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Raritan Valley Community College graduates Jenna Douglas, Stephanie Spies, and Leilani Rose have been named the recipients of RVCC’s 2025-2026 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Presented by the College and the RVCC Foundation, the Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes living alumni for their exceptional professional successes and/or civic leadership within their local community, across the state, or beyond. A nominee’s academic accomplishments, service to RVCC, and personal triumphs are also considered.

Jenna Douglas (Class of 2017)

Jenna Douglas graduated summa cum laude from RVCC’s Honors College in 2017 with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts–Social Science. While at RVCC, Douglas was actively involved with both the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and Rotaract; received the Nota Bene Academic Achievement Award; served as a Student Ambassador; and also participated in the Asha Project in Nepal, where she helped distribute school supplies to students in remote villages. Douglas then transferred to Georgetown University, graduating magna cum laude. While there, Douglas served as a leader in Georgetown’s Alternative Breaks Program, coordinating community-based service experiences focused on social justice education and student engagement. After graduating, Douglas worked on Capitol Hill as an education public policy and advocacy intern, informing Congressional staff about educational disparities. Douglas continued serving the Washington, DC community as both a mentor and English-language instructor for ELL learners. Next, Douglas joined the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program, where she designed and delivered strategic learning experiences that equipped K-12 leaders with the necessary tools to advance equity and improve student outcomes. Douglas’ career then led her to becoming a Strategy & Transformation Consultant at Deloitte Consulting, where she supported institution-wide transformations for colleges and universities. In 2023, Douglas was selected as a Fulbright Scholar, serving as an English Teaching Assistant in La Rioja, Spain.

Stephanie Spies (Class of 2014)

Stephanie Spies graduated from the RVCC Honors College in 2014 with an Associate of Science in Business Administration. She then transferred to William Paterson University, where she double-majored in accounting and financial planning. Spies began her career as a financial planner at Modera Wealth Management in 2017 and is now a Senior Financial Advisor and Principal at the firm. Her position involves educating her clients about retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, risk management, and investments. In addition to her work with Modera, Spies works as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University, educating the next generation of financial planners. Outside of work, Spies has served on various committees both inside and outside of her profession, including her role as board treasurer of The Princess Program STEM, a California-based nonprofit that seeks to encourage young girls to enter STEM-related fields. In its first year, The Princess Program STEM has reached over 2,000 young girls across the country through various STEM-related activities. Spies gives back to RVCC whenever she can, frequently serving as a panelist for career exploration and mentorship events focused on educating RVCC’s business students.

Leilani Rose (Class of 2019)

Leilani Rose graduated from RVCC in 2019 with an Associate of Science degree in Digital Media/Film Studies. While at RVCC, Rose served as President of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, leading the chapter to win multiple regional awards. For her efforts, she was honored with the College’s Distinguished Club President Award. Rose then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies at the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies. A first-generation college graduate, Rose began her professional career with First Street Foundation and helped launch the first publicly available flood risk data platform in the United States, now known as Risk Factor. Rose transitioned into healthcare advertising, where her work earned recognition by PM360’s Greatest Creators. Rose is currently the co-owner of Envision Health and Fitness and founder of Elume, focusing on bringing health and wellness to her local community. Rose has spent years serving her community as both an EMT and volunteer firefighter and holds certifications in Yoga Teacher Training and as a Certified Nutrition Coach. Additionally, she helped run the Spreading Smiles initiative at Chabad of Hunterdon, delivering care packages weekly to sick and elderly community members. Rose is also an active member of the Jewish Business Network of Hunterdon.

For additional information about the Distinguished Alumni Award, the RVCC Foundation, or the RVCC Alumni Association, contact Executive Director Mike Marion at michael.marion@raritanval.edu or 908-648-8567.

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

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December 5, 2025

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