The Chamberlain Student Center buzzed with recruiters and free gifts on Friday, Sept. 19, as Rowan students met South Jersey businesses, discovering career opportunities, community connections, and even coffee rewards at the annual South Jersey Vendor Showcase. 

The showcase brought more than two dozen vendors to Rowan’s Glassboro campus, from grocery store recruiters to coffee roasters and beauty retailers. For students, it wasn’t just about the free samples and swag bag; it was a chance to learn what employers value, explore opportunities close to campus, and network with community-based businesses eager to connect. 

Carrie Neal and Debbie Schilling, both corporate recruiters for Zallie Family Markets, owners of ShopRite in Glassboro, stood behind a table stacked with information about part-time and full-time roles. While students picked up pamphlets, the pair emphasized the traits they value most in applicants.  

“Dependability, loyalty, and honesty. Those are some of the qualities that make a business successful,” said Neal.

Her co-worker, Schilling, added that qualities like those don’t just strengthen the team — they build lasting trust with customers. And sometimes, she said, it’s the little things that surprise students most about what ShopRite offers. For example, the Glassboro location even accepts Rowan Bucks, something many students didn’t realize. 

“It’s a great opportunity for them to know that we’re hiring and we’re close to campus,” said Schilling.

While ShopRite focused on jobs and convenience, other vendors leaned on different hooks to grab attention. Just a few feet away on the first floor, High Grounds Coffee Roasters, part of Death of the Fox Brewing Company, drew in passersby with the promise of coffee samples and giveaways. Jen Henson, operations director for High Grounds, said Rowan students are already central to their business, but the showcase allowed them to reach those who don’t often venture off campus. 

“We love having Rowan students, and many of them already come in to study and grab a cup of coffee. But being here, we get to meet some of the students who might not know us,” said Henson.

That mix of familiar faces and fresh introductions was a theme throughout the showcase, where national chains and local businesses alike strived to make a lasting impression.

A few tables over, Ulta Beauty‘s bright display was hard to miss. With rows of samples from brands like Drybar, Peach & Lily, and Buxom, the table stayed busy from start to finish as students stopped to ask questions, try products, and get a sense of the brand’s presence on campus. 

“We’re really excited to be here again for a second year in a row. The opportunities are beautiful, as Ulta Beauty would say. We hope this event reminds students that we’re just around the corner,” said Emily Jackson, experience manager at Ulta Beauty in Glassboro.  

Her enthusiasm was echoed by students exploring the showcase, many of whom were discovering new local businesses for the first time. Apple Ignacio, a sophomore accounting major, stopped by the Ulta Beauty table, eager to explore potential opportunities.

“I came because I wanted to see what local businesses have to offer and maybe some connections. It’s a great way to learn about jobs and internships close to campus, ”said Ignacio. 

The excitement from students like Ignacio could be felt throughout the Chamberlain Student Center, where rows of vendors drew curious attendees from every corner. Not far from the Ulta Beauty table, Virginia Messik, 18, a freshman biological science major, was weaving through the small crowd, scanning the booths for something that caught her eye.

“I just wanted to see what local businesses are out here and maybe find something useful for me. I especially like the yoga and wellness booths. They seemed fun and a good way to de-stress between classes,” said Messik.

By the end of the South Jersey Vendor Showcase, both students and businesses walked away with valuable connections. Vendors connected with the campus community, sharing information about products, services, and employment, while students gained insight into local businesses beyond Rowan University. 

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