2021 - 2022 President's Report

2021-2022 President's Report

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Improving Student Outcomes Inside and Outside the Classroom

Academic initiatives, support services, and unique learning opportunities are giving our students the access, knowledge, and guidance they need to excel along their educational and career paths.

Celebrating Commencement 2022

The College was able to safely celebrate in person this year on May 7, 2022, giving our graduates the opportunity to share their accomplishments with family, friends and the CCP community. This commencement marked the first in-person ceremony since 2019.

Celebrating Commencement 2022

Class of 2022

See the stories of a few proud 2022 graduates

Kenya Brown
Kenya Brown
Health Care Studies
Aye Kalle
Aye Kalle
Architecture and Interior Design

Ahmad Mitchell
Ahmad Mitchell
Class of 2022 Student Speaker, Culinary Arts
Natalya Topova
Natalya Topova
Medical Laboratory Technician
Nataniel Gordon
Nataniel Gordon
Gateway to College


“Whatever your situation is, don’t give up on your education. Education will give you what you need in life. Your education is your key–never give up on your education.”
– Aye Kalle, Class of 2022

Growth and Success through Academic Programs and Support Services

Our new degree and certificate programs are developed to meet student and workforce needs, and lead our graduates into competitive industries or further study. Here are some of our new offerings:

Helping residents stay in school and overcome barriers to completion, such as housing and food insecurity and financial difficulties, works to bring stability to students, their families and Philadelphia. We offer dozens of services that help students achieve their higher education goals.

Single Stop connects students to health insurance, food resources, free tax preparation, legal aid, financial education and child care.

Single Stop
Single Stop

Single Stop Stats

Providing the Programs that Get Students Ahead

Innovative initiatives and partnerships enable students to earn degrees early and easily pursue additional degrees after graduation.

In collaboration with the city, students from area schools are getting an associate degree along with their high school diploma through dual enrollment programs, saving them time and tuition dollars.

Providing the Programs that Get Students Ahead

New Transfer Agreements Expand Educational Options

Students graduating with a Biology degree can pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) through a new agreement with Jefferson College of Pharmacy, creating an accelerated pathway that saves students 1.5 years in their educational journey.

A program-to-program transfer partnership with Rowan University will help STEM and other degree graduates move into four-year programs and take advantage of research opportunities, as well as increase the number of underrepresented students in STEM fields.

Thomas Jefferson and Rowan University

New Experiential Learning Opportunities Excite Students


Penn’s Singh Center for Neurotechnology
Saxbys Café

Colin Bakum, Michael Geraghty and Anton McFadden are the first students to participate in the Neuroscience internship at Penn’s Singh Center for Neurotechnology. This paid summer experience enabled interns to work with Penn faculty and grad students, present research projects, and attend a conference.

A new Saxbys Café on Main Campus, led by students Nysair Brooks and Imira Roussaw, both Catto Scholars, allows them to earn money while in school and receive business training and experience through the Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform. The entire café is student-run!


Ruth Naomi Floyd
NBCU Academy

In addition to the opening of a new music studio for students and Spring Garden Records artists, our new Artist in Residence program has chosen Ruth Naomi Floyd to work with students and provide additional knowledge that will help aspiring musicians succeed in the business. As part of the residency, running through June 2023, Floyd will participate in guest lectures, performances, masterclasses, and panel discussions, as well as complete a release for Spring Garden Records.

This year, the College joined the NBCU Academy, which provides journalism training and scholarships to students pursuing Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Video Production or Network Administration. The goal of the project is to create awareness of career possibilities within media, and demonstrate how students can make a difference in their diverse communities.


Spaces that Meet Student Needs

Providing collaborative areas for classes and student groups, individual study rooms, and featuring computers and video equipment for academic work, the new Library and Learning Commons is a space that also houses tutoring and other support services.


Library and Learning Commons

Joining Dr. Jill Biden to Announce Federal HEERF Funds

This past July, Dr. Generals joined First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to announce more funds would be awarded to help community college students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Student Tracie Johnson also spoke about having her balance paid by the College. Since the pandemic began, the College decided to use about $4.15 million in HEERF funding to forgive outstanding balances for 5,400 students.

Record-breaking Black and Gold Gala

While honoring notable citizens who have made significant contributions to education and the city, the 2022 Black and Gold Gala raised more than $800,000 in support of scholarships and student initiatives.

