2023 Commencement

A new beginning was all it took for Madeleine Armstrong to excel at Rowan College at Burlington County. Between her 4.0 GPA, presidency of Phi Theta Kappa and an internship at the Department of State in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, she now is a standout scholar. 

In order to reach her goals, Armstrong had to remove bad habits that held her back from reaching her academic goals. “You have to clean out your life,” Armstrong said, which means removing bad habits like procrastination and replacing them with healthy constructive ones. 

She is now studying economics and political science at Rutgers University, and will soon be attending the London School of Economics next summer.  “Having a different perspective is one of the best things that you can have in academia,” Armstrong explained, and she emphasized that the ability to gain a non-American interpretation of economics is invaluable. 

The journey of chasing the best version of yourself may be difficult, but the potential for new growth is exciting. Armstrong wants her fellow classmates to know that any moment, whether it be graduation, a new job, or a new day, can be their new beginning.

If ever there was a Renaissance student graduating from Rowan College at Burlington County, Sarah Heil encapsulates that role in stride. Heil is a member of several honors societies on campus, pursues personal scientific research and even beekeeping, all while balancing an art business and a full-time job as a classroom behavioral analyst and aide. Not only that, but she’s also maintained a perfect 4.0 throughout her academic career at the college, which earned her recognition as a 2023 President’s Award winner. 

In terms of her scientific research, Heil has been making strides in the field of neurotoxin studies. She referred to her interest as somewhat of an accident while working in the classroom. Working with students who have autism, Sarah became interested in researching what really causes this phenomenon in the brain, and was inspired to study neurotoxicology. Heil began running experiments in her own home, testing carbon air purifiers using reverse osmosis, tracking the symptoms and overall health of her family while the air was being purified as opposed to when the machines were switched off. Her conclusion was that purified air leads to fewer symptoms of common illnesses.

Not only is Sarah succeeding in her independent scientific research, she also runs a commission-based art business which she started by practicing art while still in high school. After experiencing a period of intense personal strife, Heil turned to creating art in her high school art room during lunch, eventually realizing that it was a cathartic outlet for all of her experiences. Now, the young entrepreneur has created a business in which she sells her art, and has progressed massively from the dark period she experienced as a teenager. Sarah also works as an classroom behavioral analyst, a full-time position that she maintains alongside her full-time student status, beekeeping, art business and neuro scientific studies. Eventually, she hopes to become a multi-preneur and continue seeking out knowledge whenever possible.

Taylor Fritz is an RCBC nursing student with big plans for her healthcare future. She’s wrapping up her first local clinical experience, working with dementia patients at the Masonic Village in Burlington Township, which provided her first solo patient care experience. It’s another way she finds that she’s developing and growing into her true self. 

The Taylor we all see today is a composed and compassionate person but it wasn't long ago that she considered herself a timid person. Her friends may tell a different tale, one of a pal who had a lot to offer to any conversation but deep inside she doubted herself, especially when faced with new situations or new people. 

Her self-talk and more importantly, her self-determination gave way to a mantra that she’s developed since starting at RCBC. “I tell myself that you just have to do it. If not now, when will I?” This personal empowerment pushed her to be more open and she encouraged others to take more intellectual risks. 

Taylor also made her mark in the classroom during her time at RCBC. Notably, Dr. Erika Baldt commented about Taylor’s “positive presence in class” last fall as a student in her Masterpieces of World Literature I course. “Taylor’s most notable assignment, though, was her proposal of a text to be added to the World Literature syllabus. It was well-researched, persuasive, and showed high levels of critical thinking.” 

A 2023 President’s Award recipient and 4.0 student, Taylor is active in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the organization’s current vice president of Leadership. Last summer she gained valuable experience interacting with state-wide chapter representatives at a Middle States Region Conference. Taylor is also a member of the Student Nurses Association. She helps plan events for graduating nursing students and fundraising events that benefit the club.

Taylor has completed her prerequisite courses and will receive her associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences in May. She is now working toward her associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing through RCBC’s 3+1 program. 

After graduating from RCBC and Rowan University, Taylor plans to pursue a master’s degree and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to become a nurse practitioner.