Three outstanding Philadelphians were honored at the Community College of Philadelphia Black and Gold Gala on June 12: Julie Coker Graham, Malcolm Jenkins and Hayward Bell. Congratulations to our 2019 honorees! We had a wonderful evening of networking, live entertainment and dancing. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and event attendees, the Gala raised $309,760. Proceeds benefit the 50th Anniversary Promise Scholarship, an initiative that provides Philadelphia high school graduates the opportunity to pursue an associate degree at Community College of Philadelphia with no cost for tuition and fees. For those who may have missed it, we hope to see you next year.

A total of 1,881 students were candidates for graduation at Community College of Philadelphia's 53rd Commencement on May 4. Thousands of family and friends witnessed the graduates’ milestone and cheered the students on as they walked down the aisle to celebrate their academic achievements at CCP.

“Never compare your growth to the growth of others, because we have been placed on our own paths for specific reasons,” said Amber Young, CCP’s 2019 class speaker. “The College has helped you to get on your path of possibilities, so you are empowered to take your greatness to the next phase of your life.”

One of the many students who donned a cap and gown was radio personality Kevin Ceasar, also known as Mutha Knows on Power 99-FM’s “The Tea.” At 43 years old, Ceasar became the first in his family to graduate from a school of higher education.

Take a look back at some of the faculty and staff events from the spring 2019 semester, from celebrating employees who go above and beyond, to professional development opportunities and celebrating our retirees.

Members of the College community joined forces with faculty, staff and students from all of Pennsylvania's community colleges on April 9 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol for Lobby Day. The message? Recognize the importance of Pennsylvania's community colleges and provide them with the support they need to help students and Pennsylvania thrive. The College's Nursing students participated at the tables, giving blood pressure screenings, impaired driving exercises, depression screenings and hands-on CPR instruction. Free copies of "Oh Dear, What's a Career?," a book written and illusrated by volunteers in the College's Marketing division, were also distributed to passersby.