Derrick J.V. Sawyer was a lieutenant about 15 years ago when he met Ted Bateman, a Community College of Philadelphia instructor who foretold his future in the Philadelphia Fire Department.

“He was actually one of the first teachers who said that he believed I could become a commissioner,” said Commissioner Sawyer, a native Philadelphian who now leads the city’s 2,300-member Fire Department.

Bateman taught in the Fire Academy and, since 1985, in Community College of Philadelphia’s Fire Science program, where he serves as coordinator. “Derrick stood out,” he said. “He really did. One of the ways that he stood out was the questions he asked. He was looking ahead.”

Sawyer, who earned his associate’s degree from the College in 2004, worked his way up the Fire Department’s promotional ladder during his 29-year career. Mayor Michael Nutter appointed him to the top post in May 2014.

“I was only the second person in my immediate family to have a college degree,” Sawyer said.

Along with Commissioner Sawyer, the College has prepared legions of other firefighters since it began the Fire Science program in 1974. This fall semester, 53 students are enrolled in the Fire Science program and 90 percent of them are firefighters from Philadelphia or surrounding departments, Bateman said. Philadelphia Fire Department employees receive extra promotion points if they have a college degree. Five of the eight executive team members at the Philadelphia Fire Department have received formal education and training from the College, according to Executive Chief Peter Crespo, a 2010 Fire Science graduate who is included in that number. Sawyer appointed Chief Crespo, the first Hispanic executive to hold that position.

Since its founding in 1964 and its opening on September 23, 1965, Community College of Philadelphia has served more than 685,000 individuals. Its graduates have risen to leadership ranks in business, government and education. During the 12 months leading up to its 50th anniversary, the College will profile distinguished alumni like Sawyer whose contributions are moving Philadelphia forward and transforming its communities.

In the fire service profession, where training and preparation can be the difference between life and death, the College provided the commissioner with up-to-date industry knowledge, and helped him to identify and explore his potential. “The advice I would give to someone interested in fire service is to start at community college. It will not only help you get your degree, it will help you become more of a professional in your field,” Sawyer said.

Sawyer entered the fire department in 1985 at age 25. He attended the College off and on throughout his career initially taking one course at a time. Along the way, he encountered many memorable instructors who are experts in their fields. A class taught by retired Deputy Chief Thomas Garrity, who teaches a Fire Science course on strategy and practice, was especially helpful. “His class was actually so good that I took it twice,” the Commissioner said, adding that he needed the review when he was seeking promotion to chief.

He realized the top position was within reach when he became a Deputy Commissioner, which is the second-to-the highest rank in the Fire Department.

As Commissioner, his goal is for the City to become the safest in the country in terms of fire safety. “We believe that we will have fires, but we also believe that no one ever has to die in a fire, and that fire is everyone’s fight,” Sawyer said. To accomplish that objective, all citizens must make sure their homes and businesses have working smoke detectors, fire alarms and, if possible, sprinkler systems, he said.

Every family needs to have a home escape plan that is practiced, so everyone living in the house has walked through the home to identify and inspect all possible exists and escape routes.

“We don’t think about fire safety on a daily basis but if you practice it on a daily basis, we know that the City will have fewer fire fatalities,” Commissioner Sawyer said.

President Donald Guy Generals convened the first of several planned All-College meetings on October 13, as he pledged to keep College faculty, administrators and staff informed on key issues and promote transparency.

In a memo to employees, Dr. Generals said the purpose is to “continue the conversation about the future” of Community College of Philadelphia. The presentation was video-streamed online to allow participation by employees at the Northeast, Northwest and West Regional Centers.

During the hour-long forum, Dr. Generals covered a range of topics offering updates on Middle States accreditation, enrollment management, emergency response planning, ongoing efforts to support degree and credential completion, the importance of the 50^th anniversary and new data driven analytic tools from Civitas Learning Inc. that can guide and inform decision-making.

