60 Years of CCP Celebrated at Rhythm and RISE

Honorees, including legendary entertainer Patti LaBelle, music and art were some of the highlights of Rhythm and RISE on June 9, which brought guests together at the Main Campus to benefit student success. Guests entered the event on a yellow carpet, greeted by student paparazzi photographers and friendly faces. They also had the opportunity to see students in action with a live painting demonstration, students throwing on a pottery wheel, hors d'oeuvres created by Culinary Arts students and served by Tourism and Hospitality Management students and flash theater performances.

“Anniversaries invite us to look back with pride, but they also challenge us to look ahead with purpose,” said Dr. Marshall, president of the College. “As I reflect on the College's legacy, I am reminded that our story is not ultimately about buildings, programs or enrollment growth. It is about people.” And the event celebrated exactly that: the people that make up the CCP community.

For the students who participated in the event, being able to show off the skills they’ve developed at CCP was a highlight. “Having the opportunity to perform at the gala was both exciting and meaningful,” said Hailee Augustus, CCP Theater student. “It gave me a chance to reflect on how much I've grown through the Theater program and to see firsthand the community of people who believe in supporting the arts and the students pursuing them.”

Another Theater student, Yerancy Acevedo, finished the evening feeling proud of herself and her scene partner for their performance. “I was a little nervous for our Shakespeare scenes, but even feeling jittery I was able to go up and proudly say my lines with my scene partner,” she said. “The event itself ran smoothly, and the best part was dancing on the dance floor toward the end.” Students were grateful to be able to celebrate themselves and each other throughout the evening.

For Jennifer Brooks, a Photography student who participated in the event, bringing positive energy to guests upon their arrival was a highlight. “I was out on the yellow carpet hyping people up, and seeing everyone’s excitement, confidence and full runway energy made the whole night feel alive,” she said. “The vibe was great, and you could tell everyone was having a blast.”

A recent graduate, Rhythm Soto, performed a live painting demonstration throughout the night. In addition to the demonstration, Rhythm also had a few original paintings on display along with other student artwork. Some of the artwork was available for purchase, and both pieces that Rhythm created were taken off the market quite early into the evening. “Honestly, I was overwhelmed with gratitude to hear both my paintings were immediately purchased,” Rhythm said. “I met the woman who purchased my ‘City Hall’ painting, and all I could say was ‘thank you.’”

Another focal point of the evening was celebrating the four honorees who have contributed greatly to the College’s mission. One of the RISE College Hero Award recipients, Dr. Terrilyn Hickman-Allen, associate professor and department head of Behavioral Health and Human Services at CCP, discussed the importance of community. “I believe deeply in the idea of rise’ability,’ not just the ability to rise, but the conditions that help people grow,” she said. “Just like seeds need good soil and sunlight, people need encouragement, opportunity and community to thrive.” Dr. Hickman-Allen has benefited from the support of her community here at CCP and in turn has given the same support right back to her colleagues and students over the years.

The College is proud to celebrate these honorees. In addition to Dr. Hickman-Allen, Ms. Patti LaBelle, award-winning entertainer, author, entrepreneur and humanitarian, was honored with the RISE Lifetime Achievement Award; Tia Watson, vice president in the Office of Advocacy, Public Policy and Legislative Affairs at Urban League of Greater Philadelphia, was honored with the RISE Alumni Achievement Award; and Bernard Rhodan, Shipping and Receiving clerk in Business Services at CCP was also honored with the RISE College Hero Award.

Rhythm and RISE, the College’s 60th anniversary celebration event, supported Dr. Alycia Marshall’s Seventh President’s Fund. More information about the fund is available online.