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Camden Dean, Dr. Anthony Driggers welcomes the Educational Opportunity Fund Summer Program participants

EOF Summer Program

The EOF Summer Program is a 5-week hybrid program that includes orientation, college success class and book, advising support, financial assistance, and a stipend for successfully completing the course and registering for the fall semester.

The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides support services and financial assistance to students whose motivation and potential to succeed in college can’t be stopped by the challenges they may face. The EOF community fosters academic achievement, personal growth, and leadership skills that last a lifetime.

For more information about EOF, please visit https://www.camdencc.edu/eof/

Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett named next President of Camden County College

The Board of Trustees of Camden County College named Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett as the sixth president of the College during a special meeting today. She will be the first person of color to lead the College in its 54-year history.

“This is an important day in the history of Camden County College, and I congratulate Dr. Pugh-Bassett on her appointment,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnell, liaison to Camden County College. “Her strong background, wealth of knowledge, and powerful skill sets make her uniquely qualified to serve as the College’s next president.”

Dr. Pugh-Bassett has served as the Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, Advancement, and Strategic Initiatives at Camden County College since August of 2019. This marked her return to higher education after 20 years with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), having served in a number of capacities culminating in the role of Camden County Executive County Superintendent of Schools.

“Her appointment is not only historic for the College, her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in education will greatly benefit Camden County College for years to come,” said John Hanson, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. “Throughout her career she has worked hard to ensure that all voices are heard in every role she takes.”

Dr. Pugh-Bassett’s professional introduction to education began in higher education where she served as an instructor and program coordinator for the Math/Science Upward Bound Program at Temple University. After years with Temple, she served as the program director for Upward Bound at the Community College of Philadelphia and transitioned to her work in K-12 at the NJDOE.

“Camden County College not only provides the most affordable education in the region, it is also a great community partner, as demonstrated during the pandemic. When the county needed a location for our vaccination center, the college stepped up right away,” said Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “With Dr. Pugh-Bassett’s appointment, we will build on those community partnerships that were strengthened under the leadership of Don Borden.”

Don Borden, who has led Camden County College for the last seven years, did not seek reappointment. Dr. Pugh-Bassett will officially become president on July 1, 2022.

“I can confidently leave this position knowing that Dr. Pugh-Bassett and the administrative team will continue to move the College’s mission and vision forward in order to provide affordable and accessible educational opportunities to our students,” Borden said.

Her philosophy of leadership and education is the idea of merging education with advocacy. Her mission can be summed up appropriately as “I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” Dr. Pugh-Bassett believes that her positioning at Camden County College reflects the essence of her core commitment to community and considers herself fortunate to yet again be given an opportunity to work and serve. She believes that it is, after all, the inherent mission of a community college in its service to its community.

“There is a part to play for all of us in impacting and changing the lives of those we serve. We can only dream that we are able to have an opportunity to use our gift to impact our work,” Pugh-Bassett said. “I am fortunate that my gifts don’t force me to silo my contributions into separate buckets. At Camden County College I am able to merge my passions so that my advocacy can manifest itself in my professional universe.”

Camden County College is one of the largest community colleges in New Jersey and ranks among the top nationwide in terms of associate degree graduates. Thanks to its technology-rich physical resources – located in Blackwood, Camden and Cherry Hill – and its highly-qualified, dedicated employees, the College has created a tradition of quality education and a reputation of agile, responsive service. Camden County College sustains a vibrant academic community characterized by imaginative teaching, caring student services, energetic management and collegial discussion of diverse ideas and opinions. Register for classes at www.camdencc.edu.

Successful Donation Drive

The Educational Opportunity Fund Program at Camden County College would like to thank everyone that helped make their most recent donation drive a success. More than 100 items were collected for the Camden County Women’s Center to mark Women’s History Month this March. We can always count on the Camden County College community to support and give back to those in greatest need.

The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides support services and financial assistance to students whose motivation and potential to succeed in college can’t be stopped by the challenges they may face. The EOF community fosters academic achievement, personal growth and leadership skills that last a lifetime.

