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.

This year’s Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship recipient, Anyssa Elmanfaa, was also the first in her family to attain a college degree. Elmanfaa plans to use her scholarship money of up to $40k per year to attend either Bucknell University or Swarthmore College.

Six high school seniors from Mathematics, Science and Technology (MaST) Community Charter School graduated with associate degrees prior to receiving their high school diplomas. During the Commencement exercises, Dr. Generals announced that Laura Davidson, associate professor of Dietetics and Allied Health, was the 2019 winner of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching award.