Camden County College is pleased to announce 47 student-athletes have obtained a 3.0 GPA or higher during the Fall Semester. The Fall 2018 Student-Athlete Athletic Director Honor Roll can be found at camdenccathletic.org. Congratulations to our students!
Camden 28 revisit court where they were tried for ’71 break-in to protest Vietnam War
By Kyrie Greenberg on whyy.org
December 6, 2018
Nearly 50 years after breaking into the Camden draft board and destroying records to protest the war in Vietnam, members of the Camden 28 took to the stand in the federal courtroom where they were tried.
This time, it was to tell their story for future generations.
Joan Reilly read the names of those who didn’t live long enough to return to the courtroom that was packed Thursday with high school and Camden County College students.
A lifelong Catholic, Reilly said her faith led her and her sister Rosemary to oppose the Vietnam war, and move from Long Island to join the resistance in Camden.
“It was ordinary people who said ‘not in our name, not on our watch.’ We took great risk and worked in collective action, and I very much believe that’s what helped to end this war,” said Reilly, who was in her early 20s at the time.
“My parents have both died, and they kept the letters I sent to them. Now I can see the fire that burned within me about the injustices I saw happening,” she said.
In the weeks before the 1971 raid, rioting was regular in Camden.
Keith Forsyth, who moved from Ohio to be a part of the anti-war movement, said demonstrators knew the risks. “It was like the Boy Scout motto, ‘Always be prepared.’ We were ready to go to jail,” he said.
In Camden, they met the Rev. Michael Doyle, one of four priests and one Presbyterian pastor charged with felonies related to the raid. Now Monsignor Doyle and pastor of Sacred Heart Church in South Camden, he said he wouldn’t change a thing, though at the time his politics meant few churches would employ him to celebrate Sunday Mass.
“No congressman’s son died in Vietnam because they never got sent to the front. But the poor kids of Camden, they were sent to the front,” said Doyle. “It’s outrageous. And then you say, ‘There’s no point in writing a letter to those [politicians],’” he continued.
As casualties mounted, several draft board raids occurred throughout the country. But the Camden 28 case was the only one where all defendants were acquitted.
Despite evidence that the FBI aided the raid through a paid informant, attorney David Kairys didn’t try to prove entrapment. Instead, the 28 defendants represented themselves as co-counsel, giving each a chance to address the jury directly.
Eugene Dixon said the idea was to appeal to the people, not the law.
“I was just an ordinary working stiff, but, of course, the politics of the war were always in front. And the idea of massive violence being perpetrated on people was one that struck home with me,” said Dixon.
“I loved being on trial,” said Doyle to laughter from the room. “We talked a lot and Judge Fisher, he had a great sense of humor. I was a felon, but he was so nice to me. And to be able to cross-examine FBI agents — imagine that! I was a peasant from Ireland doing that, and I loved it.”
Complementing the event was a screening of a documentary by Anthony Giacchino, which is available online. Giacchino grew up attending church at Sacred Heart and his parents are active in the parish.
Helen Albright Troxell, CCC Trustee, Honored by NJCCC
On Monday, Dec. 3, during its business meeting, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) honored Camden County College Trustee Helen Albright Troxell, who served as Chair of the NJCCC for the past four years. The NJCCC presented an engraved jewelry box, and Rowan College of Burlington County presented a “3 + Wonderful” diploma to her for her visionary leadership as head of the state association that strengthens the 19 community colleges in the state. Pictured, from left: NJCCC President Aaron Fichtner, newly-elected NJCCC Chair Phil Linfante of the Warren County Community College Board of Trustees, Ms. Albright, and Camden County College President Don Borden.
CCC returning to the national stage for a sixth straight year
The Cougars open the NJCAA Division III national championship against Cayuga on Thursday
By Matthew Ralph
www.brotherlygame.com
When you turn over rosters the way teams competing at the junior college level do, finding consistent success can be a challenge.
But that’s exactly what Camden County College has done over the last six seasons, making it to the biggest stage year after year. By winning the Region XIX championship last week, the Cougars advanced to the NJCAA Division III national championship for the sixth straight season.
“The program has storied success so I’m just lucky enough to take over and continue building on that in my first year,” said head coach Kevin Nuss, who had only six returners heading into his first season at the junior college level. “We’re young so we’ve had our ups and downs but ultimately we’ve been able to find ways to win and develop as a team and grow.”
Nuss spent one season as an assistant in the program before coaching at Rutgers Camden, Saint Joseph’s and Brown University. He’s also spent summers coaching with the Ocean City Nor’easters in the Premier Development League.
In his first season as head coach of the Cougars, the team finished with a 15-2-1 record, reaching as high as No. 5 in the national rankings. Moving beyond just making it to nationals, where the program lost its last finals appearance back in 2016, and winning a national championship would be a leap for a program that often operates off the radar in a Philadelphia region with no shortage of college soccer.
Success this season has come from a core group of international players, led by Argentinian forward Lautaro Berisso, the Region XIX player of the year.
