Colonial Quarterly - Fall 2015

Letter from the Alumni Association President

Dear Alumni:

Felicia CarterMy name is Felicia Carter, and I am proud to say that I am your Community College of Philadelphia Alumni Association president. I come to you having more than 15 years of communications and project management experience within the health care industry, along with running my own travel agency. Balancing all of my personal endeavors is tough at times, but Community College of Philadelphia has equipped me with the tools to succeed at anything I set my mind to. I am sure it has done the same for you.

As we unite to grow our Alumni Association, the Alumni Council is working on bettering our communications with you and creating more fun-filled events for the coming year. In 2014, we sent out a survey to alumni to find out what you wanted in events and how we can better communicate with you. We were delighted by the results. After reviewing the responses, we created a line of events that focused on what YOU wanted: professional development, networking socials, cultural awareness events and community service days. We also re-launched our Facebook page and created this quarterly newsletter  to ensure that you always stay connected to us.

I could not be more excited to be a part of this dedicated, thriving community, and what it holds for us for the future. My goal is to empower alumni pride, passion and appreciation; keep in communication and to give back to Community College of Philadelphia. Joining the Alumni Association has its privileges, and we aim to make it great! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your Alumni Association president.

If you are not yet a member of the Alumni Association and would like to be a part of this flourishing group, we invite you to learn more about our benefits and services.

Sincerely,

Felicia signature
 
Felicia Carter ‘04
President
Alumni Association  

Alumni Spotlight Rita Gaudet deVecchis

Rita Gaudet deVecchisFor more than 46 years, the deVecchis Gallery has been a staple for art and framing in the city of Philadelphia and its environs. The gallery houses an eclectic collection of artwork from original limited edition graphics to photographs that capture moments of history in Philadelphia and the world. What makes this gallery so memorable is not the countless works that stack the walls but the person who still maintains it after so many years, Rita Gaudet deVecchis.

As a fine art photographer, skilled in the darkroom, Rita first attended Community College of Philadelphia back in 2001 to study Photoshop, and returned in 2007 and 2008 to enhance her digital imaging skills and study photojournalism. Both her daughter, Rita and her husband, John (known to most as “Bunky”), had studied at the College years before. Her son-in-law, Jeff, also a photographer, soon followed in their footsteps and studied Photoshop at the College in 2007.

During Rita’s time at the College, she enjoyed enormous support and encouragement from Stan Shire and Jon Spielberg, both men who she calls “gurus in their field.”

“These professors gave me amazing insight into the worlds of digital imaging and photojournalism. Because of the training I received, I am able to offer extensive services from my gallery and enjoy working with customers’ photo files or scans, enhancing the quality, printing, matting, backing and framing them all within this location. I am comfortable saying that the services I provide at my gallery are better than most of your well-known photo development places here in the city, all from what I learned at Community College of Philadelphia.”

During one of her courses at Community College of Philadelphia, Rita created a series of images of the USS United States, a luxury passenger liner built in 1952, designed to capture the trans-Atlantic speed record, as one of her College projects. Because of her outstanding job capturing that ship, she was invited to board and photograph the USS Olympia, the oldest steel warship still afloat. Olympia was Admiral Dewey’s flagship at the Battle of Manila Bay and carried the body of the Unknown Soldier from France to the United States in 1921. After several days of shooting, she amassed an exclusive collection of images that were on exhibit at the Independence Seaport Museum for more than 10 months in 2012. “That would not have been possible without the College,” Rita said with a smile.

Her love for photography began when she was just a child. She attributes much of her interest in photography today to her late father, who passed away when she was only 9 years old. “When my father passed, all that was left of him were photographs. I can vividly remember him letting me use his camera on an Easter Sunday when I was 8 years old. This was unheard of back then because cameras were expensive, but my father didn’t mind at all. It was his trust in me that led me to save and buy my very first camera when I was 15 years old.”

Rita met her husband in 1969, shortly after he opened the Custom Frame Shop at 528 South 4th Street. Two years later, she became his partner in the business. The southwest corner of 4th and South was home at that time to a vacant, boarded-up building. Rita and Bunky rented the building and moved their gallery there in the spring of 1972.

In 1974, they purchased the property at 404½ South Street, and Bunky quit his job to run the business full time. Rita continued working as manager of Art Control at the Franklin Mint until 1979, when she stepped out from under the corporate umbrella to enter their world of art on South Street.

That corner space on Fourth Street is now Jim’s Steaks, but the track lighting on their second floor once shone brightly on the works of local artists.

