Chris B., Jeanna DuBois, and Skylynn O.
Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) Cumberland Athletics Department recently won the 2025-2026 Region XIX Champions of Character award. This distinguished honor is awarded to higher educational athletic programs that encompass “the true spirit of competition through the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.”
Jeanna DuBois, assistant athletic director, RCSJ–Cumberland, played an essential role in helping the Dukes win the award.
“I think community service is a huge part of the student-athletes’ journey and being able to give back to the community that serves them so well,” said DuBois. “I saw an opportunity here to bring community service initiatives to the athletic department.
A few of the community service events the Dukes participated in were Fist Bump Friday at Dane Barse School, MLK Day of Service, and the annual RCSJ–Cumberland Holiday Celebration of Lights festivities. They also volunteered at the New Jersey Veterans Home and participated in the month-long Play 4 Kay Yow Cancer Fund awareness events.
“I think when we do these community events, not only does the community have a positive outcome, but I also think our athletes learn something, as well,” DuBois said.
Chris B., a sophomore business major and golfer for the Dukes, learned about the importance of volunteerism.
“It’s a great way to meet other people. To bond with not only teammates, but the community we have here at the school,” Chris, who is the president of the RCSJ–Cumberland Dukes Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), said.
“It feels good to help. It’s become a big goal for me. When I first came here to RCSJ, I came to play golf,” he added. “Now it’s like I’m here to try to make a difference at the school and to make a positive impact on other people’s lives.”
Skylynn O., a softball player and 3+1 student in the Radio, Television, & Film program, is no stranger to community service. She has volunteered at a few area soup kitchens and her stepfather, Jose Lugo, is a Habitat for Humanity board member.
“My favorite day was when we actually had cancer survivors come out,” Skylynn, the vice president of SAAC said, regarding the Play 4 Kay Yow Cancer Fund event. “Each player was able to hold a certificate about a person they knew who survived cancer or has had cancer. That one impacted me the most because my mom is a cancer survivor and my athletic director, Jeanna, who is also in the fight. So, it really meant a lot to support the people I really care about.”
“It’s definitely helped me a lot and made me realize the kind of person I want to be in life,” Chris said. “I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m excited to see what we can continue to do.”
For information about the RCSJ–Cumberland Dukes Athletics program, visit dukesathletics.com.
