Community College of Philadelphia Foundation
Giving Societies
Giving societies honor the history of the College and highlight the endless possibilities that the College’s programs offer students. Members of each giving society are listed in the Foundation’s Annual Report. Members of select giving societies also receive special recognition, mailings and invitations to events and activities.
Bonnell Society $1,000,000+
Allen T. Bonnell was the founding president of Community College of Philadelphia. Within six months of accepting this position, he organized academic programs, hired staff and secured a building for the College’s opening day on September 23, 1965. From that day when Bonnell welcomed 1,200 of the College’s first students to his retirement in 1983, Community College of Philadelphia experienced dramatic growth: student enrollment increased ten-fold; the number of academic programs grew from five to 52; and tens of thousands of Philadelphians gained access to affordable education. Today, the Bonnell Building is one of the most active on campus and is the location of the financial aid office, enrollment services and the learning labs.
Winnet Society $500,000 - $999,999
Judge Nochem S. Winnet was a dedicated friend of Community College of Philadelphia, the College’s first legal counsel and advocate from 1964 to 1990. Judge Winnet was heavily involved with the plans to choose and develop the College’s main campus on Spring Garden Street. On the College’s main campus, the Winnet Building is home to the Student Life Center, the Women’s Center and International Student Services.
In addition to his commitment to Community College of Philadelphia, Judge Winnet was an impassioned advocate for crime prevention and social reform. Similarly, the College enriches the economy of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and increases access to education for the region’s citizens. Community College of Philadelphia offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs that give students the resources they need to be work-force ready.
Capshaw Society $250,000 - $499,999
Community College of Philadelphia’s fourth president, Frederick W. Capshaw, devoted his life and career to advancing opportunities for the disenfranchised. His message was simple and clear: higher education should be a possibility for all, not a privilege for a few. When Dr. Capshaw passed away in June 1998, the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial mourned the loss of “A Champion of Hope.”
During his tenure from 1994 to 1998, Dr. Capshaw supported the creation of new transfer agreements and dual admissions programs with area colleges and universities, which are so important to Community College of Philadelphia transfer program graduates. Today, there are dual admissions agreements with eight colleges and universities in the region. When a student commits to earning an associate’s degree at the College and maintains a high grade point average, he or she is automatically admitted to a participating baccalaureate institution. And for these students, a scholarship is often available. The dual admissions program is a wonderful way for Philadelphia’s students to earn an advanced degree.
King Society $100,000 - $249,999
Trustee Emeritus Robert S. King, who served for 24 years as a trustee, including 12 years as chair of the board of trustees, was a passionate advocate for Community College of Philadelphia. In 1984, his labors were recognized with the establishment of the King Scholars Program, which provides two-year, full-tuition scholarships to honor students graduating from Philadelphia’s public and private high schools. Thousands of the City’s scholars have used these awards to begin their education at the College and transfer to baccalaureate degree institutions.
Wanamaker Society $50,000 - $99,999
Philadelphia native John Wanamaker is well-known for the department store which once bore his name. Wanamaker also is known for his commitment to the education of his employees; he viewed education as the gateway to earning a better living. First known as the John Wanamaker Commercial Institute, the Wanamaker Institute has been an important supporter of Community College of Philadelphia. Each year since 2001, the Institute has funded the Wanamaker Scholars program to provide free, short-term training to about 100 select students in automotive technology, computer technology, and health-related career opportunities. The Wanamaker career programs help advance the College’s mission to provide Philadelphia residents with the knowledge and skills to achieve their educational and professional goals.
Pathways Society $25,000 - $49,999
Community College of Philadelphia truly is the path to possibilities. There are numerous avenues by which students can advance themselves through higher education and earn a degree. For many students in Philadelphia, Community College of Philadelphia helps pave the way for professional success. The College is an important resource for the City. It offers high quality education and instruction, prepares students for educational and career transitions, and readies a new pool of skilled graduates to add new talent and abilities to the local economy and life of the City.