In April of this year, Rita was faced with the heavy loss of the passing of her husband. When asked what she loved most about the gallery, she said without skipping a beat, “I enjoyed every minute being with my husband. We worked together every day and served generations throughout the years. We have the largest collection of original graphics on the East Coast, and every photograph you see in this gallery was captured by my husband or me. I hope to keep the business alive for as long as I can.”

Community College of Philadelphia has provided many like Rita with the ability to learn and enhance a skill set. When asked what advice she would give a current student of the College, Rita simply said, “Concentrate and study, and you will learn. Turn off your cell phones. In order to gain a quality education you have to be attentive and focus your mind on what’s being taught. That’s the only way you can succeed in any class. Listen, take notes and study... be an ‘A’ student, like me.” Rita views education as a significant experience, saying, “After love, it’s the most important chapter in one’s life.”

“The wonderful thing about the College is that age really is only a number. To the youth of our city ... to the middle-aged, struggling to find meaningful opportunities... or to Philadelphia’s senior citizens, our community college opens its arms to everyone.”

Rita urges all to walk into those welcoming arms. “If you allow it, Community College of Philadelphia will expand your world.”

Class Notes

Aminata SyAminata Sy, ’15, graduated from Community College of Philadelphia in May 2015 with a degree in International Studies. She has since transferred to the University of Pennsylvania. While engulfed in her studies, she is writing for The Philadelphia Tribune and the University City Review. One of the things Sy is most proud of is how she dealt with life challenges growing up, from arriving in the United States not speaking a word of English to dropping out of school in the 10th grade. Sy was determined not to let those challenges overcome her. She decided to attend Community College of Philadelphia, where she received the training needed to pursue her career goal of becoming a journalist.

Yvette-Sanchez-BarettoYvette Sanchez-Baretto, ’95, received degrees in Secretarial Science and a General Studies. She transferred to Temple University’s Fox School of Business and Management, where she attained her bachelor’s degree. Since graduating from Temple University, she has taught Spanish and work readiness in the Harcum College Upward Bound program, and worked for Temple University for the past 16 years, holding administrative positions at its Medical School, the College of Liberal Arts and the Kornberg School of Dentistry. She has served on various committees while at Temple University, such as the Administrative Professionals Certificate Program Committee, where she helped redesign the certificate program and training modules. She also served on the Latino Partnership Leadership Institute, where she designed and delivered workshops on leadership development.

Malvern Osborne, ’85, received a degree in Criminal Justice. He is currently employed with PA, LLC as a logistics manager, where he supervises the company warehouse and employees, and provides daily updates to the company owners who are stationed in India, Florida and California. He is the former president of the Student Government Association, U.S. Navy veteran, member of the American Legion Post 733 and past Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Wesley Union AME Zion Church. Osborne and his wife, Jocelyn, have an 8-year-old son who they raise in Harrisburg, PA.

Jerry Hennessy, ’67, graduated with a Business degree. He transferred to Penn State University as part of the first class to study on their Capital Campus. During his time at Penn State, he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Hennessy worked for the city of Philadelphia for more than 30 years in their department of License and Inspection. He began his career with the city as a Housing and Fire inspector and later as a Building inspector. He has since retired and enjoys traveling and sightseeing.

Faculty Spotlight — Rel Dowdell

Rel Dowdell

(Left) Rel Dowdell and veteran actor
Malcolm McDowell

Brarailty “Rel” Dowdell is a screenwriter, film director, film producer and instructor at Community College of Philadelphia since 2002. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he received a bachelor's degree in English with magna cum laude honors from Fisk University and a master's degree in Film and Screenwriting with highest distinction from Boston University.

Dowdell's first feature film, "Train Ride," received substantial critical acclaim. Produced with independent financing, the film was acquired and distributed by Sony Pictures in 2005 and was ranked as one of the best American films that year by veteran film critic Gerald Peary of the Boston Phoenix, and won “Best Feature” at the American Theatre of Harlem. The film also garnered high praise in film historian and writer Irv Slifkin's national bestselling book, Filmadelphia: A Celebration of a City's Movies. His latest film, “Changing the Game,” garnered a three out of four star rating from critics and was listed as “Best Movie” by BET.

In Memory of Alumnus Joseph Heard

Joseph HeardJoseph Heard, ’08, was a returning adult student who discovered his academic talent while at Community College of Philadelphia and made the most of it. Heard was the first in his family of six siblings to graduate from college. He obtained an Associate in Science degree in Mathematics, went on to do research at the National Science Foundation of Arizona State University and completed his graduate degree from Syracuse University. While at the College, Heard was the chapter president of the National Society of Black Engineers, president of a local unit of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, president of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Club and 1st vice president of the College’s Student Government Association. Joseph Heard’s untimely death in August proves how precious life is. Joseph Heard will be missed by the College family and alumni. He is the true representation of someone who focused on a dream and made it a reality.

