COLLEGE MLK CELEBRATION TO FEATURE ACTOR'S PORTRAYAL OF KING

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will live again during a Camden County College presentation to mark what would have been his 75th birthday.

The multimedia presentation "Touched By a King" will feature actor Kevin Q. Jackson orating as the slain civil rights leader. Also part of the event will be the performance of several gospel songs and the showing of vintage photos and film footage.

"Touched By a King" will take place in College Hall of CCC's Camden City Campus, which is located at Broadway and Cooper Street in Camden, on Friday, Jan. 23, 2004. The program is slated to begin at 11 a.m. and run approximately 90 minutes.

The national observance of the King holiday is set earlier that week. CCC is conducting its tribute several days later to coincide with students' return to campus for the spring semester.

The Philadelphia-born Jackson will use a number of King's well-known speeches to bring both the man and his work back to life. Jackson began his theatrical career in church productions, founded Rider University's Total Experience drama group and produced/directed the City of Camden's sesquicentennial production "Visions and Revisions." As an actor, he has performed stage roles in "Purlie," "Man of La Mancha," ""The Wiz," "Pajama Party" and "God's Trombones" and appeared on television programs such as "Captain Noah," "Dialing for Dollars" and "Black Perspective." A past performance of his King presentation is known to have moved NAACP chairman Julian Bond to tears.

Admission to "Touched By a King" is free. The public is invited to attend along with students, faculty, staff and administrators.

For further details, contact student life and activities director Margo Venable by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4282, or via e-mail at mvenable@camdencc.edu.

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Citizens Bank is joining a number of private foundations and other philanthropic organizations to help Camden County College help Camden residents learn more to earn more.

A $5,000 gift from Citizens is allowing CCC to expand its Gateway Community Project, which provides adults with neighborhood-based GED, adult basic education and English classes. Over the last year, CCC has partnered with a number of Camden churches to provide city residents with the opportunity to complete these pre-collegiate courses. Such study fulfills many purposes, including self-satisfaction, improvement of life skills, preparation for college and - ultimately - entry into a career path.

Citizens Bank, which operates more than 825 branches in seven states, will present program administrators with a check during the next Gateway achievement ceremony. This event will begin at 6:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Thursday, Dec. 18, in Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1196 Penn St., Camden, and also feature Citizens' presentation of Cat in the Hat dolls to the children of program enrollees.

According to coordinator Dr. Gary D. Rodwell, those who would most benefit from GED/ABE/ESL education often lack confidence about learning, are hesitant to venture out of their neighborhoods and are intimidated by the thought of returning to a classroom setting. In response, CCC offers classes through the institutions in which they may be most comfortable: Churches that they attend.

More than 100 students have completed at least one semester of Gateway studies, and several of them have since enrolled in college. Classes are held in the evenings and run twice weekly for two hours per night over a 15-week period. Students pay a $25 fee and receive $250 scholarships to cover tuition.

Funding has been provided by the United Way of Camden County ($11,400), the Danellie Foundation ($10,000), the Camden County Prosecutor's Office ($8,100) and the Camden Empowerment Zone Corp. Inc. ($5,000). An additional commitment for $40,000 has been received from Camden City Department of Health and Human Services.

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Three part-time faculty members who have instructed the students of Camden County College for a combined total of 39 years have received CCC's 2003 awards for adjunct teaching excellence.

Rupina Prabhakar of Marlton (English as a second language) was selected from the Division of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Linda Pinto of Sewell (mathematics skills) was selected from the Division of Math, Science and Health Careers. Joseph Lee of Bridgeton (computer information systems) was selected from the Division of Business, Computers and Technical Studies.

Prabhakar has been an ESL adjunct since 1995 and is the only ESL instructor at CCC who instructs deaf and hard of hearing students. According to her colleagues, she has distinguished herself through the attention that she pays to student needs. In addition to teaching, Prabhakar has developed and presented the workshop "Strategies of Teaching ESL Students in Mainstream English Classes" at Rutgers University and was an invited panelist for CCC's forum "What Deaf Students Want You to Know About Having a Hearing Loss in a Mainstream Classroom."

Pinto has been a math skills adjunct since 1992 and is the part-timer that the department counts on to always say "yes" during an emergency. According to her colleagues, she is the epitome of a team player who has taken over classes in mid-semester when faculty have fallen ill and come in on snowy days for review sessions when other faculty have canceled their classes. In addition to teaching, Pinto has served as a placement-test proctor and worked in the Tutoring Center.

Lee has been a computer information systems adjunct since 1983 and is known for bringing a wealth of industry experience to the courses that he teaches. According to his colleagues, he is prized for the expertise shown in his database administration classes using Oracle and his UNIX system analysis and design classes. In addition to teaching, Lee serves on the college's Computer Information Systems Advisory Board and was instrumental in the development of the college's new relational database management system certificate program.

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The Camden County College Foundation has begun a new partnership that will provide low-income single mothers who attend CCC with money to purchase reading materials for their courses.

Officials of the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation recently signed an agreement with the college to provide $5,000 per year toward student textbook purchases. These monies will be distributed to qualified students as 10 awards of $250 each semester.

Lauren Rose Albert, a 40-year-old mother of three, was killed in an automobile accident in Morocco in 1999. The Cherry Hill-based organization named in her honor was begun so that her family and friends could keep her generous and spirited memory alive through community service. The Lauren Rose Albert Foundation strives to help others build better lives so that they may realize their potential and make their own contributions to society.

Initiatives enacted by the foundation aim to provide "a safety net for women in need." These include "Mothers Matter" gift baskets for women's shelter residents, a road-safety program, scholarships to graduating high school seniors and the college-assistance book fund that will help CCC students starting in Spring 2004.

According to Albert's mother, Susan Rose, women struggling to work a low-income job, raise children and attend school often find that "purchasing course-related books and materials means a choice between being prepared for class or giving up a household necessity." No one trying to improve her life and the life of her children, Rose said, should have to make such a choice.

College president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia agreed. She noted that contributions of organizations such as the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation are vital in CCC's efforts to serve its community.

"Gifts like this," Della Vecchia said, "mean so much."

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The many hands that worked to start a new future for the City of Camden have been applauding as Camden County College has opened the city's first new commercial venture to be completed under the Camden Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act.

The 13,500-square-foot University District Bookstore occupies the first floor of Camden County College's eight-story Camden Technology Center, the rest of which will open in early 2004. The store combines shopping, dining and socializing space inside a coffeehouse-style atmosphere. Amenities include a range of general titles and textbooks, comfortable chairs and an Internet cafe stocked with sandwiches, sweets, coffee and other beverages. As a result, the University District Bookstore provides a convenient place where students from the Camden campuses of CCC, Rutgers and Rowan can find all of the materials necessary to satisfy their scholastic and between-classes needs. Just as importantly, the facility also provides an attractive location for the public to gather for reading and relaxation.

This sort of academic and cultural addition to the City of Camden was exactly what Gov. James E. McGreevey had in mind when he signed the Camden Rehabilitation and Economy Recovery Act in 2002. This measure is intended to restore urban Camden to its former status as the cultural and economic center of South Jersey through the development of initiatives involving higher education, housing, public safety, infrastructure, business and medical care.

The bookstore's official opening was marked by all segments of the Camden community during a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this fall. Celebrating along with students and residents were administrators from each of the institutions that make up the city's hub for higher education. These included Rutgers University-Camden provost Dr. Roger J. Dennis, Rowan University provost Dr. Helen Giles-Gee, members of the Camden County College Board of Trustees and CCC president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia.

"This bookstore, like the entire facility, is the result of the cooperative work of many hands," Della Vecchia noted. "To the state, county and city officials; our higher education partners; the architects and engineers; and all of our honored guests assembled this morning, please know that we truly appreciate the partnerships and strategic alliances that have contributed to making this day a reality."

Among the government leaders who participated in the event were state Sen. Wayne R. Bryant, who was one of the architects of the $175 million Camden Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act, and Assemblyman Lou Greenwald. Joining them were Camden City Council President Angel Fuentes, Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Camden Tony C. Evans and Freeholder Riletta L. Cream.

"Today marks a milestone in the history of Camden because we give further substance to the Camden University District for the continued expansion of Camden County College, Rutgers University-Camden and Rowan University, as well as our K-12 institutions," Cream said. "This is more than a bookstore. It is an investment in education, in the city and in our future."

Also on hand for the event were officials from Follett Higher Education Group, the company that is managing and operating the bookstore. These included Steve Pribyl, who is Follett's senior vice president for sales and operations, and Mary Alice Diehl, who is the store's on-site manager.

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Executives from seven of the region's top businesses have joined the Camden County College Foundation Board of Directors while four long-time members have assumed the board's leadership posts.

Each new director will serve a three-year term ending in Fall 2006. Now serving are Diana Ballistreri (vice president, Citizens Bank) of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.; Robert E. Curley III (regional vice president, Commerce Bank) of Marlton; David Kumpf (unit manager, L3 Communication Systems) of Voorhees; Barbara Powell-Peters (owner, Powell-Peters Real Estate Agency and Property Management) of Williamstown; Mark Schmidt (vice president, Metrologic Instruments Inc.) of Williamstown; Sharon E. Schulman (president/chief executive officer, Consumers New Jersey Water Co.) of Erial; and Reginald C. Stevenson (vice president/executive director, BPUM Impact Corp.) of Blackwood.

Each officer will serve a one-year term on the board's executive committee ending in Fall 2004. Gary Vermaat (president, Lenny, Vermaat & Leonard Inc. Realtors) of Haddonfield, who joined the board in 1996, is serving his fifth year as chair. John R. Dillon (executive vice president, Morgan Stanley) of Mount Laurel, who joined the board in 1996, is serving his first year as vice chair. Lydia DePersia (independent Spanish language consultant) of Gibbsboro, who joined the board in 1995, is serving her eighth year as secretary. Bill Jones (shareholder, Alloy, Silverstein, Shapiro, Adams, Mulford, Cicalese, Wilson and Co.) of Sewell, who joined the board in 1995, is serving his eighth year as treasurer.

The Camden County College Foundation raises private monies to support student scholarships, academic programs, campus construction and institutional services. The non-profit organization's activities include benefit events such a golf outing and arts performances.

For additional information or to make a contribution, call the foundation at (856) 374-4258.

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A South Jersey resident with more than 26 years of experience in law enforcement and fire service has been hired as Camden County College's director of public safety.

Stephen A. Addezio of Marlton is responsible for ensuring the overall safety of the college's three campus locations and anyone who works at, attends classes at or visits them. Activities under his supervision include those related to crime prevention and intervention; fire safety; emergency response; accident prevention; emergency and disaster management; parking and traffic control; property damage and control; and risk and threat analysis.

Addezio most recently was a consultant/manager for the Hopewell Township Fire District. He retired as chief of the Medford Township Police Department in 2002, having worked his way up from patrol officer to watch commander as a sergeant, investigative unit commander and patrol division commander as a lieutenant and executive officer as a captain. He had begun his career as an officer with the Lawnside Police Department in 1975.

In addition, Addezio has served as volunteer deputy chief of Evesham Fire-Rescue since 1990. He previously served with the Runnemede Fire Department, Cherry Hill Fire District No. 2 and the Burlington County Office of Emergency Management.

Addezio holds an associate's degree in business administration from Camden County College and a bachelor of science degree in business administration from what is now Rowan University. He also holds a master of science degree in public safety administration from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and has completed additional training with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Fire Academy.

"As his background indicates," said Melissa Hopp, vice president for administrative services, "Steve brings a wealth of experience in numerous public safety disciplines to Camden County College."

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Sixty-four Camden County College students have been inducted into the Alpha Nu Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Members must complete a minimum of 12 college credits and attain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. Chapter advisers are Professor Jennifer Hoheisel and Professor Anthony Fortini.

Inducted this semester were:

o Atlantic County: Kimberly Levari, Buena.

o Camden County: Daniel Burns, Stratford; Christus Catamusto, Pennsauken; Nicole Chaney, Sicklerville; Kelly Clendining, Sicklerville; Maureen Collins, Gloucester Township; Ashley Dalton, Oaklyn; Elizabeth DeHart, Sicklerville; Mindy Dougherty, Voorhees; Jacquelyn Fingerman, Cherry Hill; Sandra Fleming, Berlin; Shanelle Ford, Cherry Hill; Cammy Gale, Barrington; Michelle Hackett, Camden; Bonita Hines, Camden; Casey Holmes, Sicklerville; Jennifer Horsley, Westmont; Kathleen Jordan, Cherry Hill; Andrew Kimball, Blackwood; Erica King, Clementon; Michelle Lamontagne, Sicklerville; Arthur Lauricella, Sicklerville; Kyung Lee, Stratford; JoAnne McKee, Voorhees; Blayne McLarney, Cherry Hill; Angela Meluso, Laurel Springs; Jennifer Monson, Berlin; Jennifer Moran, Lindenwold; David Paskman, Gloucester City; Mary Kate Pasquarello, Blackwood; Virginia Prince, Collingswood; Hira Rehman, Voorhees; Dennis Richards Jr., Glendora; Susan Routon, Haddonfield; Janeen Seagraves, Blackwood; Luis Soto, Camden; Tara Stover, Somerdale; Ryan Thomas, Laurel Springs; Hope Vallery, Camden; Leslie Wallace, Woodlynne; Daria Walter, Sicklerville; Lynda Weiss, Clementon; Jeanne Welsh, Berlin; Michael Williams, Haddonfield; Laura Willis, Collingswood; James Wynn, Clementon; Deborah Zadrozny, Clementon; Rebecca Zarr, Somerdale.

o Gloucester County: Marie Carey, Deptford; Phenice Chapman, Glassboro; Melissa Corson, Paulsboro; Timothy Cragg, Mantua; Rebecca Force, Williamstown; Barbara Fortini, Turnersville; Amna Parvez, Turnersville; Nahed Parvez, Turnersville; Andrea Siwek, Sewell; Christopher Taormina, Turnersville; Michelle Winter, Wenonah; Darleen Yacovone, Sewell.

o Outside New Jersey: Max Essoh, Philadelphia, Pa.; Silke Fodeke, Sanford, S.C.; Ralph Lerro, Philadelphia, Pa.; Darlene Machovec, Monrovia, Md.

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Because nothing's more accessible than when it's right in the neighborhood, Camden County College is offering community-based registration and classes for the Spring 2004 semester.

Current and prospective students may register for courses offered at any CCC campus or off-campus site - by attending one of the community registration events set during August.

Sessions are scheduled:

· 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Echelon Mall County Store, Echelon Mall Road.

· 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 13, Haddonfield Visitors Center, Kings Highway.

· 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 13, Cherry Hill Mall County Store, Route 38.

· Noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 15, Gloucester Township County Store, Blackwood-Clementon Road.

· 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan 15, Haddon Township Library, MacArthur Boulevard.

· 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16, Winslow Township County Store, Williamstown Road.

· Noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 20, Camden City Library, Federal Street.

In addition, dozens of courses are planned at Collingswood High School, Gloucester City Junior/Senior High School, Pennsauken High School, Eastern Regional High School and Winslow Township Middle School. All are scheduled on weekday evenings.

For additional information, visit the college online at www.camdencc.edu.

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Anyone aged 23 or older who is considering enrolling at Camden County College for the Spring 2004 semester is invited to attend an information session for adult students. Each of the college's three locations will host one of these free Workshops for the Adult Learner.

Services available will include instant admissions, career and academic advisement, transcript review and registration for classes. Requirements concerning the evaluation of credit for prior learning/experience and the New Jersey Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program also will be addressed.

Available as well will be information about evening and weekend classes, distance learning, personal interest courses and non-degree professional training. Details regarding student services such as day care and tutoring will be offered as well.

The first session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in fifth-floor student lounge of the Camden City Campus' College Hall, 200 N. Broadway, Camden

The second will take place at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 in the Room 204 of the Gabriel E. Danch CIM Center on the Blackwood Campus, College Drive and Little Gloucester Road, Gloucester Township.

The third is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 in the first-floor Executive Conference Room of the William G. Rohrer Center, Route 70 and Springdale Road, Cherry Hill.

Prospective adult students should call to confirm attendance for the workshop of their choice and bring with them copies of any prior college transcripts.

To reserve a space or for additional information, contact recruitment director Dr. Dennis Ferry by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4660, or via e-mail dferry@camdencc.edu.

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A poet and Camden County College professor who has devoted her life to the art and craft of writing has been lauded with a 2003 Applause Award from Haddonfield's Markeim Arts Center. Barbara Daniels of Sicklerville was honored in the "Literature" category of the annual awards program, which recognizes community members for their contributions to South Jersey arts and humanities.

During her 27 years at CCC, Daniels has taught courses in English composition, creative writing and literary studies. She received CCC's award for teaching excellence in 1996. This semester, she is serving as a visiting professor of literature at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Pomona.

In addition to co-authoring two textbooks, Daniels has published more than 100 poems, articles and essays. Publications that have featured her work include The Massachusetts Review, The Cortland Review, The Sonia Sanchez Review, The Atlanta Review, Many Mountains Moving and Soundings East.

