Rowan College Valedictorian Had Tumultuous College Career

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Rowan College at Burlington County’s 2020 class valedictorian loves to learn, and her love of learning reaches beyond the confines of the classroom.

Shanni Prutchi’s college career has been a tumultuous one. She fell ill after her senior year of high school and was unable to attend Boston University as she intended.

After deciding she needed to be close to home, she applied and was accepted to Rowan University. However, after taking a medical withdrawal three years in, she enrolled in a Security+ certification class at Camden County College that ignited her passion for cybersecurity.

At the same time, Rowan College at Burlington County introduced the Computing and Informatics 3+1 program, and Prutchi enrolled soon after she found out about it.

“I was able to not only manage my health but also make friends, get involved on campus and participate in the community experience,” Prutchi said. “RCBC has changed my life for the better, and I know it’s done so for many people. It’s also taught me to be a helper and invest in others.”

Throughout her time at Rowan College at Burlington County, Prutchi engaged in research for Lockheed Martin and PRICE Systems, mentored others through the cybersecurity club and fully immersed herself in the college experience, including enrolling in classes that had no relevance to her major. She also formed lasting relationships with her professors.

“Professor Warner has been there for me throughout this entire journey, and Professor Don Cesaretti brought so much knowledge and personal experience to class. He’s given me a really important perspective on cybersecurity,” Prutchi said.

When she’s not learning, Prutchi’s working as a cybersecurity analyst for NFI, a logistics and supply chain solutions provider. When she’s not doing either of those things, she’s giving back to her community.

“My whole life I’ve been taught that there’s always a way you can help people. In every field, you can do what you enjoy while actively working to help people. That’s the viewpoint I’ve been raised with. Be the helper. RCBC has prepared us to be helpers, and right now is our time to shine,” Prutchi said.

Prutchi volunteers in her community by offering technical support services to those who need it and delivering groceries to those who can’t shop for themselves through Jewish Family and Children Services.

After graduation, she aspires to be a cybersecurity consultant, performing risk analysis and penetration testing services for various organizations.

“There’s no other way to live in a society than to think about other people,” Prutchi said.

Rowan College at Burlington County will hold a virtual commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. on May 15. The college will stream a video via Facebook Live that includes messages from Rowan College at Burlington County President Dr. Michael A. Cioce, a faculty member and the class valedictorian.

The celebration will also include a visual listing of every graduate by name and recognition of several award recipients that are typically presented at the end of an academic year. Students will be able to engage in a live chat with one another throughout the event.

All 2020 graduates will be invited back in May 2021 to walk across the commencement stage and participate in the more traditional graduation experience.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know