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Raritan Valley Community College adjunct faculty members Sherry Gerwer, Anita Petersen, and Keith Spero are the recipients of the 2025 Adjunct Excellence in Teaching Award, it was announced recently by the RVCC Foundation.

The adjunct faculty were nominated for the annual award—which recognizes their outstanding instructing—by RVCC students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The three recipients are each receiving $1,000, a gift made possible by a generous donation to the RVCC Foundation from Dr. Susan Primmer and Dr. Robert Harris.

Sherry Gerwer (Science & Engineering) was praised by a nominator, who wrote that “Professor Gerwer presents Anatomy and Physiology in a way that is both engaging and easy to relate to. I’ve learned far more than I expected to, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed the process along the way.”

Another nominator stated: “Professor Gerwer does everything she can to make sure her students excel. Although she is strict and sticks to the rules, she’s very helpful and tries to make sure everyone understands her classes. She tries to help with anything she can. She really cares about her students’ academic excellence!!”

Anita Petersen (Humanities, Social Sciences, Social Work and Education) was lauded by a nominator, who wrote that “Dr. Anita Petersen is a consummate professional. She is a supportive colleague and an exceptional instructor.” When a last-minute emergency led to the adjunct faculty member teaching additional Education courses, the nominator shared that “[Dr. Petersen] and the students had such a productive semester; when we met to discuss the term in January, I was so grateful for the detailed and specific notes that she shared with me about what was accomplished in each course and what happened in individual situations for certain students. This attention to detail and professionalism are two qualities that Anita infuses in every course that she teaches.”

Keith Spero (Business & Public Service) was praised by a nominator, who stated that “He goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels supported and empowered. From personalized feedback to mentorship beyond the classroom, Professor Spero shows a level of dedication that profoundly impacts student outcomes. His work directly supports the College’s mission of academic excellence, workforce readiness, and civic engagement.”

A student wrote about him: “I had the pleasure of having Professor Spero for two supply chain courses. His attention to detail and presentation of the course material provided me with a thorough understanding of Inventory and Purchasing Management. I’ve already applied many lessons in my role at a global logistics provider.”

A nominator wrote: “Professor Spero has played a pivotal role in organizing supply chain conferences in partnership with the Business Department, helping to build strategic industry relationships and expand professional networks for both students and faculty. These efforts not only elevate the program’s visibility but also contribute to students’ career readiness by connecting them directly with employers and business professionals in the field.”

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May 8, 2025

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383