For Immediate Release

Contact: Anthony Twyman
Public Relations Coordinator
Community College of Philadelphia
Office: (215) 751-8082
atwyman@ccp.edu

Student Leaders At Community College Of Philadelphia Receive Prestigious Academic Honor

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 14 2003 – Two Community College of Philadelphia seniors, Ntokozo (“Kozee”) Mbhele and Deborah Reed, both of center city Philadelphia, have been nominated to the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, a national initiative of Phi Theta Kappa, a prestigious honor society for students of community college. A committee selects inductees based on academic scholarship, leadership ability, and other criteria. Academic Team students who choose to attend a state four-year school upon graduation from Community College of Philadelphia receive a full scholarship to that school.

A team of Phi Theta Kappa officials selects the All Pennsylvania Academic Team based on the students’ applications, transcripts, a 500-word essay, and letters of recommendation. Community College of Philadelphia’s President Stephen M. Curtis will join the students in Harrisburg on April 14 where they will be honored by legislators, with other members of the Team.

Ntokozo, or “Kozee”, Mbhele will graduate from the College this May with an associate degree in liberal studies, and a concentration in international studies. During her career at the College, Mbhele was President of the International Student Organization and served as the President of the Student Government Association. She also has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the track team. Mbhele also works as a mentor for the Peer Academic Program, (P.A.L.), an after school tutoring program. “I am so grateful for all the opportunities the College has extended to me in my time here.” Mbhele says. She will attend West Chester University in the fall where she will major in International Studies.

Deborah Reed will graduate in May with an associate degree in business science, and technology. Currently, Reed is Vice-President of Phi Theta Kappa, and President of the Community College American Association of Women. Reed also is a member of a student focus group held at the College’s Women’s Center, and serves as student ambassador.

Reed’s academic accomplishments include making the National Dean’s List for Junior Colleges, and being recognized as a “Who’s Who” in American Junior Colleges.

While attending the College, Reed established the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, an organization that encompasses all religions. On May 9, Reed will speak for the organization, Women Against Abuse, the only women’s shelter in Philadelphia that offers aid to abused and battered women.

“The College has done so much for me.” Reed says. “When I first began, I was reluctant to become involved in any activity, let alone participate in a leadership role. I owe all my leadership skills to the College.”