A Community College Honors Curriculum that Prepares Students for the Elite Institutions of the World


In the six years after graduating from Community College of Philadelphia, L. Larry Liu has gone from Northeast Philadelphia, to an Ivy League university, to the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
 
This astonishing journey has only just begun. After earning two scholarships—one to help pay for his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Economic Policy from the University of Pennsylvania, and the second for his master’s work at the University of Oxford—Liu is on his way to completing a Ph.D. in Sociology at Princeton University.
 
He attributes much of his recent academic success to the solid foundation he received from the College’s Liberal Arts – Honors curriculum. The robust culture of learning in the Honors program has prepared him to compete at some of the world’s elite academic institutions.
 
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Honors program. My intellectual trajectory would not have been made possible without that experience,” Liu said in an interview via phone from Princeton University.
 
The Honors option curriculum, which is entering its 40th year and 79th consecutive semester at the College, is an interdisciplinary program that includes a dozen faculty members who teach from their related disciplines, including Philosophy, English, Sociology, Art History, History and Earth Science.
 
“In the classroom, the disciplines blend, and, in a sense, yield to process and community building. By not foregrounding the disciplines, faculty remain focused on student development. It has been clear over the years that Honors makes better students and better teachers,” said Brian Seymour, coordinator of the College’s Honors program.
Liu describes the Honors curriculum as an intimate setting where students attend seminars and lectures discussing subject matter related to humanities and social sciences.
 
“In high school I’ve read lots of books to a shallow extent. In Honors, I had to think harder. Number one: I had a better understanding of the content—of the reading—and two: I was able to think in context and have feelings about a subject, and debate with other people, which is what academic life is about,” said Liu.
 
The Honors program is designed especially for students who plan to advance into a professional life through demanding undergraduate and graduate programs in competitive colleges and universities, like Liu.
 
“Our interdisciplinary approach is based on the idea that big questions demand wide-ranging scrutiny, but more importantly, our meta-theoretical approach is focused on preparing students to compete when they transfer,” said Seymour. “Day in, day out, they are learning to recognize how knowledge is made and how academics work. In this sense, they learn how to deal with disciplines rather than delving too deeply in any one discipline in this first-year college experience.”
 
Liu said his that his interest in sociology stemmed from his interactions with Dr. Ralph Faris, co-coordinator of the Honors curriculum and professor of Sociology.
“Dr. Faris motivated me to think about social problems and issues,” said Liu. “All the professors provided an intellectually stimulating environment.”
 
Liu, who returned from the University of Oxford in the summer of 2016, is currently in his second year at Princeton. He is working on his studies and teaching classes to undergraduate students. He said he plans to stay in academia and is interested in research.
Summary
In the six years after graduating from Community College of Philadelphia, L. Larry Liu has gone from Northeast Philadelp…
Publish Date
Feb 7, 2018
Original nid
3837

North Philly student heads for Oxford, asserts that community college was more than a steppingstone


When Hazim Hardeman arrived on Community College of Philadelphia's campus in 2012, he had no idea that he was destined to become a Rhodes scholar, an honor that provides him entry into one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

The University of Oxford is a long way from North Philadelphia, where he grew up at 23rd and Diamond streets, providing a near clear view of Temple University and always reminding him that opportunity was but a few steps eastward, beyond him.

Those steps, however, weren't as simple and easy as the actual walk to Temple's campus. Hardeman graduated from high school with a 2.3 GPA, which delayed his enrollment eligibility into to Temple. Determined to rise above the adversity that surrounded him, he took a step south and enrolled in the College with the goal of raising his GPA.

During his time here, he did that and more.

"The rigorous academic experience, the opportunity to be involved in student life, and professors who are willing to invest in students have really been the main things to shape my experience at the College," said Hardeman.

He worked hard to contribute to the learning community both in and out of the classroom, discovering various paths to success along the way. His hunger for knowledge and academic success led to an induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and his natural leadership skills resulted in his election as the 2nd vice president of the student body.

Frank Fritz, assistant professor of English/Honors curriculum, remembers Hardeman as being "self-motivated, possessing a drive to improve."

"Hazim ... was always willing to enter the conversations to test his own thinking," said Fritz. "[He] welcomed the challenge and in particular was motivated to push the development of his own thinking."