Daniels received an Individual Artist Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in 1998. She also is a past winner of the Richard Lautz Poetry Award, the Quentin R. Howard Prize and the Art in the Air Poetry Contest. Work that she published in The Coal City Review was nominated for the prestigious Pushcart Prize in 2001.

Daniels has instructed, evaluated contest entries and given readings at numerous colleges, universities, bookstores and literary events throughout the region. This includes teaching at the Rutgers University Writers Conference; judging the Philadelphia Writers Conference, the Battleship New Jersey Memorial and the Browning Society of New York's Rose Riccobono Poetry Prize; and reading at the University of Pennsylvania's Kelly Writers House and Manayunk Arts Center.

Daniels holds a bachelor of arts degree from Buena Vista College in Iowa, a master of arts degree from New York University and a master of fine arts degree from Vermont College. She has been listed in The World Who's Who of Women, Who's Who in the East and Who's Who in American Education.

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The Camden County College Board of Trustees has elected its officers for the 2003-04 term, with all of last year's leaders retaining their positions for another year.

Continuing to serve as chair is Kevin G. Halpern of Cherry Hill. Halpern became a college trustee in 1995 and has chaired the board since the 1996-97 school year.

Returning as vice chair is Sandee G. Vogelson of Cherry Hill. Vogelson joined the board in 1995 and served as secretary from 1998 to 1999. She has been vice chair since the 1999-2000 school year.

Continuing as secretary is Hazel T. Nimmo of Sicklerville. Nimmo became a college trustee in 1994 and has been secretary since the 1999-2000 school year.

Returning as treasurer is Joseph Ripa of Berlin. Ripa joined the board in 2000 and became treasurer in March 2003.

The reinstallation of officers occurred during the board's annual November reorganization session. The trustees meet each month from September through June, with location rotating among the college's three locations in Blackwood, Camden and Cherry Hill.

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CCC's Alpha Alpha Psi chapter is the first community college branch of KDP. It received its charter and held its first induction ceremony during the Spring 2003 semester. The honor society's 550 other chapters consist of students at or graduates of four-year colleges and universities.

KDP recognizes students pursuing education as an occupation and helps educators develop resources to grow throughout their careers. To apply for membership, students must achieve a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average for at least 50 credits of coursework.

Inducted this semester were:

o Burlington County: Sherry Chmielinski, Maple Shade; Nancy Napoli, Marlton.

o Camden County: Julie Boettcher, Cherry Hill; Leanna Bonnette, Erial; Lori Brown, Merchantville; Faith Chabalowski, Cherry Hill; Cindy Elder, Voorhees; Deneene Freeman, Camden; Lori Goldberg, Cherry Hill; Lisa Haislip, Cherry Hill; Maia Hoover, Blackwood; Elizabeth Jackson, Blackwood; Marianne Kelly, Camden; Jacqueline Massanova, Somerdale; Deborah McAleer, Laurel Springs; Zenobia McNeill. Lindenwold; Kimberly Meginniss, Somerdale; Charles Moore, Atco; RoseAnn Noll, Cherry Hill; Sara Prepsel, Gloucester Township; Virginia Prince, Collingswood; Jessica Refsnider, Lindenwold; Kym Simmons, Camden.

o Gloucester County: Lindsey Albano, Williamstown.

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WHEN: 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003.

WHERE: First floor, College Hall, Broadway and Cooper Street, Camden City Campus.

DETAILS: Lauren Rose Albert, a 40-year-old mother of three, was killed in an automobile accident in Morocco in 1999. The Cherry Hill-based foundation named in her honor was begun later that year so that her family could keep her generous and spirited memory alive through service. The foundation strives to help others build better lives so that they may realize their potential and make their own contributions to society.

Initiatives enacted by the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation aim to provide "a safety net for women in need." These include "Mothers Matter" gift baskets for women residing in shelters, a road-safety program, scholarships to graduating high school seniors and a college-assistance book fund.

As a book fund partner, Camden County College will receive $5,000 per year to make 10 awards of $250 per semester to low-income, single working mothers who are attending CCC. According to Albert's mother, Susan Rose, women struggling to work a low-income job, raise children and attend school often find that "purchasing course-related books and materials means a choice between being prepared for class or giving up a household necessity." No one trying to improve her life, Rose says, should have to make such a choice.

TO COVER: Call William Thompson at (856) 374-4931 or e-mail wthompson@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College student John-Michael DeSheplo was a frequent stage presence, performing in and working behind the scenes on a number of CCC theatrical productions. An accomplished cellist, he also played many concerts as a member of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Southern New Jersey, the Rowan University Orchestra and the Camden County College Jazz Ensemble. Each semester, he also lent his instrumental and vocal skills to shows staged by CCC's dance students.

Members of this last group will honor the memory of the 24-year-old DeSheplo, who died in July after a nine-year battle with brain cancer, during their fall recital this Friday and Saturday. Titled "Something Worth Leaving Behind," the event will serve as a testament to the Camden County College community's appreciation for this young man and his many talents.

"Something Worth Leaving Behind" will feature students in CCC's modern, jazz, ballet and movement classes performing student- and faculty-choreographed works to a variety of music. Selections will include the title piece, which is set to a Lee Ann Womack song. Adjunct faculty member Mariarosa Milorey directs.

In addition to celebrating DeSheplo's life, the recital will raise money to assist needy area families during the holidays. This production will mark the eighth time that the college's students of movement have danced to make a difference by letting their feet do the fund-raising.

Shows will be performed at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 7 and at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, which is located inside Lincoln Hall on the college's Blackwood Campus. Admission is just $3 per person

For additional information, contact Dr. Judith Rowlands, assistant dean for the arts, by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4364, or via e-mail at revans@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College’s observance of International Education Week will get under way early and with a musical flair when a flamenco dance troupe takes the Blackwood Campus stage.

International Education Week is a U.S. Department of Education effort to promote understanding among students from different nations. This year’s observance has been scheduled for Nov. 16 to 22.

Getting the college’s celebration off to an early start will be a Nov. 14 performance by Flamenco Olé! sponsored by the Camden County College Foundation. This nationally acclaimed show of classical and modern flamenco dancing set to live music will begin at 8 p.m. in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre. Proceeds will benefit CCC’s Student Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors with identification and $9 for children aged 12 and younger. For tickets, contact (856) 227-7200, ext. 4258, or jvanhee@camdencc.edu.

Also planned is a free world cinema festival, with showings in the Danch CIM Center on the Blackwood Campus. Set Nov. 17 are the immigration-themed films “El Norte” (Guatemala) at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and “Journey of Hope” (Turkey) at 1 and 5 p.m. Set Nov. 18 are the dramas “Like Water for Chocolate” (Mexico) at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and “Monsoon Wedding” (India) at 1 and 5 p.m. Set Nov. 19 are the comedies “Cold Fever” (Japan) at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and “Jamón, Jamón” (Spain) at 1 and 5 p.m.

Featured will be a free pair of International Day celebrations, which will include foods from many lands and international CCC students dressing in native costume. These events are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18 (Camden City Campus) and Nov. 20 (Blackwood Campus).

A special workshop for those interested in the college’s numerous study-abroad options also will be a part of International Education Week. Professor Martine Howard will conduct a one-hour presentation in the Danch CIM Center auditorium beginning at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19.

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An entrepreneurial mindset and a fervent belief in the power of education have characterized the presidency of Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia. It was only fitting, then, that such themes were the focus of an event honoring her 10 years at the helm of Camden County College.

CCC celebrated the tenure of its chief executive officer with its first Presidential Colloquium. Highlighting the event was a speech and a panel discussion on education's role in civic responsibility. Both explored what it means to be an institution of higher education and what it will take for such institutions to continue serving the American community throughout the 21st century.

Delivering the talk "Education for Freedom" was Dr. Sheldon Hackney, who is a former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a former president of both Tulane University and the University of Pennsylvania. He also is the author of The Politics of Presidential Appointment: A Memoir of the Cultural Years and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Hackney asserted that true liberty is "the freedom to participate in the making of the laws under which everyone lives equally" and that educational institutions must prepare students to undertake the obligations of such freedom. Following his talk was a discussion between the audience and a panel consisting of Hackney and CCC faculty Theodore Barthold, Claire Berger, Kelly Jackson and John Pesda.

This exploration of the academy's responsibility to students and the community was an appropriate way to celebrate Della Vecchia's presidency, which began on Sept. 2, 1993. Her time at CCC has been typified by a constant drive to be responsive to the educational, workforce and economic development needs of Camden County and its citizens.

During the years that it has been under Della Vecchia's leadership, the college has:

· Achieved ranks among the nation's top 50 two-year colleges for the graduation rates of several academic programs while maintaining one of the lowest tuition rates in the state and the region.

· Developed its first strategic plan and comprehensive facilities master plan while completing key capital improvements such as the expansion of the Camden City Campus through the construction of the Camden Technology Center; the addition of a third campus location in Cherry Hill with the construction of the William G. Rohrer Center; and extensive renovations to the Blackwood Campus.

· Implemented an extensive technology agenda, which included upgrading the college's technological infrastructure, launching an online student information system, creating online learning opportunities and developing an award-winning presence on the World Wide Web.

· Established professional analysis and development initiatives by creating the Teaching and Learning Center, the New Faculty Mentoring Program, the Partners in Learning Program for Tenured Faculty, the annual Adjunct Teaching Excellence Awards and an outcomes assessment plan.

· Increased academic options for students by bringing the number of degree and certificate programs to more than 130; partnering with Rowan and Rutgers Universities to extend higher education opportunities to urban residents; increasing the number and locations of neighborhood-based course offerings; establishing the Gateway Community Program for pre-college preparation with city churches; and creating two career academies for high-schoolers.

· Secured $27 million in public grant funding while establishing revenue-generating initiatives such as the nationally recognized Technology Mentoring Program and the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development.

During the reception that followed the colloquium, Della Vecchia was greeted by students, faculty, staff and local community members whose lives have been touched by her leadership. She also was presented with a resolution from the New Jersey General Assembly, a proclamation from the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders and a Presidential Medallion from the CCC trustees.

Della Vecchia holds a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and master of arts degrees from the Catholic University of America and the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Pennsylvania as well.

Prior to coming to CCC, Della Vecchia served as vice president for academic affairs at Community College of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. In addition, she previously served as vice president for academic affairs and student services and dean of the college at Harford Community College in Maryland and dean of planning, development and communications at Community College of Baltimore in Maryland.

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A five-year grant from the United States Department of Education is allowing Camden County College to serve its ever-increasing student populations while maximizing its existing classroom space.

The $1.8 million grant from the federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program will fund the creation of 45 blended learning model (BLM) courses. It also will support the curricula redesign and faculty development necessary to incorporate these courses into the college's established degree and certificate programs.

The BLM fuses in-person instruction with online instruction, making each BLM course part traditional and part distance in nature. According to project director Dr. Sebastian Vasta, this type of course offers the best of both instructional worlds. Because they operate partly in a physical classroom, they provide the clarity and camaraderie that comes with face-to-face interaction. Because they also operate partly in a cyber classroom, they provide the convenience and flexibility of distance education.

"Some students like that distance learning is easy to incorporate into their busy schedules but really miss the interaction of the traditional classroom," Vasta said. "The blended learning model allows us to provide both simultaneously. What's more, because we only have so many physical classrooms, BLM courses reduce the number of hours a particular space is needed without sacrificing student comfort."

The need for such courses has become particularly strong in recent years. Enrollment records have been set at CCC each of the last five semesters as student counts and credit counts have skyrocketed. For example, the Fall 2003 semester currently has 14,806 students registered for a record 139,473 credits.

The BLM concept was pilot-tested at Camden County College during the Spring 2003 semester, when six blended courses in a variety of subject areas were offered. One of these, "Introduction to Nutrition," was developed using a $2,500 Datatel Scholars Foundation grant.

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WHAT: Opening of Camden County College's University District Bookstore, the first new commercial venture completed in the city under the Camden Revitalization Act.

Attending will be CCC president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia, state Sen. Wayne R. Bryant, Assemblyman Joseph J. Roberts Jr., Freeholder Director Jeffrey L. Nash, Mayor Gwendolyn A. Faison, City Council President Angel Fuentes, Rutgers University-Camden provost Dr. Roger J. Dennis, Rowan University provost Dr. Helen Giles-Gee and Follett Senior Vice President Steve Pribyl.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003.

WHERE: First floor, Camden Technology Center, Broadway and Cooper Street, Camden.

DETAILS: The 13,500-square-foot University District Bookstore offers a range of general titles and textbooks, comfortable chairs and an Internet cafe stocked with sandwiches, sweets, coffee and other beverages. The store is managed and operated by Follett Higher Education Group and provides a convenient place for students from the Camden campuses of CCC, Rutgers and Rowan to find the materials to satisfy their scholastic and between-classes needs. The facility also provides a fresh place for the public to read and relax.

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby, media relations coordinator, by telephone at (856) 374-4949 or via e-mail at scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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WHAT: Forensic science will be the focus of Camden County College's fourth annual celebration of Mole Day, which is marked at schools and scientific institutes around the world each Oct. 23 to show that chemistry is fun and interesting rather than intimidating. It is named for the basic measuring unit in chemistry, the "mole."

Featured will be a talk by Agent Christopher Rigopoulos of the Philadelphia FBI Field Office. Rigopoulos, who helped search for the "black boxes" from the airliners that struck the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, will discuss his experiences with the application of forensic science to criminal investigations.

Also offered will be a pair of chemistry-themed competitions, prizes and refreshments. All activities are free and open to the public.

WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003, Blackwood Campus

8:30 a.m. - Forensics Lecture, Danch CIM Center auditorium
Noon - "Mole-in-One" Contest, Taft Hall
2 p.m. - "Who Wants to Be a Mole-ionaire?" Game, Wilson Cafeteria

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby, CCC media relations coordinator, by telephone at (856) 374-4949 or via e-mail scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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A renowned scholar and folklorist will lead a seasonal journey through time and legend when Camden County College explores the origins of All Hallows Eve on Sunday, Oct. 26.

"Halloween: A Celtic Celebration" will feature Dr. Roslyn Blyn-LaDrew, a professor of Irish Gaelic at the University of Pennsylvania, digging up the roots of the holiday during a two-hour family affair. Included in her talk will be a review of folklore related to All Hallows Eve and a discussion of the ancient foundations of modern-day customs such as trick-or-treating.

According to Camden County College Professor Eileen Radetich, who is organizing the event, Halloween originated as a Celtic celebration to mark the end of the harvest season. Because it also served to awaken and welcome back the souls of deceased loved ones, there are many Celtic tales about spirits related to Halloween. These will be among the topics addressed.

Also part of the program will be a demonstration of "horror-ible" makeup by CCC theater arts students. Children who plan to attend are welcome to come in costume.

"Halloween: A Celtic Celebration" will begin at 1 p.m. in The Little Theatre, which is located inside Lincoln Hall on the college's Blackwood Campus. Thanks to a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, admission to this Humanities Festival Week event is free.

For further information, contact Radetich by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4767, or via e-mail at eradetich@camdencc.edu.

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A panel of Italian-American scholars and community leaders will explore how the portrayal of characters on the HBO series "The Sopranos" affects the popular perception of real-life Italian Americans during a public forum at Camden County College on Thursday, Oct. 23.

" 'The Sopranos' and the Image of Italian Americans: Ethnic Stereotyping or Reality?" will debate the implications of characterizations presented by the award-winning but controversial drama. Offering opinions and observations as panelists will be George Anastasia, an author and a longtime Philadelphia Inquirer reporter; Dr. Robert Freda, executive director of the New Jersey Italian and Italian-American Heritage Commission; Louis F. Cappelli Sr., the Order Sons of Italy in America national trustee for New Jersey, a trustee ambassador for the New Jersey Council of County Colleges and a Camden County College trustee; Dr. Regina R. Barreca, English professor at the University of Connecticut; and Anthony Trevelino, a criminal justice professor at CCC. CCC history/political science professor Dr. John L. Pesda will moderate.

The forum will begin at 7 p.m. in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, which is located inside Lincoln Hall on the college's Blackwood Campus. Admission is free, and audience members will be welcome to offer comments and pose questions.

This event is part of Camden County College's "Italians in America: Stereotypes, Struggles and Successes" series funded by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. It will be preceded by Barreca's Oct. 22 lecture "Portrayal of Italian Americans in Contemporary Media." It will be followed by Bloomfield College professor Dr. Steve Golin's talk "Italian Americans in the Labor Movement: The Paterson Silk Strike of 1913 and the Newark Teachers' Strikes of the 1970s" on Oct. 29 and Historical Society of Pennsylvania specialist Dr. Joan Saverino's talk "Expressions of Ethnic Identity: Public and Private Lives of Italian Americans" on Nov. 5.

For further details about the forum or the entire "Italians in America" series, contact Pesda by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4432, or via e-mail at jpesda@camdencc.edu.

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A South African man who spent 15 years as a political prisoner with Nelson Mandela will discuss his life under oppression and in freedom during a public Camden County College lecture on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Eddie Daniels was convicted of sabotage for the anti-apartheid activities he undertook while a member of the illegal African Resistance Movement, which he helped found. He was incarcerated with the future president of South Africa in Robben Island Maximum Security Prison from 1964 to 1979.

