Student activations, community mixtape take center stage at CCP’s Rhythm and RISE 60th anniversary celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2026

Contact: 
Antwon R. Martin
armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu)
267.666.7881

Rhythm and RISE is June 9 in CCP’s Athletics Center Gymnasium

PHILADELPHIA — Community College of Philadelphia’s 60th anniversary celebration would be incomplete without the students who work so hard to achieve their academic goals while balancing life, work, extracurriculars, family, and so much more. CCP is proud to announce the student activations that attendees can enjoy at the Rhythm and RISE celebration on June 9 in the CCP Athletics Center Gymnasium on the College’s Main Campus.

The night’s guest of honor will be award-winning entertainer, author and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle. The music superstar and Philadelphia native will be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for her musical, entertainment, and humanitarian influence in Philadelphia.

WHYY’s Cherri Gregg will keep the action moving as emcee, helping set the tone for a celebratory evening. Cherri Gregg is co-host of “Studio 2,” WHYY’s flagship local news program that airs live Monday through Thursday at noon on WHYY 90.9 FM and streams on YouTube. She is also creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning Good Souls Project, WHYY’s effort to highlight individuals and organizations making a positive impact on the region.

The event will include student activations that highlight music, visual arts, culinary arts, pottery, theater, automotive technology, CNC precision machining technology, electro-mechanical technology, and more. In addition to student involvement on the day of the event, our community is generating the Rhythm and RISE mixtape by submitting songs to our community playlist.

Live musical performances by students and former CCP Artist in Residence
Students and artists with the College’s in-house music label, Spring Garden Records, will take audiences through a musical journey of Philadelphia’s sound, past and present. The CCP Jazz Ensemble will play throughout the night and attendees will hear from Vertical Current, led by past Artist in Residence Christopher Michael Stevens.

Student artwork on display

Works of art created by Art and Design majors will showcase the incredible talent and creativity of CCP students. When entering the Athletics Center, guests will see 2D pieces of varying sizes hung on the walls of the main corridor alongside 3D pieces displayed on pedestals. Some pieces will be for sale during the event.

Pottery wheel and painting demonstrations by students

During Rhythm and RISE, students and recent graduates will be performing live art demonstrations of both painting and ceramics practices. Rhythm Soto is a 2026 graduate and will be painting a landscape scene during the event. Students Natalie Gustafson and Sophia Shapiro will take turns throwing on the pottery wheel.

Hors d'oeuvre creations from Culinary Arts students

At the event, 10 students from the Culinary Arts program and 12 from the Tourism and Hospitality program will create and serve hors d’oeuvres to guests. Culinary Arts students will be preparing food and desserts from scratch the day before and assembling and preparing on the day of. During Rhythm and RISE, Tourism and Hospitality students will help with set up, greet guests, pass out hors d’oeuvres and assemble the dessert area.

Automotive Technology students build an electric vehicle

Students in the Automotive Technology program at CCP will take on an ambitious challenge: building a high‑voltage electric vehicle entirely from scratch. The hands‑on project immerses students in the same cutting‑edge technology reshaping today’s auto industry. What makes their work even more remarkable is that the vehicle they’re assembling is one of only about 400 of its kind in the world. For these students, it’s a rare opportunity to gain real‑world experience with advanced EV systems—experience that could help drive the future of transportation. Two students will be present with the kit car to show off their work and answer questions from guests.

Activations feature keychains crafted by CNC Precision Machining Technology students and mechanical arms from CCP’s Electro-Mechanical Technology program

Ahead of the event, CNC Precision Machining Technology students used tools at the College’s Career and Advanced Technology Center to make keychains featuring CCP and Rhythm and RISE iconography. Keychains will be available as give aways and attendees can view video of students in action during the event. Additionally, small robot arms and a conveyor belt will be on display to demonstrate some of the tools used in CCP’s Electro-Mechanical Technology classes.

Performances from Theater students

The Theater program will present 90-second “flash performances.” At three times during the evening, a student serving as Stage Manager will activate each performance with a brief auditory cue—a whistle, bell or chime. At that moment, students will emerge from the crowd, step onto a circular rug, and perform a high-energy, 90-second scene. The material will range from a Shakespearean exchange to an upbeat contemporary scene centered on life in Philadelphia.

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About Community College of Philadelphia 

Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For more than 60 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 750,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity. For information on the College's degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.