Greatness STEMs from RVCC’s 2019 Graduates!
The popularity of and demand for degrees in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) continue to skyrocket! So, whether you are interested in computer science, health science or other STEM-focused degree programs and accredited certifications, Raritan Valley Community College is the perfect place for you as it offers cost-effective, high-quality education. In fact, many students, who have earned their degrees in the STEM area advance their studies by transferring to other institutions.
At RVCC, transferring colleges is seamless thanks to the College’s more than 90 transfer agreements, featuring a wide range of colleges and universities across the country and in Europe! Advisors can help navigate the process so that you can easily transfer credits to your new school.
Learn more by registering for RVCC’s Instant Decision Day. In the meantime, check out some of RVCC’s impressive STEM graduates:
Olivia Ruggiero
From: Flemington, NJ
RVCC Major: Chemical Engineering and Math—Honors College
Honors: Founder and president of the Society of Women Engineers Club; member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; President’s List.
Achievements/Interests: While at RVCC, Olivia bravely fought cancer, enduring months of treatment and occupational therapy. Yet, she graduated Magna Cum Laude! Fortunately, Olivia is now cancer-free and she interns with Phillips-Van Heusen.
Next Steps: Olivia plans to transfer to the University of Delaware to study Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Math and Physics.
Aya Younes
From: Piscataway, NJ
RVCC Majors: Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Medical Professional—Honors College
Honors: Aya graduated Summa Cum Laude. Recipient of the Academic Award for Pre-Pharmacy and the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Graduate Achievement Award. Member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Achievements/Interests: Student Commencement Speaker, vice president of the Muslim Student Association and vice president of the ESL Club.
Next Steps: Aya plans to attend the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University on a full scholarship. She hopes to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree and pursue cancer research.
Pamela Walsh
From: Somerville, NJ
RVCC Major: Nursing
Honors: Recipient of both the Karolee Dousa Glassman and the Somerset Hills AAUW Scholarships.
Achievements/Interests: Pamela is a single mom of three young children, one of whom has special needs. She balanced family life with rigorous schoolwork to graduate Cum Laude.
Next Steps: Pamela plans to study for her nursing boards, work in the field, and pursue a BSN degree.
Kaeley Ipson
From: Branchburg, NJ
RVCC Major: Civil Engineering—Honors College
Honors: Named a national Newman Civic Fellow. Recipient of the NJ STARS scholarship program and the Academic Award for Engineering. Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Achievements/Interests: Kaeley graduated Summa Cum Laude and was selected to speak at RVCC’s 50th Anniversary Gala. As president of the Enactus team, she worked on a project manufacturing eco-friendly lights, with profits benefiting a local food pantry. Kaeley also participated in RVCC’s Authentic Engineering Experience.
Next Steps: Kaeley was accepted to the engineering programs of Cornell University, The College of New Jersey and Rutgers University. She will intern with Bohler Engineering this summer.
Thomas Boon
From: Hillsborough, NJ
Major: Biology, Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Medical Professional
Honors: Honored with the President’s List for several semesters and received the Academic Award for Pre-Medicine. Graduated Cum Laude.
Achievements/Interests: Thomas was selected as the alumni representative to the RVCC Board of Trustees and as a mentee and ambassador for the Sanofi Corporate Mentorship Program. He was president of the Health Oriented Peer Educators Club and president/ founder of the Raritan Valley Science Podcast Club. He created “Stomp Out Stigma,” an event mobilizing RVCC clubs to combat stigmas on campus.
Next Steps: Thomas plans to transfer to the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University to pursue a career in neuropharmacology.
Alec Wrana
From: Bernardsville, NJ
Major: Biology and Pre-Medical Professional—Honors College
Honors: Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and named to the 2019 New Jersey All-State Academic Team. He graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Achievements/Interests: Despite his challenges as a chronic migraine sufferer, Alec served as vice president and president of the Biochemistry Club.
Next Steps: Alec plans to transfer to a four-year college, eventually attend medical school or work in research involved with headache disorders.
If you’re wondering: “Which college near me provides the best STEM degree programs and professional certifications?” The answer is: “RVCC!” After all, you can earn your degree for a fraction of what you would pay at a four-year college or university.
About RVCC
RVCC has been ranked the best community college in New Jersey by BestColleges.com, WalletHub.com and Niche.com. BestColleges.com also ranked RVCC #10 in its list of the “Best Online Community Colleges for 2018.” Zippia, a website dedicated to helping grads with their career choices, ranked RVCC the “Best Community College in NJ for Getting a Job.” And, Washington Monthly ranked RVCC fifth in the country in the category of “Best Colleges for Adult Learners (2 Year Colleges)” for 2017. 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.