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Although this year’s commencement ceremony didn’t look exactly how the graduates had imagined, RVCC’s Class of 2020 proudly celebrated its accomplishments. As these talented, impressive, and sought-after grads embark on their exciting, new journeys, they can all agree on one thing: choosing RVCC was life-changing! With its high quality education and affordable tuition, RVCC remains the perfect destination whether you’re interested in business, health science, the liberal arts or any other areas of study. And, the best part of it all is, there’s still time to apply!  In fact, you can learn all about RVCC‘s endless benefits by attending a Virtual Information Session. Register today! Check out the stories below about some of RVCC’s impressive graduates. Remember, you could be one of these grads, too!

AALIYAH WILLIAMS

RVCC Major: Pre-Pharmacy
Honors: Aaliyah graduated Cum Laude from RVCC’s Honors College.
Achievements/Interests: Aaliyah was an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, an RVCC Student Ambassador, and an Academic Support Center Peer Tutor. She was recognized as a Galileo Scholar and Sanofi US Corporate Mentor Program Mentee; and, she served as Vice President of the Pre-Pharmacy Club.
The Takeaway: “RVCC is the perfect place to challenge yourself and reach goals that were previously far beyond your reach.”
Next Steps: Aaliyah is transferring to the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University.

DOMINICK ZONA

Major: Education, P-12 
Honors: Dominick graduated Cum Laude and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Achievements/Interests:  Dominick was recognized with the Newman Civic Fellowship, was the Campaign Chair for RVotes Matter Campaign, and was an SGA Senator.
The Takeaway: “RVCC offers to new students a chance to establish themselves, both academically and socially, within an open and inclusive community.” 
Next Steps: Dominick will continue his studies at The College of New Jersey.

GABRIELLE TAYLOR

RVCC Major: Digital Media/Film Studies
Honors: Gabrielle graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Achievements/Interests: Gabrielle was the recipient of the Academic Award for Digital Media/Film Studies. She was actively involved with the National Society of Leadership and Success and was on the RVCC Foundation Board of Directors.
The Takeaway: “Success is giving back to your community.”
Next Steps: Gabrielle will continue her studies at Montclair State University 

LINDAROSE PICCOLO

Major: Liberal Arts
Honors: LindaRose graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Achievements/Interests: She participated in Somerville Academy of Liberal Arts, a partnership between Somerville High School and RVCC that offers students the opportunity to earn both a Somerville High School diploma and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from RVCC.
The Takeaway: “RVCC has the most supportive and hard-working professors.”
Next Steps: LindaRose will further her studies at Cornell University.

JOSIAH WILLIAMS

Major: Criminal Justice
Honors: Josiah graduated Cum Laude and made the Dean’s List.
Achievements/Interests: Josiah, a recipient of the Wegmans Scholarship, volunteered at the Martin Luther King Youth Center.
The Takeaway: “Dean’s List is happiness you can look back on for the rest of your life.”
Next Steps: Josiah will pursue a career in Law Enforcement.

JENNIFER MARIA BARRANTES PEREZ

Major: Business Administration
Honors: Jennifer graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Achievements/Interests: She received the Academic Award for Business Administration-General Business and Phi Theta Kappa and The Dream.US national scholarships. Jennifer was the Enactus Vice President of Outreach & Student Life.
The Takeaway: “Success is when you set goals for yourself, plan how to achieve these goals, and work hard to achieve them.”
Next Steps: Jennifer will further her studies at Rutgers Business School.

COREY KENNETH BRIGGS

Major: Business Administration
Honors: Corey graduated Summa Cum Laude. He was actively involved in Phi Theta Kappa, SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, and Alpha Beta Gamma.
Achievements/Interests: He is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
The Takeaway: “RVCC gave me the opportunity to learn from professors who genuinely care about their students and their success.”
Next Steps: Corey is transferring to Centenary University.

If you’re asking yourself: “Which colleges near me have the best college degrees; certification programs and career training programs?” the answer is undoubtedly RVCC! Register today-- applying is FREE!  For questions, contact College Admissions at 908-526-1200 x7009 or admissions@raritanval.edu

About RVCC

RVCC has been ranked the best community college in NJ by WalletHub.com and Niche.com. Washington Monthly ranked RVCC eighth in the country in the category of “Best Colleges for Adult Learners (2 Year Colleges)” for 2018. As a leading state college in New Jersey, RVCC serves students locally from Somerset County and Hunterdon County, across the country, and around the world, offering top degree programs and the best local career training. For information, visit www.raritanval.edu.