Daniels and Mandela developed a close friendship as they labored in the island's limestone quarry, grew weak on protein-deprived diets, hungered for communication with loved ones outside the prison's walls and shared dreams of a non-racial, democratic South African nation. Daniels related his experiences in the 2002 book There and Back: Robben Island 1964-1979.

A copy of this memoir is what led to Daniels' appearance at Camden County College. While visiting the Robben Island Museum as part of a study tour this summer, CCC Professor Glenna Huls decided to purchase the book in the site's shop. Daniels, who happened to be present that day, saw Huls with his book and offered to autograph it for her. When he mentioned that he would be visiting her home country this fall, she invited him to speak at her place of employ.

Daniels' talk will begin at 11 a.m. His presentation will take place in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, which is located inside Lincoln Hall on Camden County College's Blackwood Campus. Admission is free.

For further details, contact Huls by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4675, or via e-mail at ghuls@camdencc.edu.

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A South Jersey resident with a background in business and education has been hired as Camden County College's student recruiter.

Anthony J. DiPietro of Clementon is the college's primary contact for prospective students of all ages, educational backgrounds and study interests.

DiPietro previously worked as an assistant equity trader with Pershing Trading Co. in Jersey City and as a trading operations specialist and a customer support coordinator with NASDAQ Stock Market Inc. in Trumbull, Conn. He also has worked as a long-term substitute teacher for mainstream and learning-disabled students, instructing classes at the intermediate, middle school and high school levels in subjects such as United States history and science.

At CCC, DiPietro is responsible for conducting a range of outreach initiatives throughout Camden County and its environs. These include the college's day, evening and weekend information sessions as well as participation in recruitment events sponsored by high schools and community sites.

"Reaching out to prospective students and helping them start working toward their educational and career goals are key aspects of a college's relationship with its community," said Rosemary Schamp, dean of communications and enrollment development. "Tony's enthusiasm and customer-oriented approach blend well with his experience in the business world and the classroom, making him a true asset to both Camden County College and its future enrollees."

DiPietro holds a bachelor of arts degree in business management from Washington College in Chestertown, Md. He also holds a state teacher certification for New Jersey and substitute teacher certifications for Camden and Atlantic counties. He is planning to complete a master of arts degree in instructional technology at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Pomona.

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WHAT: Presidential Colloquium and Reception to mark the 10th anniversary of Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia's presidency at Camden County College.

Highlighting the event will be the talk "Education for Freedom" by former National Endowment for the Humanities chairman and former University of Pennsylvania president Dr. Sheldon Hackney. A panel discussion featuring CCC faculty members Theodore Barthold, Claire Berger, Kelly Jackson and John Pesda will follow. The event will conclude with a gala reception for the entire college community.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, 2003.

WHERE: Lincoln Hall, Blackwood Campus, College Drive, Blackwood.

WHY: Della Vecchia was named president of Camden County College on July 7, 1993. In the 10 years since, she has led the institution's growth to offer more than 130 degree and certificate programs while maintaining one of the lowest tuition rates in the state and region. In addition, CCC has secured more than $27 million in grant funding for a variety of initiatives while consistently placing academic programs among the nation's top 50. The college's infrastructure also has undergone significant expansion and renovation, including construction of the Camden Technology Center and the William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill.

Della Vecchia holds a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and master of arts degrees from the Catholic University of America and the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Pennsylvania as well.

Prior to coming to CCC, Dr. Della Vecchia served as vice president for academic affairs at Community College of Philadelphia; vice president for academic affairs and student services and dean of the college at Harford Community College; and dean of planning, development and communications at Community College of Baltimore.

TO COVER: Contact William C. Thompson, vice president for institutional advancement, at (856) 374-4931 or wthompson@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College is responding to the needs of busy students who were unable to enroll in classes with the official Fall 2003 start date by offering a number of for-credit courses that don't begin until late October or early November.

This semester's "later-start" roster consists of convenient choices from a variety of disciplines for those too busy or not quite ready to have begun studies in August or September. All of these courses - which include day, night and distance-learning options - are worth three credits.

Beginning Oct. 22 are six seven-week courses that run through Dec. 12. Available on the Blackwood Campus are "Intermediate American Sign Language" and "Community CPR." Available at the William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill are "Accounting II," "Microeconomics," "Elements of Statistics II" and "Sociology of the Family."

Beginning Oct. 24 is a weekend course that runs through Nov. 9 on the Blackwood Campus. "Faux Finish II" is an art course in the college's new faux finishing/decorative painting certificate programs.

Beginning Nov. 1 is one telecourse that runs through Dec. 14. "American Federal Government" will be broadcast on WHYY TV Channel 12.

For additional information, call the Camden County College Office of Records and Registration toll-free at (888) 228-2466.

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The Art Gallery at Camden County College is displaying the talents of CCC's most creative teachers and learners in a trio of exhibits set throughout the rest of the fall semester.

Running in October will be "A Retrospective of Painting and Sculpture." This show of works by adjunct instructor Gus Bosco will feature self-depictions and other pieces. An artist's reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 8, and the show will continue through Oct. 31.

The fifth annual "Camden County College Visual Arts Faculty Exhibit" will feature a variety of works in a variety of media, all created by full- and part-time college employees. An opening reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 11, and the show will continue through Nov. 30.

Faculty members and students who have mastered the artistic use of brushes and other pigment-placing implements will display their latest works in the "Painting and Drawing at Camden County College" exhibition. An opening reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9, and the show will continue through Jan. 2.

Admission to each show is free. Free refreshments will be served during each reception.

The Art Gallery at Camden County College is located in Lincoln Hall on the college's Blackwood Campus. For exhibit hours or other details, contact director Kassandra Huerta by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4201, or via e-mail at sshapiro@camdencc.edu.

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SUMMER BROUGHT CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE NEARLY $3 MILLION IN GRANTS

Summer was a hot time for Camden County College's External Resources Team, the institutional group responsible for raising public and private funds. The team received notice between the first day of summer in June and the first day of autumn in September that 13 grants totaling nearly $3 million had been awarded to the college.

Received were:

- $841,321 from the Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Grant Program for one year of improving student achievement and preparing students for vocational/technical careers.

- $387,662 from the U.S. TRIO Programs for one year of the Upward Bound program, which enables participants to acquire the academic skills and personal motivation needed to complete a high school college prep program and pursue postsecondary education.

- $375,000 from the New Jersey Educational Interpreter Professional Development Centers Program to create a resource center to improve the professional preparation of educational interpreters for school districts in 10 southern and central New Jersey counties.

- $270,191 from the U.S. TRIO Programs for one year of Student Support Services for 200 low-income, disabled or first-generation college-attending students.

- $229,060 from the New Jersey Tech Prep Grant Program for a new program that will prepare secondary students to pursue careers in law, public safety and security.

- $212,066 from the New Jersey Department of Education's Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Grant Program to help immigrant and other student populations with limited English proficiency to acquire skills and knowledge necessary for college, career and community success.

- $219,400 from the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education Special Needs Grant Program to support Mid-Atlantic Postsecondary Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing services such as counseling/advisement, interpreting, C-Print captioning, note-taking, tutoring and professional development.

- $158,627 from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education Program to fund the development of new laboratory experiences for biotechnology students as well as professional development activities for their faculty.

- $79,754 from the New Jersey Education of Language Minority Students Program to enhance the instruction, learning and academic achievement of language minority students enrolled in credit coursework leading to degrees in the health professions.

- $78,140 from the New Jersey 21st Century Learning Centers Program to partner with the Gloucester City School District in providing remedial courses in math, reading and writing; arts and technology enrichment; and family trades entrepreneurship.

- $61,183 from the Northeast Regional Technical Assistance Center to support Mid-Atlantic Postsecondary Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing services such as counseling/advisement, interpreting, C-Print captioning, note-taking, tutoring and professional development.

- $50,000 from the Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey Foundation Inc. for renovating and upgrading the college's William H. Copperthwaite Instructional Dental Clinic.

- $9,650 from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities for the Fall 2003 free public lecture series "Italians in America: Stereotypes, Struggles and Successes."

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WHAT: Rededication of Camden County College's Blackwood Campus Library, following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. The event will coincide with CCC's annual Welcome Back Barbecue, which attracts hundreds of students, faculty and staff each year.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003.

WHERE: Presidential Courtyard (adjacent to the library building), Blackwood Campus.

WHY: This rededication event celebrates completion of a $4.14 million dollar renovation. The 33-month effort consisted of a complete redesign, asbestos removal, installation of an all-new infrastructure - including plumbing, fire-suppression and HVAC systems - as well as extensive technological upgrades.

DETAILS: CCC's library moved into its current location in 1973 and remained there until the building was vacated and gutted in 2000. Work was completed earlier this year, and the site now blends the Old World style of dark woods and comfortable fabrics with the 21st century capabilities of one of the "most wired" library infrastructures in New Jersey.

The library contains 100,000-plus circulating books, reference works, videotapes and compact discs. New amenities include a reading lounge with a bank of "quick-check" computers, a study lounge with personal laptop connections, eight group study rooms, four state-of-the-art classrooms, an open computer lab and a fully wired conference room.

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby, media relations coordinator, by telephone at (856) 374-4949 or via e-mail at scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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"Camden County College Remembers Sept. 11," a tribute to the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, was held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003. More than 225 students, faculty, staff and administrators attended the observance, which took place on the college's Blackwood Campus.

Framing the event was a backdrop lined with ribbons containing the names of every person who died on that day. The piece was completed by students in cooperation with CCC's Office of Student Life and Activities.

The second-anniversary observance began with a flag-raising ceremony by Camden County College security guards Mary Snock, Lou Faragasso, Jerome Smith, Darin Holland and Jesus Hernandez.

Music Professor Michael Billingsley performed "Taps" on the trumpet, and CCC president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia delivered brief remarks.

"On a clear September day such as this, the memory is very fresh of that day two years ago when terrorism brought down the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, attacked the Pentagon and hijacked and killed the passengers of four airliners," Della Vecchia said. "Two years ago, as the events of 9/11 unfolded, we came together -- somewhat spontaneously -- as a college community to comfort and support each other. Now we come together to remember, to remember the victims and heroes of that day and to renew support for each other.

"Since 9/11, our lives have changed in big and small ways. There is a power failure on a hot summer day, and we think terrorism. We expect searches and delays whenever we travel. We've grown accustomed to taking our shoes off at airports. We need identification to get into District of Columbia hotels after 11 p.m.

"We've been to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Americans in these countries remain in jeopardy and are being killed.

"We debate the value of safe rooms and masking tape and inoculations to protect us. We grow accustomed to the colors of alert levels. And we worry about the war here at home, especially on the East Coast of the United States.

"Although we have lived through extraordinary events since then, when we think of 9/11, we remember what an ordinary day it was. We think of the almost 3,000 people who woke up and went to work, never to come home again. The ordinariness of the day, the routine of the workplace that was interrupted, I think, gives special meaning to our remembrance at this college, which is for many of us our workplace. We are too well aware that it could have happened to any of us.

"For an institution of higher education which debates daily issues of democracy, 9/11 has made theory real for us. We -- students, faculty and staff -- recognize that this is our time in history. We are called upon to maintain the free and open society that we have inherited. We know that it is not an easy task, and it is one that we cannot avoid. As Americans, we are each and all participants in the historical moment known as 9/11/01.

"Now, let us be silent and remember the victims of 9/11 and remember the heroes of that day and every day who struggle to keep our country safe and free."

Following the moment of silence, English Professor Claire Berger read the poem "The Names," which was written by former poet laureate of the United States Billy Collins. Student Thyson T. Halley then read the poem "One,'" which was written by his friend, Spelman College student Tiffany Johnson of New York. CCC provost Dr. Raymond Yannuzzi provided the introductions.

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WHEN: 9 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003.

WHERE: Wilson Courtyard, Blackwood Campus, Camden County College.

DETAILS: The second anniversary observance will begin with a short flag ceremony by Camden County College's uniformed security guards, which will include the playing of "Taps" by music Professor Michael Billingsley.

Camden County College president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia, provost Dr. Raymond Yannuzzi and a student will deliver brief remarks.

Also planned is a reading by English Professor Claire Berger of the poem "The Names," which was written by the poet laureate of the United States Billy Collins.

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby at (856) 374-4949 or scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College's library services director has received a 2003 Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA).

Joan Getaz was selected for this honor by the College and University Section of the NJLA, which has presented a Distinguished Service Award to one of its members each of the last 33 years. The intent is to recognize individuals who have displayed exemplary performance or made notable achievements in the library services profession, particularly within the academic community in New Jersey.

"I am very honored to have received this award from my peers," said Getaz, who has served the NJLA as a public relations committee chair, a program chair, a conference moderator and a symposium presenter.

In addition to the NJLA, Getaz has remained active with a number of other professional groups. She currently is serving her third term on the executive committee of the Virtual Academic Library Environment in New Jersey, whose communications/publicity subcommittee and users conference are both chaired by her as well. She has served the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative as a member of its interim planning committee, a member of its board and chair of its reference/interlibrary loan committee. She also is a past president of the Council of Two-Year College Library Directors in New Jersey and New Jersey's chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries.

Getaz holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from the College of Wooster and a master of arts degree in library science from Rowan University. She has completed additional study at Drexel University's Graduate School of Library Science.

The Sicklerville resident came to Camden County College in 1974 as the periodicals librarian. She became the college's director of library services in 1986 and has held that title ever since.

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Sixteen Camden County College graduates and one instructor were honored at the 2003 New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association's Student Day Conference.

State EOF programs support students from low-income or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Each year, the most successful graduating students are recognized in four categories of scholarly and personal achievement. Also honored are non-EOF administrators, faculty and staff members who consistently champion the EOF cause.

From CCC, Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards were presented to Lorraine Barker of Cherry Hill (3.48 GPA, nursing); Sean Michael Chance of Atco (3.73 GPA, education); Lydia I. Chapman of Camden (3.52 GPA, education); Patricia L. Collins of Camden (3.46 GPA, Camden); Rosalba M. Lorenzo of Camden (3.70 GPA, education); Laura M. Mazetis of Mays Landing (3.92 GPA, dental hygiene); Dawn Mills of Chesilhurst (3.65 GPA, human services); and Carol Samantha Walters of Pennsauken (3.81 GPA, dance).

Academic Achievement Awards were presented to Cassandra L. Alston of Camden (3.35 GPA, addictions counseling); George Richie Finneman of Camden (3.20 GPA, computer graphics); Lizette Ortiz of Camden (3.28 GPA, education); Kimberly Gae Palmer of Ocean City (3.28 GPA, health science); Heather D. Stein of Pine Hill (3.39 GPA, art); Wendy Aileen Sunstein of Camden (3.21 GPA, education); and Toya T. Walker of Camden (3.27 GPA, social sciences).

José Aquino of Pennsauken (3.05 GPA, history) received an Outstanding Achievement Award for overcoming many obstacles - including being told that he could not succeed in college - to pursue his educational goals.

Adjunct faculty member Theresa I. Wallace Casper of Somerdale was named an "EOF Champion" due to "her graciousness and skill when it comes to accommodating the special needs of EOF students" in her mathematics courses.

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Because CCC also has hundreds of courses beginning after Wednesday, its "one-stop" registration activities will continue through Sept. 5.

New programs this fall include degrees in forensic science and surgical technology and certificates in forensic science, decorative painting, faux painting, music recording technology, surgical technology, crime/intelligence analysis and emergency/disaster management.

POSSIBLE ANGLES: "Snapshots of the Day" (Activities at various points in time)

"Seniors Learning with Seniors" (Hundreds of over-50 and hundreds of still-in-high-students are enrolled on-campus at CCC this fall.)

"Registration-Go-Round" (Becoming a college student by going through the process of testing, advisement, course-selection, drop/add, payment, parking sticker-acquisition and ID card-procurement.)

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby by office phone at (856) 374-4949; by cell phone at (609) 605-0874; or by e-mail at scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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For the second time in recent years, the Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA) has formally recognized the value of a Camden County College initiative. CCC's Camden City Campus received a 2003 Economic Development Award in recognition of its efforts to expand the urban middle class through the addition of the Camden Technology Center in downtown Camden.

The CCIA helps finance millions of dollars' worth of development projects throughout Camden County and its environs. The authority's yearly awards recognize outstanding local companies, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the area's economy. In 2000, Camden County College's William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill also received the award in the education category.

The Camden City Campus was launched in 1969 when the college began offering an evening GED-preparation program. This program and the college-level offerings that followed were conducted in various rented locations throughout the city until CCC opened a permanent five-story campus building at Broadway and Cooper Street in 1991.

Currently serving nearly 2,000 students each year, the campus is being expanded with the construction of the eight-story Camden Technology Center. This structure is adding 278,000 square feet of technologically advanced learning, gathering, retail and parking space to both the campus and the city. It also is allowing CCC to expand its current academic offerings and become the city's major training facility for technology-driven careers in health, business and computer fields.

College president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia and members of the CCC Board of Trustees accepted the award during the CCIA's annual awards dinner, which was co-presented by the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders and hosted by sportscaster Howard Eskin.

