April 2019
www.branchburgnews.com
RVCC Student Earns National Honor for Leadership Skills, Investment in Solving Public Problems Grade Point Average, Kaeley Ipson is a true student leader both inside and outside of the classroom. Her multiple engineeringrelated experiences have benefitted not only the College, but also the local community. Through her service learning coursework, she assisted engineers at a local municipal office in mapping out detention basins and educating residents about retro fitting. Kaeley has been involved with several initiatives to help combat food Kaeley Ipson insecurity. Her Hon-- photo provided by RVCC ors Research Capstone Kaeley Ipson of Branchburg, a project focused on developing an second-year Civil Engineering ma- innovative hydroponic system dejor enrolled in Raritan Valley Com- signed to be efficient, cost effective, munity College’s Honors College, and practical enough to be utilized has been selected as a Newman Civ- by busy low-income families for ic Fellow by the national civic en- growing food,” said RVCC Presigagement group Campus Compact. dent Michael J. McDonough. Kaeley joins 262 students from As President of RVCC’s Enactus across the country for this national team, Kaeley worked on an “illuhonor recognizing leadership skills minut” shake-light project manuand investment in solving public facturing eco-friendly lights, with problems. profits benefitting a local food Kaeley is a graduate of Somerville pantry. Her Enactus efforts also inHigh School (2017), and Branch- cluded volunteering at a food panburg Central Middle School (2013). try garden; creating a hydroponic Based in Boston, Campus Com- competition for homeschooled pact is a non-profit organization students; and offering multiple hyworking to advance the public droponic demonstrations for a food purposes of higher education. The pantry, environmental center, and Newman Civic Fellowship, named K-12 schools. As Vice President of for Campus Compact co-founder Communications for the Society of Frank Newman, is a one-year expe- Women Engineers, she participated rience emphasizing personal, profes- in projects supporting young fesional, and civic growth. Through males pursuing STEM careers. the fellowship, Campus Compact “We are proud to recognize each provides a variety of learning and of these extraordinary student leadnetworking opportunities, includ- ers and thrilled to have the oping a national conference of New- portunity to engage with them,” man Civic Fellows in partnership said Campus Compact President with the Edward M. Kennedy In- Andrew Seligsohn. “The stories of stitute for the United States Senate. this year’s Newman Civic Fellows The fellowship also provides fellows make clear that they are commitwith access to apply for exclusive ted to finding solutions to pressscholarship and post-graduate op- ing problems in their communities portunities. and beyond. That is what Campus “As an NJ STARS student and Compact is about, and it’s what our a member of the Phi Theta Kappa country and our world desperately Honor Society who maintains a 4.0 need.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation. For additional information, visit compact.org/newman-civicfellowship. Campus Compact is a national coalition of 1000+ colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education. Campus Compact supports institutions in fulfilling their public purposes by deepening their ability to improve community life and educating students for civic and social responsibility. As the largest national higher education association dedicated solely to campus-based civic engagement, we provide professional development to administrators and faculty to enable them to engage effectively, facilitate national partnerships connecting campuses with key issues in their local communities, build pilot programs to test and refine promising models in engaged teaching and scholarship, celebrate and cultivate student civic leadership, and convene higher education institutions and partners beyond higher education to share knowledge and develop collective capacity. Visit www.compact.org. Ranked by BestColleges.com, WalletHub.com, and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 50 years. The college has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory; a 1,000-seat Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students. The college offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, professional development, and adult and youth personal enrichment courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg. For further information, visit www. raritanval.edu.
April Auction Action – As previewed in the January Branchburg News, the Township has ordered an auction of a 19th century historic home on about three-quarter acres it owns at 100 Elm St. in Neshanic Station Village. The auction, handled by Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Company, is scheduled for Apr. 17 at 3 pm. Property preview is Apr. 6 from 12 to 2 pm. The site is near the Neshanic United Methodist Church and the Neshanic Station Post Office. It was formerly part of the Neshanic Station Flea Market. The land borders Somerset County-owned land that will become part of the South Branch Greenway, an under-development open-space trail network along the river. The house will come with a deed restriction that will require the exterior be maintained with the historic character it has now. Info: http://www.maxspann.com/ auctions/. -- aerial map photo provided by Max Spann Branchburg Baseball Opening Day Events Will be April 27 The Branchburg Baseball Club (BBC) will hold its annual Opening Day Parade on Apr. 27 at White Oak Park. Activities for the whole family will begin at 9 am near field 9, and the parade and opening ceremony will follow. For more info, visit branchburgbaseball.com.
Marchers and spectators gather in White Oak Park for last year’s Baseball Opening Day events