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Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is the first community college in the country to sign an agreement with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) that will facilitate the transfer of RVCC graduates who are interested in studying the highly specialized field of toy design at FIT.

According to the agreement, students who receive an Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Communication from RVCC may seamlessly transfer to FIT’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Toy Design with junior status, as long as they fulfill certain requirements. This includes maintaining the requisite grade point average, submitting a portfolio for review, interviewing with FIT’s Toy Design Department, taking a drawing test, and completing a take-home exam.

“The new transfer agreement with FIT creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for RVCC’s graphic design and interactive media students to learn directly from international industry leaders. Students will gain real-world experience through internships at leading toy manufacturing companies,” said Vandana Nadkarni, RVCC Associate Professor of Art History and Co-Chair of the College’s Visual and Performing Arts Department. “It is an honor to be the first college to sign this unique agreement with a program that is endorsed by the internationally recognized Toy Industry Association, and we already have a student who has been accepted into FIT’s program.”

“We are delighted at the prospect of being able to welcome students from RVCC who will bring their unique perspective to our program,” said Judy Ellis, founder and chair of FIT’s Toy Design program. “The Toy Design program is the first of its kind in the world, and has at its heart a respect for children and for play, which is why the program has been so successful. With a cumulative 98% job placement rate upon graduation, the program’s graduates go on to shape the industry, working on some of the world's most iconic toys as well as brand-new ones that will inspire generations to come.”

For additional information about the new agreement, contact Paul Michaud, RVCC’s Director of Transfer & Career Services, at 908-526-1200, ext. 8333.

About FIT

FIT, a part of the State University of New York, has been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology for almost 75 years. Providing its 9,000 students with an uncommon blend of hands-on, practical experience, theory, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, the college offers a wide range of affordable programs that foster innovation and collaboration. Its distinctive curriculum is geared to today’s rapidly growing creative economy, including fields such as computer animation, toy design, production management, film and media, and cosmetics and fragrance marketing. Internationally renowned, FIT draws on its New York City location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn. The college offers nearly 50 majors and grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in the new creative economy. Among notable alumni in fashion are Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Reem Acra, Brian Atwood, Dennis Basso, Francisco Costa, Norma Kamali, Nanette Lepore, Bibhu Mohapatra, Ralph Rucci, John Bartlett, and Michelle Smith. Other prominent graduates include Leslie Blodgett, creator of bareMinerals; Brian Wilk, vice president, Design and Development Games at Hasbro; Erik Legernes, creative director at LEGO; international restaurant designer Tony Chi; and Nina Garcia, editor in chief, Elle. Visit fitnyc.edu.

About RVCC

Ranked by BestColleges.com, WalletHub.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 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 3M Observatory; a 1,000-seat Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; 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, professional development, and adult and youth personal enrichment 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 2, 2019

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

PR #127