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A grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities is underwriting a free public lecture series on the Italian-American experience at Camden County College this fall.

"Italians in America: Stereotypes, Struggles and Successes" will be presented Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, which is located on the college's Blackwood Campus. Six scholars will address the challenges Italians have faced as immigrants to the United States.

"These new Americans, like their counterparts from other lands, were faced with racial discrimination, ethnic stereotyping, a hostile legal system, terrible working conditions and acts of violence," said series coordinator Dr. John L. Pesda, a history and political science professor at CCC. "Despite these barriers, Italian Americans were able to achieve the 'American dream' and make an enormous contribution to our society in virtually every field of human endeavor."

Planned are "The Italian-American Immigrant Experience in the Early 20th Century" (Oct. 1); "The Sacco-Vanzetti Case Revisited" (Oct. 8); "Lynchings, Race and Italian Immigrants as 'In-Between' White and Black" (Oct. 15); "Portrayal of Italian Americans in Contemporary Media" (Oct. 22); "Italian Americans in the Labor Movement: The Paterson Silk Strike of 1913 and the Newark Teachers' Strikes of the 1970s" (Oct. 29); and "Expressions of Ethnic Identity: Public and Private Lives of Italian Americans" (Nov. 5). In addition, the community forum "The Sopranos and the Image of Italian Americans: Ethnic Stereotyping or Reality?" (Oct. 23) will feature educators, community leaders and writers who will discuss The Sopranos' portrayal of Italian Americans.

Because Camden County College has been designated as an official New Jersey Professional Development Provider, state-certified teachers can earn two hours of approved professional development credit for each lecture that they attend. Certificates will be distributed at the end of each session.

For further details, contact Pesda at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4432, or jpesda@camdencc.edu.

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New and returning students alike will find in a single place all of the resources they need to sign up for Fall 2003 credit courses at Camden County College when one-stop registration starts Aug. 20.

The Danch CIM Center will again host open registration activities on the Blackwood Campus. Current and prospective students will be able to procure transcripts and placement test scores, receive academic advisement, enroll in classes and handle financial matters.

To complete one-stop registration on the Camden City Campus, students must visit the first-floor cafeteria/community room. At the William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill, students may register by visiting the information desk.

College personnel will be available at all three locations to assist students in navigating the system. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 20, 21, 25 and 26 as well as 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22.

On Aug. 26, the college will begin registration on a space-available basis for senior citizens and tuition-waiver program participants. Most classes - as well as late-registration opportunities - are scheduled to begin Aug. 27.

Returning students also have the option of signing up for classes by telephone or online. To register by phone, dial into the automated registration system at (866) 226-3367. To register using the Internet, visit the college's site on the World Wide Web at www.camdencc.edu and click on the "Fall 2003 Credit Registration" link.

Further details regarding registration are available on the Web site or by calling the college's toll-free information line at (888) 228-2466.

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Camden County College will continue to be a leader in preparing students for careers in the laser and telecommunications fields thanks to a generous gift of more than a half-million dollars in fiber optic test and design equipment by an industry specialist.

The Denmark-based firm NetTest, whose United States headquarters are located in Utica, N.Y., contributed $529,349 in equipment. This technology will find new life in the college's Photonics Department and upgrade the department's already state-of-the-industry Laser Institute for Teaching and Educational Research facility. With this donation, students enrolled in CCC's fiber optics program will be able to learn and practice their skills on real-life, up-to-date apparatuses.

NetTest provides test and measurement instruments as well as network management systems to global telecommunication businesses. The firm focuses on installation/maintenance and network monitoring, and its products are sold in more than 70 countries. NetTest has a worldwide staff of approximately 400.

"The donation from NetTest was above and beyond what we thought it would be," said CCC Photonics Department technician Bill Kerr. "This fiber optic testing equipment is so valuable to students because we can show students exactly what they will be using when they graduate and start their careers."

Camden County College launched its Photonics Department - one of the nation's first and best, according to The Laser Institute of America - in 1976. Eight years later, Camden County College became the first two-year school in the United States to offer fiber optic technology studies.

Today, CCC remains the Mid-Atlantic region's only two-year school with three photonics programs. These programs have featured a graduate-placement rate of 100 percent and have served as models for similar programs at many other colleges throughout the state, region and nation.

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Because nothing's more accessible than when it's right in the neighborhood, Camden County College is offering community-based registration and classes for the Fall 2003 semester.

Current and prospective students may register for up to 11 credits - being offered at any CCC campus or off-campus site - by attending one of the community registration events set during August.

Sessions are scheduled:

· Noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 19, Gloucester Township County Store, Blackwood-Clementon Road.

· 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20, Haddonfield Visitors Center, Kings Highway.

· 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 20, Echelon Mall County Store, Echelon Mall Road.

· 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 22, Winslow Township County Store, Williamstown Road.

· 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25, Cherry Hill Mall County Store, Route 38.

· 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26, Haddon Township Library, MacArthur Boulevard.

· Noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 27, Camden City Library, Federal Street.

In addition, dozens of courses are planned at Collingswood High School, Gloucester City Junior/Senior High School, Haddonfield High School, Pennsauken High School, Eastern Regional High School and Winslow Township Middle School. All are scheduled on weekday evenings.

For additional information, visit the college online at www.camdencc.edu.

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There was a bit of singing, a little dancing and a flourish of writing as Camden County College and Mainstage Center for the Arts made a production of formalizing their longtime association with a five-year contract.

Administrators from CCC and Mainstage recently gathered at center stage of the 600-seat Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre - which has hosted many of the organization's programs over the last 10 years - for a signing ceremony. Affixing their signatures to the document were CCC president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia, CCC administrative services vice president Melissa Hopp, Mainstage president Patrick O'Neill and Mainstage co-founder/executive director Edward Fiscella Jr.

Sharing the spotlight were Mainstage co-founder/managing director Joseph Bretschneider, who served as emcee, and the 100-plus youths who were presenting the day's matinee of "Sleeping Beauty." Looking on were hundreds of additional youngsters who were attending the show.

"It's great to see all of these young faces here," Della Vecchia said. "We have been happy to have Mainstage here at Camden County College unofficially for the last 10 years, and we are delighted to make that association official today."

The contract entitles Mainstage to conduct classes in acting, singing and dancing and performances of dramatic and musical works on the college's Blackwood Campus through 2008. As part of the agreement, the college will upgrade the amenities of the academic building that houses the Flyer Theatre and CCC's other arts facilities.

Mainstage was created in 1989 and has employed CCC as an instructional and performance venue since 1994. Each year, Mainstage's programs involve 1,000-plus young performers and crew members and reach audiences of 50,000.

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A new affiliation with the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority is advancing environment-related education at Camden County College.

Just in time for the Fall 2003 semester, the CCMUA has donated several pieces of laboratory equipment to the college for use in its chemistry and biology classes. Among these items are a gas chromatograph (which separates vaporized substances into their components) and an electrolytic respirometer (which conducts various biological tests).

Also beginning this fall, CCC environmental science students will be able to conduct field trips to the authority's treatment plant. CCMUA scientists will lead tours of the plant and explain the biological principles being used there.

"Students with a particular interest in the field will now be able to enroll in the college's biology co-op course and conduct their studies at the authority," said Dr. Wendy Blume, dean of CCC's Division of Math, Science and Health Careers. "It's a great way to leverage the facilities and expertise at the authority in support of the academic mission of the college."

CCC officials will be continuing to examine ways to expand its credit and non-credit offerings by further incorporating the authority's resources into its science curricula. Among the possibilities under investigation is the use of the authority's laboratory to add a lab component to the college's environmental science course.

"This partnership will further the CCMUA's environmental mission into a new realm," said authority executive director Herman B. Englebert. "It also will lay the foundation for a wide range of educational initiatives."

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Anyone aged 23 or older who is considering enrolling at Camden County College for the Fall 2003 semester is invited to attend an information session for adult students. Each of the college's three locations will host one of these free Workshops for the Adult Learner.

Services available will be instant admissions, career planning, academic advisement, transcript review and registration for fall classes. Requirements concerning the evaluation of credit for prior learning/experience and the New Jersey Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program will be discussed.

Also available will be information about evening and weekend classes, distance learning, personal interest courses and non-degree professional training. Details regarding student services such as day care and tutoring will be offered as well.

The first session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13 in Conference Room 002 of the Wolverton Learning Resources Center on the Blackwood Campus, College Drive and Little Gloucester Road, Gloucester Township.

The second will take place at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14 in the fifth-floor student lounge of the Camden City Campus, 200 N. Broadway, Camden.

The third is set for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21 in the Executive Conference Room of the William G. Rohrer Center, Route 70 and Springdale Road, Cherry Hill.

Prospective adult students should call to confirm attendance for the workshop of their choice and bring with them copies of any prior college transcripts.

To reserve a space or for additional information, contact admissions director Dr. Dennis Ferry by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4714, or via e-mail dferry@camdencc.edu.

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A career firefighter who resides in Ohio has won Camden County College's student writing prize.

Ronald Pristera of Ashtabula, Ohio, won CCC's 2003 Charles Holcombe Memorial Writing Award with an essay he completed on mandatory government service. The 39-year-old is employed as a lieutenant with the Ashtabula City Fire Department and also serves as manager of quality assurance for Community Care Ambulance. He is working toward an associate's degree in paramedic sciences.

The Holcombe Award is presented annually to the CCC student who writes the best essay for his or her "English Composition I" or "English Composition II" class. It is named for Professor Charles Holcombe, who was a CCC English Department faculty member from 1971 until his death in 1987.

Pristera enrolled in CCC as an online student in the college's paramedic education/management program. This option awards credits to anyone anywhere in the United States who has completed paramedic training and earned state certification. To complete the degree, students take both general credits and professional topics credits.

Pristera's essay was written as the final exam for his "English Composition I" course. It was judged worthy of a perfect score - the first ever for a Holcombe-winning piece. Pristera plans to donate the $250 in prize money that he is receiving to the United Service Organizations and the morale, welfare and recreation programs that it sponsors for uniformed military personnel.

"Winning the award means more to me than the actual stipend, so I think giving this money to a charitable organization will be a better use of it than if I just went and spent it," Pristera said. "Given the number of young Americans who are serving our county overseas instead of being able to attend college, I have decided to donate the stipend to the USO Operation Care Package in the name of Charles Holcombe."

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WHEN: 10:30 to 10:45 a.m., Thursday, July 17, 2003, with a show immediately thereafter.

WHERE: Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, Blackwood Campus, Camden County College.

DETAILS: Mainstage was created in 1989 and first employed Camden County College as a venue in 1994, making this the organization's 15th anniversary season overall and its 10th onstage at CCC.

Annually, Mainstage's programs involve 1,000-plus performers and crew members (from elementary school age to high school age) and reach audiences of 50,000.

Signing the five-year contract will be CCC president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia, CCC administrative services vice president Melissa Hopp, Mainstage president Pat O'Neill and Mainstage co-founder/executive director Edward Fiscella Jr. Serving as emcee will be Mainstage co-founder/managing director Joseph Bretschneider.

VISUALS: The signing will take place amid the opening of a performance of "Sleeping Beauty," the first show in Mainstage's summer season.

Several hundred children will flood the 600-seat theater and sing, remain onstage/in the aisles during the signing and finish their song after the signing has been completed.

Remarks will be delivered by the college's and Mainstage's presidents.

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby, media relations coordinator, by telephone at (856) 374-4949 or via e-mail at scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College graduates more education students than all but nine of the 1,200 other two-year institutions in the United States, according to an annual analysis of federal Department of Education data conducted by Community College Week newspaper.

Using statistics from the 2001-02 term, the most recent available, the study found that Camden County College ranks 10th nationwide in terms of associate's degree completion in the area of education. That year, CCC awarded 107 degrees in education.

Camden County College is a nationally known leader for undergraduate teacher education. For example, it recently became the only two-year college to establish a chapter of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society.

CCC also is a respected regional resource for post-baccalaureate study for state-certified educators. The college hosts a number of tuition-free professional development courses and workshops for teachers each year, and the institution recently began offering an "alternate route" program for teacher certification in cooperation with New Jersey City University.

According to the aforementioned study, Camden County College also ranked among the nation's top 50 community colleges in nursing, health sciences and criminal justice. The study showed that CCC was 25th in nursing with 125 degrees awarded, 30th in health sciences with 217 degrees awarded and 48th in criminal justice with 48 degrees awarded. No other South Jersey institution was among the top 50 for these three areas.

To be included in the study, institutions have to operate within the 50 states or the District of Columbia. They also must be eligible to receive financial aid funding under federal Title IV legislation.

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Two longtime advocates of education - both of whom are former teachers - have been appointed to the Camden County College Board of Trustees.

Annette Castiglione of Haddon Heights will complete the unexpired term of Vincent P. Sarubbi. That term runs through November 2005.

Wilbert Mitchell of Camden replaces Reginald C. Stevenson as a trustee. His term runs through November 2006.

"We are delighted to have Annette Castiglione and Wilbert Mitchell join the Camden County College Board of Trustees," said Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia, college president. "The knowledge and range of experience they bring will serve Camden County College well."

Castiglione is employed as the special assistant to the assistant commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education's Division of Abbott Implementation. She served as a member of the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1993 to 2002 and previously worked as the School Management Team chair, the Whole School Reform facilitator and a reading specialist at Camden's Creative Arts High School and as a college and high school reading instructor. Castiglione holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary and special education from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y., and a master of arts degree in education from Temple University in Philadelphia.

Mitchell has been the executive director of Respond Inc., a human services agency involved with economic development in Camden, since 1968. He previously worked as an elementary school teacher for the Camden City Public Schools District. Mitchell holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Cheyney State College in Cheyney, Pa.

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There's much more to the sound of music than a voice, instruments and a microphone. Behind every great recording are the engineers and technicians that maneuver the singing and playing into what's ultimately heard on a stereo or a radio.

Arrangement, recording and mixing can make or break a piece of music. In response to student interest and industry needs in such non-performance-based musical careers, Camden County College has decided to become the state's first community college to offer a career certificate in music technology.

This one-year program will feature hands-on training in studio technology areas such as keyboarding and computer-based musical instrument digital interface (MIDI). With the addition of this study option, CCC has made plans to build a permanent on-campus recording studio.

Completion of this certificate program can lead directly to work as a sound technician, a mixing engineer or a producer - earning $19,000 to $40,000 per year to start. With several high-profile recording studios located in Philadelphia and its environs, students have many opportunities for employment.

Coursework also may be applied toward an associate's degree in music at CCC or baccalaureate studies at a four-year school. Students will be able to begin the program this fall.

By offering this program, CCC is helping Camden County reassert its past place on the cutting edge of recording technology. The current restoration of the Victor Building and the Nipper Tower in the City of Camden harkens back to the era when RCA dominated the industries of radio and recorded music.

For additional information, contact Professor Michael Billingsley by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4563, or via e-mail at mbillingsley@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College has recognized the contributions of this year's retiring faculty members - both in the classroom and beyond - with post-term honors.

The five retiring instructors have given a combined total of 131 years of service to CCC and its students. College president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia presented each of them with a Presidential Medal in acknowledgment of their humanitarian, cultural, intellectual and scientific contributions to society; their notable professional successes; and their service to the community, state and region.

This year's recipients are:

· James Adams of Hamilton (automotive technology), who holds bachelor of science and master of education degrees from Trenton State College. He came to CCC in 1984.

· Dennis Chapline of Glassboro (automotive technology). He came to CCC in 1986.

· Kathryn Hammond of Medford (office systems technology), who holds bachelor of science and master of education degrees from Bloomsburg State College. She came to CCC in 1970.

· Wanda Kaluza of Atco (sociology), who holds a bachelor of arts degree from Paterson State College and a master of arts degree from the City University of New York. She came to CCC in 1974.

· Fred Seeber of Manahawkin (photonics/physics), who holds bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees from Jersey City State College and a doctor of education degree from Rutgers University. He came to CCC in 1970.

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Camden County College's summer semester has set a new enrollment record for the second straight year.

For the first time in school history, CCC has 5,432 summer students registered for 27,681 summer credits. This surpasses the record-setting 5,324 students and 25,731 credits achieved during Summer 2002.

Current Summer 2003 figures show that the number of students is up 2 percent and the number of credits being taken is up 8 percent over the final Summer 2002 figures. Registration opportunities for the semester's second five-week session remain available through June 30.

Enrollment for the Fall 2003 semester appears to be progressing at a similar pace. Compared to the figures achieved by the same date last year, headcount is up by 19 percent and creditcount is up by 20 percent.

This growth follows the record-setting enrollment figures achieved during the Spring 2003 semester (13,437 students and 125,551 credits, both college records for spring) and the Fall 2002 semester (13,804 students and 129,954 credits, the fifth-highest number of students and the most ever credits).

To enroll or for further details regarding classes at CCC, prospective students can call the college toll-free at (888) 228-2466 or visit the college's locations in Blackwood, Camden or Cherry Hill.

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There are more and more speakers of Spanish entering the global workplace each year, and 21st- century college graduates should be equipped with the skills necessary to communicate effectively with them. Gauging the need to adopt this specific type of course will be the subject of a grant-funded study now under way at Camden County College.

