Student athletes, hall of famers, and athletic administrators honored
Blackwood/Camden, NJ – This year, Camden County College celebrates 50 years of serving the community and each department at the College is hosting a special event as part of “50 Events for 50 Years.” On Thursday, February 15, the Camden County College Athletics Program and kicked off the rebirth of the Camden County College Athletic Hall of Fame and honored all winter sports athletes.
Prior to tipoff of the CCC men’s basketball game, students from wrestling and both men’s and women’s basketball were honored with certificates. They were personally congratulated by the College president, their coaches, and the director of athletics.
At halftime, five high school seniors signed national letters of intent to attend Camden County College next year. Seniors Samantha Torres (Hammonton High School) and Emily Auletto (Sterling High School) will play softball next year for the Cougars. Seniors Dylan Kleiner (Seneca High School), Nicholas D’Agostino (Gloucester City High School), and Andrew Rodrigues (Chichester High School, PA) will play baseball for the Cougars starting this fall.
“All of our winter sport athletes were in the audience, and we honored our hall of famers, so it was nice to see incoming athletes interacting with current and former Cougars,” states Director of Athletics, William Banks.
Ten members of the Camden County College Athletics Hall of Fame helped unveil a banner listing all hall of fame inductees which will hang in the Papiano Gym. “This signifies the revival of our Athletics Hall of Fame which is one of our initiatives this year,” states Banks.
Additionally, Hudson County Freeholder, Jerry Walker, honored CCC Director of Athletics, William Banks, and CCC Director of Special Events and Facilities, Kay Byrd with proclamations for their work with the Team Walker AAU Basketball Team. Team Walker AAU is an organization that improves the quality of life for children of Jersey City by offering youth programs similar to those provided to Jerry and Jasper Walker when they were children. Camden County College is a proud host of Team Walker events each year.
Team Walker also donated $1500 to the Camden County College Foundation for athletic programs.
President Borden and Director of Athletics, Bill Banks, congratulate and welcome alumni from the CCC athletics hall of fame.
New student athletes sign national letters of intent to play for CCC
Andrew Rodriguez, Chichester High School, signs his letter of intent to play for the Cougars this fall.
Camden County College Creates Second Vice President Position
Dr. Jacqueline Galbiati elevated to vice president after one year as dean
Blackwood/Camden, NJ – On Tuesday, February 6, the Camden County College Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Jacqueline Galbiati to the position of vice president of institutional advancement, research, and strategic initiatives.
Dr. Galbiati joined Camden County College as dean of the math, science, and health careers division in April 2017. Previously, she served as vice president for academic and student services at Cumberland County College in Vineland, NJ from 2009 to 2017. She received the New Jersey Council of Community College Spirit Award and NJ Congressional Recognition in 2016 for her successful work with community colleges.
“After a few months as dean, Dr. Galbiati proved to be an integral part of our Middle States Accreditation Steering Committee due to her leadership at Cumberland County College,” states Camden County College president, Don Borden. “When our Board of Trustees identified an interest in increasing the leadership capacity, it seemed natural to add a vice president position and appoint her. Together with Dr. Edwards [VP of Academic Affairs] we have a strong leadership team and a better organization.”
While at Cumberland County College, Dr. Galbiati led several local, regional, and statewide initiatives for the improvement of student success including establishing the Center for Academic Student Success focusing on student support initiatives to assist the college in retention and completion of at-risk students, leading the Achieving the Dream initiative and a five-year, two million dollar U.S. Department of Education Strengthening Institutions (Title III) grant, and decreasing the need for incoming students who require developmental education by 23%.
“Because of Jackie’s experience planning several strategic initiates, and her success in leading research-based programs, we decided to combine our division of institutional advancement with institutional research and strategic planning and put her at the helm,” states Borden.
Dr. Galbiati will lead the Middle States reaccreditation process and then produce the College’s 50th anniversary gala and commencement ceremonies.
“I look forward to collaborating with the College leadership in creating initiatives that will strengthen our position in the changing environment of higher education,” states Galbiati. “I am so fortunate to be working with a visionary President, leadership team, and county officials that support student success for our residents. The partnerships with the Board of Governors in constructing the new Health and Science building in Camden that is expected to open in 2019 is just one example of how county partnerships expand opportunities for students to meet their academic goals.”
Soccer Program Hires New Coaches
Cougars Welcome Kevin Nuss and Solomon Jacobs
Coach Kevin Nuss (front) and Coach Solomon Jacobs (rear)
Camden, NJ – Two new faces will lead the men’s and women’s soccer programs at Camden County College. Both coaches are have strong ties to Camden County College—one as an alumni and one as a professor. Solomon Jacobs takes over as the head women’s soccer coach and Kevin Nuss takes over as the head men’s soccer coach.
