A partnership between Rowan College of South Jersey and Rastelli Foods has resulted in a center for budding business owners on the former’s Gloucester County campus.
The Rastelli Entrepreneurship Center had its ribbon cutting on April 17. Its goal is to provide students with the resources they need in order to turn their business ideas into reality. Among its features is a meeting room, a co-work area and what the college dubs “a packaging demonstration area” to support product development.
“Today, we recognize more than just the opening of our new center,” said Dr. Dominic Puggi, dean of the college’s Division of Business Studies. “We celebrate the launch of an entrepreneurial hub designed to empower students with the skills, tools and experiences they need to succeed, not just in the classroom, but in the real world.”
Puggi noted the generosity, vision and commitment of the Rastelli family, whose grocery stores and other businesses are located throughout South Jersey. Also at the ribbon cutting were members of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners, including its director, Frank DiMarco.
“This is an exciting day for each and every entrepreneur who has dared to dream,” he noted. “It is with great pride that we welcome you to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Rastelli Entrepreneurship Center. Today marks a bold new chapter for Rowan College of South Jersey and a powerful investment in the future of innovation, business and student success.”
The partnership between Rowan and Rastelli first came about two years ago to provide employment opportunities for students who have or are waiting to graduate and offer them internship opportunities. Among them is a computer graphic arts student identified only as Bella D.
“I’d really love to thank Rowan College of South Jersey for this opportunity,” she said, “to be here today and extend my sincere gratitude to the Rastelli family for selecting me for this incredible internship, which I’ll begin this fall. “Being welcomed into the kind of place where innovation and hard work go hand in hand means so much to me.
“I’m excited to contribute, gain real-world experience and grow alongside a team that is making a difference.”
The Rastelli Entrepreneurship Center will also offer innovation through events such as seminars and workshops and provide a way for students and faculty alike to connect and work together, supporting each other and their ideas.
““We are thrilled at the addition of the Rastelli Entrepreneurship Center, as are our board; our commissioners; and, most importantly, our student body,” stressed college President Dr. Fred Keating. “And by that, I mean those who are here with us today and those that will pass through these halls and benefit from this center in the days and decades to come, because Ray (Rastelli) saw it.
“Because he had a vision and Lauren (Rastelli-DeMarco) helped to deliver it.”
