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In 1986, following Jessamine Henderson’s tragic death, her friends came together to contribute time and resources to launch a scholarship fund in her honor. Henderson, a lifelong resident of Somerset County, worked tirelessly for adult education in both her professional and personal lives.

Recently, friends and trustees of the J.S. Henderson Memorial Adult Scholarship Fund met for one last annual dinner. The event was an opportunity to reflect back on 39 years of providing scholarships to 99 grateful beneficiaries.

And, in a generous effort to keep the scholarship going in perpetuity, its management and stewardship was transferred to the Raritan Valley Community College Foundation, along with a new endowed fund to ensure the scholarship’s permanent vitality. The board’s $129,228 donation has established the “J.S. Henderson Memorial Adult Scholarship at Raritan Valley Community College.”

“On behalf of the J.S. Henderson Adult Scholarship Fund Board of Trustees, we’re pleased to make this commitment to the RVCC Foundation to ensure the legacy of Jessamine Henderson—and her longtime advocacy of providing opportunities to adults for continuing their education—carries on in perpetuity,” said Dr. Andrew J. Manno, President of the J.S. Henderson Adult Scholarship Fund Board of Trustees.

The RVCC scholarship, designed for adults age 25 or older, is geared toward those looking to begin their higher education, return to school to continue their education, explore a new career path, or gain additional training. Applicants must be a resident of Somerset or Hunterdon County, demonstrate the need for financial aid, and show that they are serious about pursuing a career-related program of study.

“Raritan Valley Community College is extremely grateful for this incredible stewardship opportunity. We thank the J.S. Henderson Foundation Trustees, along with Board President Dr. Andrew Manno, for the honor of keeping Jessamine’s legacy going in perpetuity and for all the lives it will touch in the years ahead,” said Mike Marion, Executive Director, RVCC Foundation and RVCC Alumni Association.

For additional information about the J.S. Henderson Memorial Adult Scholarship at Raritan Valley Community College, or how to support the College and the work of the RVCC Foundation, contact Mike Marion at 908-648-8567 or michael.marion@raritanval.edu, or visit https://rvccfoundation.org.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2025

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

PR #9