RVCC Alumni Association
Our community begins with you!
It may sound cliché, but we’re here for YOU. Beyond providing an information lifeline about all things RVCC, we also invite you back to campus! We host numerous events—from our annual Opportunity Summits to our Toast to Summer reunions to our autumn “homecomings”—all tailored to keep you informed, engaged, and proud of New Jersey’s BEST community college. We also celebrate you, your accomplishments, and your journeys—from the Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards to your stories featured in the RVCC Foundation Annual Report and Notes from the Valley.
Be seen. Be heard. Be engaged.
So if you want to stay informed and network with fellow RVCC grads—some 20,000 strong—and maybe even lend your support to those following in your footsteps, then this is your place. The RVCC Alumni Association.
Notes from the Valley, Fall 2024
RVCC Foundation Annual Report, 2024
READY TO BECOME PART OF THE RVCC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION?
It only takes a moment to join, but it offers a lifetime of relationships, benefits, and opportunities to become more engaged. And there’s no membership fee—the RVCC Alumni Association is FREE.
Mentorship Matters
Mentorship is at the heart of all alumni networks. With this in mind, the RVCC Alumni Association and the Office of Career Success & Experiential Learning are excited to announce the launch of RVCC’s new Mentorship Program on Upnotch!
As a valued member of our alumni community, you have the unique opportunity to guide and mentor current students, helping them navigate their academic and professional journeys. Your experience and insights could be the key to their success.
But this program isn’t just about giving back—it’s also about your growth. On Upnotch, you can connect with other professionals, find your own mentors, and continue to develop your career. We’re building a vibrant community where RVCC students and alumni can tap into each other’s knowledge and support one another.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a powerful network of mentorship that benefits everyone involved.
The Benefits of Membership
Raritan Valley Community College offers a wide-range of benefits to alumni who join the association.
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
ANTONY DEVERGILLO, ‘13
Anthony was a member of the inaugural RVCC Honors College class, graduating in 2013 with an AA degree in Communications before transferring to Rutgers to complete his BA degree in Communications. Anthony serves as the Head of Digital Employee Communications at Amicus Therapeutics and has received numerous professional accolades, including the Microsoft Most Valued Professional award and the RARE Champions of Hope Nomination! Anthony loves gaming, but his ability to use the controller was affected by his rare muscle-weakening disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Rather than giving up one of his loves, Anthony used this as an opportunity to make things better for those similarly afflicted with rare diseases. He worked with “Playability Initiative” to develop an accessible controller that would allow people with low mobility and dexterity to be able to continue socializing through gaming. That collaboration led to an invention called Overjoyed – a joystick overlay for Windows that would make games playable with only mouse or eye movement. Overjoyed was made available on the Microsoft Store through Our Odyssey, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect young adults living with a rare or chronic condition in order to improve social inclusion and accessibility. Anthony serves as Vice Board Chair of Our Odyssey, continuing to serve others, hosting virtual social meetups for the Our Odyssey community along with weekly music and gaming livestreams showcasing Overjoyed. Anthony’s advocacy also includes serving as an Ambassador for the nonprofit Jett Foundation, participating in panel discussions for Rare Disease Day.
CHARLENE GREEN, ‘19
Charlene graduated from RVCC in 2019 with a Certificate in Human Services, earning Dean’s List honors. After graduating from RVCC, Charlene went on to earn a certification in Family Engagement from HarvardX and an Infant Family Associate certification endorsed from the New Jersey Association of Infant Mental Health. She did all this while balancing the responsibilities of being a mother of three. Charlene has served as the family and community advocate for HOPES CAP Inc. in Somerset, NJ, holding various positions, including as the policy council chair. Charlene is currently a board of trustee member for the New Jersey Association of Infant and Mental Health. In 2024, Charlene earned the title and position of Social Worker for the Somerset County Board of Social Services. Charlene is also a published author, releasing an autobiography inspiring others to never stop pursuing their passions. Charlene is the proud owner of a holistic health practice called You Are Not Your Past, LLC and continues advocating, engaging, and inspiring others to persevere through adversity and to triumph! Charlene is also a parent leader for the County Council for Young Children. Charlene is a domestic violence survivor and has become a certified advocate for survivors of Domestic Violence. She has devoted her life to advocating for adult and youth mental health, exemplifying that the combination of perseverance, determination and hard work can allow anyone to achieve their goals and improve their lives.