Recently, Community College of Philadelphia received recertification as a Leader College for Achieving the Dream, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping more students earn a college certificate or degree. Since the College earned this designation based on recent advancements in student performance, Dr. Generals led the audience in applauding this achievement and congratulating those who had worked hard to support student success.

He, again, shared his vision for developing a community of learners, where stakeholders commit to professional growth and benefit from shared endeavors. He shared a definition of learning from Professor of Psychology Barbara Rogoff of the University of California at Santa Cruz: “Learning occurs when the community participates and engages in shared endeavors stemming from a common belief system as it relates to social, cultural and educational roles.”

In addition, Dr. Generals shared other goals:

• Expand course offerings and services available on the Main Campus on Saturdays starting in Spring 2015.
• Identify a common hour in which there are few classes so that more students can participate in clubs and activities, and faculty and staff can meet and engage in critical dialogues.
• Hire a professional emergency management firm to inventory security and crisis communication needs and help update the College’s plans and protocols.
• Promote, organize and systemize the College’s efforts to promote civic engagement and participate in service learning and experiential learning opportunities.

 On Sept. 23, The CCP Six jazz ensemble serenaded an appreciative crowd gathered to celebrate the countdown to the College’s 50th anniversary.

Faculty, staff and administrators in the band harmonized on jazz melodies and entertained the crowd, as many munched on donuts and pastries, ate anniversary cookies, wore anniversary buttons and sipped their morning coffee in the Bonnell Circle.

The band, which had only rehearsed once, included music instructor Mary Ellen Desmond on vocals; instructor Grander Smith on the keyboards; instructor Tim Schilling on guitar, student Kayla Brewer on the saxophone, and a guest Shane Aaserud on bass. Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals, wearing dark shades, kept the beat on the drums. (He formerly served as a back-up drummer for Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston.)

On September 23, 1965, the College first opened its doors for classes. To mark its upcoming 50th anniversary, it is hosting a year-long celebration to commemorate the past, with events both solemn and festive, and to reimagine the future.

Alfred Nicholson drove to campus that morning as he has done on many occasions over the past decades. The College not only provided him with a strong educational foundation, it served as a career springboard for his family. “I went here. My former wife (a nursing graduate) went here –my grandson, and my two daughters,” said Nicholson.

A year after he received his associate’s degree, as a part of the College’s second graduating class, the institution he grew to love gave him a job in human resources, and that opportunity would transform his life.

“I loved it. Still love it. I enjoyed working at Community College and working with the College Family. It was like a family. It was a great place to work,” said Nicholson who retired as affirmative action officer.

And it was a great place to make lasting friends. Alfred’s grandson, Rodney Nicholson, an officer at PNC Wealth Management, met the woman he would later marry on campus. Rodney also found a professional mentor and friend in Richard S. Downs, an alumnus, philanthropist and retired executive who regularly invests in the College’s students.

Throughout the year, the College is encouraging students, faculty, alumni and staff to share stories on the microsite, www.ccp.edu/50. The 50th anniversary website features a detailed timeline of College history, video clips and photos, and interviews with standout alumni, along with a place to post congratulatory messages and share memories.

The 50th anniversary coincides with the Golden Anniversaries of legislation expanding access to opportunity, civil rights and voting rights in America. The Civil Rights Act was signed into law July 1964, and the Voting Rights Act was enacted in August 1965, just seven weeks before the College opened its doors to Philadelphians like Downs who had limited options for higher education.

Over the next year, the College, its faculty and its Student Government Association will be highlighting this era of expanding opportunity, and this institution’s integral connection to it, by hosting a series of events and voter registration drives. The first drive was held on Sept 23, when 82 new voters were registered.

Other events over the next 12 months will reflect upon rich moments in history, and celebrate America’s diverse voices. U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr. will accept the Edward R. Becker Citizenship Award during an invitation-only event at the College on January 15.

 The Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society will host a year-long retrospect on the city’s interaction with MOVE, a black liberation group, including the City’s decision to bomb a house on Osage Avenue. Lectures, panel discussions, films and other activities and exhibits are planned.
Philadelphia, you’re invited.

