When considering an alumni trustee, it’s important to find someone who understands the student experience. Finding someone who’s represented students at the state capitol; who’s served multiple terms on the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) Student Advisory Committee and who was a prominent member of the Student Government Association, seems too good to be true.    

For Rowan College at Burlington County, that triple threat is Stephanie Berdugo-Hernandez. Berdugo-Hernandez, of Eastampton, earned a seat on the college’s Board of Trustees as alumni trustee after being sworn in virtually on August 18. Meet her and her mentor RCBC STEM Lab Supervisor Susan Taylor this Wednesday at 1 pm, on our Facebook Town Hall. 

“I decided to become an alumni trustee because I love RCBC and wanted to give back. I love to be involved and believe that this will be a great opportunity to allow for the students’ voices to be heard,” Berdugo-Hernandez said. “RCBC is an incredible school, and I want to be able to help make every student have an amazing college experience just like I did. I am very honored to be a part of this and look forward to working with everyone.”

As a former Educational Opportunity Fund scholar, Stephanie has used her voice to advocate for low-income students and increase awareness of various financial aid programs and opportunities. She was named Student Advisory Committee Chair during her first year on the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) and has since served multiple terms. 

Susan Taylor, who’s worked at the college for over 20 years, initially as an adjunct professor for both math and chemistry and now as the STEM lab supervisor, oversees lab operations for all STEM classes. She orders supplies, supports instructors, maintains equipment and coordinates sanitizing. She’s known Berdugo-Hernandez for several years due to their common residence in Eastampton and involvement on similar local committees. 

“We’re very lucky to have someone so talented come to RCBC,” Taylor said. “Stephanie doesn’t just join clubs and organizations for the sake of joining; she helps to influence and lead.” 

A 3+1 Biology student, Berdugo-Hernandez hopes to attend medical school after earning her bachelor’s degree and aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon. 

“Attending RCBC has allowed me to be a part of the EOF program which has helped me with affordable education in order to continue my education and achieve my degrees,” she shared. 

Berdugo-Hernandez has certainly left an impression on RCBC, as she served as the first EOF Club President and the 3+1 liaison on the Student Government Association. She’s honored to become RCBC’s newest alumni trustee. Join her and Susan Taylor this Wednesday at 1 pm on RCBC’s Facebook page.