Black and Gold Gala
Black and Gold Gala
Black and Gold Gala

2022 Awardees

Kenneth and Faatimah Gamble
Community Hero Award:
Kenneth and Faatimah Gamble
co-founders, Universal Companies
Michael Forman
Corporate Leadership Award:
Michael Forman
chair and CEO, FS Investments
Alfred T. Samura
Alumni Achievement Award:
Alfred T. Samura, MD
Cooper University Health Care

Scholarships Support Student Success

More than 100 scholarships assist students in paying for their education while at the College, or in a bachelor’s degree program after graduation.

The Octavius V. Catto Scholarship is a collaborative effort with the City of Philadelphia to pay costs not covered by financial aid, allowing eligible first-time, transfer and former CCP students to get a degree debt-free.


Octavius V. Catto Scholarship

PROGRAM IMPACT

Almost 970 Catto scholars since Jan. 2021

Students from first cohort eligible to graduate in May 2023

Read about a few of our scholars


“Being part of the Catto Scholarship has been one of the best things that has happened to me. It has really helped me and my future with school.”
– Iraida Sanchez, Catto Scholar

The Jack Kent Cooke (JKC) Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a national award given to a select number of students for academic excellence. Tahara Garrison-Brown received this prestigious honor in May 2022, becoming the eighth scholar from the College to achieve this recognition.


JKC Benefits

Tahara Garrison Brown
“Overall, I feel that my experience at CCP has given me a great foundation for nursing school at a four-year college, and I couldn’t be more excited for this journey.”
– Tahara Garrison Brown, JKC Scholar

To assist students in paying for their education and receiving work experience, the College and FS Investments announced a new scholarship and internship program in July 2022, which will cover tuition costs and provide paid internships for two students each year.

There’s Power in Leadership:
Celebrating Faculty and Staff Successes

This academic year has been filled with numerous recognitions of our faculty and staff in the community and around the College.
Donald Guy Generals, Ed.D.

College President Donald Guy Generals, Ed.D., was selected by the School District of Philadelphia’s new superintendent, Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr., as co-chair for his Transition Team, where he will assist in setting priorities for the new administration. Dr. Generals was honored as a recipient of the 2021 Standout College President/Chancellor Award by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for the College’s outstanding work completed under his leadership, and was elected to serve on the American Association of Community College’s Board of Directors.

This year, Dr. Generals showcased his stance on improving the city as a power influencer and leader. His additional accolades include:


Dr. Faye Allard
Dr. Shannon McLaughlin Rooney
Carol de Fries
Dr. Alycia Marshall

Dr. Faye Allard, department head of Social Sciences, associate professor of Sociology, was selected as the 2022 Lindback Award winner for excellence in teaching.

Dr. Shannon McLaughlin Rooney, vice president, Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications, was named to the Class of 2022 for the AGB Institute in Leadership and Governance for Higher Education.

Carol de Fries, vice president, Workforce and Economic Innovation, and Franne McNeal, executive director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, were named 2022 Women of Distinction by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Dr. Alycia Marshall, vice president, Academic and Student Success, was selected for the Aspen Institute College’s Rising Presidents Fellowship for Community College Excellence Program.


Melissa Altman-Traub
Megan Barbano Maxwell
Melissa Fogg
Dr. Laureen Tavolaro-Ryley

Melissa Altman-Traub, associate professor, Allied Health, was awarded a diversity grant from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Megan Barbano Maxwell, director, K-16 Partnerships, was accepted into the 2022 National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships Leadership Academy.

Melissa Fogg, director, Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center, was named one of City and State PA’s Philly 40 Under 40.

Dr. Laureen Tavolaro-Ryley, the Independence Foundation Chair for Nursing, received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University.

Strategic Communications Winners

The Strategic Communications division was awarded four Medallion Awards at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 1 Conference:

  • A Gold award for its CCP branded pizza box designs
  • A Silver award for a Catto Scholars print advertisement
  • A Bronze award for the electronic/web-based 2020–2021 President's Report
  • A Bronze award for the Roarchella Festival poster
Gateway to College, which helps out-of-school students from Philadelphia, 21 and under, earn their GED and college credits, received a 2022 Graduation Achievement Award from Achieving the Dream for exceeding the #GatewayToCollege graduation benchmark.

Fighting for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ensuring that the College community feels safe, seen and heard is a top priority, and initiatives this year have continued our efforts to educate and support faculty, staff and students.

New Pillar Prioritizes DEI

This year, we added the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion pillar to the College’s Strategic Plan, which will serve to help us equitably grow and impact our important work at the College and within Philadelphia. DEI training sessions were also held this year for faculty and staff to further our College-wide conversations and actions.

