RCC Alumni Bring Back Unique Georgetown Gift

Two alumni from Rockland Community College came back to deliver a unique gift, the first of its kind that RCC has received.

Rob Chapklin, class of 2009, and Mark Svensson, class of 2010, graduated from RCC and transferred to Georgetown University. Their gift was a new book, Georgetown Icons, published this February by Leslie J. Little.

“We purchased a book that’s highly regarded here at Georgetown,” said Svensson. “Got a lot of senior signatures from senior administrators, multiple deans. It’s the first gift of its kind that any former student has brought back to RCC.”

They presented this book to RCC President Dr. Cliff L. Wood and to Dr. Cliff Garner, the Director of RCC’s M/TS Honors program this past Tuesday. The book is a compilation of Georgetown alumni quotes and art photographs, highlighting the many Georgetown alumni who have gone on to exceptional public lives.

“This gift is to really try to strengthen the  partnership between the two schools. The last two years, a student has transferred from RCC’s honors program to Georgetown and we want to keep that going,” said Svensson, referring to himself and Chapklin. “This is a good time to make this push. I’ve gotten a lot of good publicity with the university since I arrived.”

Svensson explained that after starting at Georgetown, he found out in October that he was one of seven students selected to attend the first ever White House Summit on Community Colleges.

“That started me off on a good path at the university. This book is good representation of Georgetown and what better way to bring back Georgetown than this book," said Svensson.

Chapklin and Svensson bought a copy of the book, collected signatures from several deans from Georgetown. They wrote about their thoughts on the academic qualities demonstrated by RCC students who have continued their education at Georgetown. 

Chapklin, of West Nyack, is attending Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and he’s pursuing two majors—Management and Marketing. Svensson, of Pearl River, is a Junior at Georgetown and studying International Law and Diplomacy.

Here’s a quick look at who signed the book and what they wrote: 

You have sent us some gems who are doing great work at Georgetown. SUNY Rockland should be proud

Georgetown has benefited greatly from Rob Chapklin and Mark Svensson’s arrival. Thanks, and keep up the great preparation. Outstanding young men!

Congratulations on your success, here's to a continued partnership and progress

Dr. Garner, individuals like Mr. Svensson truly make Georgetown the icon that it is!

Continue every day and in every way to get better, grow wiser and give more. When I think of success, I think of those who are more concerned for others than themselves. It is then that you make a true impact on the world and enlarge your own imprint on society. We would love to see more Robert Chapklins and more M/TS students on the Hilltop!

For 2011, Svensson is also offering a $1,500 scholarship to the M/TS Honors graduate who best exemplifies commitment to service at RCC and the community.