College / University Presidents Will Kick-Off Community College of Philadelphia's 40th Anniversary

PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 10, 2004 - Community College of Philadelphia will host "Creating Destinies Through Higher Education: A Presidential Perspective," an educational symposium featuring five area college/university presidents, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark S. Schweiker, and Pennsylvania Economy League CEO David Thornburgh. The symposium kicks off the College's yearlong 40th anniversary celebration themed, "40 Years...Creating Destinies." A reception featuring an exhibit of the history of Community College of Philadelphia in the College's Rotunda Gallery follows the symposium.

Thornburgh moderated a panel discussion among former Gov. Mark Schweiker, Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia, Camden County College; Dr. Happy Fernandez, Moore College of Art and Design; Dr. James P. Gallagher, Philadelphia University; Dr. Ivory V. Nelson, Lincoln University; and Dr. Constantine Papadakis, Drexel University.

The symposium will address a variety of issues pertinent to the future role of higher education in economic and workforce development. "The wealth and range of experience on the panel will ensure a lively panel discussion," said Stephen M. Curtis, President of Community College of Philadelphia.

Community College of Philadelphia opened its doors September 23, 1965 to 1,200 students after the State Board of Education approved its application. Today, the College serves more than 40,000 students each year at its Main Campus, three Regional Centers and various community sites. According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, the College is the largest institution of higher education in the Philadelphia region, providing much-needed services to Philadelphians. The College is also the only public institution of higher education in Philadelphia. For additional information, visit the College's 40th anniversary web page at http://www.ccp.edu/site/40th/.

Panelists available for interview

Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia, President, Camden County College: Della Vecchia leads New Jersey's largest community college and has proven her administration to be highly responsive to the workforce and economic development needs of Camden County. Under her leadership, Camden County College constructed its new Camden Technology Center in Camden, NJ.

Dr. Happy Craven Fernandez, President, Moore College of Art and Design: A former Philadelphia City Council member, Fernandez serves on many boards and advisory committees. As a relentless advocate for public school students, she founded the Parents Union for Public Schools, the Children's Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and the Powelton-Mantua Education Fund.

Dr. James Gallagher, President, Philadelphia University: Gallagher was appointed by former Governor Mark Schweiker to the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, which was charged with the academic and financial reform of Pennsylvania's public school system. He also has chaired the Pennsylvania State Board of Education and was Commissioner for Higher Education.

Dr. Ivory V. Nelson, President, Lincoln University: During his 30 years in higher education, Nelson has had a strong record of community involvement. He has an extensive history of higher education administration experience including roles as Department Head, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Vice President for Research. Today, he leads on of the oldest and most historic African American universities.

Dr. Constantine Papadakis, President, Drexel University: Papadakis has actively used the strengths of Drexel University (including cooperative education, a focus on technology and the resources of its location) to double full-time enrollment from 4,500 in 1996 to more than 9,000 today. He also tripled freshman applications and lead the University's endowment to grow from $90 million to $435 million and research funding from $14 million to $85 million.

Mark S. Schweiker, President, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce: Under Schweiker's leadership, a comprehensive national and international marketing effort has been underway to attract new business to Greater Philadelphia. He was a leader in the field of American education during his tenure as Governor and also created a stronger business climate in Philadelphia.

David Thornburgh, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League: Under Thornburgh's leadership, the Pennsylvania Economy League has worked closely with the public and private sector to improve the region's economy and the performance of its governments. The League has assisted regional leaders benefit from the changes in the health care economy, improve regional workforce development, support arts and culture, develop a more competitive tax policy, and increase the impact of its colleges and universities.