Enough Is Enough Educates Community

Enough Is Enough Educates Community

Our Enough Is Enough series continues to feature expert speakers from the College and community to inform and educate faculty, staff, and student attendees on important topics, such as:

  • Reproductive Freedom: Whose Choice Is It?
  • Understanding Redistricting and Gerrymandering
  • Taking a Stand Against Anti-Asian Hate
  • Hunger and Racial Equity

Engaging in our Communities

Community College of Philadelphia is much more than an institution of higher education. We are a beacon of hope in our community and for the entire City of Philadelphia. Here’s how we are shaping our students both in and out of the classroom.
Getting Involved to Get Out the Vote
Offering Housing for Students in Need

Getting Involved to Get Out the Vote

#CCPVotes celebrated National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 20, 2022, with local leaders, including Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and Philadelphia City Commissioner Omar Sabir. Launched in 2018, #CCPVotes educates students about their rights as citizens and how to make their voices heard through the electoral process.

Offering Housing for Students in Need

The College hosted a ribbon cutting for its Shared Housing Program in partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) on April 13, 2022. This initiative provides low-cost apartments for housing insecure students at the College, with a focus on students who have experience in the foster care system.

Student Projects Interpret the Present by Contextualizing the Past

Seven installations constructed by CCP students are on display at the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) as part of the Building Knowledge and Breaking Barriers (BKBB) exhibit. The research project involved CCP faculty and PHS staff.

Explore the Student Research projects.



Developing the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

Developing the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

The first cohort of the City Council Fellowship program, facilitated by Malika Rahman and Elizabeth Canapary, assistant professors of Criminal Justice, was held in summer 2022. The program is open to Honors students and College students studying Criminal Justice, Black Studies, and Liberal Arts.

As City Council Fellows, students work directly with Philadelphia city councilmembers’ offices attending and planning events, completing projects, and learning about career paths in government. Upon completion, students also earn three college credits.

“To say that the Fellowship has created lifelong relationships and opened many different opportunities would be an understatement. This program has awarded me friendships and connections with individuals that I never knew existed. I have met an abundance of genuine and supportive people within my time in City Hall, and a lot of the coursework I've learned in my major of Criminal Justice was directly applied within this program. From experiencing City Council meetings in person to interacting with a Councilmember, the fellowship was more than I could have asked for.”
– Payton Poulterer, Criminal Justice major

Ending Student Hunger on Campus

Since its official creation in 2017, the College’s Food Collaborative has been addressing student hunger through our Snack Rack and Grady’s Garden. Through the combined efforts of our support services, faculty, and staff, we have been able to support more than 2,800 students by providing more than 8,735 meals.

Ending Student Hunger on Campus
Ending Student Hunger on Campus

Provided by the Food Collaborative

 
Ending Student Hunger on Campus
 

Free meals and snacks for students and their families

Fresh produce

Education in sustainability and self-sufficiency

Empowering Women at the College

The College’s Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center (WOAC) is tasked with addressing the academic, social, emotional and personal needs of female students on campus. In March 2022, the Center welcomed its new director, Melissa Fogg, who will use her experience as a social worker, educator, and community organizer to engage and assist students.

Meet Pulitzer Prize Winner Luis Suave Gonzalez

Meet Pulitzer Prize Winner Luis “Suave” Gonzalez

Luis “Suave” Gonzalez, the first support coach for the College’s I Am More Reentry Engagement program, is tasked with supporting students who are navigating life after being involved in the criminal justice system. Luis sees this work as his life’s calling, but he’s also an artist, storyteller, Tedx speaker and host of the “Death By Incarceration” podcast.

“Suave,” a podcast detailing Luis’ life during and after serving more than 30 years in prison, won a Pulitzer Prize for audio recording in May 2022. Luis discussed this major win, what brought him to the College and how he uses his experiences to support others with backgrounds like his own.


Strengthening the City’s Economy

The College serves as a pivotal part of our city’s—and region’s—economy. Learn more about how we are preparing our students to enter high-paying careers, empowering small businesses and doing our part as the City’s college.

Ushering in a New Era of Career Readiness

The College officially opened its highly anticipated Career and Advanced Technology Center in August 2022. Located in West Philadelphia, the state-of-the-art teaching and learning facility offers associate degrees and certificate programs designed to introduce Philadelphians to the transportation, manufacturing, and health care industries.

With a focus on career readiness, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning, the CATC is bringing community building and career training to the forefront of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.

Ushering in a New Era of Career Readiness

“The programs offered at the CATC will usher in a new era of shared prosperity for the city of Philadelphia—one where pursuing a postsecondary credential is more accessible, obtainable and affordable.”
– College President Dr. Donald Guy Generals

Measuring the Impact of a CCP Degree

Since its founding, the College has been a major driver of economic value for the City of Philadelphia. The education and training provided by the College leads alumni to earn higher wages, as well as increase productivity of the businesses that employ them. Our graduates are not the only ones who benefit from an investment in a CCP education. Every resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania benefits.