Check out the 50th Anniversary site and join us on Facebook and Twitter.

As colorful flags representing Spanish speaking countries fluttered from the ceiling of the Great Hall in the Winnet Student Life Building, more than 100 members of the College family and their guests enjoyed Latin music, fajitas and uplifting messages during the 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon on October 1.

Students took the stage to discuss their paths at Community College of Philadelphia and shared career goals. Dr. Donald Generals, College president, opened the program and welcomed the audience in Spanish.

The luncheon was one of several events planned to mark Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. Upcoming events include a conversation on identity differences on October 14, a Muestra de Arte (Art Show) on October 16 featuring work by actor and artist Paolo Andino and a Latin Caribbean Concert on October 22.

Student speaker Juan Quintero, a Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management major, spoke briefly about his chance to work at Disney World. In 2011 and 2012, he applied to the Disney College Program, a competitive internship that immerses students in Disney’s world-famous hospitality culture. Only a fraction of program applicants are accepted into the program each year, according to news reports.

“Disney came to the College and spoke about the program and gave a presentation. If they hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have known about it,” said Quintero, whose goal is to become a renowned chef. “As an intern, I learned how to interact with guests. I was used as a translator since I’m bilingual. I was a good team leader and I assisted the managers and filled in as a cook when needed.”

Cynthia Huertas, a Business Administration major and treasurer for the Student Government Association, added that her creativity has blossomed here. “I write poetry. I write songs for R&B and Rock,” she said. “There’s a lot of talent here, which is why I’ve been networking and meeting people.”

Ms. Joann Gonzalez-Generals, the former executive director of student success at Caldwell University in New Jersey delivered the keynote speech. Gonzalez-Generals, who is married to Dr. Generals, shared her life story and stressed the importance of completing an academic credential.

“I am the proud daughter of immigrants,” Ms. Gonzalez-Generals said. “My mother was born in Colombia and my father and stepfather were Dominican. I am a first-generation college student.” She said her parents taught her that education was the key to financial independence. “My mother would say, ‘Stay in school so that you’ll never have to rely on anyone’,” she said.

As the nation’s largest racial minority, the progress made by Hispanics today affects the well-being of society, Gonzalez-Generals said. “If Hispanics are not educated, that would be devastating to all of us in the country,” she said.

In closing, she encouraged students to reach for their dreams. “Sometimes, you have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Take your chances, or someone else will.”

Lynette Brown-Sow, vice president of Marketing and Government Relations, described Philadelphia as a city built on diversity where many different views come together to create a shared vision of hope. She was among business and community leaders who were invited to use art to express what makes and keeps a city hopeful. Her artwork is among the pieces displayed in Defining a Hopeful City Through Art, an exhibition that runs June 26 through August 29 on the 4th floor, northwest corner of City Hall. Brown-Sow, a lifelong Philadelphian not formally trained as an artist, created a piece titled, City of Hope. “I built my City of Hope out of different colors, materials, symbols and textures and brought them together to mirror the diversity of Philadelphia and illustrate that with a shared history and a shared vision of the future, our differences can bring us together rather than set us apart,” she says in her artists’ statement. “Like the infinite circle of a rounded stool, knowledge and wisdom come from all around us, and we become our wisest selves when we open our eyes, minds and souls to the wisdom of others…. Together, and with the roots planted by generations before us, we have reason to be hopeful…”

The business and community leaders were originally asked to create the artwork for the annual Hopeful City gala held November 2013, which supported BuildaBridge International, a nonprofit organization that uses art to bring hope and healing to children and families in crisis. The City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, and BuildaBridge International are exhibit sponsors.

The College honored employees for outstanding service during the April 30 Honors Tea in the Mint Building Rotunda.

The League for Innovation in the Community College gave Tara J. Timberman, assistant professor of English, and Kathleen M. Smith, J.D., professor of Paralegal Studies and director of the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society, the Innovation of the Year Award for Community College of Philadelphia for their Reentry Through Higher Education Achievement program. Dr. Judith Gay presented the award.

