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Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus celebrated the opening of the new home of its Business Studies Division, within the George P. Luciano Family Center for Public Service and Leadership, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and introduction of the Program Partner Wall, on January 31.

            Seventeen program partners were recognized for their commitment to Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) students. They are: Andrea Trattoria Italiano, Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce, Century Savings Bank, Cumberland Insurance Group, Greater Millville Chamber of Commerce, Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce, Inspira Health Foundation, Newfield National Bank, Nipro Pharma Packaging, OceanFirst Bank, Print Solutions Plus, Rossi Honda, SNJ Today, South Jersey Federal Credit Union, South Jersey Film Alliance, South Jersey Gas, and Tower Hospitality.

“The repurposing of a building on Cumberland's campus that is dedicated to business studies, reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of the local businesses that are our valued partners," said RCSJ President Frederick Keating. “By providing educational resources and opportunities, these businesses are helping to prepare students for successful careers."

During Friday's ceremony, Dr. Keating presented a plaque to Vincent D'Alessandro, Southern Region President, OceanFirst Bank, which designates one of the building's classrooms as the “OceanFirst Bank Business Studies Forum Room."

“Our business partners are the foundation of our programs," said Patricia Claghorn, Dean of Business Studies. “This event has provided us with an opportunity to recognize our relationships with the business partners who advise us on our curriculum, participate as mentors, and hire our interns and graduates."

Also on view was “Duke's Cabinet," a permanent display containing mementos honoring the life of the late George P. Luciano Sr.

George “Duke" Luciano, after whom the building is named, was an advocate for the college since its inception in the mid-1960s. His name and that of the Luciano family will always be connected to the Cumberland campus. When stepping into the George P. Luciano Family Center for Public Service and Leadership, one can be reminded of Duke's philosophy for success: “Work hard, help others, and expect only friendship in return."

The Luciano family's generous pledge of $1 million, in April 2000, made it possible to create a hub for the enhancement of leadership, economic development and institutional advancement.

A fervent patron of the arts, Luciano donated $500,000 to the college in 1995 to enhance the operations of the Fine and Performing Arts Center's theatre that is named for him. In 1993, Luciano was awarded an honorary associate in arts degree for “demonstrating the spirit of the American entrepreneur."

“The placement of the Business Studies Division in the Luciano Center will continue to enhance the central role RCSJ's Cumberland campus has played in empowering business education and economic development in our region," said Cumberland County Freeholder Director, Joseph Derella.

For more information about the Business Studies programs of study at Rowan College of South Jersey, visit: RCSJ.edu/business​