Deptford Twp.— The Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) Foundation expanded its mission with an inspiring evening of celebration at the 2026 Blue & Gold Gala held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Grove at Centerton. This year’s theme, “Powering Potential. Accelerating Futures.” celebrates innovation, partnership, and opportunity. Over 200 supporters shared in the festivities, raising over $100,000 for the Foundation.
The RCSJ Foundation, which supports both RCSJ campuses, remains committed to helping students unlock their potential and accelerate their futures. From scholarships to emergency funding, the Foundation’s reach continues to grow alongside its commitment to equity, access, and opportunity.
During this year’s cocktail hour, a special presentation was made to unveil the Benjamin T. Griffith Memorial Scholarship Fund, establishing a $100,000 endowment for the RCSJ Foundation.
Established by Mary Jane Griffith, this endowment honors the legacy of her late husband, Benjamin T. Griffith, who was a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and tireless community advocate.
The Benjamin T. Griffith Memorial Scholarship Fund seeks to continue Griffith’s enduring legacy by supporting initiatives that reflect his lifelong values: empowering communities, fostering education, and cultivating leadership. The fund will award two annual $2,500 scholarships to RCSJ students who are actively engaged in their community.
Cody Miller, executive director of the RCSJ Foundation, recalled Griffith’s legacy as a civic leader.
“A few years ago, we had someone on our board, Ben Griffith, who was extremely dedicated to our college. When it came to the partnership and affiliation with Rowan University and our merger with Cumberland County College, Ben was a force ... You always knew where you stood with him ... That’s what we respected about him as a Board of Trustee member and Foundation Board member.”
Dr. Brenden Rickards, president of RCSJ, expressed how this endowment reflects Griffith’s life.
“This generous endowment is a powerful tribute to Ben Griffith’s extraordinary legacy. As a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and steadfast community advocate, Ben believed deeply in helping others. Through this memorial scholarship, his passion for supporting students and expanding opportunity will continue to impact lives for generations.”
As the evening progressed, the Foundation highlighted Atlantic City Electric as the RCSJ Foundation’s 2026 Business of the Year. Since 2023, RCSJ and Atlantic City Electric have partnered on a three-year STEM grant supporting Cumberland County high school students. That partnership sparked the creation of the ACE-Celerate! STEM Summer Camp, hosted at RCSJ's Cumberland campus.
“Strong partnerships with institutions like Rowan College of South Jersey are essential to building pathways to life-changing opportunities and supporting the long-term success of our communities,” said Tyler Anthony, president and CEO of Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. “We’re proud to be recognized by RCSJ and even more proud of the impact this collaboration is having on students as they explore future careers and gain real-world experience.”
“Atlantic City Electric exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner. Their unwavering commitment to workforce development, educational opportunity, and regional economic growth has made a lasting impact on our students and the communities we serve. We are proud to recognize Atlantic City Electric as Rowan College of South Jersey’s Business Partner of the Year at this year's Foundation Gala, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership for years to come,” said Brenden Rickards, RCSJ president.
Entering its third year in 2026, ACE-Celerate! STEM Summer Camp will have welcomed more than 140 students from five Cumberland County high schools, introducing them to hands-on STEM learning and future career pathways.
Sarah Palese, director of the RCSJ Foundation and Alumni Relations, shared with attendees the humble beginnings of ACE-Celerate!
"What started as an idea became something none of us could have scripted. What if we could give Cumberland County high school students two weeks in the summer? Just two weeks to step inside the world of energy, science, and possibility. Show them careers they didn’t know existed, hand them real tools, and send them home transformed from when they arrived. It was a big ask, and it needed big partners. Enter: Atlantic City Electric.”
In collaboration with Atlantic City Electric, the Exelon Foundation, and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, ACE-Celerate! STEM Summer Camp garnered the support it needed to become a reality.
“It was the students who shined,” Palese continued, “We witnessed critical thinking, collaboration, and more than a few laughs. Then year two came, and they wanted to come back. That’s not just anything. That’s everything.”
Student speakers were also excited to describe their time in ACE-Celerate! STEM Summer Camp, including Aaralyn A., a homeschool student who recently became a part of RCSJ’s High School Option Program (HSOP). “I’m so blessed and grateful for all the opportunities ACE-Celerate! has given me, and RCSJ as well. It was a great time to build community, work on leadership skills, and really follow my passion in STEM.”
RCSJ Foundation’s Board of Directors chairperson Scott Dare reflected with gratitude as he closed out his last Gala as chair, expressing deep pride in the Foundation’s collective journey.
“As I close this chapter, I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve built together and deeply grateful for the unwavering support of everyone in this room,” said Dare. “The power of knowledge and opportunity is what drives this Foundation forward, and I’m honored to have served alongside such passionate advocates for our students and our community.”
The evening’s celebrations were not only a testament to the power of collaboration but also a reminder that empowering students is a community effort. Through the work of the Foundation, RCSJ continues to remain student-centered and provide the necessary support to accelerate futures.
For more information about the Foundation, visit RCSJ.edu/Foundation.
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