U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey (D-PA) visited Community College of Philadelphia on April 25 to accept the Judge Edward R. Becker Citizenship Award, which is named for a respected jurist noted for his humanity, humility and powerful decisions.

Casey used the occasion to discuss food insecurity, an issue that often remains hidden from public view. Just last year, U.S. Sens. Casey, Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced the Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act, which would expand and create permanent tax incentives for businesses that donate to food banks.

At the award ceremony, Casey called food security, among children especially, an issue of justice. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's (R-WI) budget plan includes cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) of $137 billion — 18 percent — over the next ten years.

"If we make cuts like this, in my judgment, I hope I don't offend someone in either party, you do rob people. You rob children of basic food security. You will rob children of basic health care. You don't help the rest of us along the way. There is no fiscal justification for those kinds of cuts. They are damaging to all of us. They diminish all of us."

Seated in the audience was Quaris Carter, a student at Community College of Philadelphia who has been both homeless and hungry at times. Afterwards, Sen. Casey met and spoke with Carter, who told him that his efforts to promote food security make a difference to Philadelphians struggling to stay in school, pay for rent and food, and obtain a college degree.

"For me to actually meet a senator in person, it showed that he actually cared. I actually felt empowered, more than just reading a book or article about him," Carter explained after the event. "I was telling him that by him providing funds pertaining to food, it actually enabled me to have the basics that helped me concentrate more on the academics. Food. Shelter. Clothing — these are all essentials. “Once I had the food, the shelter, and the clothing, I was able to concentrate on my academics."

Carter shared some good news with Senator Casey: he would be among the 2,376 candidates for graduation at Community College of Philadelphia's Commencement on Saturday, May 3. Carter, who has a 3.2 grade point average, is planning to transfer to La Salle University, where he has received a scholarship.

The recent increases to the Pell Grant, which Sen. Casey also supported, offered support along his educational journey, as did the College's new Homeless Student Support Project, which helps those facing homelessness or unstable housing situations. Quaris currently survives on roughly $8,000 a year, money he receives from the federal Pell Grant and student Work Study programs.

Sen. Casey and Quaris discovered that they shared yet another important connection. When Sen. Casey taught fifth grade in North Philadelphia, he used to ride SEPTA'S Route 33 bus, which carries people in the neighborhood to work, shopping and places that prepare them to lead better lives.

Casey made note of that as he accepted the Becker Award and discussed a few of the insights gained while riding the bus. One night, he watched a woman lug five to six bags of groceries onto the bus, and began to understand that — in this neighborhood — public transportation serves as a lifeline.

"It was one of those moments when you have an insight you didn't have before. I thought to myself, that is how she can get the groceries. Without that bus, she can't provide for her family. Then you begin to think of the other implications. That is how people get to work. So I learned a lot about this city and its people by riding the 33 bus."

Turns out that is the same bus route that Quaris Carter now takes to get to his college classes.

"I especially was impressed when he talked about riding the 33 bus because that's what I ride to get to school," Quaris said later.

Sen. Casey, for his part, praised the work of America's community colleges, which offer students from all walks and stages of life opportunities to gain marketable skills and prepare for transfer to four-year institutions.

"Community College of Philadelphia is one of those institutions on a statewide basis that we take for granted. What happens here, the higher learning, the workforce development and skill development, that is such a substantial part of our economy. The American economy will only be as strong as our community colleges."

This year, hundreds of students found extra dollars to help pay for their education as the College launched its partnership with Single Stop USA, a nonprofit that enables us to connect students to state and federal financial resources and local community services.

The program, which began in October, has served more than 1,000 students including more than 750 students who received assistance preparing their tax returns, netting them more than $1 million in refunds to date.

In addition, Single Stop offered assistance for students who needed help navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace. On January 28, Single Stop staff launched the health care enrollment assistance sessions to familiarize students with health insurance options on Healthcare.gov and help them meet the federal deadline established for March 31, 2014.

“Working with our partners, we were able to help students enroll in health care plans that went from 12 cents per month to $120 per month, depending on their household income level,” said Paula Umaña, Single Stop project director.

The College partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Health Federation of Philadelphia, a grant-funded organization working to enroll people through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Health care navigators provided by those two organizations came to the College and worked with students in a computer lab in the Bonnell Building.