DOV LANDAU
Dov came to RVCC as a homeschooled student, attending RVCC for several years before eventually accepting an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 2020 with a B.S. degree in Defense and Strategic Studies with a focus on Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. Upon graduation from West Point, Dov was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, eventually rising to the rank of Captain, a position he currently holds. Dov’s distinguished career includes serving as a Platoon Leader, overseeing the training of over 400 new combat engineers and bridge crewmen as well as supporting the Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B) humanitarian assistance and evacuation efforts in Haiti during the coup that had occurred. Dov currently serves as the special projects officer in the 1st Engineer Brigade’s operations shop. Dov’s professional accolades include being awarded the Joint Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War Terror Medal, and German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. While attending RVCC, Dov volunteered as an EMT on the Green Knoll Rescue Squad and also went on a mission trip to Liberia and upon his return, helped raise over $70,000 to build a safe home for at-risk girls in Liberia. At RVCC, Dov was the president of the Hip-Hop Dance Club and served as the RVCC mascot at multiple events. Dov is currently stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri with his wife, Skye Landau, who is also an Army captain in the Corps of Engineers. They live there with their two dogs, Bailey and Ruby.
MARC PELLEGRINO, ‘94
Marc started at RVCC in 1994, earning credits while still in high school and achieved Dean’s List multiple semesters while pursuing a Business Administration major at RVCC. Marc transferred to Rutgers University, earning his BA degree in economics and then went on to Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning his M.S. in Administrative Science, along with graduate certificates in both Emergency Management Administration and Homeland Security Administration. Marc has been a NJ State Trooper for the past 20 years, currently holding the rank of Lieutenant. Some highlights of Marc’s distinguished career include serving as the Incident Commander for the NJ All-Hazards Incident Management Team deployment to both Puerto Rico in response to Hurricane Fiona, and to Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. Marc was also an Operations Section Chief for Super Bowl 48. Marc’s professional accolades include a commendation for his work as Incident Commander during multiple COVID-19 missions and a Certificate of Appreciation from the NJ Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs for his work on Albania’s Disaster Preparedness assessment. Marc believes wholeheartedly in giving back to the community, having been a volunteer firefighter with Somerville Fire Department for 22 years and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordinator for the Somerville. Marc also volunteered as a coach for his son’s soccer teams and was also their Scout leader. Marc’s greatest accomplishments are as a husband of 20 years and a father of three children (ages 17, 15, and 10). Marc’s oldest is graduating high school this year and plans on attending RVCC to follow in his father’s footsteps.
STEPHANIE ZAYEK, ‘18
Stephanie graduated from RVCC’s Honors College in 2018 with an AS in Pre-Med before transferring to Cornell University, earning both her B.S. & MS in Materials Science & Engineering. While in college, Stephanie worked in an electrochemistry reliability and testing engineering research role, assembling half cell coin cell batteries with different formulations. In 2021, Stephanie joined General Electric Research as a Technical Research Intern, splitting time between both the Materials Physics & Chemistry team and the Characterization team, specializing in X-rays and characterizing materials such as powders, metals, radioactive materials. While working at Lawrence Livermore National Labs from 2022 - 2023, Stephanie acquired a Q-level security clearance to work with classified materials, as well as an explosives handler certification from LLNL’s High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF). She worked within the department of Physical Life Science’s Materials Science Division in the Reaction Dynamics Group as a Research Staff Scientist II. Now, at Astrophysics Inc., Stephanie is working on implementing security solutions with enhanced threat detections for Astrophysics’ customers, including the US Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection. Stephanie is also involved in artificial intelligence (AI) projects for threat detection as well as other programmatic projects that require R&D efforts. Stephanie is a first author on the paper, “Epitaxial NaxCoO2 thin films via molecular-beam epitaxy and topotactic transformations: A model system for sodium intercalation,” published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry C for her work done in graduate school. While at RVCC, Stephanie achieved the Bronze Service Award for volunteer work at Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Hospital and Elijah’s Soup Kitchen.