To date, an estimated 125,000 credit students have transferred to another college or university within one year of leaving Community College of Philadelphia, and 90% of 2005 graduates reported that they were satisfied with their preparation for transfer.
Mint Society $10,000 - $24,999
In 1891, the United States Congress authorized the construction of the third U.S. Mint at 17th and Spring Garden streets. The Mint Building is an impressive space with a lobby of Italian marble, a gold mosaic vaulted ceiling, and seven glass mosaic wall panels. In the late 1960s, the Mint moved to a facility near Independence Mall, and in 1972 the building was turned over to Community College of Philadelphia. In the Mint Building, which was once a testament to America’s strength and courage, hundreds of thousands of students began to arrive in 1973 to build their futures through education. The Mint Building is now home to the library, the Gateway to College program, and the Office of the President.
Scholars Society $5,000 - $9,999
Through its many academic programs and services, Community College of Philadelphia offers students opportunities to learn and grow. In its more than 40 years as the largest public institution of higher education, the College has recognized countless student scholars who have achieved in both academic and community endeavors.
Community College of Philadelphia graduates go on to achieve great things. Robin Mackintosh (1967) is a local reporter for CBS 3; Kate Hetherington (1972) serves as president of Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland; Ollie Johnson (1969) enjoyed a ten-year career in the NBA and is currently the Director of Athletics here at Community College of Philadelphia; and Paul Gluck (1973) is an Emmy award winner and Executive Director of the Kal and Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Services at Drexel University.
Rotunda Society $1,000 - $4,999
The Rotunda located in the College’s Mint Building, is a space that originally displayed valuable coins from the Mint. The ceilings still depict scenes from the gold rush. With its magnificent chandelier, the Rotunda is a familiar gathering space for students and the entire College community to experience special events, performing arts groups and student art shows.
Ambassador Society $500 - $999
Student Ambassadors can be seen everywhere on campus: conducting tours for guests and prospective students, assisting with College events, and offering help wherever it is needed. Select students become Student Ambassadors, but every Community College of Philadelphia student is an ambassador in their own right. Each student is an ambassador of the College to our City and region, and a testament to the top notch educational resources available at Community College of Philadelphia.
Snellenberg Society $250 - $499
Community College of Philadelphia was first located in the old Snellenberg department store at 34 S. 11th Street. To prepare for the College’s opening, debris was cleared from the eight-story building, and architects renovated the space into classrooms, offices, a food service area and student lounges. The Snellenberg Building was the sole location of the College for 17 years, during which time thousands sat in classrooms with scholars who loved teaching and had a gift for inspiring students eager to learn.
Blue and Gold Society $100 - $249
Blue and gold are the vibrant school colors of Community College of Philadelphia. And when students graduate from Community College of Philadelphia they move on with a bit of blue and gold still with them. The educational foundation that the College provides readies graduates for the road ahead, broadening their opportunities for employment and advanced academic work. Over half (68%) of graduates in transfer programs continue on to four-year institutions. The College’s dual admission program with eight institutions in the region also creates a seamless transition for students to continue their education and reach their goals. And 91% of 2005 graduates were working in Philadelphia within a year of graduation. Whenever a student achieves their dream, here or beyond, Community College of Philadelphia is always proud to have been a part of their success.
Horizons Society $1 - $99
Part of Community College of Philadelphia’s mission is to prepare students for becoming global citizens. Even at the local level, 80% of the fastest growing jobs will require education and training beyond high school. Community College of Philadelphia gives its students the resources to meet today’s challenges by creating a caring environment which is intellectually and culturally dynamic. To this end, the College encourages all students to achieve greater insight into their strengths, needs and aspirations; develop greater appreciation of their own cultural background and experience; increase awareness and appreciation of a diverse world where all are interdependent; and heighten curiosity and active interest in intellectual questions and social issues.