Newsroom
May 1, 2026
Say “Yes” to Everything: Illi Germain’s Story
Illi Germain came to CCP after completing City Year Philadelphia and finding an interest in teaching. “City Year transformed my life,” they said. "I was like, okay, education is so important...I could see myself teaching, and I miss being a student.” Now, Illi is graduating from the College and set to attend Arcadia University on a full-ride scholarship as a Social Action and Justice Education Fellow.
May 1, 2026
For a Second Year, Five CCP Students Selected as Jack Kent Cooke Semifinalists
Every year, select Community College of Philadelphia students are honored with the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a highly selective, national program for community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities.
April 30, 2026
Preparing to Tell the Stories of Others – Johnathan Davila
Johnthan likes to stay busy. He works full time as an assistant head of engineering at a Marriot hotel while being a full-time student. He also served an intern in Multimedia Services (MMS), where he learned skills that complemented his degree in Communication and Media Studies. Graduating with Highest Honors, Jay learned about the College by chance and decided to return to education after a decade-long hiatus.
April 30, 2026
Defining Excellence on the Court and in the Classroom – Leah Brown
Leah Brown is graduating magnum cum laude with a degree in Biological Sciences, and her accomplishments co-captain of the volleyball team
April 30, 2026
From All Angles: Rich Rodovalho’s Story
Rich Rodovalho started working in construction when he was 19 years old building homes and other developments for national builders like Toll Brothers and Ryan Homes. After he felt like he had a strong understanding of the development side of the AEC industry, he wanted to see how far he could expand his knowledge. Now, Rich is graduating from CCP with an associate degree in Architecture and is set to attend Columbia University to complete a 4+1 program, where he will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a master’s degree in Real Estate Development.
April 30, 2026
Creating Options for the Future – Ronald Williams
Earning a Liberal Arts degree, Ronald is looking to begin a bachelor’s degree program in the fall to pursue a degree in Political Science and Africana studies. Graduating with Honors, Ronald has been accepted to Temple, La Salle, Drexel and Arcadia, and is waiting to hear from Rutgers – Camden, Swarthmore, Haverford, Howard and Princeton. The college campus and financial aid packages will help him decide on his next institution.
April 30, 2026
Starting a New Career in a New Country – Faith Mutsambiri
Graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Nursing, Faith is ready to enter the workforce and plans on enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in Nursing next fall. Originally a journalist, Faith relocated to Philadelphia from Zimbabwe. The importance of her career choice was influenced by a tragedy in her life—both of her parents passing away from cancer. The range of clinical rotations she completed as a student helped her realize an office environment is a preferred career area.
April 29, 2026
Driven by research: Melek Ercan
After Community College of Philadelphia’s Commencement Ceremony on May 2, Biology student Melek Ercan has big plans. To start, she will be participating in the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP), a highly competitive summer research program. She has also applied to Princeton University and is awaiting a response.
April 29, 2026
2026 Commencement Speaker: Jessica Dobney
Graduating with highest honors, Jessica Dobney is a full-time Criminal Justice student, a contributor to the Vanguard student newspaper, a Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society member, a student delegate and alternate for several committees on CCP’s Student Government Association and works a full-time job at McDonald’s. She is also an intern for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the College's City College for Municipal Employment program. In the little free time she has, Jessica volunteers with CCP, at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and with Drexel University, assisting with Narcan research. Jessica’s involvement has made her a known name and face on campus and this year, she is proud to be selected as the student speaker at CCP’s 60th Commencement ceremony.
April 29, 2026
Combining Education and Service – Jessiyah Taylor, Catto Scholar
Earning a degree in Business Leadership, Jessiyah Taylor didn’t consider higher education at first, but she arrived at CCP after hearing about the College from her friends.
April 29, 2026
Finding Her Breath: Indeea Fields’ Path to Respiratory Therapy
Indeea Fields found herself at CCP after first attending Albright College for Early Childhood Education. “I felt like I just kind of went just so I could say I was doing something,” she said. “And then I came home, took a year off and just started doing like random [prerequisites] for Health Care studies.” During her first year at CCP, her nine- month-old niece came down with RSV, giving Indeea her first peek inside the world of respiratory therapy. Now, Indeea is graduating from the College and heading off to take her board exams and become a practicing respiratory therapist.
April 29, 2026
The Value of Education: Daniel Emdin’s Story
For Daniel Emdin, Community College of Philadelphia helped him find a way to link his passion for the sciences with his passion for public service. While he has always recognized his love of science and service work, it was his experiences at CCP that helped him realize a way to blend the two. “During my time at CCP, I've had the chance to get myself out there in the community, specifically community service work or being a servant leader,” Daniel said. After graduating from the College, Daniel plans to continue his education and eventually work to become a physician policymaker so he can help patients while also shaping the essential systems that help marginalized communities.