“We are confident that Coach Nuss and Coach Solomon will continue the history of success for these programs with an emphasis on academic success, development, retention, degree completion and moving our student-athletes onto four year institutions,” states William Banks, Director of Athletics.
Solomon Jacobs spent last season as an assistant coach for the Lady Cougars. Coach Jacobs has 12 years of semi-pro playing experience and over 10 years of coaching and training experience at a variety of different levels.
“As head coach, I am introducing ‘attractive’ and fundamental soccer playing styles, which will continue to develop the style of the game of future players,” states Coach Jacobs. “We will lead and encourage each player to reach their full potential, teach them the value of respect, care, responsibility, honesty and ability to uphold the tradition of winning both in the classroom and on the field of play,” states Coach Jacobs.
Jacobs holds a Bachelor of Science in information technology and a master’s in business administration. He is currently a full-time student in a doctoral program and is an adjunct professor at CCC, teaching computer information systems.
The Cougars men’s soccer program has been one of the most dominate teams in Region XIX, as well as a national contender. Coach Kevin Nuss played for the Cougars in 2003 under Coach Freeman and was an all-region and all-conference goalkeeper. Nuss was also named an Adidas/NSCAA First Team All-American. He went on to play two seasons at William Paterson University before transferring to Rowan University to finish out his collegiate playing career.
Coach Nuss came back to CCC for one season as an assistant coach under Freeman before heading to Rutgers University-Camden to be an assistant coach from 2008-2011. He then served as assistant coach at St. Joseph’s University from 2011 to 2012 and at Brown University from 2013-2014. Coach Nuss most recently spent time as an Associate Head Coach and General Manager of the Ocean City Nor’easters and Cedar Stars Academy.
“I am extremely excited about returning to Camden County College. I am appreciative of my experience here as a student-athlete and assistant coach,” states Coach Nuss. “I look forward to building on the storied legacy of the men’s soccer program and helping the current student-athletes fulfill their academic and professional goals, just as I did in my time at CCC.”
The men’s and women’s soccer teams will kick off their seasons on the road on August 28, 2018 against NJCAA DII CCBC-Catonsville.
For more information, contact Bill Banks, Director of Athletics, at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4260.
‘Give Kids a Smile Day’ Helps Children with No Access to Dental Care
BLACKWOOD, N.J. – A local community college helped put healthy smiles on area kids’ faces.
On Friday, February 2nd, Camden County College’s dental hygiene and dental assisting students and staff, as well as area dentists, teamed up for Give Kids a Smile Day.
The event provides free cleanings, other preventive care, and oral health education to local kids aged 12 years or younger.
Officials say the day is part of a national event aimed at giving uninsured children access to dental care so families can worry less.
“I think it’s impactful in the sense when you look at each individual that’s coming through here and what that means to them. Oftentimes these families do not have insurance or any way to afford to have this treatment done,” said Freeholder Bill Moen (D). “And when you have that opportunity there for students and young children to have that, you’re basically ensuring they will have a good smile for the rest of their lives.”
Each child at Give Kids a Smile Day event was given an oral exam, cleaning, x-rays, and a variety of other services.
The event also included a visit from the Tooth Fairy who gave the kids support through their cleanings, prizes, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
Source: www.snjtoday.com
The Naval Foundry and Propeller Center To Host Career Fair
The Naval Foundry and Propeller Center (NFPC), a detachment of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard located at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, will hold a career fair at the Camden County College Blackwood Campus Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NFPC designs and manufactures advanced propulsion components for the U.S. Navy and plans to hire more than 200 employees during the next 12 months.
NFPC specializes in advance propulsor engineering, castings and precision machining. Career opportunities include all production skill trades, however current high-priority positions include: machinists, foundry molders, foundry workers, pattern makers, welders, riggers, engineers, project managers, quality assurance specialists, NDT inspectors, mechanical inspectors and information technology personnel. Experienced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists and mechanics are preferred.
Representatives from major departments throughout NFPC and the Human Resources Office (HRO) will be on site to meet with applicants, conduct on-site interviews, answer questions, discuss the application process, and extend tentative job offers to qualified individuals.
Congress has granted temporary Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for certain occupations at NFPC so large numbers of civilian employees can be hired quickly. Prospective applicants should bring copies of their resumes and be prepared to be interviewed at the career fair. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and be able to pass government security investigations.
