About the Chamberlain Medallion

The Drs. Mark and Barbara Chamberlain Medallion Award is named in honor of two individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment to education left a lasting impact on Rowan University. 

Dr. Mark Chamberlain, Rowan University’s fourth president, led a period of significant institutional growth and transformation, helping shape the university into a comprehensive institution serving a broad range of students and disciplines. He was known not only for his leadership, but for his enduring identity as an educator who believed deeply in the power of teaching and student development. 

Dr. Barbara Chamberlain, a dedicated nurse, educator, and member of Rowan’s Board of Trustees, exemplified a lifelong commitment to service, learning, and student support. Her career in health care, military service as a U.S. Air Force Reserve nurse, and leadership within the nursing profession reflected a deep and sustained investment in the well-being and advancement of others. 

Together, their legacy reflects a shared belief in education as a vehicle for opportunity, leadership, and meaningful contribution—values that continue to be reflected in the recipients of this award.

Chamberlain Medallion Recipients

2026 Recipient

Ronald A. Ngwashi, MBA/MS Finance 

Mission-Driven Finance | Social Impact Strategy | Community Development 

Ronald Ngwashi is a dynamic finance professional and social impact strategist whose work blends financial acumen with a deep commitment to community development. As an MBA and MS Finance Fellow, Ronald has led initiatives that connect financial strategy with meaningful, measurable impact across nonprofit and community-based organizations. 

His Fellowship portfolio includes spearheading the development of a 501(c)(3) foundation to support adults with disabilities, designing engagement strategies for community revitalization efforts, and building data-driven models to strengthen nonprofit partnerships. Across each initiative, Ronald demonstrates a consistent ability to translate analytical expertise into purpose-driven outcomes. 

With a background in engineering and global nonprofit leadership, Ronald brings a uniquely interdisciplinary and mission-oriented perspective to his work. His contributions to the MBA community, combined with his commitment to using finance as a tool for social good, reflect the very best of what this award represents. 

“This recognition is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects not only academic achievement, but also the relationships, mentorship, and sense of community that shaped my Rowan journey. Through the MBA and MS Finance programs, I grew as both a professional and a person, and I will carry forward a lasting commitment to leadership, service, and meaningful impact.” 

2025 Recipient

Vestine Gahimbare, MBA 

Finance | Sustainability | Global Leadership 

Vestine Gahimbare is an accomplished finance professional with global experience across banking, renewable energy, and financial services. Throughout her time in the MBA program, she demonstrated a strong commitment to both academic excellence and active engagement within the Rohrer College of Business community. 

Vestine immersed herself fully in the MBA experience, leveraging resources across the College to support her professional growth while also contributing to the broader community. She launched her own entrepreneurial venture, built connections with prospective international students, and consistently sought opportunities to strengthen the visibility and reputation of the Rowan MBA. 

Her global perspective, leadership initiative, and dedication to community-building reflect the qualities this award is designed to recognize. 

“My MBA journey at Rowan was both transformative and deeply meaningful. I had the opportunity to give back to undergraduate students as a guest speaker on entrepreneurship and its connection to sustainability, support peers at career fairs, and challenge myself through the RU Innovative Challenge. Receiving the Medallion is truly an honor and reinforces my commitment to purposeful, impact-driven leadership.”  

2024 Recipient

Dan Connor, MBA 

Technology Leadership | Systems Thinking | Community Engagement 

Dan Connor is a technology professional and software implementation leader whose MBA experience was defined by consistent engagement, academic excellence, and meaningful participation in the MBA community. 

Balancing career, family, and graduate studies, Dan maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively participating in MBA events, networking opportunities, and College initiatives. He was often among the first to engage with peers and contributed to creating an environment of connection and collaboration within the program. 

Dan’s willingness to explore new areas of study, combined with his steady presence and commitment to the MBA community, exemplifies the spirit of this award. 

“A stand-out factor was the ability to prioritize in-person or online courses interchangeably, which helped fit an MBA into my life. Since graduating I’ve valued the importance of staying curious and being conscientious. Receiving the Chamberlain Medallion provides great pride and the motivation to continue engaging within the RCB community.”  

2023 Recipient

Amelia Gonzalez, MBA 

Leadership | Service | Community Impact  

Amelia Gonzalez is a leader whose MBA journey reflects a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and community engagement. With a professional background spanning corporate roles and military leadership in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Amelia brought a strong sense of purpose and discipline to her graduate studies. 

Throughout the MBA program, she actively engaged with peers and contributed to RCB initiatives through leadership and involvement. Her role as a mentor and leader extended beyond the classroom, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting others in achieving their goals. 

Balancing her professional responsibilities, military service, and family life, Amelia exemplifies the dedication, resilience, and community focus that define this recognition. 

Inspired by her own experience as a Medallion recipient, Amelia went on to establish and fund a new Medallion, the Amelia Gonzalez Medallion for Military Service and Trust, recognizing outstanding student service members to honor leadership and commitment in the military community.  

“My MBA experience was incredible! I focused on Organizational Leadership and Data Analytics in my MBA studies with Rowan University, and that has absolutely helped my career trajectory both at Comcast and the NJARNG. Receiving the medallion surprised me! I always want to give anything I do 110%, but to be recognized by my mentors was emotional and empowering. It has stayed with me to this day, and it motivated me to make a medallion of my own that is given to Rowan University students annually.” 

2022 Recipient

Lauren Kirk, MBA  

Banking Leadership | Relationship Management | Community Engagement 

Lauren Kirk is an experienced banking professional whose career spans more than two decades in financial services. During her time in the MBA program, she demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and meaningful engagement within the College of Business community. 

Her leadership experience in commercial credit, risk assessment, and relationship management reflects a deep understanding of both financial systems and client-centered strategy. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lauren has shown a dedication to mentoring, community involvement, and continued contribution to the field. 

Her combination of experience, leadership, and commitment to growth embodies the values recognized by the Chamberlain Medallion Award. 

"Choosing the Rohrer College of Business for my MBA was an easy decision due to its meaningful social impact. A highlight of my experience was receiving the MBA Medallion Award at the May 2022 commencement. I value academic excellence and building lasting professional relationships."