Professor Teresita López is conducting the study "Identifying The Need For An Exemplary Two-Year College Spanish Language Course As Preparation For Employment In The 21st Century Global Workplace." Her project received the maximum award of $15,000 from the Minority Junior Faculty Career Enhancement Grant Program of The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation.

"Most community college graduates move forward on their career path, yet are unable to effectively communicate in Spanish in the workplace," said López, a faculty member in CCC's Language and Culture Department. "A more in-depth course that presents cross-cultural solutions to the many issues that will arise in recruiting, managing and retaining Hispanic members of a workforce is needed."

López's is the fifth Lindback-winning proposal in six years for CCC. Rondald O'Neal (business) won CCC's first in 1998. Dr. Thali Rajashekhara (computer information systems) won in 2000, Dr. Leonard Khazan (photonics) won in 2001, and Yamileth S. Ildefonso (language and culture) won in 2002.

López, a Medford resident, holds a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and education from the City University of New York. She also holds a master of arts degree in Latin American and peninsular Spanish literature from New York University. She came to Camden County College as a full-time faculty member in 2001 after teaching advanced placement Spanish at first Cherry Hill High School West and then at Edison High School.

Her previous experience includes co-authoring a Spanish Internet language program for Beyond Books Inc. and creating Voices, a world language literature magazine that has received many awards.

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Camden County College's latest effort toward educating New Jersey's educators is making the institution a place to go to earn a teacher certification or a master's degree in teaching.

The newly launched New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey is a partnership with New Jersey City University in cooperation with the state Department of Education, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators and the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. It aims to help alleviate the statewide teacher shortage by providing an "alternate route" for those trained in other professions to acquire the qualifications necessary for them to change careers and become educators.

Camden County College is a nationally recognized leader in undergraduate teacher education. CCC, which recently became the only two-year school in the United States with a chapter of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, currently ranks 19th nationwide in number of associate's degrees in education awarded annually. In addition, more than 1,000 students have enrolled in the college's substitute schoolteacher certification training and instructional aide paraprofessional certificate programs.

CCC also is a prolific resource for post-baccalaureate enrichment for teachers. In addition to hosting the Camden County Academy for Teaching and Learning, the college offers a regular schedule of tuition-free professional-development courses and workshops for state-certified educators.

Phase I of the graduate-level New Pathways program runs July 7 through Aug. 5 and provides 45 hours of pre-service work. Participants must secure a teaching position before continuing with Phase II.

An orientation for prospective participants will be held at the college's William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill at 6 p.m. June 19. Program eligibility, cost and content will be among the topics addressed.

For details, contact the Office of School/College Partnerships at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4530.

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Teachers from public and private schools anywhere in the Garden State can update their lesson plans in science and history by attending one or more of the Camden County College Academic Interest Workshops for Teachers available during the Summer 2003 semester.

As a New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development Provider, CCC's Office of School/College Partnerships is offering these workshops to help instructors make their course material more engaging. Each focuses on one topic and offers three or four sessions relating to that topic.

Teachers may attend as many sessions as they desire. They will earn 15 hours of state-approved professional development per full workshop or three hours per individual session.

Workshops being offered this summer include "Discovering Our Watery World at the New Jersey State Aquarium" (July 15, 16 and 17); "Murders that Changed the Course of History" (July 7 to 10); and "Aboard Our Battleship" (July 8, 15, 22 and 29).

Although all three workshops are being offered on a tuition-free basis, the aquarium and battleship sessions are subject to a materials fee.

For additional information or to register, contact coordinator Dr. John L. Pesda by telephone at (856) 227- 7200, ext. 4432, or via e-mail at jpesda@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College's Internet site - located at www.camdencc.edu - has topped the "Schools" category of the SouthJersey.com Best of the Web Awards for the second straight year.

SouthJersey.com, which receives roughly three million hits from more than 150,000 users each month, asked visitors to vote for their favorite Web sites in 19 categories. Criteria included site content, ease of use and overall value to users. One winner was selected for each category, and other nominees received Award of Excellence designations.

Camden County College became one of the first institutions of higher education in New Jersey to launch a site on the World Wide Web when it did so in 1997. CCC also was one of the first community colleges in the United States to use the ".edu" extension in its Internet address.

Web specialist Jennifer Rienzi, who came to the college in 1999, led a redesign of the site in 2001. That process included adding more student services components, updating the contents of each area and streamlining the overall architecture. Additional service capabilities - including online application and payment - have been added since then. Other upgrades occur continuously.

CCC's site currently consists of more than 1,000 pages, including individual faculty profiles and an extensive frequently asked questions or "FAQ" area. Specialty segments include portals for Internet-based courses and the regional Virtual Writing Lab.

The site receives approximately 28,000 hits per week. According to Rienzi, the comment that she receives most often from users is that it is easy to navigate.

"When designing a Web site, it's imperative to get the design and the functionality to integrate well," Rienzi said. "It's all about providing the best information through the easiest navigation."

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Fifty-three members of the Camden County College Class of 2003 earned a diploma from nursing school along with the associate of science degree they received.

CCC has maintained co-operative agreements with both Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing and Helene Fuld School of Nursing in Camden County since 1980. Students enrolling in one of these co-op programs complete academic coursework through the college and intense clinical studies through one of the nursing schools. In addition to their CCC degree and nursing diploma, students who complete all requirements become eligible to sit for the New Jersey State Registered Nurse Licensure Examination.

Degrees are conferred upon the nursing graduates at the college's regular commencement exercises. During separate ceremonies conducted by the nursing schools, these students receive their diplomas and school pins. This year, the college graduated 20 Our Lady of Lourdes students and 33 Helene Fuld students.

By county and by school, this year's CCC nursing graduates and their hometowns are:

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Our Lady of Lourdes - Jamie McGlone, Hammonton.

Helene Fuld - Amy N. Birnbaum, Ventnor; Danielle C. Ludy, Linwood; Lari I. Michael, Absecon.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Our Lady of Lourdes - Paula Kreischer, Willingboro.

Helene Fuld - Terri L. Balzano, Burlington; Donna M. Brennan, Marlton; Donna M. Nettleton, Marlton; Maxine L. Sealey, Pemberton; Inna A. Subayeva, Mount Laurel.

CAMDEN COUNTY

Our Lady of Lourdes - Francis Alon, Bellmawr; Dana Capozzoli, Voorhees; Jessica Chupp, Audubon; Stephanie Dombrowski, Collingswood; Loria Lane, Voorhees; Christopher Lovett, Haddon Heights; Mark MacKavanagh, Cherry Hill; Sylvia Nazario, Camden; Kristina Rivera, Pennsauken; Pamela Roletter, Oaklyn; Kathy Stover, Woodlynne; Robin Wade, Camden; Shannon Yates, Albion.

Helene Fuld - Svetlana Aynbinder, Cherry Hill; Carmen G. Eberly, Atco; Lisa M. Ehrhart, Audubon; Jeannette M. Gerling, Atco; Stephanie A. Graves, Haddonfield; Matilda M. Hazeley, Oaklyn; Theresa A. Kramer, Sicklerville; Julie Kulb, Runnemede; Karen L. Nagelski, Westmont; Joanne M. Rongione, Cherry Hill; Kimberly A. Schaeffer, Berlin; Christine A. Scharle, Bellmawr; Diane L. Scott-Duda, Magnolia; Tammy A. Scovern, Blackwood; Jamie M. Siracuse, Berlin.

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Our Lady of Lourdes - Bettina Meredith, Beverly.

Helene Fuld - Michelle Neary, Ocean View.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

Our Lady of Lourdes - Kristen Lafferty, Williamstown; Vicki O'Donnell, Woodbury; Jennifer Rodgers, Woodbury.

Helene Fuld - Linda Anusky, Sewell; Gary C. Kujawa, Sewell; June A. Long, Woodbury; Nicole D. Nocito, Woodbury; Dana M. Palmer, Mullica Hill; Julie L. Rivero, Williamstown;

OCEAN COUNTY

Helene Fuld - Wilhelmina Hebron, Egg Harbor Township.

SALEM COUNTY

Our Lady of Lourdes - Amber Ziennker, Monroeville.

Helene Fuld - Melissa D. Tozour, Carneys Point Township.

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A dental professor recognized as a role model in teaching, departmental leadership and dentistry has won the top instructional award available to Camden County College faculty.

Dr. Catherine Boos of Blackwood received the 2003 Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award during the college's 2003 commencement ceremony. She holds bachelor of science and master of science degrees in education from Wagner College, Staten Island, N.Y., and a doctor of medical dentistry degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck-Hackensack, N.J.

Boos was hired as Camden County College's director of dental programs in 1988. In addition to directing and instructing within these programs, she has served as co-chair of the college's Professional Standards Committee and Middle States Steering Committee and secretary of its Faculty Assembly. She also has been involved with the college's Curriculum Committee, Teaching/Learning Center Advisory Board, Middle States Interim Report Team and faculty-mentoring project.

"Dr. Boos strives for and achieves excellence in both classroom and clinical settings," said CCC president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia. "Under her leadership, our dental students continually score above the national average on their certification exams and our dental clinic has grown into a valuable community resource."

Boos has remained an active dental professional throughout her time at Camden County College, serving as a consultant to the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and as a member of many ADA accreditation teams. She also has served as president and secretary of the Southern Dental Society, which is a component of the New Jersey Dental Association.

A faculty committee selected Boos for the $4,000 award, which is funded by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation in Philadelphia. The previous CCC honorees were Kelly Jackson (2002), Claire Berger (2001), Adrienne Coons (2000), Paul Harris (1999) and Ellen Freedman (1998).

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Twenty members of the Camden County College Class of 2003 pledged to practice their profession "with conscience and dignity" during the annual Virtua Health-Camden County College ceremony for graduating paramedic sciences students.

Each graduate completed studies for an associate's degree or a career certificate in paramedic sciences through the college's co-operative program with Virtua Health. All of them received a program diploma and a commemorative medal before taking "The Oath of Geneva."

This year's paramedic science graduates are:

o Atlantic County: Elizabeth Kaczmarski, Somers Point; Steven Newsome, Egg Harbor Township; James Parker, Mays Landing; Jade Russell, Egg Harbor Township; Kristy Snyder, Brigantine.

o Burlington County: Sarah Conover, Burlington; Kelly Hauler, Burlington; Susan Killian, McGuire Air Force Base; Scott Markowitz, Mount Holly; Dennis Massa, Pemberton; Zachary Zirpoli, Riverside.

o Camden County: Ryan Kelly, Merchantville; Elaine Walsh, Cherry Hill.

o Cape May County: Jerry Johnson, Clermont; John Woytsek, Villas.

o Essex County: William Alvarado, Belleville.

o Gloucester County: Michael McNicoll, Sewell; Thomas Newman, Sewell.

o Somerset County: Peter Jozwick, Skillman.

o Out-of-State: Lawrence Divietro, Philadelphia, Pa.

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WHAT: 35th annual Camden County College Commencement ceremony, which will be CCC's first conducted under a courtyard-covering "event tent."

WHEN: 10 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2003.

WHERE: Truman Courtyard, Blackwood Campus.

DETAILS: A total of 1,085 associate's degree and career certificates will be conferred upon the Class of 2003, which also been awarded more than $300,000 in scholarship monies.

Camden County Freeholder Riletta L. Cream will deliver the keynote address, which will be her first for a college commencement. Andra A. Hopson of Sicklerville will give the student address.

Also speaking will be president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia and trustee chair Kevin Halpern.

VISUALS: The morning rainstorm that made Commencement 2002 a wet affair prompted CCC to engage a 2,000-seat, 100-foot-by-180-foot tent for the first time this year. The massive structure was put up earlier in the week, and it has drawn interest from across the campus. Saturday's attendees look to be equally impressed.

Students will sing and perform in American Sign Language the national anthem.

Suspenseful moments will include the revelation of the winner of the 2003 Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award and the winner of the alumni representative seat on the CCC board of trustees. Each honor is determined by the nominees' peers.

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby at (856) 374-4949 or scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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Forty-one Camden County College students have been inducted into Psi Beta, the national psychology honor society for two-year institutions.

This year's induction ceremony was held May 13 under the supervision of faculty advisers Dr. William Curtis, Dr. Jack Cohen, Dr. Marie English and Dr. Frank Mitchell. To be considered for membership, students must attain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, complete a minimum of 15 college credits and attain at least a "B" average in all psychology courses they complete.

The 2003 inductees are:

o Burlington County: Monique Y. Andrews, Willingboro; Wendi L. Chiarulli, Marlton; Troy Wilhelm, Medford.

o Camden County: Julianna Tress-Amato, Berlin; LaShawn J. Anthony, Voorhees; Renae Bethea, Sicklerville; Cheryl A. Caldwell, Lindenwold; Holly R. Caringi, Sicklerville; Sean F. Castellanos, Hi-Nella; Kelly M. Clendining, Sicklerville; Patricia N. Coles, Glendora; Norma I. Cruz, Atco; Jennifer J. Cubberley, Pennsauken; Gwendolyn R. Cunningham, Lindenwold; Jameika L. Galloway, Camden; Lori B. Haberle, Erial; Andra A. Hopson, Sicklerville; Janice E. Hughes, Runnemede; Tracy M. Huntoon, Clementon; Erica H. King, Clementon; Joy M. Miller, Sicklerville; Charles J. Moore III, Atco; Jessica C. Ollek, Mount Ephraim; Sarah D. Overton, Lawnside; Nicole M. Price, Cherry Hill; Patricia R. Risley, Audubon; Kathleen A. Sincavage, Laurel Springs; Olubola F. Sode, Lindenwold; Oluwadamilola C. Sode, Lindenwold; Katherine E. Teasdale, Somerdale; Julie M. Watson, Brooklawn; Rebecca L. Zarr, Somerdale; Elaine A. Zesotarski, Blackwood.

o Gloucester County: Geraldine Baiocchi, Turnersville; Jennifer Boginsky, Mullica Hill; Ali E. Case, Glassboro; Megan D. Chimenti, Sewell; Jennifer C. Madsen, Sewell; Ashley Jo Ryan, Clayton; Jessica C. Wakeley, Mantua.

o Out of State: Chastity J. Wise, Hatboro, Pa.

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The 38 members of the Camden County College Class of 2003 who have completed Camden County College's dental programs were welcomed into their new professions during a May 13 pinning ceremony held on the Blackwood Campus.

During this annual event, program instructors pin a commemorative pin onto each recipient's graduation gown. Of this year's graduates, 16 completed the dental hygiene associate's degree curriculum and 22 completed the dental assisting career certificate curriculum.

This year's dental hygiene graduates are:

o Atlantic County: Christina Ferro, Mays Landing.

o Burlington County: Nicole Siddell, Riverside.

o Camden County: Meredith Gruff, Gloucester City; Kathleen Haindl, Voorhees; Jeannine Hargesheimer, Voorhees; Meghan Lazzaro, Somerdale; Janette West, West Collingswood; Kasey Sauder, West Berlin.

o Cape May County: Adrianne Garant, Woodbine; Tammy McCullough, Wildwood Crest.

o Gloucester County: Marlene Becker, Woodbury; Amy Crumley, Woodbury; Wendy Buerklin, Williamstown; Danielle Curtis, Deptford; Cynthia DeNicola, Newfield.

o Salem County: Erin Kelley, Pittsgrove.

This year's dental assisting graduates are:

o Atlantic County: Jessica D'Amico, Mays Landing.

o Burlington County: Elaine Damato, Marlton; Sara Gross, Medford Lakes; Melissa Hopkins, Mount Laurel.

o Camden County: Krystal Anthony, Bellmawr; Stephanie Burr, Pine Hill; Danielle Gibson, Clementon; Parneet Gill, Runnemede; Nicole Hamilton, Atco; Stephanie Hayes, Camden; Michelle Kneble, Haddon Heights; Karen Levin, Cherry Hill; Christina Malick, Blackwood; Krista McMahon, Atco; Stephanie Schotter, Magnolia.

o Cumberland County: Kesha M. Stocks, Vineland.

o Gloucester County: Marta Bralinska, Williamstown; Danielle Lackey, Williamstown; Dawn Matlack, Williamstown; Katie Kurdyla, Sicklerville; Laura Read, Collings Lakes.

o Salem County: Monica Chisarik, Pilesgrove.

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Because nothing's more accessible than when it's in the neighborhood, Camden County College will provide information and conduct registration for the upcoming Summer 2003 sessions and Fall 2003 semester at area locations in May and June.

These events are meant to provide students with convenient alternatives to registering on campus. Admissions, career planning and course enrollment will be discussed during each session.

Also available will be advisement concerning regular day classes as well as evening, weekend, mini-session, television, online and non-credit courses. Information on financial aid, childcare and other student services will be offered as well.

Community registration events are scheduled:

· Noon to 2 p.m. May 19, Echelon Mall County Store, Echelon Mall, Voorhees.

· Noon to 2 p.m. May 20, Camden City Library, 418 Federal St., Camden.

· 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 20, Cherry Hill Mall County Store, Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill.

· 5:30 to 7 p.m. June 23, Echelon Mall County Store, Echelon Mall, Voorhees.