“The futbol here has been great, I’m loving it and each day we’re getting better and better,” said Berisso, who had eight goals and three assists as a freshman. “The life here is beautiful.”
Freshman defender Tobias Rawson Paz is also from Argentina and other leaders on the team have been Brazilians Lucas Pecegueiro (18 goals, 12 assists) and Lucas Teixeira (3 goals, 8 assists) and forward Ismail Kaya from Turkey (9 goals, 5 assists).
One of the draws of the program for international players is the opportunity to learn English, adjust to life in the United States and continue playing while completing a bachelor’s degree at another school. Being located near so many four-year schools in the Philadelphia region increases the opportunity for exposure.
“The program doesn’t have huge resources so it’s been a unique experience to try to take what we have and make the most of it,” said Nuss, who takes a similar professional approach to coaching at Camden County as he did in the NCAA and the PDL. “We’ve been able to do that, the program has been able to do that for several years now and I’m just happy to be part of it. “
The Cougars begin their quest for a trophy on Thursday as a No. 4 seed in the eight-team field in Herkimer, New York, where they’ll play fifth seed Cayuga at 1:30 p.m. Visit the NJCAA website for more information.
“Maya Angelou of Iraq” to visit Camden County College
The Madison Literary Society presents a night of poetry with Faleeha Hassan
Blackwood, NJ – On November 20 at 6:30 p.m. MAD LIT (the Madison Literary Society of Camden County College) will host An Evening of Poetry and Memory with Faleeha Hassan in Civic Hall on the Blackwood Campus.
Faleeha Hassan, known to most in this country as “The Maya Angelou of Iraq”, emigrated from Iraq to the U.S. in 2012 after having fled Iraq for Turkey when her writings landed her name on a “death list.”
Now living quietly with her two children in her adopted home of Washington Township (Gloucester County), the woman who once claimed she could not speak of peace because she had never experienced it, appreciates her newfound suburban tranquility more than her neighbors could ever guess.
MAD LIT advisor and CCC Professor of English Keith O’Shaughnessy states, “We consider ourselves very privileged to welcome someone so widely known and highly regarded a talent to the College. Her work has been celebrated the world over for its vivid testaments both to strife in her native Iraq and the challenges of immigrant life in our own land. Better still, she recites it with an almost mystical grace, force, and poise.”
Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. with the reading and discussion to follow. This event is free to the public.
Credit: sjmagazine.net
Vai Sikahema speaks at EOF Event
On October 31 the Educational Opportunity Fund(EOF) program sponsored an event that brought NBC 10 sports reporter, Vai Sikahema, to the Camden Campus of Camden County College to share his story.
Vai immigrated to the U.S. from Tongo when he was seven-years-old. He lived in poverty and trained as a boxer. Vai went on to play football for BYU and eventually was drafted into the NFL before earning his college degree. It took him 22 years to complete his bachelor’s and then he went on to earn his master’s degree. His message was one of perseverance, drive, and education. President Borden presented Vai with a certificate of appreciation for his time and students were able to ask questions and take photos.
Thank you Vai Sikahema!
Statewide Ballot Question Topic of Event at CCC
We are just one week away from this year’s Midterm Elections and on Tuesday, officials throughout the state held a series of events in support of the state’s only ballot question.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 30th, Camden County Freeholders joined officials from Camden County College and the Camden County Vocational School District to host one of three events throughout the state in support of the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act.
The event showcased some of the joint career technical education opportunities offered between community colleges and vocational schools to prepare high school students and young adults for careers in high-demand industries that can be launched without a four-year degree.
To students, the Bond Act would mean helping to increase opportunities to find successful career paths they can enjoy doing.
“The experience I’ve had with my technical school I would want for every student to have as it is our duty to provide our students with proper preparation for their futures,” said Dahmir Gunter, a Camden County Technical School student.
“With additional funding more students and young girls like me will have the chance to find their career, get hands-on training and gain all the amazing benefits of a technical education,” said Tatiana Cunningham, a Camden County Technical School student.
Ballot Question No. 1 asks voters whether they approve or disapprove of the “Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act,” which would allow the state to issue $500 million in bond grants.
The bonds would be used to provide grants to county vocational school districts and school security projects, while also supporting community college programs and upgrading water infrastructure in school districts across the state.
To learn more visit njelections.org.
New Partnership with Fairleigh Dickinson University
Blackwood, NJ – At a signing last week, Camden County College announced an expanded partnership with Fairleigh Dickinson University which provides two degree completion programs for students.
Starting in fall 2019, students can earn a bachelor’s of arts degree in Individualized Studies in Homeland Security at the Camden County College Regional Emergency Training Center in Lakeland (Blackwood) or a bachelor’s of arts in Sports Administration at the Blackwood Campus in Gloucester Township.
“Camden County College prides itself in offering viable transfer options for our students from a variety of higher education institutions. This agreement adds to our popular Scholars Agreement with Fairleigh Dickinson University, which provides a 40% tuition discount for CCC transfer students,” stated Dr. David Edwards, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “When degree program partnerships grow and expand like this, it reinforces our mission as a community college.”
