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Phoebe Chen of Hillsborough has been named the recipient of the Raritan Valley Community College Service Learning Leadership Award. The annual award honors students for their outstanding leadership and personal development attained through their service learning project and reflection activity. The award focuses on projects showing a high level of initiative in all areas of planning, including identifying the community need, planning the service, and putting that plan into action.

Chen, an English major at RVCC, has proven her dedication to service, demonstrating her passion and leadership skills through her activities. As part of her Environmental Science & Sustainability course during the Fall 2020 Semester, Chen worked to develop a Spotted Lanternfly Extermination Project to implement on both the RVCC campus and throughout the township of Hillsborough after researching the invasive species. Working with others, including RVCC faculty and staff, the RVCC Environmental Club, Hillsborough High School’s Project Green, and the Hillsborough Township Department of Parks and Recreation, Chen worked both independently and with these collaborators to move toward eliminating the invasive Spotted Lanternfly in Somerset County. Her efforts were conducted in a safe and sustainable manner while exceeding her course’s service learning requirements. Chen also has received a $600 Student Enrichment Grant from the RVCC Foundation to continue and expand her project.

Reflecting on her service, Chen said, “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, many world issues have come into play. This includes the endangerment of our climate and the separation of interpersonal connections…During this tragic time for the world, when many are so separated that they are engulfed in their own issues, I found a way to help our community. When we thought our world had endured enough tragedy, an invasive species began to spread throughout the East Coast, destroying our environment, our crops, and our economy. Through the Lanternfly Extermination Project, I was able to reconnect with other students at my college and my former high school to help fight against a detrimental issue in our community.”

Upon graduation, Chen plans to continue her studies in English at a four-year college and would like to pursue a career in writing.

Ranked by WalletHub.com, Intelligent.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute, and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 20, 2021

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383