Robert Nichols, '01
An RVCC Associates in Liberal Arts degree holder, this 12-time inductee of the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame (inductions include “School of the Year,” “Instructor of the Year,” “International Instructor of the Year,” and “Man of the Year”) has led one of the largest Martial Arts schools in NJ from 2001 through the present. The Union, NJ facility serves inner-city areas such as Newark and Elizabeth, with a program focused on personal development, leadership training, and community involvement. To date over 450 individuals have earned their black belts at Robert’s facility, as well as over 250 individuals participating in Leadership certification. He has also volunteered as an Anti-Bullying Coordinator for 12 public schools from 2004 to 2019, and served on the board of Martial Arts with Hearts Charity Foundation. His first book, “Earn a Black Belt in...An Average Guys Guide to Life” quickly became an AMAZON #1 Best Seller. Robert is also a 12-time US Commerce Award Winner for Best Business.
Elisabeth McConville, '95 & '04
With three degrees (Paralegal, Humanities, and English) from RVCC—all with high honors (the latter two, “Cum Laude”)—it is clear that few grads have gotten more from the College than Elisabeth. And few have given more: RVCC has benefitted significantly from her philanthropy, the seeds of which may have been planted during her years of working as the personal assistant to Doris Duke (yes, that Duke!). Having established a scholarship at RVCC in memory of her sister, the Mary T. Zanetti Scholarship has benefited some 23 students. Elisabeth served on the RVCC Foundation Board of Directors from 2010-2018. She has also been honored as “Lady Commander in The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem” (also called Order of the Holy Sepulchre)—this is a Roman Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Holy See. Elisabeth also received the Courier News “Star Award” for her work with the Bridgewater Police Crisis Intervention Team.
Jamal Kassim, '11
As a first-generation college graduate who was raised by single mother, Jamal overcame all obstacles he faced, and now enjoys a flourishing career in the education sector. His Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Studies at RVCC has served Jamal well, having gone on to get both a Bachelor’s degree (Communications and Human Resources) and a Master’s degree (Labor Relations) from Rutgers University (with a perfect 4.0 GPA in his Master’s work). Jamal brought his expertise back to RVCC in 2016, finishing his tenure as Transfer Articulation and Graduate Associate (he is currently Assistant Registrar at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University). While at RVCC, Jamal was credited with improving the graduation application process and increasing graduation participation among graduates. Jamal also helped revive Black Student Alliance (BSA) and served as its faculty advisor. He was also “all in” for the RVCC Foundation’s annual “Giving Day” and helped elevate the BSA’s fundraising results. He also volunteers as an Assistant Football Coach for Somerville Branchburg United.
Osei Boateng, '16
Osei, a 2016 Pre-Med graduate from RVCC, earned his Human Biology & Society degree from Cornell University with minors in Business and Gerontology. He later attained a master’s in Healthcare Administration from Cornell. As CEO of the OKB Hope Foundation, he’s dedicated to delivering healthcare to remote Ghanaian communities. His foundation operates a mobile health van, bringing medical aid and professionals directly to underserved areas, impacting over 5,000 individuals across 50 communities. Osei champions mental health support for 2,000+ high school students and created the Experience Ghana program, hosting US students for volunteering and internships in Ghana. His work earned recognition from Engaged Cornell, Echoing Green, Global Solutions Initiative, and CNN (he’s currently a Top 10 CNN “Hero of the Year” finalist). Osei’s community service extends from postHurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico to contributions at hospitals like New York-Presbyterian and Henry Ford Health System. At RVCC, he was an Educational Opportunity Fund leader and a math tutor.