Measuring the Impact of a CCP Degree

Supporting Philadelphia’s Small Business Community

Power Up Your Business Lifts Up Entrepreneurs

Since 2017, the College’s Power Up Your Business program has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia region. This free, 12-week peer-based learning program provides small business owners with training, coaching, and targeted technical assistance to grow their business, boost revenue, and make an impact in their communities.

In May 2022, the program welcomed Tiffany Spraggins as its new executive director. Tiffany joined the College from The Enterprise Center, where she was the project director of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Mid-Atlantic Region Small Business Transportation Resource Center (MA-SBTRC).


Power Up Your Business
Power Up Your Business
Power Up Your Business

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program Guides Growth

The College announced Frances “Franne” McNeal as the first Black executive director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program (10KSB) in March 2022. Launched in 2009 by Goldman Sachs and the Goldman Sachs Foundation, the 10KSB program is designed to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to education, financial capital, and business support services for free.

“In my 10 years with the 10KSB program, I've been able to help more than 700 businesses gain the confidence and competence to ‘make small big’ for their business and their community. As the new executive director, I'll work to advance the recognition of small businesses by showcasing the success of our 10KSB alumni, ensuring the continued excellence of the program itself and strengthening partnerships with our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem."
– Franne McNeal, executive director, 10KSB
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program

Commercial Truck Driving Program

Paving the Way to an In-demand Career

Our Commercial Truck Driving program in partnership with Ancora Education launched in July 2022, in response to the significant shortage of truck drivers and severe impact on the nation’s supply chains. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $50,340. Participants in this 160-hour program can earn their CDL license in as little as four weeks.

Enjoying Life on Campus

Student clubs and organizations deliver a different learning experience for students and enable them to enhance their leadership and team-building skills, which support them well after they leave the College.
Roaring with Lion Pride
Roaring with Lion Pride

Athletics: Roaring with Lion Pride

The men’s and women’s basketball teams enjoyed the thrills of a stellar athletic year. The men’s basketball team advanced to the NJCAA DIII National Championship, ending with a 20-7 record. The women’s team finished second in the Conference and sixth in the Region, with an overall record of 8-16. Additionally, each team celebrated Azori Edwards and Ryan Holmes being selected as Player of the Year, as well as those who secured positions on the EPAC DIII First Team All-Conference basketball teams.

See how the College and students celebrated and cheered on its CCP Lions Basketball team.

Center for Male Engagement (CME)

Center for Male Engagement (CME): Helping Students Achieve Their Academic Goals

Our talented support coaches work with male students of color to make them aware of the resources available to them at the College, help them adjust to a college environment, and help them balance their academic and personal responsibilities. The annual Summer Enrichment Program offers workshops and a stay at a regional college campus to build a foundation for success.

The CME also co-hosted an expungement and pardon clinic and block party in summer 2022 for the community and their families.

Read about CME participant Leroy Brown

The event saw:

340+ Attendees

158 Participants received pardon assistance


Leroy Brown
“I love everything about this program; they have done so much for me. CME kept me on a narrow path to getting my associate degree. It was the discipline factor to block the distractions.”
– Leroy Brown, previous CME member

Fun in the Sun: Outdoor Student Engagement Activities

The College returned to in-person learning and welcomed students back to campus with exciting events that brought the noise and the CCP Lion Pride!

Roarchella
Black and Gold Bash
Octavius V. Catto Scholarship

Students enjoyed Roarchella, a springtime mesh of colors, great vibes and music, complete with live lip-syncing battles, games and food.

Students were welcomed to the fall 2022 semester with the Black and Gold Bash, which featured fun activities, snacks, giveaways and music. CCP representatives from various student support offices lined the Courtyard to raise awareness of available helpful resources.

Catto Scholars were invited to the summer Catto Family Reunion to hang out with Catto staff on campus, and meet new and returning scholars while celebrating their accomplishments.


Made in America
Family Fun Day
My Broken Language

The College was an official sponsor for the annual Made in America music festival, which occurred just blocks away from Main Campus. To encourage early course registration, 10 students were awarded tickets to attend the two-day festival in September 2022.

A Family Fun Day was hosted by the Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center, who invited students, CCP faculty and staff, and their families to Main Campus in fall 2022 for an afternoon of outside activities, children’s entertainment, and family-related resources.

And an engaging virtual offering, too: Quiara Alegría Hughes, West Philadelphia native and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, joined the CCP community for a virtual reading and discussion of her critically acclaimed memoir, My Broken Language. The event kicked off the College’s 37th annual International Festival.

