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.
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A lot has Changed in CCP’s Automotive Technology Program
Today, Jason Barnes is the instructor of Community College of Philadelphia’s Medium and Heavy Truck Technology program. But when he enrolled as a CCP student in the late 90s, the Automotive Technologies program looked very different. There wasn’t even a full-fledged Automotive Technology department back then—the program fell under the Physics department as part of Electrical Technologies.
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CCP Taught Me Everything: Monica Harmon’s Story
Monica Harmon, Community College of Philadelphia Nursing alum, is connected to countless nursing organizations and institutions across the city. She’s been working in the field for more than two decades now, but her journey in the field started here at CCP.
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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.
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Molding Rhythm and RISE: Natalie Gustafson, Live Wheel Throwing Demonstration
Natalie Gustafson is a Biology student at CCP with an interest in and talent for art. During Rhythm and RISE, she will be joining another student, Sofia Shapiro, on the pottery wheel, demonstrating live wheel throwing for guests to enjoy.
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Rhythm and RISE to Honor Alum, Faculty, Staff with Awards
At Rhythm and RISE, Community College of Philadelphia’s 60th anniversary celebration and fundraising event, members of the community will be honored with distinguished awards, recognizing their contributions to the College in different capacities. We are excited to present these awards to the following individuals to celebrate their hard work and dedication to bettering our community.
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Rhythm and RISE to Honor Student Talents with Several Activations
Meet the talented CCP students showcasing their work at Rhythm and RISE on June 9. From live musical and theater performances to interactive art, these students are highlighting the vibrant creative community at the College!
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Capturing Rhythm and RISE: Rhythm Soto, Live Painting Demonstration
Rhythm Soto is a 2026 CCP graduate and is coming back to campus on June 9 to participate in Rhythm and RISE, our 60th anniversary celebration. During the event, Rhythm will be give a live painting demonstration, creating a visual of the evening and capturing the spirit of our community.
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Engaging Rhythm and RISE: Yerancy Acevedo, Theater Activation
Yerancy Acevedo is a student in the Theater department at CCP and will be participating in Rhythm and RISE, along with other students in the same program. What she’s most looking forward to is showcasing her own and her classmates’ talents and giving attendees a peek inside their program.
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Wowing Rhythm and RISE: Hailee Augustus, Theater Activation
Hailee Augustus is a Theater student at Community College of Philadelphia and participating in Rhythm and RISE on June 9. She is excited to be a part of this event and showcase her own and her classmates’ talents.
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Seizing Rhythm and RISE: Jennifer Brooks, Student Photographer
Jennifer Brooks is a first-generation student at CCP and will be taking photographs of guests at Rhythm and RISE on June 9. Jennifer has always had an interest in photography and she’s looking forward to putting her skills to work at this 60th anniversary event.
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Visits from Political Figures Over the Years
Over Community College of Philadelphia’s 60 years, several notable politicians have visited campus to engage with students, faculty and staff on various topics, including the importance of access to higher education.
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Reflections from the Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership
Community College of Philadelphia’s Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership, known as the Institute, works to connect students, faculty and staff to on- and off-campus volunteer and civic engagement opportunities in Philadelphia.
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Felix Rosado: A Restorative Justice Story
Felix Rosado first began working with Community College of Philadelphia in 2023 when he was asked to join the advisory board for a new Restorative Justice certificate program. After a few months, it occurred to him that he was well-suited to assume a teaching role within the program as well. Now in its second cohort, the program offers students an opportunity to gain skills in building community, addressing harm through active accountability and healing.
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Congressman Dwight Evans
A proud CCP graduate, retiring U.S. Representative Dwight Evans was first elected to Congress in 2016 after serving as a state representative for 36 years. He became the first African American chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, serving in that role for 20 years.
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Bringing Together Voices from Generations of Lions
A reception for the 60th exhibit on March 31 brought faculty and staff, past and present, and alumni together for a look back at CCP through the years. Through audio clips, vintage CCP ads and materials from each decade of the College, attendees had the opportunity to take a look back at the institution’s history and see how we’re moving forward.
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CCP Honors 60 Years with a Historic Exhibition
On March 31, Community College of Philadelphia held an opening reception for a 60th anniversary exhibition honoring important history and milestones from the last six decades as an institution. The event was held in the Library and Learning Commons where guests mingled, enjoyed light refreshments and perused a collection of historical photographs, memorabilia, commercials and more. In attendance at the event were current and retired faculty and staff, as well as alumni, board members, and other friends of the College.