· Noon to 2 p.m. June 24, Cherry Hill Mall County Store, Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill.

For additional information, call the CCC Office of Admissions and Recruitment at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4714, or visit the college online at www.camdencc.edu.

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Camden County Freeholder Riletta L. Cream will deliver her first-ever college commencement keynote speech during Camden County College's 35th annual graduation exercises.

Cream, a retired educator who serves as the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders liaison to CCC, will deliver her remarks to the Class of 2003 on Saturday, May 17. The Temple University and Rowan College alumna is a Camden native who retired as principal of Camden High School in 1972 after spending more than 37 years as a teacher and an administrator in the Camden City Public Schools District (CCPSD).

Cream has personally funded dozens of college scholarships for graduating Camden High seniors over the last 14 years, and a city elementary school has been named in her honor. After retiring from the CCPSD, she served as an administrator for BPUM Inc. Day Care Centers in Camden and became an adjunct professor at Rowan and Rutgers universities. She has been a freeholder since 1994.

This year, Camden County College's commencement ceremony will take place under an "event tent" for the first time in college history. During the 10 a.m. ceremony, which will take place in the Truman Courtyard of the college's Blackwood Campus, associate's degrees and career certificates will be conferred upon 1,100 graduating students.

Delivering remarks in addition to Cream will be student speaker Andra A. Hopson of Sicklerville. Joining them will be college president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia and trustee board chairman Kevin Halpern of Cherry Hill.

For additional information or to cover the event, contact media relations coordinator Susan Coulby by telephone at (856) 374-4949 or via e-mail at scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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Despite decreased state aid, increased costs and record enrollments, Camden County College - the largest county college in New Jersey - will continue to offer one of the lowest tuition rates in the state and region under the 2003-04 budget approved by the CCC trustees on Tuesday.

Creation of this $54.3 million spending plan and maintaining one of the area's most affordable tuition rates was challenging in light of the escalating costs of health care, insurance rates and contractual salary increases, according to Camden County College president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia.

Further complicating the budget was a 5 percent reduction in state aid that came at the same time the college is experiencing record enrollments. The current spring-semester enrollment is 13,439, the highest in college history and an increase of 13 percent over 2002.

"Unfortunately, the state formula does not automatically increase funding support when enrollments increase," Della Vecchia said. "With such significant increases, the additional related instructional costs place the college in the challenging position of determining how best to serve 13 percent more students with 5 percent less state funding."

The additional operating expenditures and costs required in serving CCC's increased enrollments did not result in a dramatic increase in tuition. Della Vecchia explained that this was "thanks to a $500,000 increase in county support from the freeholders, careful financial planning and the belt-tightening decision to defer filling vacant full-time faculty and staff positions."

Tuition for the Summer 2003 semester won't increase. Beginning with the Fall 2003 semester, however, tuition will rise by $4 per credit. Camden County residents will pay $66 per credit, non-county residents will pay $70 per credit, and international students will pay $120 per credit. In addition, the general service fee will be increased by $1 to total $11 per credit for all students.

According to Melissa Hopp, vice president for administrative services, in-county students taking a full-time load of 12 credits will pay $792 in tuition and $132 in general service fees for the semester. Hopp reported that credit tuition and fees will generate 42 percent of CCC's operating revenues in 2003-04 while non-credit tuition and fees will contribute 10 percent. State contributions will provide 24 percent, which is down $628,000 from 2002-03. In addition, CCC also must absorb a 50 percent reduction in the final monthly payment of the current year's state aid - bringing the total loss to $1.21 million. County support of approximately $10.8 million - which is $500,000 more than last year - will furnish 20 percent. The other roughly 4 percent will come from miscellaneous sources.

"The mission of Camden County College is to provide affordable, academically excellent education to our community," Della Vecchia said. "Thanks to prudent fiscal stewardship and the unwavering support of our county freeholders, this mission has not been compromised."

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Eleven students have been inducted as the first members of Camden County College's chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma, the national collegiate honor society for international language studies.

The CCC chapter, Nu Theta, held its first induction ceremony on April 29. The faculty adviser is Professor Martine Howard.

Alpha Mu Gamma was the first and is now the largest honor society of its kind in the United States, maintaining chapters at both two- and four-year institutions of higher education. Members must achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher and earn an "A" for at least two college-level courses in the same language.

Alpha Mu Gamma sponsors National Foreign Language Week. This celebration of world languages has taken place during the first full week in March since 1957.

The CCC inductees for 2003 are:

o Camden County: Amalia Adame, Camden; Patrizia Chiarenza, Cherry Hill; Suzanne Daub, Gibbsboro; Angela DeMuro, Voorhees; Melissa English, Berlin; Andra Hopson, Sicklerville; Jennifer Horsley, Westmont; Mary Marrazzo, Cherry Hill; Janis Moya, Cherry Hill; Steven Salwach, Berlin.

o Gloucester County: Jennifer Kirk, Williamstown.

Each chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma also may offer honorary membership to community members with outstanding ability in languages, interest in language education and understanding of other cultures. Camden County College's chapter selected the late Edward Carcaise of Blackwood - who died in February after teaching French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish at CCC for more than 30 years - as its first honorary inductee.

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Career prospects turn hot over the flame of popular interest, media attention and industry shortages. Responding to this change in occupational temperature, Camden County College has increased its offerings by 11 courses of study so that it now offers a total of 122 degree and certificate choices - still more than any other community college in New Jersey.

Additions include two new associate's degrees, three new concentrations for existing associate's degrees and six new career certificates. Disciplines encompassed by these programs include fine art, technology, science, humanities, medicine, commercial art, music and education.

CCC students can now work toward:

- A degree in studio art. This two-year associate of fine arts degree program serves students who want to follow in Monet's brushstrokes, Leibowitz's shutterclicks or other artistic footsteps. The curriculum provides them with foundation skills in drawing, painting, design and photography and prepares them for transfer into four-year art schools.

- A degree in health information technology. This two-year associate of applied science degree program is aimed at students interested in the administrative side of medicine. The curriculum, which is being instituted as one of the new Camden Technology Center's marquee offerings, will prepare students to sit for the Registered Health Information Technologist National Examination and procure employment in the lucrative field of medical records administration.

-A degree in biotechnology concentrating in forensic science. This two-year associate of applied science degree program is designed for students who want to work in a forensic science laboratory, the pharmaceutical industry, a clinical laboratory or the biotechnology industry. Specialty courses include forensic toxicology and forensic osteology.

-A degree in liberal arts and science concentrating in English. This two-year associate of arts degree program is aimed at future authors, journalists, teachers and scholars. The curriculum helps students develop skills in writing and analysis of writing while preparing them for transfer into baccalaureate English programs.

-A degree in health science concentrating in surgical technology. This two-year associate of applied science degree program is designed for certified surgical technologists who would like to earn an associate degree. It allows those who have graduated from an accredited surgical technology program to receive up to 22 credits for their experience.

- A career certificate in forensic science. This 18-credit program is designed to facilitate career mobility for law-enforcement personnel by providing continuing education courses to broaden their field of knowledge. It also is designed to provide specific courses for science students who want to work in the field of forensic science.

-A career certificate in decorative painting. This one-year program will keep students from being starving artists by training them to channel their creativity into brushwork in the fields of interior design/decoration, cinematic/theatrical set production or furniture craft.

- A career certificate in faux painting. This one-year program will teach students the techniques for creating interior atmospheres in their homes and the homes of clients.

-A career certificate in music technology. This one-year program trains students to work "behind the music" as recording engineers, mixers and producers.

- A career certificate in instructional aide paraprofessional studies. This program will allow currently employed teaching assistants throughout New Jersey to earn the credits required to retain their positions under the federal No Child Left Behind mandate. In addition, credits earned for this certificate can be applied toward a CCC associate's degree in elementary/secondary education.

- A career certificate in surgical technology. This one-year program prepares students to work in an operating room, providing patient care and assisting operating-room personnel.

For further details about these new programs or any other course of study at Camden County College, contact CCC's Office of Academic Affairs at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4522. For more information about enrolling in classes, call the college toll-free at (888) 228-2466.

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A study released today by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges is providing a new picture of the value that community colleges add to the state economy. According to the report titled "The Socioeconomic Benefits Generated by New Jersey's 19 Community Colleges," the release of which is the culmination of a project sparked by Camden County College, two-year institutions of higher education are solid investments that provide multiple returns.

As expected, these returns include increased individual earning potential. Statewide, students who complete an associate's degree will earn nearly $400,000 - or 36.5 percent - more over the course of their careers than students with only a high school diploma or GED. This means that, locally speaking, for every $1 that students invest in a Camden County College education, they earn a cumulative $10.11 in higher future earnings.

Another return involves the contributions that community colleges and their students make toward stronger state and local economies. Statewide, the study indicates that annual workforce earnings are $6.3 billion higher and that annual business sales are $16 billion greater because of community colleges. Locally, annual Camden County workforce earnings are $343 million higher and annual Camden County business sales are $790 million greater because of Camden County College.

Another significant return involves the leveraging of taxpayer dollars. Throughout New Jersey, for every tax dollar invested in community colleges, more than $18 in overall benefits - including reduced crime, welfare and unemployment expenditures - are returned. Government's direct rate of return on community college funding is 13.9 percent statewide, while state and county monies invested specifically in Camden County College yield a rate of return of 27.5 percent.

Camden County College contracted with the CCbenefits research firm to conduct an individual economic impact study in 2001. Upon completion of its own report in October 2002, CCC became the first community college in New Jersey to complete such a study and publish the results publicly.

CCC's presentation of its findings, which included a user-friendly summary booklet, played a significant role in improving CCbenefits' approach to presentation. The statewide NJCCC study followed, incorporating many of Camden County College's innovations.

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Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick and fellow game analyst "Voice of the Eagles" Merrill Reese will join local golfers to raise money "fore" a good cause when they play a round of golf in the Camden County College Foundation's spring College Classic at Pine Hill on May 5.

Golfers will tee off with a shotgun start at noon and compete for numerous titles and prizes. These include a trio of 2003 automobiles - which are being provided by Lexus of Cherry Hill, Woodbury Nissan and Toyota of Turnersville - for shooting aces on designated holes.

World-renowned designer Tom Fazio created the Pine Hill Golf Club course. It has been named one of the "Top 10 Places You Can Play" by Golf Magazine and ranked as New Jersey's top public course by The Jersey Golfer.

The Camden County College Foundation started running annual golf fund-raisers in 1992. Since then, players and sponsors have contributed more than $300,000 toward CCC scholarships and academic projects.

The entry fee of $250 per person includes greens fees, cart, lunch, a cocktail hour and an awards banquet, which will include live and silent auctions. Participants also will receive a special gift, compliments of Lenny Vermaat & Leonard Realtors.

Other sponsors include AllRisk Insurance Restoration Experts; Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLP; Berry & Horner; Collegis Inc.; Commerce Bank; and Holman Automotive.

To play or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact the Camden County College Foundation by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4258, or via e-mail at lpelletier@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College students, students enrolled at other institutions or anyone just considering higher education can make a convenient and economical contribution to their future by signing up for one or more of the 500-plus courses scheduled at CCC during the Summer 2003 semester.

Taking summer classes at CCC means getting ahead of schedule on the way to completing a CCC degree, transfer program or career certificate. Those attending or planning to attend another school also can use CCC to get ahead as credits earned here count toward degrees at most colleges and universities in the United States. What's more, tuition will remain just $62 per credit for county residents and $66 per credit for non-residents throughout the summer.

Ten-week, eight-week, five-week and weekend sessions are available in a variety of subjects - from English to business to technology - at the college's locations in Blackwood, Camden and Cherry Hill. Dozens of television and Internet courses - many offered over seven, 10 or 13 weeks - also are available. To view this summer's course offerings online, students can visit www.camdencc.edu and click on the "Search for Classes" button.

In-person registration can be completed at all three locations from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday until June 1. After June 1, hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

Any new or returning student also may register by mail or via fax. Anyone who has enrolled at CCC since January 2001 has the additional option of registering online.

Although registration is ongoing, each session does have a cut-off date.

For further details, visit www. camdencc.edu and click on the "Summer 2003 Registration" link or call the college toll-free at (888) 228-2466.

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Demand for substitute teachers continues to be high throughout Camden County and adjacent areas, and the opportunities remain lucrative for those who achieve substitute certification. To meet this demand and to promote such opportunities, Camden County College will offer its course leading to substitute schoolteacher certification during May.

The college's Office of School/College Partnerships worked in collaboration with Dr. Daniel Mastrobuono, Camden County superintendent of schools, to develop this training in 1998. CCC's program was the first of its kind in New Jersey. It has trained more than 600 substitute teachers since its inception and been replicated at other community colleges throughout the state.

The program's success is due largely to its "one-stop" format and its practical curriculum, which focuses on classroom management. Topics covered include cultivating positive first impressions, establishing rapport with students, articulating lesson goals and making efficient use of instructional time.

The 20-hour program is worth two continuing education units and includes the completion of all state application papers. It is open to anyone who has accumulated at least 60 college or university credits, but all participants must clear a state fingerprint and criminal background check.

This semester, the program will be offered from May 16 to 18 in Room 210-S of the Danch CIM Center on the college's Blackwood Campus. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday, May 16; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18.

Cost for the course is $125 and includes the required textbook. An additional state-mandated fee of $50 is necessary to apply for certification.

For additional information or to enroll, contact the Office of School/College Partnerships by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4530, or via e-mail at dinforzato@camdencc.edu.

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A Camden County College photonics professor has been chosen for inclusion in the seventh edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers, an honor bestowed upon only 5 percent of the educators in the United States.

Dr. Leonard S. Khazan of Cherry Hill was nominated for this recognition by 2002 CCC graduate Damon Kopala of Stratford, who is now attending the University of Arizona as an optics major. Upon his own inclusion in the National Dean's List, Kopala was invited to submit the name of the single teacher - from any point in his academic career - who had had the most significant impact upon him.

Kopala chose Khazan, under whom he had studied at the college's Blackwood Campus. Khazan is the fourth CCC faculty member to be included in the seventh edition.

"I believe you will find this honor exceptionally gratifying since it comes from a successful former student who recommended you because you 'made a difference' in his life," wrote Who's Who publisher Parke H. Davis in a congratulatory letter. "There is no greater reward for teachers than to be valued by former students."

Khazan holds degrees in physics at the master's level from Kharkov University in Kharkov, Ukraine, and the doctoral level from the Institute for Semiconductors at the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kiev, Ukraine. The former research scientist also holds eight patents and has published two books and more than 50 scientific articles.

Khazan joined the Camden County College faculty as a full-time professor in 1998 and currently serves as coordinator of CCC's nationally recognized photonics department. In 2001, he received a $15,000 Minority Junior Faculty Career Enhancement Grant from The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation. In 2002, he helped the college win a $775,000 New Jersey High Technology Grant and develop the only one-year fiber optics certificate program in the Mid-Atlantic region.

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Thirty-five students have been inducted into Camden County College's chapter of Sigma Delta Mu, the national honor society for students of Spanish at two-year institutions of higher education.

Sigma Delta Mu exists to honor those who seek and attain excellence in the study of the language, literature and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. Members must achieve an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or better and maintain a "B" average in Spanish courses.

The Camden County College chapter, Beta de New Jersey, serves the community by assisting Spanish-speakers in Camden with English and GED studies. Faculty adviser is Professor Teresita López.

CCC's 2003 inductees are:

o Atlantic County: Carmen Rodríguez of Mays Landing.

o Burlington County: Laura Gendelman of Marlton; James Sacca of Palmyra; and Nadia Seignemartin of Maple Shade.

o Camden County: Evita Alpheaus of Pennsauken; Stephanie Babiak of Pennsauken; Peter Black of Somerdale; Sheri Lynn Boone of Haddonfield; Rochelle Cantiveros of Voorhees; Marjorie Cutler of Pennsauken; Lisa DeForrest of Barrington; Patrick Gorman of Audubon; Brynn Hansen of Berlin; Jennifer Harris of Cherry Hill; Abbigail Harrison of Blackwood; Chris Heinberg of Sicklerville; Michael Kneble of Somerdale; Kate Lynch of Collingswood; Kristina Matthews of Blackwood; Michael Moscufo of Sicklerville; Cheree Oquendo of Runnemede; Asjarai Porreca of Westmont; Matthew Rudomin of Erial; Matt Russo of Haddonfield; Ryan Silvester of Haddon Heights; Lori Sochanchak of Pennsauken; Ryan Thomas of Laurel Springs; John Toryk of Blackwood; Leighama Wilder of Haddon Township; and Paul Williams of Lindenwold.

o Gloucester County: Christy Adams of Woodbury; Brad Boucher of Williamstown; Megan Chimenti of Washington Township; Kathleen Feldman of Turnersville; and Hazin Keith Harris of National Park.

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Seventy-nine Camden County College students have been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges.

Phi Theta Kappa is committed to scholarship, fellowship, leadership and service. Students must complete a minimum of 12 college credits and attain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

The CCC chapter, Alpha Nu Mu, participates in Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and America Reads activities. Advisers are Professor Jennifer Hoheisel and Professor Anthony Fortini.

