasks and an alumna joined a COVID-19 Analyzer project to cover the pandemic’s effect on the region. See how they answered the call here.
Behind the Baron: David Paul
April
On August 20, 2019, we held a Sculpture Walk dedication ceremony on the Mount Laurel Campus Quad, as part of our yearlong 50th-anniversary celebration. We relocated pieces from the former Pemberton Campus after determining which ones would best combine the college’s heritage with the modern feel of the Mount Laurel Campus.
“This opportunity allows us to support the arts while honoring our commitment to preserve the college’s heritage,” RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce said. “The Sculpture Walk adds a new dimension to the quad for students and the community to enjoy.” Learn more about the Sculpture Walk here.
Behind the Baron: Tony Hubbard
June
We’re proud of the work our students, faculty, staff and community have done to address social justice issues. Whether it was through protest, policy or community engagement via Town Halls, you’ve made an impact.
As we look toward the future of Rowan College at Burlington County, it’s important for us to work toward one free of discrimination, hatred and systemic inequality. That’s why we’ve created the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The council will advise the president regarding diversity issues and serve the college's diverse populations by recommending coordinate institutional procedures.
There is a great deal of work to be done, not just in times of upheaval, but every day. To learn more, click here.
Behind the Baron: Jay Varga
July
It takes more than great academics to prepare students for their careers. RCBC’s Workforce Development team provides students the skills and training they need to succeed in the workplace whether it’s through interview coaching, resume building, career exploration or practical tips on how to dress or act on the job.
In fact, it’s never too soon to start career exploration. That’s why we launched Destination Career: Summer Road Trips to the Real World to expose high school students to in-demand careers by engaging in tours led by employers and learning many of the career prep skills offered through Career Services.
Being successful never goes out of style. This year’s Dress for Success - a comprehensive career-readiness initiative that includes a free professional makeover provided to graduating students - was held virtually in a TikTok-type reveal show.
Behind the Baron: Daniela Velez
August
We’re getting through this -- together. And our job is to keep your brain busy and your goals within reach.
What should you do to keep our campus safe? Be sure to:
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Wear your mask (in true Baron fashion!) while on campus.
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Wash your hands often (with soap and water) for at least 20 seconds!
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Maintain a safe distance of six feet between yourself and others.
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Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces.
Click here to see all reopening information.
Behind the Baron: Alice Marsh
September
What do you get when you combine ice cream, a time capsule and an anthology? A 50th anniversary worth its weight in Baron armor! On September 5, 2019, Rowan College at Burlington County held a Founder’s Day celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the college’s first convocation. The celebration included Barry’s Berry Brownie, an ice cream flavor created by Vincent’s Homemade Ice Cream, refreshments provided by our culinary students and the opening of a time capsule that was buried in the Lewis M. Parker Center in 1971. Click here to see how we honored our past by transforming our future.
Behind the Baron: Joshua Torrito
October
Every day, we’re inspired by the generosity of our community. To us, giving back is a long-term commitment that isn’t confined to a single holiday or trend. Through the efforts of our students, staff and greater community, we’ve launched several initiatives aimed at giving back. See how we gave back to our community.
Behind the Baron: IRIS
November
When you think about student achievements, what comes to mind? Dean’s List honors? Scholarships? How about building a secure platform? Or designing a t-shirt for one of the world’s largest education retailers? Or producing an award-winning film? See our student achievements here.
Behind the Baron: Hannah Marthaler
December
At year’s end, after finals, Barons gather with friends and family to enjoy a long-awaited break, enter into food comas, watch that movie they’ve seen thousands of times or just soak up the downtime. Last year, Diane Fehder, a faculty member in RCBC’s Culinary Arts program, competed in Netflix’s Christmas edition of Sugar Rush and won the $10,000 prize, marking the third time she has competed on television and her second win. Graphic designer Traci Soto, of RCBC’s Marketing department, also brought home a win for her depiction of Barry sledding downhill in an animated e-card she designed for the college.