On Monday, November 11, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) and its chapter of the Student Veterans of America joined with the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners to host their annual Veterans Day celebration.
The event was led by master of ceremonies and Gloucester County Board of Commissioners director, Frank J. DiMarco. RCSJ student, Brigette Platt, sang the national anthem and retired MSFT U.S. Air Force, Kara Kauffman, led the Pledge of Allegiance. DiMarco then called to the stage deacon and Gloucester County Clerk, James Hogan, for the invocation and RCSJ Vice President of Student Services, Judith Atkinson, for a welcome message for veterans and service members in attendance.
Dr. Walter Gholson, U.S Army Vietnam veteran and RCSJ military student advisor, presented opening remarks, before introducing fellow event speaker, Gloucester County Commissioner liaison to Veterans Affairs, Denise DiCarlo. DiCarlo spoke about the myriads of ways that local veterans contribute to the fabric of Gloucester County and encouraged them to take advantage of the resources available to those who have served.
The ceremony also took time to recognize students, faculty and staff members, and attendees who have served their country, led by John Ryder, a U.S. Coast Guard Desert Storm veteran. He extended a very special message of appreciation to veterans in attendance from All American Assisted Living in Washington Township. Then a moment of silence and taps was observed for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice before Amazing Grace was performed by Thomas Moore of the Happy Piper.
The highlight of the ceremony for many was hearing from guest speaker, Micheal Bate, retired MGySgt U.S. Marine Corp. He spoke to the loss of purpose he experienced following his retirement from the Marine Corp after 21 years of service. He was able to recapture the discipline and direction that had defined his life through higher education. After completing his own degrees, he joined RCSJ as a military services administrator to help provide a clear path to a college degree for his fellow veterans.
“For me, the turning point was when I decided to pursue higher education. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I'd encourage everyone out there to consider a path of education," he remarked. “I want to remind you that it is okay to reach out for help. The transition is hard, but you're not alone in that experience. . . Semper Fi and have a wonderful Veterans Day."
Following Bates' remarks, awards were handed out to RCSJ's Student Veterans of the Year. Jada Love, a U.S. Army Reserve member and business administration student from the Cumberland campus, and Johanna Magner, a U.S. Airforce member and nutrition student from the Gloucester campus, were both recognized for their service to their country and their demonstrated excellence in the classroom.
An award was also presented to Ryder, who serves as RCSJ's director of Student Affairs & Military Services and was recently recognized as one of G.I Jobs' 2024 Veteran Champions of the Year in Higher Education for his commitment to ensuring student veterans at RCSJ not only succeed academically but thrive. He is one of only thirty professionals across the country to be recognized this year.
“I have always lived by the saying: Never leave anyone behind. I carry that true today, by continuing to help those student veterans I serve and those veterans I come across," explained Ryder. “As a Gulf War veteran, I have found that all veterans regardless of decade, conflict, or branch of service have common bonds. We celebrate Veterans Day every day in my office by providing the service to our service members that they deserve."
To learn more about the award-winning programs and support services for military and veteran students at RCSJ, visit RCSJ.edu/Veterans.
