EOF Alumni

Eugenia De La Cruz: EOF really made a difference in Eugenia De La Cruz’s academic journey. It gave her the support she needed, not just financially, but emotionally. “I always felt like there were people in my corner who genuinely cared about my success. During tough times, that support kept me going and reminded me that I could do this.”​

Eugenia graduated from RCBC in 2025 with her associate degree in nursing. At RCBC, she made the Dean’s List twice and earned high honors on both her diplomas. She began work in the ICU after graduating and is continuing her BSN.

Bhagyasree Barman: Bhagyasree Barman graduated with an associate degree in nursing as part of RCBC’s winter graduating cohort, where she also spoke after being named the division’s President’s Award winner.  After moving to the US from India, she began pursuing her nursing degree through the 3+1 program, renouncing the traditional roles expected of her as a woman in her home country.

She transitioned comfortably into her new life as a Baron, participating in college programs and activities, including the International Club, the Student Nursing Association, and EOF, and even working as a peer mentor. She now works as a nurse on the medical-surgical floor of Virtua Hospital in Mount Holly, making a difference in people’s lives.

Jaskiranpreet Kaur: RCBC alum Jaskiranpreet Kaur, 2023 nursing program graduate, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society leadership, volunteered at EOF’s Pre-College Learning Institute, and worked as a peer counselor and peer mentor for the EOF program during her academic journey.

Jaskiranpreet began her career as an electrophysiology and cardiac nurse at Deborah Heart and Lung Center while pursuing a BSN. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in May 2025, strengthening her passion for cardiology and advanced nursing practice. Now, she dreams of pursuing her MSN and, in the long term, becoming a nurse practitioner.

Alycia Copeland: During her time at RCBC, EOF financially, mentally, and emotionally supported her. Her scholars showed her great care and consideration for her well-being outside of her academics.

She graduated from RCBC in 2023 with an associate's degree in Psychology, then transferred to Rowan University, where she began her studies in spring 2024. There, she attends many clubs and works as an event coordinator and as a success coach in the ASCEND office. She hopes to see herself working with a state-funded educational program such as EOF while pursuing a Master’s in social work.

Elif Kuruca: RCBC alum Elif Kuruca holds two associate degrees from RCBC, Health Sciences and Nursing, which she received in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Elif landed a job in the medical-surgical unit specializing in cardiac medicine and neuroscience, and has plans to start graduate school to earn her Master’s in nursing and to begin a nurse practitioner program.

Elif was a proud EOF scholar, where she found a sense of community like a second family and received endless support and guidance to excel academically through workshops and events for personal and professional development.

Jaida Owens: Liberal Arts and Sciences graduate Jaida Owens now works as a contract graphic designer after graduating from RCBC in 2022. During her time at RCBC, in addition to being an EOF scholar and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, she interned in the Strategic Marketing and Communications department, where she won an NCMPR award for her “Back to Your Future” shirt design.

EOF helped Jaida get through college when she had to pay for it herself and provided resources when she needed them most. Her advice to other EOF scholars is “Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable, and you don’t always need to rush towards your goals.”

Royalty Adams: Royalty Adams graduated from RCBC in 2022 and is now employed in the Burlington County Special Services School District as a paraprofessional. There, she earns the skills and knowledge to one day teach her own class.

At RCBC, she was a Phi Theta Kappa member and an EOF scholar. The EOF program helped her in many ways, including providing a support system to lean on during the semester. It provided her with a safe work environment that kept her focused on her goals, and the positive encouragement from her EOF counselors helped her maintain a positive outlook on college and stay motivated throughout the day.

Nazim Tijani: Nazim’s college journey was defined by his active participation in EOF events, where he not only expanded his network but found a sense of belonging, describing EOF as his “home away from home”.

Graduating from RCBC’s class of 2021 with an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Nazim is poised to make his mark in the tech world, driven by tenacity and courage, firmly believing in the perpetual pursuit of knowledge.

Robert Pugliese: During his academic journey, Robert made the Dean’s List every semester, earning the prestigious title of EOF scholar, and served as club secretary. He graduated from RCBC in 2019 with an associate degree in Psychology and from Rowan University in 2022 through the 3+1 program.

Robert currently serves as an academic tutor and aspires to pursue a Master’s in social work. Robert highlights the “excellent” experience shaped by engaging professors and unwavering support from EOF counselors.

Ashley Pezzolla: First-generation college student Ashley Pezzolla faced the challenge of self-funding her education, overcoming the hurdles of pursuing grants and tailoring her employment schedule to her academic schedule. Finally, she graduated from RCBC as part of the 2018 class, earning her associate degree in Psychology.

Over the course of six years, Ashley contributed her talents to the Advising office and now serves as a valuable member of the President’s Office as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Offices. Ashley encourages students to tap into the abundant resources available at RCBC and to foster meaningful connections through networking.

Khaliyah Miller-Biney: Khaliyah made the most of her college experience at RCBC, serving as a student worker in the Workforce Development Institute (WDI) and the EOF program, becoming president of the International Club, and graduating with an associate degree in Business Administration.

Khaliyah moved on to Rowan University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in Public Relations and Advertising. Now, she currently works at RCBC as the Program Coordinator for the EOF program, offering scholars sage advice about the college process.

Stephanie Berdugo-Hernandez: A distinguished RCBC alumna, Stephanie completed her associate degree in the 3+1 biology program in 2015 and received her bachelor’s from Rowan University in 2022. Now, she’s pursuing her Master’s in Global Public Health at the Rutgers School of Public Health.

Her journey at RCBC and role as EOF Club President were marked by her appreciation for the dedicated EOF staff, whom she described as “amazing at ensuring all EOF students thrive in their classes and college experience.”

Ralph Dayougar: Ralph Dayougar graduated from RCBC (then Burlington County College) in 2014 with a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. During his time with the EOF program, Dayougar found support from the EOF counselors who helped him stay organized and accountable, ensuring he completed everything he needed to do.

Now, Ralph works as a contracting specialist in the government after graduating from Rowan University with a bachelor’s degree and Rutgers University with an MPA. In the future, he hopes to own a business.