Hardeman’s participation in the College’s Honors program, which is designed especially for students who plan to advance into professional life and attend competitive four-year schools, has left him grateful for the learning environment at the College.

"What makes Community College of Philadelphia special [is that] there's people that are coming from such a wide array of backgrounds ... you get a chance to have a dialogue with people who have experiences that are totally different than yours, but ultimately it's productive because it lets you know that there's more than one way to exist in the world."

In 2015, Hardeman received his associate's degree in Communication Studies with High Honors. That same year, he enrolled at Temple University and majored in Strategic Communications. In 2017, he graduated magna cum laude and has now made history as the first student at the university to become a Rhodes Scholar. The scholarship will cover all expenses for two to three years of study so that he can obtain his master's degree.

When he reflects back on the role that the College played in his development and success, it's become more than a steppingstone.

"It's not just a sort of a steppingstone, it's a place where you can go and grow just like any other place," said Hardeman.

The College's question "where will you go?" is one that follows students beyond their time here. Hardeman can yet again answer that question with confidence.

He is going to the University of Oxford.

Summary
When Hazim Hardeman arrived on Community College of Philadelphia's campus in 2012, he had no idea that he was destined t…
Publish Date
Nov 21, 2017
Original nid
3770

Coffee for a Cause Helps Pave the Pathway for Student Success


Saxbys recently set out on a new mission to Make Life Better one coffee at a time by establishing a fellowship program for Community College of Philadelphia students.

The grand opening of Saxbys at 1800 Chestnut Street featured a celebrity lineup of baristas who welcomed patrons to enjoy coffee for a cause at a “pay-as-you-wish” price, with proceeds benefiting the College.

Throngs of Philadelphians crowded the location throughout the course of 12 hours to have their orders handed to them by guest baristas who included Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, City Councilman Allan Domb, Chris Long and Rodney McLeod of the Philadelphia Eagles, State Representative Jordan Harris, Fox 29 TV Host Quincy Harris and others.

Jessica Gehring was “super excited” to have her coffee served to her by Eagles’ linebacker, Chris Long.

“[I] wanted to come see the celebrity baristas, of course, but this is my neighborhood so I was excited to know that Saxbys was opening right on my corner,” said Gehring. “I think it’s awesome that they’re donating locally; it’s super important.”

Councilman Domb kicked off the guest barista lineup, happy to see another Philadelphia-based business give back to the city.

“We’re seeing more and more business actually getting involved in the community of Philadelphia which really speaks volumes for the entrepreneurs and businesses in Philly,” said Domb. “The more we can do that, the better we’ll make our whole community.”

During the event, Nick Bayer, CEO and founder of Saxbys and a member of the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation Board, delivered a surprise announcement met with cheers and applause: in addition to Saxbys matching all proceeds from the grand opening for the fellowship, The Maguire Foundation will match the combined total raised.

The Maguire Foundation works to improve “the quality of life for people through investment in education, the arts and humanities, as well as hunger and homelessness.

“I’ve only been here a couple months but this is what Philly is all about—helping each other out,” said Long.

Mayor Kenney emphasized the importance of ensuring that higher education is affordable and accessible for Philadelphians.

“These days with college education being as expensive as it is, a lot of our people will go and get their core curricula done at community and pay less money—it’s a great bargain,” said Kenney.

Dr. Generals, president of the College, said in addition to scholarship dollars, it creates employment pathways for students.  

“…our students not only will have an opportunity to have scholarships, but they will also have an opportunity to be able to work here as well,” said Dr. Generals. “To be able to work and learn is the best way to graduate, ultimately, at the College.”

The collaborative effort between Saxbys and the College to empower students is reflective of the opportunities and possibilities that exist thanks to Bayer and a number of other leaders who joined the College’s foundation board this year. The other new Foundation directors are Malcolm Jenkins, founder, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, and safety, Philadelphia Eagles; Rasheia Johnson, treasurer, city of Philadelphia; Jill Michal, vice president for Business Transformation, Independence Blue Cross; Priya Roy, associate, Ballard Spahr, LLP; Simran Sidhu, executive director, HIVE; and Michael Soileau, vice president of Planning and Strategy, Comcast.

