Celebrating 60 Years
Community College of Philadelphia is celebrating its 60th anniversary throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. Since 1965, generations of Philadelphians have attended CCP in pursuit of their academic and career goals. In its inception, Community College of Philadelphia's purpose was to serve as a local, affordable alternative to four-year colleges. Through the decades, the institution has become so much more: a strong start to a bachelor’s degree, training for a career change and workforce development, a destination for international students, and a place for community learning.
Looking ahead, CCP will continue to challenge and prepare students to rise from within, paving the way for a stronger Philadelphia with opportunity for all.
Here, you will find stories, social media highlights and 60th anniversary-themed events that help us remember and honor our history while looking forward to the future. We hope you’ll join us in this yearlong celebration!
60 for 60: 60 Years, 60 Stories
Scroll through the stories below to share in 60 years of success at CCP.
Roary’s Cubhouse Gives Student Parents a Place to Study While Their Children Play
In 2025, the College opened Roary's Cubhouse so parents could feel welcome and accommodated on campus. We encourage all student parents to schedule a session in this new family-friendly space.
Read the full story
Alum and Former Athletic Director – Ollie Johnson
Retired NBA player Ollie Johnson got his start at CCP, and later returned to the College as assistant director of Athletics. He took on a wide range of roles throughout his career, all with the central goal of giving students the same positive experience he had at CCP.
Read Ollie's story
The ‘linked destinies’ of teachers and students
2025 Lindback Award winner Njemele Tamala Anderson believes it is her responsibility to teach students empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world—not just a lesson plan.
Read Njemele's story
Q&A with Dr. Brian McCloskey, President of Chestnut Hill College
Once a CCP student, President of Chestnut Hill College, Dr. Brian McCloskey, says the College is where he discovered his abilities as a student, learned to push his limits, and ultimately became inspired to embark on a 35-year teaching career.
Read Dr. McCloskey's story
Nursing Student Day Honors CCP Nursing Students for More Than 30 Years
Every year, the College honors nursing students and the role they play as caregivers in our community.
Read about Nursing Student Day
CCP’s 2025-2026 Artist in Residence: Mikel Patrick Avery
Mikel Patrick Avery is an artist who finds freedom in translating ideas across a wide range of mediums. Working with CCP students, he hopes to inspire a new generation of musicians to create without limits.
Read Mikel's story
CCP instructor Sosena Solomon selected as a 2025 Pew Fellow
Adjunct Instructor Sosena Solomon is a filmmaker whose documentaries explore changing communities and cultural landmarks across Africa. Recognized by leading institutions nationwide, she is now being honored as one of this year’s Pew Fellowship recipients.
Read Sosena's story
Foundations of Success: Joe Morris’ Journey from CCP to Health Care Leadership
Joe Morris is a testament to the impact that CCP students have made for 60 years. A member of the College’s first graduating class, his career reached impressive heights and had a major influence on health analysis and administration throughout the region.
Read Joe's story
A Future in Welding: Sequoia Alldun’s Story
Now an apprentice welder at the Navy Yard, Alumna Sequoia reflects on career opportunities ahead and the program that helped her get on the fast track to employment.
Read Sequoia's story
Passing on a Tradition: Valerie and Louise Lanzetta
Looking for an affordable education, this mother-daughter duo chose CCP. Now thriving in their careers, Valerie and Louise Lanzetta talk about their experience at the College.
Read Valerie and Louise's story
Celebrating Longtime Faculty and Staff at the College
Supporting students and building lifelong careers—meet the faculty and staff who recently celebrated 40 years at the College.
Read their stories
A Place to Land Safely: Sierra Akers, CCP Alum and Diversity Fellow
Behavioral Health and Human Services alumna Sierra Akers reflects on the community she built , the connections she treasures and the resilience she gained through her work at the College.
Read Sierra's story
CCP Student Adriana Lopez Sanchez on the Pride of Learning a New Language in a New Country
Adriana Lopez Sanchez moved to Philadelphia in 2022 to learn English and create new opportunities for herself and her son. This December, she will graduate with an associate degree in accounting, demonstrating the rewards of resilience, determination and the courage to begin again.
Read Adriana's story
World Renowned Artist Remembers Their Roots
Jonathan Lyndon Chase is an interdisciplinary, Philadelphia-based artist who works in painting, video, sound and sculpture to depict queer Black love and community amid the backdrop of urban and domestic spaces. They are also a proud graduate of Community College of Philadelphia.
See how CCP helped shape Jonathan's path
Staging Connection: Quinn Eli on Leading CCP’s Theater Program
Playwright and Assistant Professor Quinn Eli shifted from the English Department to the Theater Department to keep the program running through the pandemic. Working with students in this new way, he appreciates the realism and creativity of students who don't wait for permission to make their vision come to life.
Read Quinn's story
Advancing Student Learning and Architecture: Ariel Vazquez
This story highlights the work of assistant professor of Architecture, Ariel Vazquez, who is an alum of the College and working to enhance student success within the Architecture, Design and Construction program.
Read Ariel's story
A Family Legacy at CCP: Maria Cabrera’s Story
This personal story highlights the transformative effect the College continues to have on families throughout Philadelphia.
Read Maria’s story
CCP’s Summer Study Abroad Programs Inspire Learning and Growth
Back after a hiatus due to the pandemic, the College’s study abroad programs provide students the opportunity to broaden their horizons. Learn more about one student’s trip to Ghana this summer.
Explore study abroad
Student-produced Play Showcased in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, a First for CCP
The College’s contributions to the city’s arts and culture scene continue to grow, and include an exciting first-ever appearance in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival this year.
Learn more about “Miz Prophet Tells All”
Jason Barnes: CCP Alum and Medium and Heavy Truck Technology Instructor Fosters More Than Fleeting Connections
This story shines a light on one of our newer, innovative programs, and the powerful impact alums have on students when they return to CCP as faculty and instructors.
Read more of Jason's story
Join us in celebrating our 60th graduating class!
Featured Event
Commencement | Saturday, May 2, 2026 | The Liacouras Center
Get excited—Commencement is almost here! This year's Commencement exercise marks a significant milestone: We are celebrating our 60th graduating class. We are excited to welcome Cherelle L. Parker, the 100th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia and the first woman to hold the office, as our 60th Commencement keynote speaker. Check out the 2026 Commencement webpage, where we’re celebrating our graduates!
60 Seconds With CCP’s Leaders, Learners and Visionaries
Here’s why we love CCP… In 60 seconds or less!
Valerie Jalicke and
Louise Lanzetta
Alums
Class of '08 and '20
Class of '08 and '20
Joe Morris
Alum
Class of '67
Class of '67
MB Gallagher, Ph.D.
LGBTQ+ Coordinator
Sierra Akers
Diversity Fellow
Behavioral Health/Human Services Program
Behavioral Health/Human Services Program
Rosanna Fails-Kahn and
Timothy Kahn
Alums
Class of '08 and '98
Class of '08 and '98
Mikel Patrick Avery
Artist in Residence
2025-2026
2025-2026
Support 60 More Years of Opportunity
Recognize 60 years of impact by making a gift. Help CCP students rise for the next 60 years!
Thank You to Our 60th Anniversary Sponsors
Julian A. and Lois G. Brodsky Foundation
Hamilton Family Foundation
Hamilton Family Foundation
Rhonda and David L. Cohen
Bellevue Strategies
The Honickman Foundation