“It helped them translate all of the information that’s on the plan. Most people have about 24 plans to scroll through when they are shopping for health insurance on Healthcare.gov,” said Daniel Flynn, a health insurance counselor with Health Federation of Philadelphia.

More than 350 students attended the sessions and approximately 30 percent eventually enrolled in health care plans with monthly premiums.

Many Happy Returns

In addition to affordable health care enrollment, Single Stop’s free tax preparation services helped to provide students with a boost as well. Volunteer tax professionals from the Campaign for Working Families prepared student tax returns in Single Stop’s tax sites in the Mint Building.

Chantal Warfield, 43, a student studying to become a nurse, said normally she uses a tax preparation store, but decided to give the Single Stop tax preparers a try since it’s a free service. She’s glad she did. “It was good news,” Warfield said referring to her tax return. “They were very polite and they took their time.”

As Single Stop wrapped tax season, staff began to offer free financial empowerment workshops ranging from understanding credit reports to managing debt. Learn more about Single Stop.

Erika Lawrence, 24, was seeking a new beginning in life when she stumbled upon Community College of Philadelphia, the path to possibilities.

She had been searching for an affordable two-year college with an academically rigorous curriculum that would prepare her for transfer to a globally minded university. Her two aunts in Philadelphia gave the College glowing recommendations because of its “great reputation” and seamless transfer programs and agreements.

“I moved here for Community College of Philadelphia,” said Lawrence, a Business Administration major from Bowling Green, KY who has been living with one of her aunts. “I was looking for a program that allowed me to connect to a four-year institution at a low cost . . . it was either come here to Philadelphia or go back home and live with my parents. I needed a new beginning in life. This is a great place for a new beginning.”

On May 3, Lawrence, a student in the Honors program, will be the class speaker at the College’s 48th Commencement. Jotaka Eaddy, Senior Director for Voting Rights and Senior Advisor to the President and CEO of the NAACP, will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m. in the Liacouras Center at 1776 N. Broad Street. Eaddy will discuss the importance of civic engagement, voting and the benefits that accrue from community service.

In just two years, Erika has managed to create a life that she could never have imagined just two years ago. She is working as an intern with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, where she mingles daily with the region’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs. The program provides the owners of these small regional companies with a fast-track business education while offering the opportunity to access financial capital and powerful networking opportunities.

And the internship has given Erika real-world knowledge. “It has allowed my two years of class work to come to life,” she said.

This year, Erika was elected treasurer of the Student Government Association and president of the Eta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma, an international business honor society. Alpha Beta Gamma, under her leadership, was named the College’s 2013-2014 Club of the Year at the recent student leadership awards. The club was honored for going above and beyond efforts to grow its membership, and for “leading with integrity and working to be an example of leadership.” As ABG’s president, Erika also received an award.

Her participation in College activities has created opportunities for her to meet knowledgeable academic leaders, elected officials, business experts and other VIPs. At a recent breakfast marking the launch of the College’s magazine, Pathways, Erika, was seated at the same table with Temple University President Neil D. Theobald. It was a thrill since she plans to transfer to the Fox School of Business at Temple University this fall.

Her travel last summer to Belize as part of the College’s Study Abroad program is another memory she will always cherish. That 10-day trip broadened her worldview and taught her a very important lesson about global business. “I realized I don’t know as much as I thought I did,” she said. “The world is so big and there is so much info out there. Study abroad helps students become well-rounded and more knowledgeable.”

She offers practical advice to incoming freshmen who stand now at a crossroads, as she did, searching for the right path.

“I would say not only to study hard, but get involved, Erika said. “By getting involved you are able to meet various people who can offer you exciting opportunities that you would never think of.  That is my advice. Two years ago, I would not have believed all this could happen.”

Women are 63 percent of Community College of Philadelphia's student body, yet over recent years faculty and staff have noticed a lack of strong female representation among the ranks of student leaders.

Hoping to help turn the tide, this semester a committee of 27 women from departments across the College organized the 2014 Women’s Leadership Conference titled, “The Woman: Mind, Body and Spirit." The day-long event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions and several breakout sessions that focused on various aspects of leadership and wellness.