Summary
Saxbys recently set out on a new mission to Make Life Better one coffee at a time by establishing a fellowship program…
Publish Date
Nov 14, 2017
Original nid
3767

With Drop the Mic, Students Preach and Learn


Jarell Currie, who goes by the stage name, Black Cancer (a.k.a. Brave Lion Applying Concrete Knowledge Consume All Necessities Courageous Encouraging Rebel), connected to Drop the Mic after attending the spoken word poetry workshop at the College in 2007.

As a rap artist, Black Cancer saw spoken word poetry as an outlet to enhance his genre. Spoken word also enabled Black Cancer to understand himself and people better. As a teen, he had a lot of anger and it helped him to express those feelings.
 
“I am more self-aware now. I’m an introvert and social at the same time; spoken word really got me out of my shell,” said Black Cancer.
 
Michelle Myers, associate professor of English at Community College of Philadelphia and a professional spoken word poet, believes that every student has a story to tell. She believes self-expression can be the key to unlocking the unfamiliar world of academia for first-generation students.
 
Drop the Mic, a three-time nominee for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy, connects students to English, communications and more through powerful story-telling.
 
Cosponsored by the Office of Student Life, Drop the Mic is produced entirely at the College by the Multimedia Services video production team and the most recent season aired on CCPTV in spring 2017. The hour-long spoken word competition debuts talented spoken-word students who use beautiful expressions, words and gestures to weave stories.
 
Spoken word is a bit of a catch-all term, often applied to any performance that involves someone talking on a stage for which other terms – musical, theatrical, dance –  don't fit. It’s storytelling that gives students the permission to delve deeply into a topic they find fascinating, including their own thoughts and feelings.
 
On Oct. 10, 17 and 24, Drop the Mic holds its fourth season of the spoken word competition. Featured performers include: Logical (a.k.a. Charles Jones), Charmira Nelson-Pilgrim and Yolanda Wisher and her band The Afroeaters. All performances will be held in the Bonnell Auditorium, Room BG-20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:40 to 4:10 p.m. Season four will air in spring 2018.
 
One of last season’s judges, Alisha Dantzler, views spoken word poetry as a powerful means of self-expression.
 
“It really moves me. It was a different atmosphere and Michelle encouraged us to open up and do what we wanted to do and not necessarily what others wanted us to do,” said Dantzler.
 
Dantzler was performing spoken word poetry since she was in high school. For 11 years she would perform at poetry festivals and started taking Myers’ spoken word poetry workshops at the College in 2008 while Dantzler was still in high school. After graduating high school, Dantzler enrolled in the College and continued taking Myers’ workshops. When Drop the Mic was launched, Myers contacted Dantzler to become a judge on the panel.
 
Dantzler graduated from the College in 2012 and moved on to obtain her bachelor’s from Alvernia University in 2016. Her experience with spoken word poetry has not only helped her personally, but helped her in her career.
 
“I work with a lot of kids with behavioral health issues and a lot of times poetry can help them express themselves. Even though I didn’t major in creative writing or English this is still a big part of the way I deal with feelings in a positive way and we can use expression to navigate through the world of life and it can be a learning experience,” said Dantzler.
 
Myers wanted to bridge the gap between expressive writing and academic writing and three years ago reached out to Allan Kobernick, director of Multimedia Services and producer of CCPTV, to create Drop the Mic.
 
“Too many times we talk about student deficiencies, and you will often hear students say they can’t write because they were put in developmental reading or writing. I say they are wrong and that they can write. I created this show because I listened to all the beautiful stories in the poetry workshops and I wanted to provide a space where the students can appreciate each other,” said Myers. “In so many ways writing and performing spoken word poetry enables students to build confidence as well as a better understanding of different structures of language. Hopefully, through Drop the Mic, we can help students access diverse modes of communication at the same time that we can inspire the College community to get on board and support the theme that we can also change the language we use and not talk so much about student deficiencies.”
 
While poetry long has been a staple of K-12 English classes, spoken word poetry is an art form that extends from the beat poetry of the 1950s to contemporary rap. The powerful and important thing about spoken word is, it doesn’t matter what the words look like on paper. It’s about what it sounds like when it’s said out loud.  Spoken word is especially well-suited to connecting with young people at an emotional level, making traditional poetry more accessible to students and sharpening their critical-thinking skills.
 
