On Wednesday, November 6, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), the Rowan College Foundation, the OceanFirst Foundation, and RCSJ's president, Frederick Keating, Ed.D., announced plans for the Keating Family Presidential Institute for First-Generation Students. The Institute will be dedicated to the success of first-generation college students and provide support through scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Keating is a distinguished educational leader with more than three decades of experience in higher education; but he has not forgotten the hard work, perseverance, and resilience that it took to navigate his initial entry into the college landscape without an experienced parental guide.

“I'm proud to be a first-generation student. I remember that difficult conversation at the dinner table, but one person reached back and got me, and put me on a path that helped define my future," recalled Keating. “It's my privilege to create this Institute – bearing my family's name – to function as that person and provide that give-back to make educational opportunity easier for the next, first generation."

The cornerstone of the Keating Family Presidential Institute for First-Generation Students will be the Kappa Epsilon chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), dedicated to supporting and celebrating the achievements of first-generation students. Established in April 2024, Tri-Alpha has already inducted 44 student members and 55 faculty and staff members, including Keating himself. These faculty and staff members will play a key role in providing mentorship and guidance to students though the Institute.

For Tri-Alpha member and first-generation student, Jeffery Corliss – a single father of three who will graduate from RCSJ this spring alongside his daughter, Jasmine – the support they have both received at from the College has been instrumental to their success.

“RCSJ has been more than just an educational institution for us; it has been a place of growth, resilience, and opportunity," Corliss shared. “The support provided by the College, the Foundation, and everyone here has made it possible for me and my daughter to achieve what once felt like an unobtainable goal."

The Institute will work to build a supportive campus community for first-generation students. To that end, it will offer networking opportunities and special events on campus so students can begin to build personal and professional connections that will foster success and a sense of belonging. Events will also be hosted in partnership with Rowan University's own first-generation student support program, Flying First; providing an early introduction to the university and its resources for students planning to transfer.

Financial support will be provided to members of the institute in the form of scholarships, including the Keating Family Scholarship, Rowan University Flying First Scholarships, and the new OceanFirst Foundation Scholarships, established with a $30,000 check presentation made during the November 6 event. This generous donation will fund 30, $1,000 scholarships for first-generation students on both the Gloucester and Cumberland campuses.

“We at Ocean First Bank are proud to provide support to first-generation students," remarked Michelle Wilson, VP of Government Banking. “As first-generation college students, you all have your own knowledge and experience. Now you have a new opportunity to grow, expand, and refine how you think. You're fearless, proud, and revolutionary, and we're pleased to be a part of assisting you in the pursuit of your dreams."

Exercise Science major and first-generation student, Jovan Rayes – one of the very first recipients of the OceanFirst Foundation Scholarships – was moved by the generosity of the Foundation and reflected on how proud it would make his parents to see him standing at the podium that day.

“I know my mom would be proud, her growing up struggling with English through school and getting bullied," said Rayes. “I'm very grateful for this, and I know my parents would be proud, coming from Puerto Rico and Nicaragua."

Financial support for the Institute will continue to grow, as the projected fall 2025 launch date approaches. RCSJ Foundation director, Cody Miller, announced an additional $20,000 contribution to fund first-generation student scholarships. Later in the event, the new Milt Thompson Scholarship – which will provide a $500 scholarship to a first-generation student planning to attend an HBCU – was also announced, along with its recipient, Gary Boyd.

“I'm a first-generation Rowan Choice student and I'm very grateful for this scholarship," remarked Boyd. “Being from Trenton and moving here to South Jersey has been a huge shift for me. Having MOCA (the Men of Color Alliance at RCSJ) has given me a place to belong and a sense of grounding. . . I plan to attend Delaware State University to continue my education in PhysEd and my career as a track and field athlete."

The Keating Family Institute for First-Generation students plans to launch in fall 2025 and all first-generation students are strongly encouraged to become members when they first enroll at RCSJ. Students are eligible to join so long as their parents, stepparents, or legal guardians have not completed their bachelor's degree.

​Interested students are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] with questions and to be contacted when the Institute is open for applications.​​