Inducted on March 27 were:

o Atlantic County: Alison Konyn Shepherd, Mays Landing.

o Cumberland County: Kimberly Lynn Hanby, Bridgeton.

o Burlington County: Jeremy Russell Bell, Marlton; Annette Mary Chiusano, Marlton; Sherry Flowers Chmielinski, Maple Shade; Angela Jean Dearing, Burlington Township; Robin Paige Eble, Hainesport; Olivia Teresa Spalding, Willingboro; Robert Maurice Taylor, Medford; Troy F. Wilhelm, Medford.

o Camden County: Jon Matthew Billick, Audubon; Kathy Boardley, Camden; Sheri Lynn Boone, Haddonfield; Stephanie Margaret Bowley, Sicklerville; Colleen M. Buckholz, Sicklerville; Faith L. Chabalowski, Cherry Hill; Patricia Neil Coles, Glendora; Susan A. Cristiano, Laurel Springs; Maria De Las Casas, Voorhees; Ronald Dolan, Atco; Hydei April Engel-Perez, Cherry Hill; Justin David Farkas, Cherry Hill; Eliezer Ferrer, Haddonfield; Linda Fillion, Bellmawr; Carolyn E. Gallagher, Voorhees; Eric James Gallagher, Laurel Springs; Donna Guinto, Sicklerville; Paul C. Hafner, Cherry Hill; Christopher Michael Haring, Erial; Domira Hernandez-Smith, Runnemede; Theresa C. Hrivnak, Cherry Hill; Tracy L. Hudson, Blackwood; Lynnette C. Kee, Lindenwold; Ann Marie Kestel, Sicklerville; Karla Crystal Killen, Sicklerville; Ann Marie Kuchmek, Pennsauken; Jennifer Anne Lauletta, Runnemede; Tamica Nichole Maddred, Somerdale; Jason Majusiak, Laurel Springs; Kimberly Marie Meginniss, Somerdale; Lee-Ann Michell, Somerdale; Lisa Ann Mooney, Magnolia; Wanda Mora, Cherry Hill; Adam Nieves, Camden; RoseAnne Noll, Cherry Hill; Jeffrey James Palladino, Blackwood; Sharon Lynn Pluck, Runnemede; Viral R. Prajapati, Lindenwold; Kristine Lynn Rash, Glendora; Barbara Ann Ricci, Sicklerville; Emily Jo Rigilano, Laurel Springs; Stephanie R. Rolen, Oaklyn; Matthew W. Rudomin, Erial; Jennifer L. Sexton, Sicklerville; Lori Jean Sochanchak, Pennsauken; Thomas R. Tigar, Bellmawr; Rupali P. Tirmal, Lindenwold; Candace Lynn Tucker, Pine Hill; Carol Samantha Walters, Pennsauken; Julie Marie Watson, Brooklawn; Jenine D.M. Wilson, Blackwood; Brian Kevin Wosnitzer, Cherry Hill; Elaine Annette Zesotarski, Blackwood.

o Gloucester County: Robert Abbott, Turnersville; Geraldine Baiocchi, Turnersville; Paula Jean Bajewicz, Franklinville; Patricia Deopp, Pitman; Darlene Garcia, Mantua; Cari Beth Howell, Clarksboro; Marion Hume-Darrow, Mullica Hill; Margaret Ann Koen, Sewell; Kamala Imani Lane, Williamstown; Kristen Ann Quemore, Turnersville; Nicole Teresa Sabatelli, Sewell; Karla Lyn Selzer, Williamstown; Stephanie Marie Tash, Deptford; Christine Marie Vanore, Westville.

o Out of State: Angela Deneen Goodwin-Slater, Dale City, Va.; Zakiyyah Hayat Smith, Philadelphia, Pa.

Camden County College, New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive community college, serves 30,000 students annually through more than 100 degree and certificate programs, hundreds of non-credit courses and an array of cultural programming. Since its founding in 1967, the college has provided a high-quality education to more than 206,000 credit students while also enriching the professional and personal lives of thousands of additional area residents.

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DETAILS: This service-learning project is the third for CCC Professor Kay Klotzbach and her students. The first was a mural with faux-finished accents at the Food Bank of South Jersey, and the second was a series of wall art at New Visions Community Services.

Klotzbach incorporated faux-finish, mural-creation and other decorative-painting techniques into her classes after realizing that the popularity of shows such as "Trading Spaces" and those on Home and Garden Television indicated a high interest in home décor as both a hobby and a profession. She then added the aforementioned projects to provide her students with real-world experience using their new talents.

Klotzbach has since created courses specifically in these techniques and constructed professional certificate programs in decorative painting and faux finishing toward careers for interior decorators, furniture refinishers, theatrical/cinematic set designers or specialty painting contractors. These appear to be the only such certificate programs offered by a U.S. community college and one of the few offered by colleges of any kind in the U.S.

CONTACT: Media relations coordinator Susan Coulby at (856) 374-4949 or scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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Local high-schoolers and other potential students will discover how Camden County College can help them chart a course for the future during CCC's annual academic open house on April 5.

This year's event will run from 10 a.m. to noon inside Papiano Gymnasium, which is located on the college's Blackwood Campus. Admission is free.

On hand will be information about the 100-plus degree and certificate programs offered at CCC. Also available will be details about which options have the hottest job prospects and advice about how to select the right major.

In addition to academic and professional career exploration, the event will give attendees a chance to get a head start on their higher education by applying for admission on the spot.

Faculty from mathematics, science and health careers; arts, humanities and social sciences; and business, computer and technical studies will distribute academic materials and talk with prospective students and their parents. Exhibits and demonstrations will supplement the informational displays.

Admissions, counseling, athletics, student activities and financial aid administrators will address questions relating to their areas. Also on hand will be specialists from the college's programs for deaf/hard of hearing, academically challenged and English as a Second Language students. Transfer, student employment and tech prep information will be available, too.

For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4660, or via e-mail at dferry@camdencc.edu.

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Berlin resident Joseph Ripa joined the Camden County College Board of Trustees because of the positive experiences his daughter had as a student at CCC. These experiences and the insight her father has since achieved as a trustee have led that now-famous daughter to become the spokeswoman for a key Camden County College initiative.

Television actress and talk-show host Kelly Ripa is lending her image and words of support to the first Camden County College Annual Fund Alumni Association Campaign. Shortly after the launch of the campaign, the total of gifts and pledges already is closing in on the $100,000 mark.

"As someone familiar with Camden County College, you know firsthand how it has changed lives through education," Ripa writes in a letter included in the campaign materials. "Hundreds of thousands of individuals - friends, neighbors, family and co-workers - have benefited from the many opportunities that Camden County College provides."

Ripa went directly from CCC to ABC, joining the cast of "All My Children" in 1990. While still on the soap opera, the Eastern Regional High School graduate was selected to replace Kathie Lee Gifford on the network's morning talk show, which has since been renamed "Live! With Regis and Kelly." Ripa's other philanthropic pursuits including serving as national chair for the 2001 Mother's Against Drunk Driving "Tie One On for Safety" campaign.

Donations to the Camden County College Annual Fund are tax-deductible and go toward building the college's student scholarship and academic enhancement endowments. They also help CCC provide academically excellent educational opportunities to students from throughout the Camden County area while charging the lowest tuition rate in the state.

The campaign is continuing through the fall. For more information or to make a contribution, contact the Camden County College Foundation Office at (856) 374-4946 or lpelletier@camdencc.edu.

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WHAT: Students, faculty and staff who can hear will experience life with a hearing loss during the Camden County College Deaf Culture Club's "Deaf for a Day" events.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2003, Second Floor, Community & Center, Blackwood Campus.

WHERE: 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, March 27, 2003, Fifth Floor Student Lounge, Camden City Campus.

WHY: Participants will wear earplugs and attempt activities to help them undergo the difficulties of being deaf in a mostly hearing world. These activities include ordering food in the cafeteria, watching TV without captions, conversing, attending classes and asking for directions. Participants will complete their experience with a survey.

DETAILS: Members of the Deaf Culture Club attend CCC through the Mid-Atlantic Post-Secondary Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which is located on the Blackwood Campus. One of these students, Tracy Weber, currently holds the title of Miss Deaf New Jersey.

Representatives from the state Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and other organizations that serve the deaf/hard of hearing community will answer questions.

Also attending will be a Gloucester County Special Services/Washington Township High School group of deaf/hard of hearing students, students studying sign language, teachers and interpreters.

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby, media relations coordinator, by telephone at (856) 374-4949 or via e-mail at scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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The CCC chapter - Alpha Alpha Psi - is the world's first community college branch of Kappa Delta Pi. The honor society's 550 other chapters consist of students at or graduates of four-year colleges and universities.

According to faculty adviser Dr. D. Jane Weber, KDP is dedicated to recognizing students who are pursuing education as an occupation and to helping educators develop the resources they need to grow throughout their careers. To apply for membership, students must achieve a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average for at least 50 credits of coursework.

Inducted on Feb. 20 were:

o Camden County: Alice Buscio, Runnemede; Michele Centrone, Glendora; Erika Codwright, Blackwood; Janet Conway, Stratford; Gina Marie Donato, Erial; Monica George, Bellmawr; Andrea Hahn-Walsh (secretary), Cherry Hill; George Heller, Bellmawr; Jessica Jupin, Sicklerville; Michelle Kidd (vice president), Gloucester City; Kathleen Kudzmas, Berlin; Gina Landi, Bellmawr; Marge Ann Mazzucca (president), Blackwood; Jessica Ollek, Mount Ephraim; Jane Potts, Brooklawn; Maria Quiterio, Glendora; Samantha Lynn Sampolski, Runnemede; Sheryl A. Segrest (foundation representative), Cherry Hill; Linda Sue Stepler, Haddonfield; Carolyn L. Strasle, Audubon; Tammy Tomassone (treasurer), Atco; Donna Waddell, Erial; and Danielle Wood (historian), Clementon.

o Gloucester County: Theresa Lentini, Williamstown.

o Salem County: Candace L. Tucker, Carneys Point Township.

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WHAT: Camden County College's annual International Day celebration.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2003.

WHERE: Second floor, College Community Center, Blackwood Campus.

DETAILS: This festival of food, fun and facts is meant to celebrate the world cultures that CCC's 1,200-plus international students bring to campus.

Among the attractions meant to educate as well as entertain will be dishes from around the globe; performances of traditional music and dance; and displays of photographs, artifacts and information on a number of nations. Also planned is a photo-identification contest focusing on capital cities of the world.

According to Professor Yamileth Ildefonso, who is coordinating the event, International Day "is a great opportunity to promote better understanding of all cultures and languages" at Camden County College.

Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.

TO COVER: Call Susan Coulby, media relations coordinator, at (856) 374-4949 or send an e-mail to scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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SUMMARY

More than 650 middle and high school students who are interested in early childhood education, computer programming and science will fill Camden County College's Blackwood Campus on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 as CCC hosts three career-geared events.

EVENTS

1) Camden County College's 2003 Early Childhood Education Open House will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 7 from the Danch CIM Center. The free event will offer a series of activities designed to introduce more than 200 prospective students from Audubon, Cherry Hill East, Eastern Regional, Haddonfield, Overbrook Regional, Sterling and Winslow Township high schools to early childhood studies at CCC. These activities include a visit to the college's child care center, an art and literature workshop, a children's health workshop and a seminar on admissions and financial aid.

2) Camden County College's hosting of the seventh annual Coriell Institute Science Fair in Papiano Gymnasium, which will include project setup from 1 to 7 p.m. March 7; competition from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 8; and public viewing from 1:30 to 3 p.m. March 8. Approximately 350 sixth- through 12th-graders from 55 schools in Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties will be entering projects in categories that range from behavioral/social sciences to biochemistry, from earth/space sciences to zoology and from computer science to engineering. Awards will include two full scholarships to Camden County College. In previous years, only one CCC scholarship was awarded.

3) Camden County College's 19th annual High School Computer Programming Contest will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8 in the Danch CIM Center. This year's competition will test proficiency with the C++, QBASIC and Visual Basic computer languages. Competing will be roughly 100 students on teams from Cherry Hill East, Cherry Hill West, Cherokee, Eastern Regional, Haddon Heights, Moorestown, Ocean City, Overbrook Regional and Winslow Township high schools.

TO COVER

For a Friday visit, contact Susan Coulby at (856) 374-4949 or scoulby@camdencc.edu.

For a Saturday visit, call Rosemary Boiano at (609) 706-1819 for the computer contest or Amy Leach at (215) 205-0044 for the science fair.

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An academic administrator with more than 20 years of experience at institutions of higher education throughout the Delaware Valley has been appointed dean of Camden County College's Division of Business, Computer and Technical Studies.

Dr. Kathleen Gorman Carter is now overseeing the development and administration of CCC degree and certificate programs in business-related subjects, computer/information technology and engineering and other technical areas. She also is responsible for assessing student outcomes and regional workforce needs and ensuring that her division's offerings are revised accordingly.

Carter most recently was interim assistant vice president for academic affairs at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. She previously had been an associate professor of education at Delaware State University and associate and then interim dean of academic affairs at Harcum College in Pennsylvania. She also has served as assistant dean of academic affairs and as director of business training at Salem Community College in New Jersey and as a field resource associate in education and an assistant professor of business education at Temple University in Pennsylvania.

Carter has extensive experience as a grantswriter, an educational consultant, an author and a presenter. Before making the transition into higher education, she taught at Darby Colwyn High School, St. Maria Goretti High School and Marple Vocational-Technical School, all in Pennsylvania.

Carter holds bachelor of science, master of education and doctor of education degrees from Temple University as well as teaching certifications in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. She also has completed post-doctoral coursework in special education and administration/supervision at Delaware State University.

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A grant from the New Jersey Council on the Humanities is underwriting a free Camden County College lecture series focusing on the social, spiritual, physical, cultural and historical importance of the Irish Famine of 1846-50.

The famine led millions of Irish to immigrate to the United States. That exodus and the resulting culture clash set the stage for the events fictionalized in Martin Scorsese's Academy Award-nominated film "Gangs of New York."

The CCC lectures series - titled "The Great Hunger: Hearth, Health and Heroes" - will run in March, April and May on the college's Blackwood Campus. Featured during each 7:30 p.m. event will be authors and scholars who are experts on the catastrophe and its consequences. CCC faculty members Rita Wade Perkins and Eileen Radetich are coordinating the series.

Because Camden County College is an official New Jersey professional development provider, state-certified teachers may earn two hours of approved development credit for each lecture they attend. The April 3 lecture also has been approved to provide two hours of required professional development credit for certified school nurses.

Scheduled are:

· March 6, Danch CIM Center - "Women and The Great Hunger: Forgotten Victims, Voiceless Survivors": With a nod to March's designation as Women's History Month, author and Quinnipiac University professor Dr. David Valone will explore how mothers, daughters and other females survived the Irish Famine.

· March 12, Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre - "St. Patrick, Yeats, Irish Spirituality and The Emergence of the Catholic School System in America": With St. Patrick's Day approaching, a panel consisting of St. Joseph's University professor Dr. Richard J. Haslam, Camden County College professor Dr. Sebastian Vasta and New Jersey Irish Famine Curriculum Committee chairman James Mullin will discuss the patron saint of Ireland, the quintessential Irish poet, religious beliefs in Ireland and how Catholic schools came to exist in the United States.

· April 3, Danch CIM Center - "A Forum on Finn's Famine 'Fours'": Haddon Heights family physician Dr. Alexander J. Higgins will discuss the Irish Famine in relation to four parts of the world, four aspects of life in Ireland, four types of people, four prevalent diseases and four practical lessons.

· April 16, Danch CIM Center - "The Famine: Catastrophic Change in Culture and Loss of Language": Dr. Roslyn Blyn-LaDrew, professor of Irish Gaelic and folklore at the University of Pennsylvania, will discuss the decline of the language and culture resulting from the Irish Famine.

· May 8, Danch CIM Center - "Hunger for Life: James Joyce's Dubliners": Dr. Vicki Mahaffey, professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania and a leading Joyce scholar, the historical context of the tragedy will be reviewed through the eyes of one of Dublin's most prolific writers.

For additional information, contact Perkins by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4585, or via e-mail at rperkins@camdencc.edu.

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First-time buyers and long-time aficionados will vie to outbid one another in support of higher education during the Camden County College Foundation's second annual art auction on March 15.

Profits from "The Art of Education," which will take place at Pine Hill Golf Club, will benefit the Camden County College Foundation Arts and Humanities Scholarship Program. The event also will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about popular and emerging artists, explore many styles of artwork, have questions answered by art professionals and develop decorating ideas.

Avatar Galleries of King of Prussia, Pa., is presenting the show and sale of approximately 200 framed and matted oils, watercolors, serigraphs, lithographs and pencil sketches, each of which is a signed and numbered limited edition. Avatar will provide full insurance coverage for all pieces, and any purchase may be exchanged for full credit in the company's retail gallery within five years.

The evening will commence with a gala preview party, which runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and includes wine and hors d'oeuvres. The actual auction begins immediately thereafter. Items may be purchased with cash, check, MasterCard or Visa.