Drop the Mic is also the winner of the Telly and Communicator awards. CCPTV, the College’s cable channel (Comcast 53 and FIOS 21) broadcasts to Philadelphia subscribers of Comcast and Verizon with a reach of about 325,000 potential viewers.
Summary
Jarell Currie, who goes by the stage name, Black Cancer (a.k.a. Brave Lion Applying Concrete Knowledge Consume All Neces…
Publish Date
Oct 20, 2017
Original nid
3741

Students Band Together to Send a Message: This College Is No Place for Hate


Students at Community College of Philadelphia engaged in a commanding display of camaraderie and unity after a man who calls himself Pastor Aden and his followers suddenly appeared on campus to voice controversial opinions on issues such as abortion, sexual orientation and Islamophobia.

Pastor Aden's followers yelled at students and staff as they were passing through the area to get from one class to the next. Many of those followers insulted passersby, commenting on their religious beliefs or their appearance, and addressing issues such as abortion, sexual orientation and Islamophobia.

Upon Pastor Aden’s arrival on campus, students helped to pass out stickers that read “No Place for Hate,” which were provided by the Anti-Defamation League. Students, faculty and staff joined forces to make signs that encouraged love, acceptance and unity.  People in the crowd sang songs about peace. Upon Pastor Aden’s return for a second straight day, onlookers hoisted signs that read: “Together We Lift Hearts” and “Where there is Unity There is Peace.” Plain, white signs were posted on a fence near Pastor Aden’s followers that said simply: “Don’t feed the hate.”  Passersby were encouraged to respond to the taunts and jeers by tweeting #NoHateAtCCP and other messages of inclusion.

“Everyone has a right to freedom of speech, whether someone is preaching love or not, because we live in a democracy,” said Student Government President Troy Bundy. “Students at the College stand against hate on our campus and we expressed that by coming together and spreading the word of No Hate.”

Pastor Aden and members of various other organizations now appear frequently on college campuses such as Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania and West Chester University. The visits have occurred with increased regularity since the start of 2017.

“I was proud to be a part of the College community this week as our students, faculty and staff came together to share our commitment to each other. Americans are allowed the right to free speech, and even repugnant speech under the first amendment. The group that was on campus this week preaching messages of hate and division were met by students who ignored their message and chose to spread a message of love, acceptance, and inclusion. The students shared song, dance, their stories, and a commitment to each other that sent an extremely powerful message throughout our entire community,” said David Braverman, Ph.D, Interim Dean of Students.

Community College of Philadelphia seeks to both protect the free flow of ideas and provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment for students. Therefore, it has created a new Rapid Response Team, a group of diverse volunteers who are being trained to respond when the victims of hate speech need an ally to stand beside them and assist them. The Rapid Response Team is to ensure the institution maintains both a vibrant marketplace of ideas and a welcoming environment for people from all walks and stages of life. A new Student Peace Brigade also is forming to promote peace and inclusion at the College. More than 40 people signed up this week to join these new College's new group of first responders.

Additionally, the College’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center recently launched a “No Place for Hate Welcome Circle” that will be held every Wednesday in front of the Winnet Student Life Building at 11:45 a.m.

Summary
Students at Community College of Philadelphia engaged in a commanding display of camaraderie and unity after a man who…
Publish Date
Oct 12, 2017
Original nid
3736

A Community College All-Star


Alumnus Makes 2017 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team

Community College of Philadelphia alumnus Cedric Jouin has been named to the 2017 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team—an honor that recognizes 49 of the state’s community college students for scholarly achievements and community involvement.

Jouin was nominated before he graduated in December 2016 with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts.

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges paid tribute to the All-Pennsylvania Scholars at an event on April 3 in Harrisburg, PA. To make the statewide academic team, scholars must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher. Team members are eligible for two-year scholarships offered by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education that may be used at any of the system’s 14 universities.

Jouin, 41, moved to the United States from France 7 years ago with his family. Having spent most of his professional life working in the music industry, Jouin enrolled in Community College of Philadelphia to pursue his other passions—environmental studies, geography and graphic design. He graduated this May with highest honor, maintaining a 4.0 grade average while serving as a peer tutor in the College’s Learning Labs and balancing a job at the PSECU credit union on the Main Campus. He graduated from the College ahead of schedule.