Jenavia Weaver, coordinator for Student Life and Leadership, received the Presidential Award for Distinguished Service for an Administrator.

Gilberto Gonzalez, graphic designer in the Division of Marketing and Government Relations and host of Entre Nosotros on CCPTV, received the Presidential Award for Distinguished Service for Diversity.

Lisa Burns, of the Northeast Regional Center, received the Presidential Award for Distinguished Service for a Classified/Confidential Employee.

Deborah D. Rossi, professor of Medical Assisting and Head Department of Allied Health, received the faculty Presidential Award for Distinguished Service.

Environmental services employees Paula Perry-Gable, Felipe Cruz; and assistant professor of Nursing, Petrina McFarlane, received certificates of appreciation and honorary nursing pins for their efforts this past fall to help a faculty member who collapsed and needed medical attention.

Fourteen employees who trained in the Leadership Institute developed projects intended to enhance the student experience and strengthen the institution. The Leadership Institute nurtures leadership among employees while also fostering collaboration and a deeper understanding of the College mission. Working in teams, the employees developed four different projects intended to address an institutional challenge or improve the student experience. Those who are interested in contributing ideas to their projects are encouraged to contact the project members.

Allan Kobernick, Yvonne Ellis, Monique Black and Osvil Acosta-Morales developed a project called Sound Off. The project offers a sound-off booth for students to express their opinions about their experience at the College. Feedback will be directed to the appropriate departments and will be used to raise awareness of student issues.

Anela Gjika, Angela Miles and Carlos Diaz developed a project called Culture of Advocacy. The project aims to determine why certain students are not using the services in place to help them succeed. The project seeks to identify areas for improvement across the College to help foster a culture of student advocacy.

Lynsey Grace, Jeffrey Haines and Desiree Rivers developed a project called CCP 101 designed to provide information, resources, support and continuous training to Student Affairs staff. CCP 101 will demonstrate how various departments are interdependent.

Rainah Chambliss, Wanda Gibson, Maria Littles, and Billy Love developed a project called Steps on the Path, which seeks to provide resources for students on emotional well-being.

The employees were acknowledged with completion certificates during the April 30 College Honors Tea.

Anyone who spent time on Main Campus this past year likely crossed paths with Jason Mays, president of the Student Government Association (SGA).

Mays seemed to be everywhere. He supported the first free book exchange hosted by students. He represented students by contributing insights to the Presidential Search Committee, the Institution-Wide Committee and the Middle States Reaccreditation Committee. He worked alongside fellow veterans, helping them transition to college. He was spotted in the corridors of the Mint Building, directing students who had lost their way.

These are just a few of the reasons Mays, 30, was named Student Leader of the Year during an April 10 Student Leadership Awards ceremony. Others honored that evening included students Jamere Lawrence, (Outstanding Leadership); Felici Wilcox (Outstanding Service); Stephen Fortt (College Mission Award); Juan Quintero (Outstanding Innovation); and Aaron Hill who received the Rising Star Award.

Mays blossomed into a leader over time, Steve Bachovin, coordinator of the Veterans Resource Center recently told a reporter for the Philadelphia Daily News. “Jason was very shy, very introverted when he came here,” Bachovin said. Mays said he took small steps at first, joining the Veterans Club, and later the dance club Ritmo Latino. “I just kind of wanted to come here for classes, then leave,” he said. “It was at the direction of the social worker at the Veterans Administration that I joined the Latin dance club and started to open up.”

Military service helped him develop leadership capability as well.  “In the Army I learned that to be a team leader, you have to respect your team. When you’re actually in the field, you learn that respect goes both ways,” Mays said.

That perspective proved useful at a highly diverse College where he inspired students across generations to collaborate, solve problems and serve the community.

A member of the Class of 2014, Mays recently earned an Associate in Arts in Business Administration. He has been accepted at Drexel University, though he has not yet decided on a transfer institution.

Instead, he plans to take a few additional classes at the College this fall and spring, and complete a second term as SGA president. Students re-elected him in April.

