A night of stars: CCP celebrates 60th anniversary in style at Rhythm and RISE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2026

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

Philadelphia’s own Patti LaBelle made Rhythm and RISE a night to remember

PHILADELPHIA — Philly music icon Patti LaBelle received a Lifetime Achievement Award at Community College of Philadelphia’s Rhythm and RISE celebration emceed by WHYY’s Cherri Gregg. The event, which commemorated CCP’s 60th anniversary as the City’s College, took place Tuesday, June 9, on the College’s Main Campus. Mayor Cherelle Parker also provided remarks at the event.

“I am truly honored to receive this most prestigious honor from Community College of Philadelphia!” Patti LaBelle said. “Everything I’ve tried to build in my life began with the people who believed in me here in Philadelphia, long before I believed in myself. And to the students here just beginning your journey, may you discover the people who believe in you, and may you become someone who believes boldly in yourselves.”

During the celebration, CCP President Dr. Alycia Marshall said she was honored to be the seventh president of an institution that has proudly served approximately 800,000 students since opening six decades ago.

“For more than six decades, Community College of Philadelphia has expanded opportunity and created pathways to economic mobility for individuals, families, and communities across our city,” Dr. Marshall said. “From growing enrollment and expanding academic and workforce programs to opening Regional Centers and advancing flexible learning options, each milestone reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are and preparing them for success. As we celebrate this moment, we honor a proud legacy while looking ahead to an even greater impact for Philadelphia’s future.”

CCP students were at the forefront of the evening’s festivities, including student artwork on display, a live pottery wheel and other art demonstrations, hors d’oeuvres created by Culinary Arts students and served by Tourism and Hospitality Management students, and performances by Theater students. Live musical performances by CCP students and Vertical Current, led by past Artist in Residence Christopher Michael Stevens, took audiences through a musical journey of Philadelphia’s sound, past and present. Philly’s own DJ TouchTone set the energy for the night.

Activations also included an electric vehicle presentation by Automotive Technology students, keychains built by CNC Precision Machining Technology students and robot arms and conveyor belts demonstrating the tools used in CCP’s Electro-Mechanical Technology classes.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Patti LaBelle for her musical, entertainment, and humanitarian influence in Philadelphia, College leadership also presented awards to staff, faculty and alumni who demonstrate their dedication and unyielding support of our Philadelphia community. The awards and honorees were:

• RISE Alumni Achievement Award: Tia Watson, vice president of the Office of Advocacy, Public Policy and Legislative Affairs with the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia
• RISE College Hero Award: Bernard Rhodan, shipping and receiving clerk in the Business Services department of Community College of Philadelphia
• RISE College Hero Award: Dr. Terrilyn Hickman-Allen, associate professor and department head of Behavioral Health/Human Services at Community College of Philadelphia

Proceeds from Rhythm and RISE directly support student opportunities through the Dr. Alycia Marshall Seventh President’s Fund. Contributions can be made at ccp.edu/give60.

The celebration of CCP’s 60th anniversary will continue throughout the calendar year and will include the official inauguration of Dr. Alycia Marshall as the College’s seventh president on Oct. 9.

Rhythm and RISE was made possible with the generous support of our sponsors: Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, Julian and Lois Brodsky | Julian A. and Lois G. Brodsky Foundation, Jefferson, Kelly Family Fund, Parx Casino, Follett Higher Education Group, Penn Medicine, Comcast NBCUniversal, Independence Blue Cross, Rhonda and David L. Cohen, Harold T. Epps and Bellevue Strategies, Morgan Lewis, Mosaic Development Partners, Pincus Family Foundation, Mindy M. Posoff and Marlene L. Olshan, Allied Universal/Universal Protection Services, Brian Communications, Brown’s Super Stores, Inc., The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill College, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, The Honickman Family, PECO, OIC Philadelphia, Philadelphia Parking Authority, PRWT Services, Inc., Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Siebert Williams Shank & Co. LLC, Tuttleman Foundation, Haverford Systems, Holy Family University, Palmer Waterproofing, and Scotlandyard Security Services, Inc.

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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.