Jouin is enrolled at Temple University and hopes to pursue both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He dreams of becoming an environmental specialist and contributing to global conservation efforts.

“I grew up in France, where there have been stricter environmental regulations as well as more public awareness about environmental issues for a long time. While I knew that I needed as an individual to be ecologically responsible, I did not have a deep understanding of the issues that we are facing on a global scale,” Jouin said. “My aspirations, as a professional, would be to be a part of an organization that is making significant efforts to provide a better future to the next generations through sustainability and fairness.”

During his studies here, he established himself as a leader amongst his peers, and many look to him for help—especially in the Learning Labs. He assists students in Earth Science, Humanities, Geography, French and English. “I try to evaluate and understand where the students are having difficulty, and try to help them by focusing on those specific issues,” he said. “Most times, the students merely need some encouragement, and an opportunity to ask questions.”

Jouin is a firm believer that hard work and dedication to both his own endeavors and to those of others will pay off. His efforts previously earned him the Florence Fishman Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Service by a Tutor and the Jane G. Pepper Scholarship during his 2016 spring semester.

“I truly hope to one day be a part of an organization that shares my vision of providing a better future for the next generation through sustainability and equity,” he said.


Summary
Alumnus Makes 2017 All-Pennsylvania Academic TeamCommunity College of Philadelphia alumnus Cedric Jouin has been named t…
Publish Date
Jul 25, 2017
Original nid
3460

The Lives We Change! The Families We Change! The Communities We Change!


CCP Graduation 2017
Naya Williams was 18 years-old when her mother passed away, leaving her to guide and love her three younger siblings, a 13-year-old and two six-year-old twins. “I made a promise to her that they would be OK,” she said.
 
After the last twin enrolled in college in 2012, Naya decided it was her turn. She had promised her mom she would go to college. “I wanted to put my family in the position of bettering themselves,” she said.
 
Naya selected Community College of Philadelphia, where she was eligible for Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS), a program that assists recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in finding structured, affordable paths to work and college.
 
The program provided unique, personalized services, such as access to affordable daycare, workshops that upgrade job hunting talents and skills to help manage the complications that often arise in life. Established 11 years ago, the program has assisted more than 10,000 individuals.
 
With the help of KEYS, Naya was able to secure a part-time job as a nurse’s aide along with a ladder to help reach her dream job: Nursing. The textbooks used in the Nursing program can cost upward of $900, and they must be purchased at the program’s start. Naya couldn’t afford to buy them, so KEYS provided money for the books, giving her opportunities she might not otherwise have.
The Nursing program changes everything for her family because the entry-level salary for nurses in Philadelphia is $50,000 a year.
 
On May 6, Naya graduated from the College with an associate’s degree in Nursing, while a cheering, waving, crowd of friends, family and neighbors watched her cross the stage. They had waited a long time for this day.
 
Alongside of her were some of the 18 other graduates from KEYS, three of whom, along with Naya received associate’s degrees in Nursing. Nine of the KEYS graduates were honor students.
Beaming proudly in the audience was Kimberly Daniel, KEYS program project director.
 
“All of them have worked very hard, and many have endured extreme challenges during their academic journey,” Daniel said. “The fact that they have made it to this point is a testament to their fortitude and perseverance. The impact of their achievement will be felt for generations, and we are elated to witness their successful transition towards self-sufficiency.”
 
The Nursing program is among the most rigorous and challenging offered at the College. As an older student, returning to the stress of tests, studying and reading, Naya faced difficult classes and bouts of discouragement. When she did, the KEYS staff and Nursing faculty both were there, alternately offering tissues for the tears, and praise when things went right. “They make you believe that you can do it,” she said.
 
“This is a great program to help you move ahead,” Naya said. “It helps with scholarship, emotional support, planning, job development and connects you with people who will listen.
‘There were times I didn’t think I could do it, just being older and not knowing that I could succeed. The KEYS staff kept letting me know that it is going to be all right. I am so grateful. They make you feel like it is OK to open up and share,” she said.
 
Renee Harris, another older student, traveled alongside Naya in this journey, seeking a nursing career and a piece of the American dream. Like Naya, she is working as a health aide at Bayada. After passing the National Council of State Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN examination, they will be certified as nurses and can begin the path that leads to the middle class.
Life is about to change directions for the KEYS graduates, and, in many cases, for their family members who now have set their sights on a college degree as well. During the past 11 years, there have been about 210 graduates, and 72 certificates awarded.
 