Community College of Philadelphia Foundation Update

Raising Money to Support the Next Generation of Leaders
The Foundation is pleased to announce that we have exceeded our Annual Fund goal of $75,000! To date, we have raised more than $88,000. To add to this exciting news, we are proud to announce that this increase has trumped both 2012's and 2013’s Annual Fund contributions. The money raised from the Annual Fund campaign help with scholarships and other tuition assistance, including the 50th Anniversary Scholars program, which provides Philadelphia high school graduates the opportunity to pursue their associate’s degree at Community College of Philadelphia with no cost for tuition and fees.

To learn more about the 50th Anniversary Scholars program or to donate to the Annual Fund and be a part of this tremendous initiative, please make a secure online donation today.

Update Your Information
Did you move? Are you married or recently engaged? Have you changed jobs? Update your information now so we can continue to stay connected with you and keep you informed about all the exciting things happening at Community College of Philadelphia.

Visit www.ccp.edu/alumni or email alumni@ccp.edu.

Join the Alumni Association Now!
Interested in joining the Alumni Association? Already a part of the Alumni Association and want to find out what new benefits we offer?

Benefits Include:
Access to College Library, Computer and Learning labs
Discounts from Third-party Partners
Quarterly E-Newsletter
Exclusive Access to Special Events
Free Professional Workshops
And Much More!

Join Now!

Notable Alumni: Moving Philadelphia Forward

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Deesha Dyer
White House Social Secretary

 

Gunter Pfau
Founder and CEO of international technology
companies Stuzo and MEG.comLink

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Dr. Kathleen Hetherington
President of Howard Community College

 

Joseph J. Williams, M.D., and Gwendolyn
V. Williams, Ed.D.

Urologist and Educational Consultant/Professor

View more notable alumni

notable 3
message from Liberty Mutual Insurance

 

Four Tips for Renting Your First Apartment

Renting an apartment is typically one of your first big financial commitments. And, as with any major commitment, there are many factors to consider. For help, start with this beginner’s apartment rental guide.

  1. Set a budget. You'll need money for food,transportation, phone and Internet, and probably some savings for a rainy day—so determine a budget and allocate a portion of that for your rent.
  2. Find and inspect apartments. Once you've determined your budget, it’s time to find the available rental apartments in your area. When you visit, remember to check for the following:
    • Properly working plumbing and electricity—Turn on taps and light switches, flush toilets, and check under sinks for evidence of leaks.
    • Security features—Ensure doors and windows have secure frames and sturdy locks.
    • Routine maintenance issues—Inspect the floors, walls and ceilings for damage or decay.
  3. Ask the right questions. Your experience as a renter begins by asking the landlord key questions, including:
    • How much is the rent, and when is it due?.
    • Are utilities included?
    • What is the policy on pets?
    • Is there parking available, and what are the costs associated with it?
    • Who is responsible for maintenance and common areas?
    • What security measures are in place?
  4. Rent the apartment. Once you find the perfect apartment, you need to fill out a rental application. If your application is approved and you pass the credit check, then it's time to sign a rental agreement (short term) or a lease (longer term). Don’t forget to inventory everything in the apartment, such as existing appliances. Take photos to document the condition of each item.

To learn more about Liberty Mutual auto and home insurance or to get a free, no-obligation quote, call 1-888-915-1100 or visit our alumni website.

Calendar of Events

December 2, 2015
1960s and 70s Alumni Reunion
6–8 p.m.
Mint Building Rotunda
1700 Spring Garden Street
RSVP to Darryl Irizarry: 215-751-8015

December 5, 2015
Alumni Day of Service
9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 12:30–4:30 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia ReStore
2318 Washington Avenue
RSVP to Darryl Irizarry: 215-751-8015

Learn More About Upcoming Events

www.ccp.edu/alumni/alumni-association/special-events

College News

From Community College to the White House

Deesha Dyer

By any standard, going from community college student to White House social secretary in just six years is the stuff of which dreams are made. And Deesha Dyer would probably be pinching herself, if she had the time.

Student Success: Shawn Jorden
How the Center for Male Engagement helped Shawn reach his educational goals.

Access to Education is the New Frontier for Civil Rights

Graduates of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Outperform U.S. Small Businesses Overall in Revenue Growth and Job Creation

Obama's Praise Spotlights Alum, Reentry Support Project

News & Announcements

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