Learn more about the Educational Opportunity Fund at Camden County College.

New Jersey College Presidents’ Council Statement in Support of Ukraine

We, the members of the New Jersey Presidents’ Council, are outraged and deeply saddened about the horrific unprovoked attack on Ukraine and stand in solidarity with Ukrainians as they defend the sovereignty of their nation.

Despite a strong international outcry and major sanctions being levied against Russia, Ukraine continues to suffer mass casualties and over 2.5 million Ukrainians have already fled the country with more to follow. As leaders of higher education, we commit to offering our support and assistance to Ukrainian students, faculty and community members here in New Jersey. We are pleased to see that the Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months. We know our support must extend beyond that designation.

Our campuses must continue to be true safe havens for students from Ukraine who are studying in the United States as well as scholars who are working and researching here. We also stand ready to welcome Ukrainian refugee students who are fleeing their homeland. It is critical for us to make space for students, faculty and staff of Ukrainian descent whose hearts are heavy with loss and who are hurting for those who share their heritage. In doing so, we must also understand that Russian-Americans on our campuses are not tied to the decisions of their nation’s leaders and deserve to be treated respectfully.

As presidents of New Jersey’s colleges and universities, we understand that this conflict goes beyond politics. This war speaks to and is a threat to humanity worldwide. As such, we will continue to encourage civic engagement and service to others. We will continue to honor our responsibility to lift and amplify the dialogue of equity for all people and justice in all its forms. We will continue to address this and other conflicts through the lenses of history, culture, science and other disciplines to ensure our students have a fundamental understanding of the interdependence of geopolitical relations.

The New Jersey Presidents’ Council and its 55 institutional members call on our fellow New Jerseyans and members of our campus communities to welcome all people displaced by the conflict to ensure their safety, well-being and education. Together, we commit to kindness, compassion and equity in our words, policies, and actions, and we implore everyone to join us in these efforts.

Don Borden
President, Camden County College

Harvey Kesselman, Chair
President, Stockton University

William Austin, Vice Chair
President, Warren County Community College

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Secretary
President, Santi Peter’s University

Ali A. Houshmand, Treasurer
President, Rowan University

Teen Arts Festival 2022

Registration is underway for the 2022 Camden County Teen Arts Festival. The annual event – in person this year – will take place on the Blackwood Campus of Camden County College on April 29, 2022.

The Teen Arts Festival is an annual state-wide event for high school students to be recognized for their interests in the arts and encourages them to continue their creative work. In a typical year, counties hold Teen Arts events in early spring, where students gather during a one-day event to present their work, receive critiques from professional artists, observe the work of their peers, and participate in workshops in their areas of interest with professionals. Submissions are adjudicated and winners at the county level qualify to compete with students from other counties in the statewide Teen Arts Festival in June.

After two years of virtual festivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Teen Arts planning committee is excited to host an in-person event at the newly renovated Lincoln Hall at Camden County College. Categories of participation include Creative Writing, Poetry, Video & Filmmaking, Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre, Musical Theatre, Vocal Music, and Instrumental Music. Registration and participation is open to all Camden County Schools and teen artists, grades 9 through 12. Students may enter individually or as a school/organization. More information and the registration form may be found at https://www.camdencc.edu/teenarts/.

The Teen Arts Festival is sponsored by the Camden County Cultural & Heritage Commission at Camden County College (CCC&HC@CCC). Founded in 1972, the CCC&HC@CCC recognizes the role of the arts and local history in making our communities dynamic places to live and work. The Commission was established by the Board of Chosen Freeholders to act as the designated agency in Camden County to receive and administer the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Local Arts Program and the New Jersey Historical Commission County History Partnership Program. These grants programs provide funding for small and emerging non-profit organizations through the Commission’s re-grant program.

