The Program for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing is
located in the College Community Center: 
Academic Advisement Room 100A
Camden County College
P.O. Box 200 
Blackwood, New Jersey 08012 
Telephone: 856-227-7200 ext. 4506
(856)-374-5003 (FAX)

John Davis

Picture shows John Davis signing the National Anthem at his graduation.

John Davis is a Navy Veteran from the Vietnam era. He served in the military from 1963-1969. John became late-deafened due to the bombing in Viet Nam where he was stationed on the USS Yorktown CVS-10, a carrier in the Bay of Tonkin.

Mr. Davis works full time as a custodian at Camden County College. Our oldest graduate at age 65, John took classes part-time over six and a half years, graduating in the spring of 2010 with an Associate in Applied Science in Office Systems Technology.

 

Michael J. Smith

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Camden County College presented the Brian C. Shomo Scholarship to an outstanding student, Michael J. Smith. Michael accepted the $500 academic scholarship during a ceremony attended by hundreds of students, faculty, donors, and distinguished guests.

Brian Shomo established the scholarship in his name while working as Transition Counselor at Camden County College’s Mid-Atlantic Post-secondary Center in May of 2002. Later, when Mr. Shomo left the college to take a position as Director of the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Trenton, he continued to present the scholarship. In June of 2006 Brian passed away and now each year the scholarship is awarded in his memory to a minority student who is deaf or hard of hearing attending Camden County College.

Students who are Native American, Asian American, African American, or Hispanic and who produce good academics; show potential and leadership qualities; and who participate in school and community activities are considered for the scholarship.

Unfortunately this year bad weather prevented Brian’s sister, Inice Shomo Hennessy and brothers, Keith and George Shomo from attending the Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Michael was nominated based on his outstanding academic performance and community involvement. Besides working full time, Mike is currently completing his three-hundred hour practicum in Automotive Technology.

Camden County College is proud to continue to offer the Brian C. Shomo Memorial Scholarship to student graduates who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing meeting the academic and civic criteria.
 
For more information or to make a donation to the Brian C. Shomo Memorial Endowed Scholarship, contact the Office of Foundation & Alumni Relations at (856) 374-4946.




Wilfrido Melendez (automotive program)

Melendez, the first in his family to earn a college degree, has entered a unique field in the auto industry; he rebuilds Rolls Royce cars. "I really enjoy working on these classic cars," said Melendez. "To me the newer cars are more complicated, everything is so tight. Besides, I have really big hands, so I can't maneuver them around inside the newer cars," he jokes. Asked if he owns a Rolls Royce, the 25-year-old smiles and says, "No, I drive a Honda Civic."

Melendez, a Camden City resident, said the education he received was "outstanding," adding there are several teachers instrumental in his success. "I had people there who really cared about helping me succeed, like Jim DeShields and Bob Strong." DeShields continues to be a huge influence in Melendez's life. "Jim DeShields worked with me and taught me all about these classic cars and I want to thank him," said Melendez. "After graduation I went to work for him. He continues to teach me so much." DeShields has a mutual admiration for Melendez. "He is fantastic! He makes up for his lack of hearing and speech by using his head," said DeShields. "I could never find anyone better; I wish I could clone him!" Melendez says he wants to start his own business someday and credits the College for helping him reach his potential. "I am very proud to say I graduated from Camden County College."

Transition Services
Students can contact the Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students directly to schedule an appointment for transition services. Transition assistance and information that meets the specific needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners will be provided by advisors fluent in American Sign Language. Camden County College New Student Orientations, Tours, and Transition Fairs are accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students needing accommodations. 
Some Transition Information includes:

• iTransition,  an on-line training for Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners
• Financial Aid information
• Scholarship information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
• Differences between High School and College

Support Services
Camden County College provides the following services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing:

• Advisement/Transition Counseling accessible in ASL
• Interpreting
• Notetaking
• C-Print Captioning
• Tutoring
• Financial Aid Assistance
• Assistive Listening Devices

Extracurricular Activities
Camden County College has a wide variety of student activities. * Requests for interpreters for extra activities must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

• Division III Sports
• Student Government
• College Newspaper
• Theater
• Student Clubs

Application Process
Contact the Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students at 227-7200 ext. 4255 or 4506 or kearp@camdencc.edu

You can apply online.

Students who are deaf or hard of hearing and requesting support services will need to provide the following:

• A completed application
• High school or college transcripts
• A current audiogram (administered within  the last 3 years)

For more information please contact:
The Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students 
Camden County College 
P.O. Box 200 
Blackwood, New Jersey 08012 
856-227-7200 ext. 4506 or 4255 (V/TTY)
856-374-5003 (Fax)
kearp@camdencc.edu