RVCC Foundation Has Record-Setting Fundraising Year

The RVCC Foundation had a record-setting year in 2024-2025, surpassing the $2 million mark for the first time in the College’s history.

The RVCC Foundation, the fundraising arm of Raritan Valley Community College, raised $2,014,187 in 2024-2025, which is more than $971,431 higher than the previous year’s total.

“We’re extremely appreciative of the support we’ve received from individual donors, corporations, and other organizations, who recognize the value that RVCC brings to our students and the greater community,” said RVCC President Dr. Michael J. McDonough. “These significant contributions enhance the College’s ability to provide an outstanding educational experience for our students, which couldn’t be more critical given all of the challenges facing higher education today,” added President McDonough.

Among the highlights of the year was a record-setting Giving Day in March. Riding a “be all in” theme, the 24-hour initiative raised $203,655 for scholarships, student clubs, and athletic teams, as well as a range of centers, institutes, and critical programs at RVCC. Energized by the return of a $50,000 “match challenge,” and further amplified by the largest single Giving Day gift in the College’s history, the annual “give-a-thon” has become the top fundraising event of the year for the RVCC Foundation.

A huge portion of the day’s success may be attributed to Jim and Jill Gibson of Basking Ridge and The Caruso Family Foundation, whose $50,000 in combined gifts fueled—for the second year in a row—the 2025 Giving Day match challenge. The result was a 32% increase in funds raised over Giving Day 2024, and a 23% increase over the 2023 tally and the previous record of $164,585. This total was also significantly aided by the largest single Giving Day gift ever: a $50,000 contribution from Lori Grossi of Clinton.

The 2024-25 fundraising tally was also aided by the incredible generosity of Frank and Pat Russo, whose longstanding scholarship at RVCC is among the among the most generous. The Russos’ $375,000 gift—the largest scholarship commitment in the College’s history—provides five full scholarships for RVCC students in each of the next 10 years.

The RVCC Foundation’s record year also included a $500,000 donation from Johnson & Johnson in support of the newly launched NJBioFutures, a groundbreaking workforce development coalition aimed at creating a sustainable, skilled talent pipeline to support New Jersey’s rapidly expanding cell and gene therapeutics sector.

The NJBioFutures initiative, established by New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities with support from J&J and other industry partners, brings together experts from education, government, industry, and community stakeholders to offer differentiated training programs, state-of-the art facilities, and industry-responsive curricula to help build a pipeline for new and emerging high-demand roles in New Jersey’s cell and gene therapy, biomanufacturing, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical sectors.

The year also brought a first-time gift from the Jessamine S. (J.S.) Henderson Foundation, whose board chose the RVCC Foundation to assume full management and stewardship of the J.S. Henderson Memorial Adult Scholarship—to be exclusively available to students at Raritan Valley Community College. The board’s $129,228 donation established both the J.S. Henderson Memorial Adult Scholarship at RVCC and an endowed fund to ensure the legacy of J.S. Henderson continues in perpetuity.

Another highlight of the year was the RVCC Foundation Golf Classic in June. The 21st annual event, held at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course, raised $153,185 and was another sellout, with 147 participants, including golfers representing a wide range of local and regional businesses from throughout Hunterdon and Somerset counties and beyond. Net proceeds raised from the golf outing and auctions support student scholarships, RVCC’s education programming, and other institutional priorities.

“Our record fundraising success this year is a direct testament to the generosity of our expanding donor community, and their willingness to step up,” said Mike Marion, Executive Director, RVCC Foundation and RVCC Alumni Association. “Last year, we had 306 new donors add to the incredible support of our longstanding benefactors. It is so encouraging that more and more people are recognizing the value and importance of this exceptional institution.”

The RVCC Foundation provides the resources that enable the College to enhance its programs beyond public and tuition sources and to maintain its standing as a premier academic institution and one of the most important sources of culture and continuing education in Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

For those seeking additional information about ways to support the College and the work of the RVCC Foundation, contact Mike Marion at 908-648-8567 or michael.marion@raritanval.edu, or visit https://rvccfoundation.org.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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