$99 per credit for the Spring 2022 Semester

Registration opens October 18

The Camden County College Board of Trustees has approved a tuition rate of $99 per credit for the Spring 2022 Semester. The $99 rate is the lowest in the region and applies to in-county and out-of-county students taking courses in-person and online. The ability of institutional Federal CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding has made it possible for CCC to offer this one-time benefit to students.

Registration for the Spring 2022 Semester opens on October 18, 2021. CCC is offering a full schedule of in-person and online courses this spring, including for-credit lectures, workforce development, and noncredit courses. CCC offers the largest selection of degree and certificate programs, most available transfer options, and the lowest tuition in the region. Students are encouraged to register early for the best selection.

“If the cost of higher education is the reason you haven’t pursued your academic goals, we want to remove that barrier. Our goal for our students is zero college debt, and it can be done,” said CCC President Donald A. Borden. “The best part is that this rate applies to in-person and online courses. The choice is yours.”

In order for every student to achieve a college education, CCC offers affordable tuition and fees, federal and state financial aid options, work-study programs, and a variety of payment plans. The availability of CARES III Grants can also provide help paying for education-related expenses such as food, housing, and technology needs, as well as or in addition to childcare, medical, and other qualifying expenditures.

The $99 per credit rate excludes Real Estate (FIN) and Center for Cultural Engagement (IDY) coursework. International student tuition is adjusted to $172 per credit.

Camden County College remembers 9/11

Camden County Police Academy Recruit Camille Calupad of BCPO Class #79 singing the National Anthem[/caption]Members of the College Community joined President Donald Borden, Camden County Police Academy Recruit BCPO class #79 and BCCCO Class # 108 to mark twenty years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The ceremony on the Blackwood Campus honored the civilians, first responders, and service members who lost their lives on that fateful day and in the subsequent War on Terror. Remembrances were provided by Camden County Commissioner and Gold Star Mother Melinda Kane, and Joyce Rodak, widow of John Rodak who lost his life at the World Trade Center.

Camden County Police Academy Recruit Camille Calupad of BCPO Class #79 singing the National Anthem

Camden County Police Academy Recruit Camille Calupad of BCPO Class #79 singing the National Anthem

Camden County College and Wilmington University offer an affordable online path to a bachelor’s degree

President Don Borden and Dr. David Edwards at WilmU signing

Camden County College and Wilmington University have formed a new partnership with guaranteed transfer and dual admissions for CCC students who intend to complete an associate degree and enroll in select online WilmU bachelor degree programs. The Smart Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP Path) offers students one of the most affordable online paths to a bachelor’s degree in the region.

“Wilmington University is a leader in online learning, and we are proud to partner with them to offer students a seamless and fully online pathway from a CCC associate degree to multiple bachelor degree options,” said Camden County College President Donald A. Borden. “Wilmington University is recognized for its affordability, which combined with CCC’s low tuition costs, allows students to reach their academic goals without incurring the massive debt associated with higher education.”

New and currently enrolled CCC students may enter the dual admissions program with WilmU at any time. Qualified CCC associate degree graduates are eligible for the STEP Path Scholarship providing a 25% tuition reduction toward their WilmU bachelor’s degree. Students receive personalized attention and support, and will be provided with privileges and access to facilities at both institutions.

“We look forward to offering Camden County College graduates the career-oriented degree programs that can help them succeed in today’s diverse and global workforce,” said Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne T. Harmon. “We consider it a privilege to welcome them to our University family and aspire to build on the meaningful experiences they’ve already had at CCC.”

Wilmington University’s STEP Path provides CCC students seamless online associate-to-bachelor-degree pathways for the following WilmU programs: Behavioral Science, Business Analytics, Business Management, Computer and Network Security (Cybersecurity), Computer Science, Finance, Human Resource Management, Information Systems Management, Marketing, and Organizational Leadership.