The Art of Education Committee is chaired by Camden County College Foundation Board of Directors member Linda Eynon of Cherry Hill. Members include Kevin Halpern of Cherry Hill, John Connell of Haddonfield, Lydia DePersia of Gibbsboro, Mary Jo Harrison-Errickson of Gibbsboro, Eileen Lish of Albion and Judith Osborne of Cinnaminson.

Tickets cost $15 and are available at the William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill or by calling the Camden County College Foundation Office at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4258. For further details, contact Laurence B. Pelletier, foundation and alumni relations director, via e-mail at lpelletier@camdencc.edu.

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WHAT: Nearly 400 students from nine schools throughout Camden and Gloucester counties will compete to see who's built the strongest span during the fourth annual Camden County College Balsa Wood Bridge Competition.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 24, 2003 (high schools)
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003 (middle schools).

WHERE: Factory floor (competition) and seminar room (weigh-in and awards), Gabriel E. Danch CIM Building, Blackwood Campus.

WHY: Camden County College's Technical Studies Department are offering more students than ever before a fun and educational way to mark National Engineers Week while learning about careers as engineers and engineering technicians.

Students from Camden County Technical, Cherry Hill West, Gloucester City, Haddonfield Memorial, Overbrook Regional, Pitman and Triton Regional will participate in Monday's high school competition. Students from Audubon and Pyne Point will participate in Tuesday's middle school competition.

DETAILS: The object of the contest is for students to put into action the scientific and team skills necessary for success in the engineering field.

Each team will attempt to build the smallest, lightest balsa wood bridge that's capable of holding 30 pounds. Bridges that successfully support 30 pounds will be judged on their strength-to-weight ratio, with trophies going to the teams placing first, second and third.

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby, media relations coordinator, by telephone at (856) 374-4949 or via e-mail at scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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A free lectures series exploring the historical significance of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt's marital and political union will be launched by one of the couple's grandsons on Feb. 26.

"Both America and the world were significantly different in 1945 than they had been in l933, due in no small part to this couple," said series coordinator Dr. John L. Pesda. "Together, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt changed America and - in the process - helped to change the world."

David B. Roosevelt will join four other noted authors and scholars in presenting "Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: A Presidential Partnership," which will run Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Danch CIM Center on CCC's Blackwood Campus. Roosevelt's talk "Grandmère: A Personal History of Eleanor Roosevelt" will be based on his recently published book of the same title.

Also scheduled are "FDR, Eleanor and The Great Depression" (William O'Neill, Rutgers University, March 5); "Sara and Eleanor Roosevelt: An Uneasy Alliance" (Diane Boyce, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, March 12); "Franklin D. Roosevelt as Commander-in-Chief" (William O'Neill, Rutgers University, March 26); "Casting Their Own Shadows: The Legacies of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt" (Allida Black, George Washington University, April 2) and "FDR and the Development of the Modern Presidency" (author Steven Wayne, April 9).

As an official New Jersey Professional Development Provider, CCC offers state-certified teachers three hours of approved professional development for each lecture attended. Certificates will be distributed at the end of each session, but participating educators must register to receive credit.

For further details, contact Pesda at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4432, or jpesda@camdencc.edu.

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A U.S. Department of Education grant of more than $400,000 is funding a Camden County College project meant to help Gloucester City teachers incorporate history into their lessons.

Results of recent National Assessment of Educational Progress testing show that more than half of America's high school seniors lack basic knowledge about United States history. As a result, education experts have begun to question whether instructors have been adequately trained to teach U.S. history or use its lessons in the teaching of other subjects.

The CCC-GCPS project "At History's Doorstep: The Story of Gloucester City and America from Colonial Times to the Present" aims to remedy this problem by providing the professional development necessary for K-12 teachers to make history come alive in their classrooms. "At History's Doorstep" will link major events in U.S. history to their students' lives through the use of interactive, experiential and technological teaching methods.

"When we are introduced to history in school, the link with our personal histories is rarely made," said Dr. John L. Pesda, a Camden County College professor serving as one of the project coordinators. "Bringing history closer to the experiences of students makes the past less of an abstraction, allowing them to view history from an analytical and critical perspective."

The 75 teachers participating in this program over the next three years will tour area historical sites such as the USS New Jersey in Camden and the Liberty Lights Museum in Philadelphia. They also will take seminars with leading historians and political scientists and learn how to best use the latest in instructional technology. Participating educators also will receive training in how to conduct oral history interviews and genealogical research.

For further information, contact Pesda at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4432, or jpesda@camdencc.edu, or Patricia D. Claghorn, Gloucester City Public Schools coordinator of special projects and programs, at (856) 456-0315, ext. 2153, or pclaghorn@gcsd.k12.nj.us.

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Poems, articles, book excerpts and other works will be read aloud by members of the Camden County College community as part of the college's first observance of the national African-American Read-In Chain on Monday, Feb. 3.

The Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English created the African-American Read-In Chain to make literacy a significant focus of Black History Month. Beginning in 1990, readers of all ethnic groups from communities across the United States have publicly read aloud works by African-American authors at the same time on the same day in the first week of February.

Camden County College's participation in this International Reading Association-endorsed activity will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the fifth-floor student lounge of the Camden City Campus, which is located at 200 N. Broadway in Camden. A portion of the event will feature volunteers reading children's books and poems to youngsters enrolled in the college's on-site day care center.

Other free activities planned as part of CCC's celebration of Black History Month include:

o Blackwood Campus Soul Food Festival, noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, Cafeteria, College Community Center. Accompanying a Southern-style feast will be the musical revue "Sounds of the Motor City," which shows how the Motown sound contributed to the civil rights movement.

o Camden City Campus Soul Food Festival, noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, Cafeteria, First Floor. Accompanying a Southern-style feast will be the multimedia presentation "Soul Sounds," which will journey through the evolution of Afro-American music.

o Universal Creative Arts Dance and Drum Show, noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, Cafeteria, College Community Center. This African dance ensemble will present an hour-long program featuring traditional moves and music.

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The number of full-time students is up 17 percent, the number of total students is up 6 percent and the number of credits being taken is up 12 percent at Camden County College this semester.

Taking advantage of new course opportunities, CCC students have registered for more spring-semester credits than ever before. According to a count taken just after the semester's first full week of classes, 13,092 students have enrolled for 124,207 credits.

The percentage increases outlined above are in comparison to the final figures achieved for the Spring 2002 semester. Students are considered full-time if they are taking 12 or more credits.

The current student count is the second-highest ever achieved for a spring semester, ranking just behind Spring 1993's total of 13,326. The current credit count is a new spring-semester record, surpassing the old mark - which also was set in Spring 1993 - by nearly 13,000 credits.

"Offering students the courses they need and want is a priority at Camden County College," said Dr. Raymond Yannuzzi, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "With the semester just begun and an additional 100-plus classes starting in February and March, we anticipate that the current enrollment figures will continue to grow throughout the coming weeks."

Forty-four on-campus and 57 distance-learning courses begin the week of Feb. 3. Eleven on-campus and two distance-learning courses begin the week of March 22. Registration remains open for all of these later-start options.

To enroll or for further details regarding classes at CCC, prospective students can call the college toll-free at (888) 228-2466 or visit the college's locations in Blackwood, Camden or Cherry Hill.

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A longtime Camden County College professor has been honored for his contributions to the development of community college mathematics instruction throughout the Garden State.

Dr. Charles Miller of Woodbury received the 2002 Distinguished Service Award from the Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges of New Jersey (MATYCNJ), which is affiliated with the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC). Both organizations exist to bring awareness to "the vital importance of the first two years of collegiate mathematics education" to the future of students and their communities.

Miller was a charter member of MATYCNJ as well as its second-ever president. He also has contributed to the organization further by serving as a workshop presenter, an advisory board member, a constitution revision committee member and a voting delegate to the AMATYC Annual Conference, where he has been both a presider and a presenter. In addition, he has served as a member of AMATYC nominating, award selection and strategic planning groups.

Miller holds a bachelor of arts degree from Western Maryland College and a master of science degree from Drexel University. He earned his doctorate from what is now Vanderbilt University's Peabody College. He also completed the Mid-Career Fellowship Program at Princeton University.

Miller joined the Camden County College faculty in 1969 and has served as chair of the Department of Mathematics four times. He teaches courses in discrete mathematics, differential equations, calculus, algebra, trigonometry, statistics and engineering mathematics. He also developed CCC's workshop on the instructional use of TI-83 calculators for elementary and secondary schoolteachers and has served as a visiting professor for Temple University in Japan.

Miller's other awards include the Camden County College Award for Excellence in Teaching and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Award for Excellence in Teaching.

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An administrator with more than a decade of service to Camden County College has been appointed as the new assistant dean of enrollment and student services for the college's Camden City Campus.

Theresa L. Smith of Voorhees is responsible for leading and supervising all aspects of the registration, advisement and support services provided to the thousands of students who take classes at the Camden City Campus each year. Her duties include coordinating delivery of student services with classroom requirements and helping to direct extracurricular activities taking place on the campus.

Her position will become even more vital when the college's Camden Technology Center - which is the first major construction to take place under the Camden Revitalization Act - is completed later this year. Smith will play a major role in the expansion and service of the new populations expected to take advantage of the career-development opportunities enabled by the new structure.

Smith came to the college in 1988 as a counselor for minority and special populations. She became a student adviser for the college's Educational Opportunity Fund Program in 1993 and became the EOF coordinator for the Camden City Campus in 2000.

Prior to coming to Camden County College, Smith worked for the Urban League of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. She also taught for a number of years in Camden, N.J., Newark, N.J., East Orange, N.J., and Hempstead, N.Y.

Smith holds a bachelor of science degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and a master of education degree from Holy Family College in Philadelphia, Pa.

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WHAT: Camden County College will conclude its celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with a presentation of "King's Dream," a multimedia program detailing the life and works of the man who embodied the spirit of the American civil rights movement.

WHEN: Noon, Friday, Jan. 24, 2003.

WHERE: Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, Blackwood Campus, Camden County College.

DETAILS: "King's Dream" combines vintage film footage, powerful narrative and live vocal and instrumental music to deliver the drama of the American civil rights movement. It was created by Key Arts Productions of Philadelphia.

Helping Camden County College wrap up its celebration of the 74th anniversary of King's birth will be Camden County Freeholder Riletta Cream, who will offer remarks during the program. Also speaking will be CCC Board of Trustees chair Kevin Halpern and CCC president Dr. Phyllis Della Vecchia.

This remembrance event is taking place after the official Jan. 20 observance of King's birthday to correspond with students' return to CCC for the spring semester.

Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.

TO COVER: Call Susan Coulby, media relations coordinator, at (856) 374-4949 or send an e-mail to scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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WHAT: Camden County College students performing community service in honor of what would have been the 74th birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society will work on a Habitat for Humanity residential project while members of the International Club and the Student Government Association will serve meals to men, women and children at the Cathedral Soup Kitchen.

WHEN/WHERE: Habitat for Humanity, 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, 645 Clinton St., Camden.

Cathedral Soup Kitchen, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, 642 Market St., Camden.

WHY: CCC students have chosen to contribute one of their final days of winter break - the day officially designated to honor King across the nation - toward housing and feeding less fortunate residents of Camden County.

The college's Office of Student Life and Activities is coordinating this day of activity as part of a statewide drive to pay tribute to King's past contributions to society through present-day contributions. The New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission proposed that institutions of higher education, community groups, churches and other organizations participate in its "King 15 Days of Service" from Jan. 15 to 30.

TO COVER: Contact Susan Coulby, media relations coordinator, by telephone at (856) 374-4949 or via e-mail at scoulby@camdencc.edu.

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Camden County College always has offered traditional classes at set times on campus. Off-campus classes that follow the same format but meet in neighborhood locations also are a mainstay. The strength of these courses is the face-to-face interaction they provide.

Options added at CCC in recent years include telecourses and online courses, which deliver lectures via television and the Internet respectively. The strength of these classes is that their lessons can be accessed from many locations at practically any time.

Camden County College's latest course alternative combines both strengths. Debuting this spring are six "hybrid" or "parallel teaching environment" courses that fuse one hour of in-person instruction with two hours of online instruction. As a result, they provide the clarity and camaraderie available in the classroom with the convenience and flexibility of distance education.

"Some students like that distance learning is easy to incorporate into their busy schedules but really miss the interaction of traditional classroom courses," said Dr. Sebastian Vasta, CCC's director of distance learning. "Hybrids provide both simultaneously."

Available this spring are "Macroeconomics," "Microeconomics," "English Composition II," "World Literature I," "Math Fundamentals" and "Introduction to Nutrition." The nutrition course was developed by dietetic technology clinical director Maureen Reidenauer class using a $2,500 Datatel Scholars Foundation grant in an effort to serve student needs while maximizing campus resources.

"We only have so many physical classrooms," Reidenauer said. "Hybrids reduce the number of hours a particular space is needed without sacrificing student comfort."

For additional information about hybrid courses or other distance-learning opportunities, call (856) 227-7200, ext. 4528, or e-mail svasta@camdencc.edu.

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KDP, which was founded in 1911, has 60,000 members in 550 university, college and alumni chapters throughout the world. It is dedicated to honoring students who are pursuing education as an occupation and helping educators develop the resources they need to grow throughout their careers.

Camden County College ranks 19th nationwide in the number of education associate's degrees awarded annually. Dr. Jane Weber, program coordinator for elementary/secondary education and herself a member of Kappa Delta Pi, was instrumental in bringing the honor society to CCC.

"We have more than 950 students in education here each year," Weber said. "Why not have an education honor society?"

Unlike the college's Elementary/Secondary Education Club, which conducts events to raise money for scholarships, Kappa Delta Pi is focusing on community service.

"Having KDP on a student's transcript is a positive that will help them first get into prestigious four-year schools to complete their credentials and then help them in their teaching careers," Weber said.

To apply for membership in Kappa Delta Pi, students must achieve a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average for at least 50 credits of coursework. The first members from CCC will be initiated Feb. 20.

For additional details, contact Weber by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4766, or via e-mail at jweber@camdencc.edu.

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Two groups of Camden County College students will mark what would have been the 74th birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by performing community service in his honor.

On Jan. 20, which is the official national celebration of King Day, CCC students will work to house and feed the less fortunate in Camden. One group will participate in a Habitat for Humanity project on Clinton Street. Another group will serve meals to homeless men, women and children at Cathedral Kitchen on Broadway.

Camden County College's Office of Student Life and Activities is coordinating this day of activity, which is part of a statewide drive to pay tribute to King's past contributions to society through present-day contributions. The New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission proposed that universities, communities, churches and other organizations participate in the King 15 Days of Service from Jan. 15 to 30.

"Our students were eager to be a part of this initiative," said Margo Venable, CCC student life and activities director. "They felt that completing community-based projects in memory of Dr. King would be a wonderful way to remember him."

A free multimedia program honoring King's legacy will conclude CCC's observance of King Day on Jan. 24. "King's Dream" will use music, film footage and narrative to detail the life and works of the Nobel Peace Prize winner who embodied the spirit of equal opportunity and compassion for all humans.

The event, which is a presentation by Key Arts Productions of Philadelphia, will take place on the Blackwood Campus. It begins at noon in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre.

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Images, words, music and more will deliver the drama of the American civil rights movement during a Camden County College presentation to mark what would have been the 74th birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"King's Dream," a multimedia program by Key Arts Productions of Philadelphia, will be realized at CCC on Jan. 24. The event will begin at noon in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre, which is located on the college's Blackwood Campus.

"King's Dream" details the life and works of the man who embodied the spirit of the nonviolent drive toward equality. He will be recalled and celebrated through live music and vocal performances, vintage film footage and powerful narrative.

According to Office of Student Life and Activities director Margo Venable, who is coordinating the program, the event is not to be missed.

"'King's Dream' is a dramatic and enthralling presentation dedicated to an American legend," Venable said. "It offers a rousing tribute to the man who led America's peaceful revolution for equal rights for all."

The program is taking place after the official observance of King's birthday to correspond with the beginning of the spring semester and students' return to campus. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.

For further details, contact student life and activities director Margo Venable by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4282, or via e-mail at mvenable@camdencc.edu.

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Two courses on the Holocaust will be offered by Camden County College to public and private school teachers from throughout New Jersey during the Spring 2003 semester.

Each is designed to help elementary and secondary educators meet New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards regarding genocide education. Both will be offered on a tuition-free basis.

"Topics in Holocaust History: The Holocaust in Film" will review depictions in propaganda, documentary and mainstream commercial motion pictures. This class is intended for teachers who have substantial knowledge of Holocaust history. It will meet at the college's William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 23.

"The Holocaust" will provide an introduction to Holocaust history. This class is recommended for teachers who lack an extensive background in the subject. It will meet on the college's Blackwood Campus from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 28.

Camden County College is a New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development Provider. As a result, each course will be worth 45 hours of the professional development required of state-certified teachers as well as three undergraduate credits. Anyone choosing to audit either course will receive only the professional development credit.

To register or for additional information, contact coordinator Dr. John L. Pesda by telephone at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4432, or via e-mail at jpesda@camdencc.edu.

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