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Roary’s Cubhouse Gives Student Parents a Place to Study While Their Children Play
In October 2025, CCP unveiled a new study space made specifically for student parents/caregivers, a project meant to increase belonging and help more students succeed. Located in the Library and Learning Commons on Main Campus, Roary’s Cubhouse is equipped with study materials, desks, and computers for students and toys, games, child-safe furniture, and more for children.
“Roary’s Cubhouse represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to supporting student parents and caregivers,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, president of Community College of Philadelphia. “This new family-friendly study space is designed to empower students with children to pursue their academic and career goals while managing the responsibilities of parenting. We created this space to provide comfort, connection, and a sense of community—for our students and their young children.”
Parenting students at CCP no longer have to choose between study time and caregiving responsibilities. Students can reserve this space online to use whenever they are on campus.
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Alum and Former Athletic Director – Ollie Johnson
From a student athlete at CCP and Temple to a career in the NBA, where he played for the 76ers among other teams, Ollie Johnson returned to the College in 1991 as the assistant director of Athletics, where he had the opportunity to help students acquire the same skills at CCP that had shaped his journey. As part of the 1969 CCP championship team that won both the Eastern Pennsylvania Community College Athletic Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Junior College Conference, Ollie honed his leadership and teamwork skills while at the College.
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The ‘linked destinies’ of teachers and students
Educators and their students share a powerful link. That’s the teaching philosophy of Njemele Tamala Anderson, CCP alum and award-winning English teacher at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber. It’s an idea she shares when coaching new teachers.
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Q & A with Dr. Brian McCloskey, President of Chestnut Hill College
Dr. Brian McCloskey currently serves as Chestnut Hill College’s eighth president. He is a graduate of Community College of Philadelphia, earning his associate’s degree in Applied Science in Accounting in 1990. Read through the Q&A below to learn a little about his time at the College and his journey to becoming President of Chestnut Hill College.
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Nursing Student Day Honors CCP Nursing Students for More Than 30 Years
As Community College of Philadelphia celebrates its 60th anniversary, the College’s Department of Nursing hosted a CCP staple that has honored Nursing students for more than half of the institution’s history. The Nursing Student Day, held every fall semester, dates back more than 30 years.
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CCP’s 2025-2026 Artist in Residence: Mikel Patrick Avery
The Community College of Philadelphia and Spring Garden Records 2025–2026 Artist in Residence is Mikel Patrick Avery, a percussionist, composer/improvisor, filmmaker, photographer, and designer of modern pedal and electronic instruments. Avery doesn’t limit himself to the confines of what music and art traditionally are, but instead explores outside all artistic boxes, encouraging his collaborators to do the same. This year, his collaborators are CCP Music students, who have been very receptive to Avery’s creative process.
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Foundations of Success: Joe Morris’ Journey from CCP to Health Care Leadership
Joe Morris, a member of Community College of Philadelphia’s first graduating class, remembers his days at the College fondly, and is grateful for the educational and overall life skills he gained while at the College. After graduating from CCP, Morris pursued a robust career in health care and eventually went on to obtain an MBA in Health Administration from Temple University.
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A Future in Welding: Sequoia Alldun’s Story
Sequoia Alldun recently completed Community College of Philadelphia’s Welding program and is now working in an apprenticeship at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Sequoia grew up around welding because her dad was a mechanic, and when she moved to Philadelphia, she figured she’d give the profession a try herself. CCP was a fast and affordable option to get her started.
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Passing on a Tradition: Valerie and Louise Lanzetta
For mother-daughter duo Valerie and Louise Lanzetta, Community College of Philadelphia has brought opportunities at affordable prices. Valerie was born in Philadelphia and raised in France, but when she returned to the city in her 30s, she wanted to pursue an American college degree. “I did some research, and I found out about CCP. [They had] different time[s] for classes that fit my personal schedule,” Valerie said. Now, Valerie works as a program director and assistant professor of Medical Laboratory Science at Thomas Jefferson University.
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Celebrating Longtime Faculty and Staff at the College
The College hosted the annual Celebrate the Stars and Holiday Celebration event on Dec. 10, where the community came together to congratulate faculty and staff who have reached milestones in their years of service at the College. More than 100 employees celebrated 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 years of service and were presented with a certificate. The Gymnasium featured 1960s themed decor in honor of the College’s 60th anniversary, and attendees enjoyed food, music, dancing, games and raffles.
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CCP Student Adriana Lopez Sanchez on the Pride of Learning a New Language in a New Country
After living in the U.S. for just four years, Adriana Lopez Sanchez has made incredible progress on her goals to learn English and graduate from college. She is on track to earn her associate degree in accounting from Community College of Philadelphia this December.