Online Partnership Benefits:

  1. Guaranteed admissions to WilmU
  2. WilmU Application fee waiver
  3. Access to a CCC and WilmU advisor on the Blackwood and Camden City campuses
  4. Program-to-program, course-by-course maps from a CCC associate degree through an eligible WilmU bachelor degree
  5. CCC associate degree graduates that meet the requirements are eligible for the WilmU STEP Path Scholarship, reducing tuition by 25% for those credits required to complete an eligible bachelor degree
  6. Access to obtain identification badges from both CCC and WilmU
  7. Access to campus facilities (library, athletics, events, etc.) available to a fully-matriculated student with use of an Identification Badge while enrolled at either institution
  8. Opportunity to complete select graduate courses as part of an undergraduate degree at the undergraduate STEP Path Scholarship per-credit tuition

To view the virtual partnership signing ceremony, visit:
https://livestream.com/accounts/25094258/events/9784877

To learn more about Wilmington University’s STEP Path for CCC students, visit: www.camdencc.edu/WilmU

For more information about Wilmington University’s online degrees, certificates, and concentrations, visit: www.wilmu.edu/academics/index.aspx

The Center for Cultural Engagement at CCC

The Center is now the Center for Cultural Engagement at Camden County College. It’s programming focuses on the needs and interests of educators and the community at large by offering stimulating and thought-provoking mini-courses, lectures, and events for community members to enhance their knowledge and for teachers to help meet their professional development requirements.

The name change reflects the current course and lecture offerings, which are diverse and enriching as the people who present and participate. Every one of our mini-courses and lectures shows the commitment to involvement and inquiry – two skills that are part of our development as learners – and the method in which the information is delivered also reflects that accessibility, whether you are in person, on your computer or using your tablet.

The Fall 2021 schedule for the Center for Cultural Engagement is being finalized, and we look forward to sharing with you in the coming days a robust schedule of offerings, both in-person and virtually.

There are two exciting initiatives for Fall 2021 that will bring the Center for Cultural Engagement to you. First, you will have access to the Center for Cultural Engagement Hub in Canvas that will have all of our content in one Canvas course shell for you to access on demand. The other is that the Center for Cultural Engagement is now a “One Day University” member. This will allow you to access hundreds of academic lectures and videos on demand for your own personal enrichment. Details on both initiatives are forthcoming.

For more information about the Center for Cultural Engagement, please visit www.camdencc.edu/center.

We hope you join us, both in-person and virtually, at the Center for Cultural Engagement this year for a rewarding intellectual experience.

Center for Cultural Engagement at Camden County College
www.camdencc.edu/center
Connector Building 103, Blackwood Campus
PO Box 200, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Phone: (856) 227-7200, ext. 4333
Email: thecenter@camdencc.edu

Gateway to College recognized for excellence

The Gateway to College Program at Camden County College was awarded its sixth consecutive national Performance Excellence Award at this year’s National Directors Convening of the Gateway to College / Achieving the Dream National Network. The annual award is presented to Gateway programs which satisfy the benchmarks established by the national network to assess the performance of Gateway programs nationwide. Camden Gateway has the unique distinction of receiving this award each year since it was introduced.

The 2021 Gateway to College National Performance Excellence Award highlights the success of the Camden Gateway to College program during the 2019-20 school year, when colleges and school districts transitioned to 100% virtual learning, as they struggled to cope with the Covid-19 Corona Virus. Camden Gateway to College program was able to celebrate the Class of 2020 as its largest graduating class ever with seventy-five graduates.

During the recognition, program Director Sweeney expressed his thanks and appreciation to the parents, his dedicated staff and the Gateway students for their persistence and dedication to achieving such extra ordinary success.

The Gateway to College program at Camden County College partners with the Camden City School District, the Pennsauken School District and the Gateway to College / Achieving the Dream National Network. The program affords an opportunity for disengaged students who may have dropped out of school or are in danger of not graduating on time, to complete their high school education in a collegiate environment and earn college credits (at the same time), which may be used towards a college degree of a professional certificate.

The Camden Gateway program is now accepting applications and will expand its services to Camden City residents by fifty percent (to serve 150 students) for the 2021-22 school year, giving even more young people the opportunity and a real second chance.