“FDU is proud to partner with Camden County College and extend our programs in Homeland Security and Sports Administration to more deserving students in New Jersey,” said Anthony Mastropietro, Director Community College Partnership at FDU. “Providing an affordable education is critical today and we know many CCC students will take advantage of this opportunity to complete their academic goals.”
One benefit of this new partnership is that Fairleigh Dickinson University will accept Police Academy credits towards the bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security. The partnership also provides Camden County College students another pathway to seamlessly transfer to Fairleigh Dickinson University, providing flexibility of class scheduling and affordability to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Camden County College is one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in New Jersey and the surrounding region and is a vital resource for transfer education, workforce training, and cultural events. CCC’s three distinct locations in Blackwood, Camden and Cherry Hill – along with its satellite locations in Lakeland, Sicklerville and elsewhere throughout the County – share the common mission of providing accessible, affordable higher education and occupational study to all who can benefit.
The College also is recognized nationally as a leader in technology programs such as video game design/development and photonics. In addition, it is acknowledged for maintaining low tuition rates for many years. Perhaps most importantly, CCC is known for responding to the changing needs of the communities and students it serves by continuously updating its programs and services to support the economic development in this area and the professional and personal development of residents.
This signing is one of six similar signings between CCC and four-year schools in just the past year.
Devoted to the preparation of world citizens through global education, Fairleigh Dickinson is New Jersey’s largest private university and features more than 100 liberal arts and professional degree programs, two international campuses, dozens of partnerships with internationally renowned institutions and special programs and status within the United Nations. For more information, go to www.fdu.edu.
Governor Approves Camden County College for Free Tuition Program
Blackwood, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy announced today that hundreds of students in Camden County and the surrounding area can attend Camden County College free of tuition and educational fees in the spring semester starting January 2019. Camden County College is one of 13 colleges in the state receive this grant, called the Community College Innovation Challenge.
The selected colleges will develop programs to determine best practices for expanding the number of students who can be offered free community college across the state. All 19 of New Jersey’s community colleges applied to participate in the Community College Innovation Challenge. The selected schools colleges will receive a $250,000 grant for student outreach, recruitment, and support, and further expansion.
“Camden County College appreciates the commitment from the state to provide financial support to our most needy students,” said CCC President Donald Borden. “This creates a model in which financial barriers no longer restrict people from getting the post-secondary education they need to be successful in their careers and lives.”
Students with adjusted gross incomes between $0 and $45,000 and who are enrolled at least half time at Camden County College in Spring 2019 will be eligible to receive “last-dollar” CCOG grants, which will cover remaining costs of tuition and approved education fees after all other financial aid grant awards have been applied. Students will be required to maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible.
CCOG Pilot Schools were selected based on proposals that were jointly reviewed by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). Proposals were evaluated by a standardized rubric following the criteria announced in the Notice of Fund Availability that was posted in July 2018. HESAA estimates that New Jersey will provide CCOG awards to approximately 13,000 students at the selected pilot schools, in line with the funding level appropriated for this purpose in the state’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget.
“We applaud Governor Murphy’s vision and commitment to expanding college access and affordability, and his belief in community colleges as a solution to help improve the state,” said New Jersey Council of County Colleges President Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D. “This pilot program will provide the community colleges the opportunity to learn and collaborate to inform future statewide efforts to expand access to higher education.”
CCC Runner, Sara Loew, Named National Athlete of the Week
NCAA & NJCAA Announce Ten National Winners
Blackwood – On Monday, September 24, the U.S. Track and Field Cross-Country Coaches Association named 10 National Athletes of the Week and the list included Camden County College Cross-Country freshman runner, Sara Loew.
Sara Loew garnered national attention when she took fifth-place at the Osprey Open this past weekend. The freshman posted a time of 25:16.0 over the 6K course. Loew is the first athlete from Camden County College to be named a National Athlete of the Week in school history.
National Athlete of the Week is an award selected and presented by the U.S. Track and Field Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) communications staff at the beginning of each week to 10 collegiate cross-country athletes (male and female for each of the three NCAA divisions and two NJCAA divisions).
Nominations are open to the public. Coaches and sports information directors are encouraged to nominate their student-athletes; as are student-athletes, their families and friends, and fans of their programs. Nominated athletes are noticed before those athletes found through searching Track and Field Results Reporting System.
The award seeks to highlight not only the very best times, marks and scores on a week-to-week basis, but also performances that were significant on the national landscape and/or the latest in a series of strong outings. Quality of competition, suspenseful finishes and other factors will also play a role in the decision.
Camden County College has had a cross-country team for many years, but recently added track and field back to the schedule this semester after a 30-year hiatus.
Camden County College Director of Athletics, Bill Banks, states, “We are very proud of Sara and all she has accomplished. She drives an hour each way to attend Camden County College and she is a student in our dental hygiene program as well. In talking with her professors, I found she is a focused student who excels in academics and she exemplifies the true definition of what it means to be a student athlete.”
For more information about Camden County College’s track and field program, visit: camdencc.edu/student_life/athletics/.