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A Place to Land Safely: Sierra Akers, CCP Alum and Diversity Fellow
For Sierra Akers, a CCP alum and current Diversity Fellow in Behavioral Health and Human Services, the College is more than just an institution of higher education; it’s home. “At times, where I've needed some place to land safely and feel comfortable, I've come back to CCP,” Akers said.
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Foundations in Art: Jonathan Lyndon Chase
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. On Oct. 16, Chase came back to campus for an artist talk event where they shared some of their artwork and experiences working as an artist with our students, faculty and staff.
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CCP instructor Sosena Solomon selected as a 2025 Pew Fellow
The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage has named CCP adjunct instructor Sosena Solomon among this year’s Pew Fellowship recipients. Sosena has been making documentaries for the past 15 years and teaches Digital Video Production at CCP.
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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.
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Advancing Student Learning and Architecture: Ariel Vazquez
Ariel Vazquez, an assistant professor and coordinator for Architecture and Interior Design, is also an alum of the program. Vazquez’s commitment to advancing the Architecture, Design and Construction program at CCP is a testament to his connection to the institution and his experience as a former student.
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A Family Legacy at CCP: Maria Cabrera’s Story
Maria Cabrera began her academic journey at Community College of Philadelphia earning college credits while in high school, going on to focus on Computer Information Systems (CIS) courses, and earning a bachelor’s degree in International Language–Business and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
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CCP’s Summer Study Abroad Programs Inspire Learning and Growth
Community College of Philadelphia’s faculty-led, short-term study abroad programs are back in full swing following a pandemic-related hiatus. Previous opportunities have brought students to several countries over the last 10 years, including Cuba, Japan, Tanzania, Cambodia, South Africa, England and Belize. The College prides itself on being able to offer these eye-opening and incredibly enriching experiences to students, which are mostly found at four-year institutions.
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Student-produced Play Showcased in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, a First for CCP
In spring 2025, students in Community College of Philadelphia’s Theater program presented their original play,” Miz Prophet Tells All”—born out of a class prompt to create puppet figures and set design elements for an imaginary production based on the Cassandra myth. The play was so widely well-received that the department encouraged students and their faculty leaders to submit the work for entry into the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. This week, those same students will be performing an updated version of the show as part of Fringe Fest, the first time CCP has ever been included in the renowned, city-wide event. The show is again being directed by CCP Theater instructor, Dave Ebersole, the show’s original director.
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Jason Barnes: CCP Alum and Medium and Heavy Truck Technology Instructor Fosters More Than Fleeting Connections
Designed to meet student and industry needs, Community College of Philadelphia’s Medium and Heavy Truck Technology program is one of a few on the entire East Coast. This program enables students to gain hands-on, practical knowledge and experience in service of medium and heavy vehicle and equipment platforms, including trucks, buses, tractor-trailer systems and off-road equipment. Students in these programs take classes from industry professionals at our Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) in West Philadelphia.
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Mrs. Dee Dee uses her Criminal Justice education to advocate for people impacted by the justice system
When 67-year-old Lorraine Haw walks the stage on May 3, she’ll be dedicating her graduation to her mother, Eugenia, who passed away late last year. Lorraine, better known around campus as Mrs. Dee Dee, made a vow to her mom that she would complete her education at CCP.
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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
Mikel Patrick Avery
Artist in Residence
2025-2026
2025-2026
Christina Kinlaw
Veterans Service Coordinator
Debra Carr Brooks
Office of Records & Registration
Terry Naana
Division of Business & Finance
Dr. Derrick Perkins
Assistant VP, Student Empowerment & Equity Services
Dr. Walter E. Copeland II
Adjunct Faculty, Business Leadership
Olivia Edwards and
Michael Miles
Institute of Community Engagement and Civic Leadership
Thank You to Our 60th Anniversary Sponsors
Hamilton Family Charitable Trust
Julian and Lois Brodsky |
Julian A. and Lois G. Brodsky Foundation
Kelly Family Fund
Rhonda and David L. Cohen
Harold T. Epps and Bellevue Strategies
Morgan Lewis
Pincus Family Foundation
Allied Universal/Universal Protection Services
Brian Communications
Brown’s Super Stores, Inc.
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Chestnut Hill College
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Honickman Family Foundation
PECO
Philadelphia OIC
Philadelphia Parking Authority
Rivers Casino
Siebert Williams Shank & Co. LLC
Tuttleman Foundation