Sebastian Galvez, '20
A 2022 Somerset County Business Partnership's "Top 40 Under 40" honoree, Sebastian, an RVCC and Montclair State University graduate, has excelled in his seven-year tenure at J&J, now serving as a Manager in Capacity Management for J&J’s Innovative Medicine sector. He's earned over 20 “Encore/Inspire” awards within J&J, recognized for his professional and philanthropic contributions. Sebastian's impact extends to the Hispanic & Latino Employee Resource Group at J&J, where he received the Rising Hispanic Star award. His leadership extends beyond J&J, evident in his participation in the Leadership Pipeline Program by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility. Engaged in community service, he serves on the United Way of Northern NJ's Equity and Innovation Committee and the Advisory Board for The Salvation Army of Morristown, where his initiatives have led to significant contributions, making him the youngest member on the NJ State Advisory Board for The Salvation Army. Additionally, Sebastian has served on the RVCC Foundation Board of Directors since 2019.
Nicole DeRosa, '06
Nicole, an RVCC graduate in General Business, earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson. With 15 years as a CPA, she’s received accolades including the NJCPA 30 Under 30 and the 2019 NJCPA Ovation Award for Women to Watch. Recognized thrice in NJBIZ’s Power 50 in Accounting, she also serves on NJCPA’s Board of Trustees. Nicole recently achieved partner status in Wiss & Company’s Tax division. Beyond her profession, she’s a licensed Zumba instructor who provided free virtual sessions during Covid to foster community. Engaged in community service, she’s involved with the St. Jude Run/Walk Jersey Shore and volunteers at the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. Nicole maintains her connection with RVCC, participating as a panelist for Business Career Night and instructing Tax Accounting for Individuals for four years.
Joe Forte, '11
Joe, an RVCC Social Science graduate, completed a bachelor’s at Rider University and pursued multiple master’s degrees, including in Public Administration, International Affairs, and certificates in Strategic Communications, Diversity and Inclusion. Currently Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Diversity Officer at the New Jersey Department of State, Joe oversees various departments, leveraging his state government experience from roles at the Department of Labor, Civil Service Commission, and under Governor Phil Murphy. A published author and recognized figure in LGBTQ+ advocacy, he’s been acknowledged by Roi-NJ.com and received accolades like Business Equality Magazine’s 40 under 40. Engaged in community service, Joe chairs the Lawrence Township DEI Committee, leads the PSHRA-NJ chapter, and actively participates in alumni boards and political caucuses. His RVCC involvement included leadership roles in SGA, LGBTQ Pride Alliance, and Relay for Life. Joe remains connected to the campus, attending events with his family and supporting the theater community.
Sonia Bhala, '12-'13
Sonia, an RVCC alumna, graduated from Lafayette College before pursuing her medical studies at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. As a medical student specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, Sonia’s future OB/GYN residency is underway. Her remarkable achievements include receiving dual distinctions at RWJMS for her research with the National Institute of Health and her innovative Electronic Medical Record add-on, PicClinic. With a nine-year tenure at NIH, Sonia contributed significantly to understanding telomere biology disorders, meningiomas, and cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, resulting in peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations. She’s been honored with awards like the 2019 Team Telomere Executive Director’s Choice Award and the 2020 National Numeracy Network’s Steen Award for her publication. Sonia is also a published poet and a grant recipient from the National Cancer Institute. Beyond her work, she’s engaged with the Monmouth Medical Title X Family Planning Center, leading workshops for underprivileged women in Long Branch. At RVCC, Sonia held roles as a Student Ambassador and President of the Psychology Club.
Contact Us
Michael Marion
Executive Director, RVCC Alumni Association
Michael.Marion@raritanval.edu
Greg DeSanctis
Director of Alumni Outreach
Greg.DeSanctis@raritanval.edu
