(Camden, NJ) – Camden County College named the learning theater in the Camden Conference Center in memory of Freeholder and legendary educator Riletta Twyne Cream.
“I had the privilege to serve on the Freeholder Board with Riletta Cream and have firsthand knowledge of the passion and dedication she put into everything she did,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Edward T. McDonnell, liaison to Camden County College. “Whether it be improving educational opportunities as an educator, or improving county facilities in her role as freeholder, Riletta Cream had a strong and lasting impact on Camden County and its residents.”
A native of Camden City, Riletta Twyne Cream devoted her time, talents and energy to improving education in the city working as a teacher, supervisor and elementary school principal before serving as the principal of Camden High School from 1972 to 1987.
She continued to champion Camden’s students after her retirement from education by establishing the Riletta Cream Scholarship Fund in 1989. The scholarship supported the higher education goals of students from Camden, Woodrow Wilson, Brimm Medical Arts and Creative Arts High Schools.
In 1994, she was appointed to the Camden County Board of Freeholders, a position she held for five consecutive three-year terms. She served as a liaison to the Department of Buildings and Operations as well as the Department of Education.
Upon her retirement from the Freeholder Board in 2011, she donated the remaining monies of the scholarship fund, totaling more than $104,000, to the Camden County College Foundation to benefit students throughout Camden County. The established endowment ensures that the Riletta Cream Scholarship Fund will continue in perpetuity.
“To acknowledge the contributions of this champion of education, legendary principal and dedicated public servant, Camden County College is proud to honor her legacy with the naming of the Riletta Twyne Cream Learning Theater,” said Camden County College President Donald A. Borden. “Since 2011, the Riletta Cream Scholarship Fund has provided scholarships to 32 Camden County College students from across the county. Her gift will continue to provide educational opportunities for Camden County College students for years to come.”
At her passing, Freeholder Cream left a bequest to the Camden County College Foundation, totaling more than $97,000, to support the Foundation’s efforts to bring affordable and accessible education to all students in Camden County.
The dedication also served as the official launch of the Camden County College Foundation’s Bricks to Buildings fundraising campaign. From placing an engraved brick on campus to naming a building, a sponsor can leave a lasting legacy and provide for students.
The 1800-square-foot Riletta Twyne Cream Learning Theater contains 175 seats and can be used for lectures, graduation ceremonies and special events at the college. It is also available for private event rentals. For more information, please visit www.camdencc.edu
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Former NFL star Vance Johnson shared his inspirational story of hope and courage with students at the Blackwood and Camden Campuses of Camden County College on February 26. Johnson rose to the top of the NFL in the late 80’s with the Denver Broncos and then fell from grace and almost died from his struggle with alcohol and opioid addiction. His message “Hope after Dope” is aimed at inspiring individuals to become champions on and off the field.
