Community College of Philadelphia hosts 60th Commencement Ceremony to honor Class of 2026
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2026
Contact:
Antwon R. Martin
armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu)
267.666.7881
Community College of Philadelphia hosts 60th Commencement Ceremony to honor Class of 2026
The College celebrated 1,968 graduates during this year’s Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2
PHILADELPHIA – Community College of Philadelphia hosted its 60th Commencement Ceremony today in the Liacouras Center on Temple University’s campus, honoring CCP’s 1,968 graduates.
Marking the 60th anniversary of the College, this year’s keynote Commencement speaker was Cherelle L. Parker, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. Mayor Parker is a former public school teacher, a state legislator who headed the Philadelphia delegation, and member of Philadelphia City Council, where she represented the 9th District and rose to become majority leader. She is the 100th mayor of the City of Philadelphia and the first woman elected to lead the city.
Graduates, their families, and their loved ones also heard from College President Dr. Alycia Marshall, College Board of Trustees Chair Harold T. Epps, interim provost and vice president of Academic and Student Success Dr. Lisa Sanders, and Class of 2026 student speaker Jessica Dobney.
During her remarks, Dr. Marshall applauded the graduates for their perseverance and encouraged them to continue their journeys.
“How you succeeded in overcoming doubts and barriers is a template for your next challenge and your next victory,” Dr. Marshall said. “Through your studies, you have learned how to balance responsibilities, set priorities, address conflicts and know sacrifices are worth the end result. You have learned, and have demonstrated, how to rise from within.”
Categories: 60th Anniversary
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Roary’s Cubhouse Gives Student Parents a Place to Study While Their Children Play
In October 2025, CCP unveiled a new study space made specifically for student parents/caregivers, a project meant to increase belonging and help more students succeed. Located in the Library and Learning Commons on Main Campus, Roary’s Cubhouse is equipped with study materials, desks, and computers for students and toys, games, child-safe furniture, and more for children.
“Roary’s Cubhouse represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to supporting student parents and caregivers,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, president of Community College of Philadelphia. “This new family-friendly study space is designed to empower students with children to pursue their academic and career goals while managing the responsibilities of parenting. We created this space to provide comfort, connection, and a sense of community—for our students and their young children.”
Parenting students at CCP no longer have to choose between study time and caregiving responsibilities. Students can reserve this space online to use whenever they are on campus.
Alum and Former Athletic Director – Ollie Johnson
From a student athlete at CCP and Temple to a career in the NBA, where he played for the 76ers among other teams, Ollie Johnson returned to the College in 1991 as the assistant director of Athletics, where he had the opportunity to help students acquire the same skills at CCP that had shaped his journey. As part of the 1969 CCP championship team that won both the Eastern Pennsylvania Community College Athletic Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Junior College Conference, Ollie honed his leadership and teamwork skills while at the College.