It turned out to be a fortunate stroke of serendipity for Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) nursing and allied health students when Jonathan Peacock, a biopharma executive, traveled more than 100 miles from his Morristown home to receive a COVID vaccine at the Gloucester County megasite.
Peacock’s impressions and experiences during his two vaccination visits triggered curiosity and a closer look at the college, resulting in the creation of a perpetual scholarship to benefit healthcare workers.
“I was able to schedule vaccine appointments at the Rowan College megasite in January and February. Waiting in line for one to two hours, I was able to get a sense of the place — the activities, buildings, folks,” said Peacock. “I was impressed by the practical training and healthcare programs. The College is developing nurses, healthcare professionals, teachers ready for the workforce.”
Peacock, a graduate of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland (whose alumni include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) has lived around the world in London, Switzerland, Amsterdam, California, and New Jersey. He realizes the value of an educated workforce and the important role of community colleges.
Vaccinated and back at home in North Jersey, the global biotechnology, big pharma, and corporate finance executive decided to do some research, delving into the College’s reputation when he decided RCSJ provided a good foundation for workforce development.
“Community colleges are doing a lot of good work. Rowan College focuses on many key areas of the workforce,” noted Peacock, “and I wanted to provide support.”
The Peacock Family Scholarship bestows a $500 scholarship annually to a qualified full-time, first-year student majoring in any nursing or allied health degree. Students who successfully complete their first year are eligible for an additional $250 during their second year. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a 250-word essay describing why they are deserving of the scholarship and their future academic plans. Preference is given to first-generation college students and applicants with financial needs. The scholarship may be applied to tuition, books, or educational fees.
“We are very grateful to the Peacock family for their contribution to the College, the workforce, and the community,” stated RCSJ President Frederick Keating. “This generous $15,000 gift is evidence of a true desire to aid students in their pursuit of higher education. The endowment will serve as a legacy to assist and inspire healthcare students as they work to improve the lives of others.”
“Our Foundation has been very fortunate during COVID with donors who have gone above and beyond to assist our students by supporting scholarship initiatives on our College campus,” added RCSJ Foundation and Alumni Relations Director Cody Miller. “It’s commendable that, after Mr. Peacock’s experience with getting a vaccination at our College megasite, he reached out to our office with a desire to help students impacted by the pandemic, and who are also pursuing a career in the healthcare field.”
