The new Student Success and Retention Center is a hub for campus support services, connecting students with the tools they need to succeed in college.

Following a student-centered approach, the Student Success and Retention Center fosters a sense of belonging among the college community and strengthens the path to success for every student. Through personalized support, CCC staff help students overcome challenges to reach their academic and future career goals.

“We are excited to celebrate the opening of our Student Success and Retention Center,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President. “The center is designed as a unified space for students, providing personal support and academic resources. We see great potential for the center to transform the college experience for years to come.”

The event included remarks from Executive Dean of Student Success and Retention Richard Kopp, SGA President Michael Baran, President of Camden County College Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, and Assemblyman William W. Spearman. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house followed, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the renovated space, learn about the center’s services, and meet the Student Success team.

On September 26, Camden County College welcomed over 45 local business leaders and community partners to Workforce Development Day, held at the William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill, NJ. The main topic of discussion surrounded Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its connection to everyday working experiences.

Three panelists were invited to share insights and real-world examples of how AI is shaping the industries they work in. Panelists included Doug MacDonald (Partnerships, NJ Tech Innovation at the NJ Economic Development Authority), Stephen Miller (Founder, Path & Planning), and Captain Zachary Houck (Cherry Hill Fire Department & Mayor of Haddon Heights).

Despite their varied backgrounds, all panelists agreed that AI is not a replacement for people but rather a transformative tool for how we work and learn. They encouraged attendees to view AI as an opportunity for improved workplace efficiency.

Recognizing these technological shifts, Camden County College remains committed to evolving with advances in AI.

To make this happen, CCC’s Workforce Development Department has launched an AI Literacy program to advance creativity, productivity, and communication in the workplace. The “Intro to ChatGPT” courses offer practical, skill-based training for participants interested in learning the basics and essentials of AI.

After three successful sessions, CCC will offer another “Intro to ChatGPT” course on November 5. The college will remain focused on aligning technology with the workplace by expanding AI-focused classes.

For more information about these training opportunities, contact Camden County College’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education Department at tradetraining@camdencc.edu or (856) 374-4955.

Industry-focused certification courses prepare students for careers in New Jersey’s growing entertainment and digital media sector.

Camden County College announced that registration is now open for its comprehensive New Jersey Film Academy (NJFA) fall semester programs, designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in the rapidly expanding film, television and digital media industry.

The NJFA offers college-level certification courses that provide students with industry-specific skills and knowledge needed to succeed in New Jersey’s thriving entertainment sector. All students begin with the foundational course, Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry, which covers the complete production process from development through distribution. The class will also include hand-on learning experiences in the Cougar Esports Arena at the William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill, NJ, home to Camden County College’s state-of-the-art esports and streaming digital media center.

Fall 2025 Course Offerings:

Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry (required prerequisite)

• Dates: October 20 – December 8
• Days/Times: Monday and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Students then select from specialized tracks including (coming soon):

• Production Accounting
• Introduction to Production Office
• Costuming
• Hair & Makeup
• Location Management

Career Support and Industry Connections
Upon completion of certification programs, graduates are automatically listed on njproductionguide.org, New Jersey’s premier database for industry professionals. Staff works individually with students to facilitate internships and employer introductions, including the digital media and esports industries.

“The NJFA maintains relationships with studios and vendors across New Jersey, positioning our graduates for success in the state’s expanding entertainment industry,” said Daniel Colaianni, program coordinator.

Additional Program Features:

• Industry lecture series featuring industry professionals
• Small class sizes with personalized attention

Registration Information
Courses are held in-person at Camden County College’s William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill, NJ. Classes meet twice weekly for three-hour sessions over eight weeks.

To register, visit https://www.camdencc.edu/ce/personal-enrichment/script-to-screen-intro-to-the-entertainment-industry/ or call (856) 374-4955.

For more information, contact the Continuing Education department at tradetraining@camdencc.edu.