Federal employment benefits at the foundry include health and life insurance, matching retirement plan contributions, 10 paid holidays annually, 13 vacation days annually (advancing to 26), and 13 sick days annually. NFPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Questions regarding the hiring process and qualifications can be emailed to FLTHRO_NNSY@navy.mil. Applicants may submit resumes for hiring manager consideration at FLTHRO_NNSY@navy.mil; however, it is required to have a copy of the resume on hand at the career fair.
The career fair is located at Camden County College, Blackwood Campus, Papiano Gymnasium, Roosevelt Drive East and Ring Road.
Follow NPFC on social media at:
www.facebook.com/navalfoundryandpropellercenter and www.twitter.com/NavalFPC.
2018 Camden County Freedom Medal winner shares her story
By holding her family, God and her community as the foundation for everything Muqaddas Ejaz does, her story has inspired others to live with the same compassion and care she possesses.
Life is a delicate, finite and uncertain gift, leaving the average person wondering how their time on earth has influenced their community. Camden County residents have already answered that question for Muqaddas Ejaz, solidifying their views by nominating her for the 2018 Camden County Freedom Medal, which she was awarded last Wednesday.
Ejaz is heavily involved with her community as a member of the Cherry Hill Democratic Committee, a sergeant at the Camden County College Public Safety Department and co-leader of the Southern New Jersey chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom since September 2016. She was recognized by Rep. Donald Norcross as a Woman of Honor in Education in May, among many other accomplishments.
By holding her family, God and her community as the foundation for everything she does, her story has inspired others to live with the same compassion and care she possesses. Although her involvement with her community has been recognized, it is important to note where it all began — the capital city of the Pakistani province of Punjab, Lahore, where Ejaz was born.
Growing up in Pakistan with her mother and siblings, Ejaz’s father would be gone for four months at a time attending to his marble export and import business in the U.S. After waiting years to get approved for a U.S. visa, Ejaz was finally able to come to the states to be closer with her father.
“That was a whole excitement, now we can live as a family together,” Ejaz said.
Recalling the exact date, Dec. 28, 2002, Ejaz arrived in the U.S. As a 17-year-old, Ejaz and her family made the move to Atlanta where her father also owned a pizza business. Ejaz attended high school in Atlanta for her senior year and moved to Houston shorty after graduating to work as an insurance agent where she discovered she has a passion for understanding other cultures and customs.
“People don’t learn about other people, the reality of it, you know? Whether it’s a Spanish community, a Pakistani community, Indian community or whether it’s a Vietnamese community, every community has issues within the communities and then there are sub-issues, and there are subcultures and all these traditions,” Ejaz explained.
It is important to be able to understand these issues and learn about other cultures to make a difference in the community, according to Ejaz.
Ejaz moved to Bellmawr to be closer to her family and father’s scrap yard business where she would face one of the largest “opportunities” of her life. From 2008 through 2010, the family felt the effects of the recession and eventually moved to a two-bedroom apartment in Stratford.
All six members of her family crowded in a small apartment, but that didn’t stop her from accomplishing big things.
During this time, Ejaz worked two jobs to pay her way through school and help support her family, working at Dunkin’ Donuts and the advisement office at Camden County College, where she attended school. Ejaz eventually graduated with an associate’s degree in political science. During her time there, she was awarded a certificate of “most promising student of the year” from the politics, philosophy and history department. Ejaz ultimately went to Rowan University where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in history and concentration in international studies.
Steve Hetherington, director of the public safety department at Camden County College, has seen firsthand her work ethic through the years.
“To talk about Mookie (her nickname), doesn’t make for a short conversation,’’ Hetherington said. “Her work ethic is phenomenal … she has a positive effect on every organization she works with and everyone she meets, just a living, breathing, walking ambassador of positivity.’’
Leading by example, Ejaz hopes to inspire her daughter, Anaya, by continuing to help others and create change in her community. Ejaz still visits the same Dunkin’ Donuts she worked at while attending school and other establishments throughout South Jersey to get to know other immigrants living in the U.S.
“When I take my last breath, I want God to be happy with me,” Ejaz said. “If I want to see a change, I have to be the change.”
Article Source: The Cherry Hill Sun
Give Kids a Smile Day!
CCC Offering Day of Free Dental Cleanings, Screenings for Local Kids
Camden County College’s dental hygiene and dental assisting students and staff will provide free cleanings and other dental care along with dental education services to area children aged 12 and younger for “Give Kids a Smile!” Day is February 2, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and “Give Kids A Smile!” Day is the perfect way to focus on the needs of children. Also known as National Children’s Dental Access Day, this public health project aims to provide a day of preventive dental care and education to youngsters who would otherwise not have access to such services.