More than 250 students, faculty and staff registered for the conference which was held March 26 in the Great Hall of the Winnet Student Life Building. Conference co-chairs, Claudia Curry, Ed.D., director of the Women's Outreach and Advocacy Center; and Jenavia Weaver, coordinator of Student Life and Leadership, said the program was designed to support and empower students. Mary Anderson, the last woman to serve as president of the Student Government Association, held the job in 2008. She was an SGA vice president who received the appointment after the sitting president stepped down, according to the Office of Student Life.

"From a student-first perspective, it is important to raise awareness about the importance of leadership among women college students and to encourage their participation in the leadership arena on and off campus," Curry said.

Weaver added, "The committee's intention was to offer paths to successful leadership and honor what is uniquely beautiful about being a woman."

During the conference, student Angela I. Richardson was honored as the 2014 Outstanding Student Female Leader, an award that recognizes scholarship, leadership and service.

Leadership consultant Kimberly S. Reed, managing partner and CEO of Reed Development Group, LLC provided the morning keynote titled "Igniting Your Personal Power."

Lynette Brown-Sow, Vice President of Marketing and Government Relations, provided opening remarks as well as Loraine Ballard Morrill, award-winning director of news and community affairs for Clear Channel Radio in Philadelphia and host of Insight, which airs Sundays on WDAS FM and Power 99 FM. Cherri Gregg, Community Affairs Reporter for KYW Newsradio 1060, opened the afternoon lunch program with remarks.

In an address to the luncheon audience, interim president Judith Gay, Ph.D., discussed the personality traits commonly associated with leaders. A student talent show followed. Additional workshops were held in the afternoon and the conference concluded with an evening panel discussion on barriers to leadership.

Women are 63 percent of Community College of Philadelphia's student body, yet over recent years faculty and staff have noticed a lack of strong female representation among the ranks of student leaders.

Hoping to help turn the tide, this semester a committee of 27 women from departments across the College organized the 2014 Women’s Leadership Conference titled, “The Woman: Mind, Body and Spirit." The day-long event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions and several breakout sessions that focused on various aspects of leadership and wellness.

More than 250 students, faculty and staff registered for the conference which was held March 26 in the Great Hall of the Winnet Student Life Building. Conference co-chairs, Claudia Curry, Ed.D., director of the Women's Outreach and Advocacy Center; and Jenavia Weaver, coordinator of Student Life and Leadership, said the program was designed to support and empower students. Mary Anderson, the last woman to serve as president of the Student Government Association, held the job in 2008. She was an SGA vice president who received the appointment after the sitting president stepped down, according to the Office of Student Life.

"From a student-first perspective, it is important to raise awareness about the importance of leadership among women college students and to encourage their participation in the leadership arena on and off campus," Curry said.

Weaver added, "The committee's intention was to offer paths to successful leadership and honor what is uniquely beautiful about being a woman."

During the conference, student Angela I. Richardson was honored as the 2014 Outstanding Student Female Leader, an award that recognizes scholarship, leadership and service.

Leadership consultant Kimberly S. Reed, managing partner and CEO of Reed Development Group, LLC provided the morning keynote titled "Igniting Your Personal Power."

Lynette Brown-Sow, Vice President of Marketing and Government Relations, provided opening remarks as well as Loraine Ballard Morrill, award-winning director of news and community affairs for Clear Channel Radio in Philadelphia and host of Insight, which airs Sundays on WDAS FM and Power 99 FM. Cherri Gregg, Community Affairs Reporter for KYW Newsradio 1060, opened the afternoon lunch program with remarks.

In an address to the luncheon audience, interim president Judith Gay, Ph.D., discussed the personality traits commonly associated with leaders. A student talent show followed. Additional workshops were held in the afternoon and the conference concluded with an evening panel discussion on barriers to leadership.

During Christopher DiCapua's journey to Greece last year he felt ill at ease because there was much about the language and customs he still didn't know. That trip enabled him to experience the same type of vulnerability many students feel in college classrooms.

DiCapua, an associate professor of Spanish and International Studies program supervisor at the College, shared reflections on this personal journey during the 12th Annual Lindback Lecture titled "From Vulnerability to Connection: A Personal Greek Odyssey."

"I left Greece with much improved proficiency in Greek and a better understanding of myself through a connection to my Greek ancestry that I did not have before,” he said. “I met family that I didn't know existed and gained a new and clearer understanding of Greek culture that I could not have imagined possible."