About the New Jersey Film Academy
The New Jersey Film Academy provides career-focused education and certification programs for the film and television industry. As part of a statewide network of colleges offering NJFA programs, Camden County College serves students preparing for careers in New Jersey’s dynamic entertainment sector. For more information, visit njfilmacademy.org.

Genelle Guzman-McMillan went to work on the 64th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower on the morning of September 11, 2001, unaware her life was about to change forever. When the tower was struck, she began to evacuate, but was buried in the rubble when it collapsed. After 27 hours, Genelle was the last survivor pulled from Ground Zero. She shared her powerful story of survival, resilience, and how she turned tragedy into purpose at Camden County College.

“We were honored that Ms. Guzman-McMillan spoke at Camden County College,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President. “We were eager to invite our students and community members to hear her firsthand account of the attacks, and her inspirational story of survival.”

The event was presented by the Center for Cultural Engagement at Camden County College, in collaboration with AmeriCorps, EngageNJ, and 9/11 Day.

On August 29, President Lovell Pugh-Bassett, Associate Dean Jacqueline Tenuto, and representatives of the College attended the 131st Annual Peter J. McGuire Labor Day observance held by the Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO Central Labor Council. Also in attendance were Governor Phil Murphy, Congressman Donald Norcross, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, and other state and county elected officials. At that time, the 2025 Peter J. McGuire Scholarships were presented to students attending Camden County College, Rowan University, and Rutgers University-Camden. Congratulations to all of the honorees including Camden County College recipients Dina Bermudez, Ciri Castro, Jr., Lauren Elwell, Shawn Gallagher, Jr., Sumintra Maneewan, Makayla Miller, Salvador Robles-Perez, and Iara Hernandez.

The 59th Annual Camden County Senior Citizens Juried Art Contest and Exhibition opened on August 13. Submissions from 95 county senior artists are on display at Camden County College’s William G. Rohrer Center. Open to the public, the exhibition runs through September 10, Mondays to Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“I congratulate all of the artists that participated in this year’s contest. The judges certainly had a challenging task, as each work of art is impressive and worthy of recognition,” said Commissioner Jennifer Fleisher, liaison to the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission. “I encourage everyone to visit Camden County College in Cherry Hill during the exhibition.”

County residents aged 60 and older, at any level of skill or experience, were invited to participate, including amateurs and non-professionals as well as working artists. Categories of work include acrylic painting; craft; digital art; mixed media; oil painting; pastel; print; photography; sculpture; watercolor; and works on paper (drawing).

Artwork by professional and non-professional artists was adjudicated by an independent panel of professional artists. First place winners in all categories at the County level will advance to compete at the State level in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show.

First place winners in the Professional category are as follows: Acrylic Painting: Brenda Zadjeika (Haddonfield); Craft: Robin Brownfield (Collingswood); Oil Painting: Howard Shivers (Haddonfield); Pastel: Janet Brenda Sellers (Pine Hill); Photography: Wendy Rubin (Voorhees); Watercolor Painting: David Boone (Cherry Hill); Works on Paper: Curtis Odrick (Gloucester Township); Sculpture: Conni Spiegle (Haddonfield); Digital Art: Elvira Peretsman (Cherry Hill); Mixed Media: Marjorie Levy (Cherry Hill).

In the Non-Professional category, first place was awarded as follows: Acrylic Painting: Susan Garra (Haddonfield); Craft: Bonnie Burbank (Cherry Hill); Oil Painting: Koulin Chou (Voorhees); Pastel: Leslie Ries (Cherry Hill); Photography: Barbara Funkhouser (Haddon Heights); Watercolor Painting: Joe Kiernan (Haddonfield); Works on Paper: George Zervos (Magnolia); Sculpture: Philip Maynard (Audubon); Mixed Media: Diane Bacchi (Voorhees).

The Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Camden County College supports the local arts and history that make our communities dynamic places to live and work. The Commission was established by the Camden County Board of Commissioners 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.