Camden County College is one of more than 80 facilities throughout the state that will be participating in this project in association with the New Jersey Dental Association. All services delivered on-campus that day will be overseen by Dr. Catherine Boos, who is a licensed dentist and the director of the College’s dental programs.
“Give Kids A Smile!” Day will be conducted in CCC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. This facility is located on the first floor of the Halpern Science Building on the college’s Blackwood Campus on College Drive in Gloucester Township.
Services will be provided by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call (856) 227-7200, ext. 4631. To access the forms that are needed to participate, visit the New Jersey Dental Association Web site at www.njda.org/gkas.
For information about the event, contact coordinator Jean Corbi at (856) 227-7200, ext. 4729, or jcorbi@camdencc.edu.
For directions to the College, visit camdencc.edu/directions/
See why some of our students are happy this Holiday Season
So much to be happy about! See why some of our students are happy this Holiday Season.
Happy Holidays from Camden County College!
CCC Offers Free Shuttle Service Between Blackwood and Camden
GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Students at Camden County College will soon be able to take advantage of a free shuttle service that will operate between the Gloucester Township and Camden campuses, county officials announced on Monday.
The service was the brainchild of student Hecmarie Berrios, a Camden resident who found it challenging to reach the Gloucester Township campus. Most of the nursing student’s classes are in Camden City, but she also needs access to the Blackwood campus. So she started a petition. After gathering 300 signatures, she presented her petition to the college, and her idea became a reality.
“Part of our mission at Camden County College is to be responsive to the needs of the community. We continuously enhance our programs and services to meet these needs,” Camden County College President Don Borden said. “It is our job to provide opportunities and reduce barriers for students. But when we can show students that their actions and hard work can make an impact, that is when we are truly doing our job as an institution.”
The shuttle comes courtesy a partnership between the college, the county and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. It will run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning Jan. 17.
Camden County College is one of the largest community colleges in New Jersey and ranks among the top 100 nationwide in terms of associate degree graduates. It is recognized nationally as a leader in technology programs such as video game design/development and photonics. It has also been acknowledged for maintaining one of the lowest tuition rates of any college or university in the state or region.
Camden County College 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 area’s economic development and residents’ professional and personal development.
Article Source: patch.com
Students share winter holiday traditions
BLACKWOOD – Camden County College students are preparing to celebrate the winter holidays.
Graydon Huss, 21, celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas during the winter at his home. Although he never had a bar mitzvah, Huss said he’s “Jewish, mainly.” As to why he said that, Huss responded, “My whole family is Jewish and I was raised around them, more so than my dad’s side (who are) Catholic.”
His mom, he said, is Jewish and his dad is Catholic. He used to spend time at his grandmother’s house during Hanukkah, where he would light the menorah and spin dreidels with his family, and would celebrate Christmas at his house.
Huss said while he used to get presents every night of Hanukkah, he now gets them only on one night of the holiday. As to what night of Hanukkah he normally gets his presents, Huss stated, “It kind of just depends on how we feel.” Although he now celebrates Hanukkah at home every year, he still makes sure to light the menorah all eight nights of Hanukkah.
Tomika Odrick, 22, celebrates Christmas at her house with her immediate family. She said her immediate family has four people and her sister is away at college but “will be coming back for Christmas.”
She said her mom makes a big deal out of Christmas. Her family makes sure to hang up all the holiday cards they receive but they make sure all of them are signed.
Her family will wait until 10 a.m., when her mom usually gets home from work on Christmas Day, to open up her gifts. Odrick said they play music when they open up their gifts. Her family also has an order in which her family is allowed to open gifts. “We start from the youngest child to my dad,” said Odrick. After her family is done unwrapping gifts, they put them back under the tree so her aunt can see them when she comes over for Christmas. She said her family always has Pirouline cookies on Christmas.
Manu S., 25, celebrates Christmas with his friends in the United States and has since he has lived here. He still even gets invited over by his ex-girlfriend’s mom’s, which he said is “awkward.”
Before he moved to the U.S., he said he celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights that normally takes place in November, in India. He said Diwali is considered the new year in India and fireworks are a big part of the holidays in that country. Fireworks cause “so much pollution that people cannot have clean air the next day,” he stated.
He said during the holidays he gets and receives lots of sweets. He did go to an Indian function in New Jersey where people wore traditional Indian dresses and prayed. “Not many fireworks, actually,” he said about the function in New Jersey, though.
Rebecca Green
CCC Journalism Program
ccctimes.net
