Tyler Burrell has a knack for making the most out of his opportunities.

His decision to attend Rowan College at Burlington County in 2014 allowed him to earn a high-quality degree, experience a vibrant campus life while staying at home where he became involved in the Delran community including the school board, town government and volunteerism.

“It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me,” Burrell said. “I wanted to give back to the community that built me.”

His involvement led him to become the founding vice president of the Delran Education Foundation, which raised about $50,000 in its first three years to support educational initiatives in Delran.

At RCBC, Tyler was active in the Lamplight Players theater productions before graduating and earning his bachelor’s degree from Rowan University. While still in college, Tyler was elected to serve on the Delran Township Council at 19-year-old, making him one of the youngest elected officials in New Jersey.

Recently, he was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania Law School where he has begun pursuing his law degree. He advises students to start out at RCBC and save their money for graduate school.

“It paid dividends for me,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today, at the University of Pennsylvania Law School without RCBC. I tell everybody to go to community college.”

Tyler's story is part of RCBC’s 50 stories for 50 years. In honor of the college’s 50th anniversary, RCBC is profiling students, faculty, administrators, alumni and the college community. Anyone interested in being featured can contact rcbcnews@rcbc.edu. To follow along on social media, use #RCBC50Stories.