While representing his peers, Mays believes he found his true calling — politics. “I’ve sort of become interested in continuing to serve the people around me,” he said.

The College's Regional Centers presented Distinguished Leadership Awards to high school, business and community leaders during a series of neighborhood breakfasts on April 29, 30 and May 1. This was the 15th year the Regional Centers presented the awards to honorees who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their community.

The Northeast Regional Center held its award ceremony on April 29. The winners were:

Business – Kent C. Lufkin, President and CEO, 3rd Fed Bank
Education – Rob Caroselli, Principal, Fox Chase Academics Plus School
Public Official – The Honorable Bobby Henon, Councilman 6th District, City of Philadelphia
Faith-Based – Rev. Scott C. Dorsey, Pastor, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg
Community Service – Seth Kaplan, Chief of Staff, Office of State Rep. Kevin Boyle
Youth – Laura Naylor, Senior, Archbishop Ryan High School

The Northwest Regional Center held its award ceremony on April 30. The winners were:

Business – Pamela Rich-Wheeler, Co-founder and Executive Director, The Business Center for Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise
Education – Michael Cruz, Program Manager, Operations and Grant Development Office of Early Childhood Education, Head Start Program, School District of Philadelphia
Public Official – The Honorable Cindy Bass, Councilwoman, 8th District, City of Philadelphia
Faith-Based – Clement M. Lupton, III, Pastor Beloved, St. John Evangelistic Church
Community Service – Alex Peay, President and Founder, Rising Sons
Youth – Shemaiah Clarke, Senior, Mastery Charter School – Pickett Campus

The West Regional Center held its breakfast May 1. The winners were:

Business – Patricia Fennell-Peaks, Senior Analyst, PECO
Education – Ana E. Núñez, M.D., Associate Dean of Urban Health Equity, Education and Research, Director of the Center of Excellence and Women’s Health Education Program, and professor of Medicine at Drexel University
Public Official – The Honorable Robert A. Brady, U.S. Representative, 1st Congressional District
Faith-Based – W. Lonni Herndon, Senior Pastor, The Church of Christian Compassion
Community Service – George Stevens, President, Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association
Youth – Isaiah Gordon Senior, Mastery Charter School – Thomas Campus

Associate professor of English Ann Silverman is saying goodbye to the College this year, but not before leaving it with a remarkable legacy.

This past fall, she instructed and led 17 advanced English as a Second Language students in a multimedia project designed to engage the students, as well as the broader community, in learning activities. Each of her students received a camera to take photos of his or her neighborhood, and then narrated brief videos that provide a glimpse of the life and culture in these neighborhoods.

“They had to write about these photographs, and then practice narrating them. They learned about the city,” Silverman said.

On the video the students described neighborhood locations, the architecture of buildings and offered historical facts about sites shown in the photos. Arnold DiBlasi, associate professor and head of academic computing, assisted by turning the video snippets into a 33-minute documentary called “Settling In.”

Silverman’s students had immigrated from Armenia, China, Columbia, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Pakistan, Vietnam, Venezuela, India, Ivory Coast and Morocco. They, and their families, settled in various sections of the city, including Holmesburg, North Philadelphia, and South Philadelphia.

Aurora Deshauteurs, curator of the Print and Picture Collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia, collaborated with Silverman on the initiative and visited the class during the year to offer pointers on using photos to document history. The class also visited her department at the Central Library to look at archival photos of city neighborhoods.

Silverman was among 27 retiring faculty and staff members who were honored during the annual retirement celebration on April 17 in the Sandra E. Klein Cube. A celebratory dinner was held later that evening at R2L, a restaurant on the 37^th floor of Two Liberty Place. The retirees’ years of service ranged from 10 to 47. This year’s group included Thomas Hawk, Ph.D., former vice president for Finance and Planning, and treasurer; and Jane Grosset, director of Institutional Research.

Silverman said she plans to trade the lectern for a classroom desk during retirement. “I plan to finish learning Chinese,” she said.

She also plans to volunteer at the Free Library of Philadelphia.