As the 2013 recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award, DiCapua was invited to give a lecture March 19 to the entire College Family. The lecture is considered one of the academic highlights of the year. The Lindback Award winner is announced each year during Commencement, and winners are never told of the honor in advance.

During his lecture, DiCapua wove together a story about how a personal journey enabled him to connect more deeply with his students. After all, he had only a partial grasp of Greek when he set out for Kotronas, a village in southern Greece, to visit his paternal grandmother’s ancestral home. As he explored the village he found himself often feeling out of place and ill at ease in expressing himself.

Yet he persisted, speaking imperfect Greek to all willing to talk with him. He was amazed when a café owner agreed to review the family tree, recognized several names and gave him directions to the home of a living relative who introduced him to others. DiCapua said if he had let his feelings of discomfort stop him, he would not have made this big discovery.

Likewise, students' response to vulnerability often can be the difference between academic success or failure, he noted. DiCapua cited the work of author Brené Brown, Ph.D., a research professor at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work who studies vulnerability, courage, worthiness and shame.

Brown's research indicates that acknowledgment of vulnerability and self-doubt often precedes the ability to overcome those feelings and achieve a greater connection to others. "The way one deals with self-doubt can mean the difference between success and stagnancy," DiCapua said.

With that in mind, DiCapua developed a questionnaire to encourage new foreign language students to face fears about the class work. "My approach helps students feel worthy and connected to me and others in the class," he said. "I am convinced that achieving a connection…keeps students in class. It gives them the motivation to keep going, to become better speakers of foreign languages."

Andres Marin, a graduate who later was hired as an instructor at Community College of Philadelphia and as coordinator of its Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs, has been named the region’s chef educator of the year.

The announcement was made during the March 10 Annual President’s Ball of the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chefs, which is the regional chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

The Educator of the Year honors “an active culinary instructor who has enhanced the image of the profession and serves as a leader to students seeking culinary careers.” It is based on an individual’s professional and instructional achievements.

Marin, who serves as treasurer of the regional ACF chapter, will receive a plaque and an invitation to compete against three other regional winners for a $5,000 cash prize at the national convention in Kansas City, MO in July.

Interim President Judith Gay, Ph.D., and a fellow instructor, Bill Vasvary, attended the evening’s festivities, along with three students. A 1996 graduate of the College’s culinary program, Marin said that his goal is to help students understand that culinary arts is not just a profession — it’s a lifestyle.

"I always tell my students that, in this industry, you need to be very dedicated. We work every major holiday. We’re away from our families, so there has to be a love for the industry," said Marin, who is a Certified Executive Chef. "Food, to me, is expressed in many different ways... and I learn as much from my students as they do, because each of them has a different way of interpreting a dish."

While he didn’t cook a meal to win regional Educator of the Year, he will present a lecture demonstration before judges for the national competition held in Kansas City in August. He doesn’t know what he’ll cook but says it may reflect his own preferences. "I’m a steak and potato person," he said.

Community College of Philadelphia Trustees Announce Appointment of Donald Generals Jr. as President

Long-time advocate for community colleges will assume new duties by July 1^st

Philadelphia, March 25, 2014 – The Board of Trustees today announced that Dr. Donald Generals Jr., a renowned advocate of community colleges who currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Mercer County Community College in New Jersey, has been appointed as the next President of Community College of Philadelphia.

Generals, 57, the 6th President of the College, was appointed by the Board following a seven-month national search that drew interest from nearly 50 candidates across the country. The Board is expected to formally ratify his appointment at its next Board meeting on April 3rd.

The search process, among the most open and transparent in the College's history, selected three finalists in early March following weeks of review and candidate interviews by the Search Committee, which has been at work since late August. Dr. Generals' appointment followed visits by each of the finalists to the College's main campus at 17th and Spring Garden St. in Philadelphia's Fairmount section, where each met for interviews over the last week with faculty, staff, students, business and community leaders, and the full Board of Trustees.

Dr. Generals, a veteran educator, administrator and advocate for community colleges as a principal means for inner-city students to achieve academic and career success, succeeds Dr. Judith Gay, who will return to her post as the College's Vice President for Academic Affairs following her tenure as Interim President since August 2013.