Student Government Association Advocates for All

SGA officers represent our student body and serve on committees around the College to effect change and create awareness about student needs.


Fall 2021–Spring 2022 Officers

Ahmad Mitchell, President
Jawaad Benson, First Vice President
Justice Passe, Second Vice President (*Fall 2021 – March 2022)
Yolanda Brutley-Dugger, Senator-at-Large/Main Campus
Christopher Brinkley-Pridgen, Senator-at-Large/Main Campus)
Tyree Roney-Brown – Treasurer and All PA Academic Team Transfer Scholarship winner
Barnabas Morris – Senator-at-Large (Main)
Tyree Roney-Brown – Treasurer and All-PA Academic Team Transfer Scholarship winner
Rob McLaughlin – Marketing/Events and Collegiate Keystone PA News Media Awards, Second Place – Editorial
Prince Lounpea Zenneh – Senator-at-Large (NERC)
Abigail Thomas – Recording Secretary
Issa Kabeer – Senator-at-Large (Main)

Student Government Association co-advisors: Dr. Jeff Markovitz and Jenavia Weaver

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Recognizes Academic Achievement

Recognizing students for their academic excellence, PTK offers scholarships and transfer assistance. More than 170 students were inducted to the honor society for the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters.

Executive Officers 2021–2022

Yusra Ali
Kevin Ethridge
Ramon Gonzalez Charlestream
Leen Elamin

PTK co-advisors: Diane Brisbon, Dr. Sarah Iepson and Jenavia Weaver

The Vanguard Student Newspaper Keeps the Community Informed

Our dedicated student reporters and editors produced new issues of The Vanguard remotely throughout the pandemic, tackling timely and relevant topics. See what our students have been covering, and get more details about these recent awards:

2022 Collegiate Keystone PA News Media Awards

Angelique Bacha – First Place – Feature Story
First Place – Diversity
First Place – Public Service/Enterprise Package
Second Place – News Photo
Breana Bree Brown – First Place – Diversity
Leila Franklin – First Place – Ongoing News Coverage
Melissa Lushington – First Place – Ongoing News Coverage
Robert McLaughlin – Second Place – Editorial
Angela Reyes – First Place – Diversity
Najah Thompson – First Place – Public Service/Enterprise Package
Korey Williams – First Place – Feature Photo and First Place – Photo Story

2022 Editorial Board Members

Angelique Bacha, Managing Editor
Korey Williams, Managing Editor
Najah Thompson, Associate Editor
Leila Franklin, Business Manager

Vanguard advisor: Eva Blackwell

See all of the students honored for their contributions to CCP clubs and organizations.

Operating and Capital Expenditures

Operating and Capital Expenditures

Operating and Capital Revenues

Operating and Capital Revenues

Ajeenah Amir
Ronald Bradley, Jr.
Morgan Cephas
Hugh Patrick Clancy
Rob Dubow
Harold T. Epps, chair
Chekemma J. Fulmore-Townsend
V. Steve Herzog
Sheila D. Ireland, secretary
Tyrell McCoy
Rosalyn J. McPherson, vice chair
Mindy M. Posoff
Michael Soileau, vice chair
Dominique B. E. Ward, Esq.
Jeremiah J. White, Jr.


Honoring Our Retirees

The College recognizes the commitment of our hardworking faculty and staff, particularly those who retired this year. We thank them for their service to the College, our students and our community.
Stewart Avart
William Bull
James Cochran
Ruby Colbert
Waverly Coleman
Claudia Curry
Kathryn Dutkiewicz
Ralph Faris
Joyce Garozzo
Barry George
Anne Greco
Vera Green
Mary Griffin
Samuel Hirsch
Rick Hock
Carolyn Holmes
Diane Kae
Allan Kobernick
Randy Libros
Karl Liljedahl
Maria Littles
Bernard Marrow
Quyen Ngo
Mildred Savard
Michael Skiendzielewski
Rayvon Sneed
Aretia Sojourner
Margaret Stephens
Margarita Vargas
William Vogel
Jeanne Wertheimer
Francie Woodford

In Memoriam

The College honors those members of our community we lost during the 2021-2022 academic year. We are grateful for their invaluable contributions to the College and to our students. Any omissions here are inadvertent.
Brandee Allen
William Askins
Martha Bernstein
Paul Bonila
Dayenu Clark
Bettie Davis
Sharon Eiferman
Charner Jeter
Esther Luppino
Lawrence McCarty
William Paraschos
Stephen Reeder
Lillian Smith