Lori Niles, of Burlington, and Morgane Lohner, of Pennsauken, won first and second place, respectively, in Rowan College at Burlington County’s National Distance Learning Week Scholarship Essay Contest, sponsored by the Distance Education Office, RCBC Foundation, and the College Bookstore, which is managed by Follett.

Niles, a liberal arts and sciences major, won a free online credit class, which she will use to fulfill one of her last associate degree requirements. The 47-year-old, who currently works at RCBC’s Willingboro Campus in the Adult Basic Education program, plans to transfer to a university after graduation to earn a degree in behavioral science and aspires to be a behavioral therapist.

Lohner, a 3+1 psychology student in her junior year at RCBC, won a free abnormal psychology textbook. The 26-year-old mom to 6-month-old Mia chose to take classes online because it was easier for her to juggle her responsibilities, which includes working two jobs, and is finding RCBC’s 3+1 program an affordable pathway to a degree. She wants to eventually earn a master’s degree and become a school counselor to not only make a difference in her daughter’s life, but in the lives of other children.

“Rowan College at Burlington County’s online classes offer students convenience and quality,” said RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce. “We have been recognized as having one of the best online programs in the state and the nation, but nothing pleases me more than learning that our online offerings gave a student the opportunity to transform their lives through education.”

On average, more than half of RCBC students took at least one online class during the year. RCBC’s Distance Education Office has consistently grown in enrollment and currently offers more than 100 courses, 14 associate degrees and four certificates completely online.

“Rowan College at Burlington County students are able to access an affordable and high-quality education from anywhere in the world,” said RCBC Dean of Learning Resources Dr. Martin Hoffman. “The National Distance Learning Week Scholarship Essay Contest recognizes some of our most successful online students and helps other students understand the ways in which they can achieve their goals online.” 

For more information on RCBC’s online offerings, please visit rcbc.edu/distance-education.

Pictured: (center) Rowan College at Burlington County’s National Distance Learning Week Scholarship Essay Contest winners Lori Niles and Morgane Lohner are congratulated by (left to right) RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce and RCBC Dean of Learning Resources Dr. Martin Hoffman.