RCSJ–Dukes Athletics Wins Distinguished Community Service Award

Vineland – Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) is committed to fostering authentic partnerships with community organizations. A perfect example of this sentiment was displayed when the RCSJ–Cumberland Athletics Department recently won the 2025-2026 Region XIX Champions of Character award.

This distinguished honor is awarded to higher educational athletic programs who encompass "the true spirit of competition through the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship."

Subscribe

"I think community service is a huge part of the student-athletes' journey and being able to give back to the community that serves them so well," said Jeanna DuBois, assistant athletic director, RCSJ–Cumberland.

According to the Region XIX website, winners of this award "clearly demonstrate outstanding results in character development of its student athletes and coaches …," while also exhibiting "…outstanding involvement in the community, which results in positive character development through sport."

DuBois played an essential role in helping the Dukes win the award.

"I think I bring the experience from my own college days as well as [understanding] how important community service is," she said. "So, I saw an opportunity here to bring [community service initiatives] to the athletic department, and that's kind of why I'm the catalyst of it.

"It just makes you feel good on the inside."

A few of the community service events the Dukes participated in were Fist Bump Friday at Dane Barse School, MLK Day of Service, and the annual RCSJ–Cumberland Holiday Celebration of Lights festivities.

They also volunteered at the New Jersey Veterans Home and participated in the month-long Play 4 Kay Yow Cancer Fund awareness events, plus more.

"I think when we do these community events, not only does the community have a positive outcome, but I also think our athletes learn something, as well," DuBois said.

Chris B., a sophomore Business major and golfer for the Dukes, learned about the importance of volunteerism.

"It's a great way to meet other people. To bond with not only teammates, but the community we have here at the school," Chris, who is the president of the RCSJ–Cumberland Dukes Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), said.

Chris conveyed that participating in community service events has changed his perspective on life.

"It feels good to help. It's become a big goal for me. When I first came here to RCSJ, I came to play golf," he revealed.

"Now it's like I'm here to try to make a difference at the school [and] to make a positive impact on other people's lives."

Skylynn O., a softball player and 3+1 student in the Radio, Television, & Film program, is no stranger to community service. She has volunteered at a few area soup kitchens and her stepfather, Jose Lugo, is a Habitat for Humanity board member.

"My favorite day was when we actually had cancer survivors come out," Skylynn, the vice president of SAAC said, regarding the Play 4 Kay Yow Cancer Fund event. "Each player was able to hold a certificate [about a] person they knew who survived cancer or has had cancer."

"That one impacted me the most because my mom is a cancer survivor and my [assistant] athletic director, Jeanna, is also in the fight," she noted. "So, it really meant a lot to support the people I really care about."

Skylynn and Chris expressed gratitude and appreciation for having opportunities to volunteer and for the Dukes Athletics program winning this special award.

"I felt proud but also not entirely surprised because I know that we have a great sense of community," Skylynn said. "It's very natural for us to have a supportive community here at RCSJ–Cumberland."

"It's definitely helped me a lot and made me realize the kind of person I want to be in life," Chris explained. "I'm very proud of what we've accomplished and I'm excited to see what we can continue to do."

For information about the RCSJ–Cumberland Dukes Athletics program, visit dukesathletics.com.