“We have degrees,” Renee Harris said. “No one can take them from us.”
Summary
Naya Williams was 18 years-old when her mother passed away, leaving her to guide and love her three younger siblings, a …
Publish Date
Jul 17, 2017
Original nid
3455

New Partnerships Pave the Path to Student Success


The College continues to advance its mission of student success and academic excellence by securing partnerships with two prestigious institutions: The Wistar Institute and Drexel University. The Wistar Institute’s Biomedical Research Technician (BRT) Apprenticeship program offers those pursuing degrees at Community College of Philadelphia and elsewhere a career pathway to become biomedical research technicians in research laboratory environments, while the dual admissions agreement between Drexel and Community College of Philadelphia allows for a seamless transfer of credits between the two institutions.


The Biomedical Research Technician (BRT) Apprenticeship Program

The Wistar Institute’s BRT program has become the first-ever registered, nontraditional apprenticeship program in biomedical research approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. This training model is now fully recognized by the state and will help serve the workforce needs of the region’s burgeoning life sciences community with experienced lab technicians.

The BRT Apprenticeship offers those pursuing degrees at the Community College of Philadelphia and elsewhere a career pathway to become biomedical research technicians in research laboratory environments. Through coursework and on-the-job training opportunities at Wistar and other partnering laboratories, trainees acquire skillsets to facilitate experimental procedures, manage a laboratory and monitor lab safety, conduct data analysis on experiments, and various other highly skilled techniques with the goal of supporting a lead scientist in the laboratory.

Developed from the Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program, the BRT Program expands upon BTT Program structure and concepts. In 2000, the BTT Program was created in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia to reinforce the region’s workforce with experienced lab technicians. The evolution of the BTT Program to the state-approved and credentialed BRT Apprenticeship showcases Wistar’s critical role in science education and training in Philadelphia, affirming the value of being globally connected and locally relevant.

Read more about the BRT Apprenticeship Program:


Drexel University and Community College of Philadelphia Dual Admissions Agreement

 Dr. Donald Guy Generals, President of Community College of Philadelphia and John Fry, President of Drexel University signed a dual admissions agreement following the bi-annual Pathways Magazine breakfast, where John Fry was the featured speaker. The agreement offers a seamless pathway for Community College of Philadelphia graduates to transfer to and finish their degrees at Drexel University.

Fry, who also is chairman of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, was interviewed for the Spring edition of Pathways magazine, a workforce development publication. Citing the need for local institutions of higher education to do more to help city residents, Fry shared some ways Drexel is using academic and economic development activities to broaden student learning and promote inclusion.

Both Dr. Generals and Mr. Fry share a common vision for fostering student success and increasing educational options that provide better economic opportunities for everyone.

Read more about the dual admissions partnership:

Summary
The College continues to advance its mission of student success and academic excellence by securing partnerships with tw…
Publish Date
Jun 1, 2017
Original nid
2595

Step Up and Step Out: Community College of Philadelphia Holds its 51st Commencement


Lindsay Jackson, an Education: Early Childhood (Birth to 4th grade) major never imagined she would finish college. On May 6 at Community College of Philadelphia’s 51st commencement, Jackson was not only walking the aisle with her fellow 2017 graduates, she was the student speaker, and graduating with honors.

Jackson, a mother of seven children, took to the podium with her inspiring speech on how she was scared and unsure of her capabilities as a student after taking a 13-year hiatus from college. It was after her first semester that she excelled, discovering her capabilities and determined to be the best student academically. A Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society member and a Vice President for the chapter, Rho Upsilon, Jackson told the class, faculty and attendees, “Today is not only the day we celebrate our personal accomplishments; today we celebrate our struggles, our fears, and even our failures.”

“From the recent graduate to the recently laid off worker trying to find their way to a new career path; to the grandmother who decides it’s finally time for her to focus on her dreams of becoming a business owner; to the divorced, single mother of seven children who wants to show them an example of strength and perseverance, the possibilities are endless,” said Jackson.

In her tenure at the College, Jackson earned a Dean’s Award and several scholarships, including, one for $19,000 that will enable her to pursue her bachelor’s.

Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League served as the commencement speaker. He told graduates that in life, it’s many times like music. For a successful musician, to earn our respect and our appreciation, that successful musician must have something called rhythm. He reminded students that rhythm requires three parts of the anatomy – your eyes must be in rhythm with your head, and also connected to your heart. The eyes help us think about the future and when students leave the auditorium today, they have taken a step on a journey, but are not finished yet and should always keep their eyes on the ultimate prize. 

Commencement highlights also included a graduating student body comprised of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds, with a total of 1,893 candidates for graduation.  Among the graduates included: 27 international students, representing 16 countries, 47 veterans, 8 employees of the College, 24 candidates for graduation from the Center for Male Engagement and the first graduates from the 50th Anniversary Scholars program. The 50th Anniversary Scholars program was established two years ago that enables Pell-eligible Philadelphia high school students the opportunity to go to the College for no cost of tuition or fees. Nineteen participants in the Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS) program, an initiative to help those on public assistance pursue their postsecondary education also graduated. Nine of those KEYS participants were honors students, and four of them graduated from the highly competitive Nursing program.

Other academic notable scholars at graduation included:

  • Jennifer Myers, a graduate from the College’s Diagnostic Medical Imagine program, who received the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. The scholarship provides exceptional students from two-year colleges up to $40,000 per year to complete their bachelor’s degrees. Myers is the first African-American, second female and fourth recipient in seven years at the College to become a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar.
  • Cedric Jouin, who completed his associate’s in Liberal Arts, was named to the 2017 All-Pennsylvania Scholar for 2017. Jouin, who came to the U.S. from France seven years ago, will pursue a career in environmental conservation, where he also plans to get both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary
Lindsay Jackson, an Education: Early Childhood (Birth to 4th grade) major never imagined she would finish college. On Ma…
Publish Date
May 11, 2017
Original nid
2569

Help Wanted: Thousands Answer the Call to Work


On the same day the Department of Labor announced the November unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent, the lowest level in nine years, a winding line of job-seekers snaked around Spring Garden Street and down 17th Street on the Main Campus.

One of the hopeful was Wakeler Tongor, a married father of two, including a newborn, who has been looking for a family-sustaining job since graduating from Temple in 2009. He currently works two part-time jobs, for a pharmaceutical company and for an assisted living facility, but both jobs combined don’t pay him enough to support his growing family. He hoped to find salaried, full-time employment, preferably a supervisory job in social services.

Like hundreds of others, he marveled over the overwhelming turnout as the City of Philadelphia hosted a jobs fair seeking applicants for 30 job areas ranging from police officers to firemen to city planners to sanitation workers and lawyers.

“This just goes to show how badly people need work,” Tongor said. “Even if people are working, they aren’t making as much as they would want to make.”

The City Government Career Fair came to Community College of Philadelphia Friday, December 2nd. The fair provided informational sessions with more than 30 participating city departments, including the Philadelphia Police Department, the Department of Human Services and the Free Library of Philadelphia. More than 2,000 applicants attended, including 1,000 current and former Community College of Philadelphia students. They learned about various jobs openings and in some cases, applied for them. Staff from the College’s Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS) program helped out by registering people in line, and handing out college career literature to those who aspired to higher-paying jobs.

“I just want a job with benefits,” said Mike Scott, an unemployed locksmith, who stood in line with his live-in girlfriend Kristen Sanders, who added, “It’s hard when there’s only one person working in a household.”

The fair was scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but because of the enormous numbers of applicants, members of the KEYS staff cut the line off at about 1 p.m., allowing those already assembled time to go through the process. But those left out did not leave empty-handed, as College staffers provided them with information about employment, upcoming job fairs and more.

Many jobseekers had never been on the campus before, so it gave staff a captive audience, and an opportunity to discuss a range of job training and degree options. “We’re letting them know they can come to the College and get a degree,” said Kimberly Daniel, project director of KEYS, who was speaking with job seekers and conducting interviews as they left. “Or, if they have a degree, they can come back and get more training. We can be a resource for them.”

“I’m not surprised so many people came out,” she added. “I don’t care what anybody says, people want to work.”

Summary
On the same day the Department of Labor announced the November unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent, the lowest level i…
Publish Date
Dec 8, 2016
Original nid
2453

Subscribe to