"Donald Generals is a dynamic thinker with a deep and longstanding passion about the work of community colleges," said Matthew Bergheiser, Chair of the College's Board of Trustees. "He impressed the Board as a skilled administrator who understands the barriers to education that confront many of our students, and he has built his distinguished career on developing innovative approaches to overcoming them.

"The College has made great strides over the years, and we believe that Dr. Generals will build on the strong foundation already in place while working with all segments of our community to enhance the ability of the College to serve Philadelphians from all walks and stages of life," said Bergheiser.

"I am honored to accept the Board's appointment to serve as the next President of Community College of Philadelphia," said Dr. Generals. "This historic institution, one of the largest in Pennsylvania and one of the largest of its kind in the nation, serves a vital role in providing education and opportunity.

"The College is a place where the American Dream begins for tens of thousands of Philadelphians every year, and I am very excited by the prospect of helping to expand its service of that mission," said Dr. Generals. "I look forward to working with the College's dedicated administration, faculty and staff, as well as with our partners in both the private and public sectors. I think we can achieve great things together for the students and families we serve, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve."

A native of Paterson, New Jersey, Dr. Generals has served since 2008 as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, New Jersey. In that capacity, he led in the development of new academic programs; the development of the college's Education Master Plan -- including an expanded mission for the college's Trenton campus; he increased the programming and course offerings of the college's on-line instructional programs (MercerOnLine); developed the college's Study Abroad program; implemented an extensive redesign of the college's developmental education and ESL programs; and created a program of mini-grants for faculty to innovate, develop and implement new educational initiatives. He currently leads the state-wide effort to redesign the community college sector's General Education curriculum.

In partnership with Quad Learning, Dr. Generals introduced and implemented the American Honors Program – which will provide honors courses and a nation-wide network of support to highly motivated and exceptional students as a means to win admission to the nation's top four-year colleges and universities upon their graduation from Mercer.

Before that, Dr. Generals was the Provost at the Katharine Gibbs School in New York City from 2003 to 2008 where he developed and supervised all Associate Degree and certificate programs. From 2000 to 2003, he was Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at SUNY Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, where among his duties he initiated and led the development and adoption of the college's Core Educational Values; led the development of two new degree programs; and served as Acting President during the President's absences. Between 1984 and 2000, Dr. Generals worked at Passaic County Community College where he served as the Dean of Student and Cultural Affairs between 1995 and 2000.

Dr. Generals has long been active in numerous professional and service organizations, including: the New Jersey Academic Affairs Affinity Group, which he chairs; the National Alliance of Community and Technical Colleges, where he has served as a Board member since 2010; the College Board, Middle States Regional Council; and as a former Commissioner of the Paterson Board of Education.

A veteran teacher and administrator, Dr. Generals is an author and expert on the roots of the progressive education movement in America. He has authored numerous articles for professional trade journals on these and other educational topics, and in 2013, he authored a book entitled, Booker T. Washington: The Architect of Progressive Education. In addition, he has been a featured speaker in support of community colleges for nearly 20 years, including a presentation to the College Board Middle States Forum entitled, "Rising to the Challenge: Supporting Student Success and College Completion at Democracy's Colleges"; and before that, a presentation entitled, "New Jersey's Developmental Education Initiative: Focusing on Student Success."

Dr. Generals has four children. He and his wife, Joann Gonzalez-Generals, and their five- year-old son currently reside in Lawrenceville, NJ. Ms. Gonzalez-Generals serves as the Executive Director for Student Success at Caldwell College in Caldwell, NJ.

Bergheiser also expressed the Board's appreciation to Dr. Gay for her service as Interim President for the last eight months.

"The entire College family owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Gay for her outstanding service to the institution," he said. "She has done a terrific job, and the Board appreciates her commitment to the students, faculty and staff of the College. We are delighted that Dr. Gay will resume her post as Vice President for Academic Affairs, where she will be a tremendous asset as a leading member of the College's leadership team."

Memorable scripts require rewrites, feedback from others, more rewrites, and perseverance, according to local filmmaker Ben Hickernell, who spoke to students and guests on February 18 on the Main Campus of Community College of Philadelphia.

The presentation by Hickernell, 35, kicked off the College’s 2014 Poets & Writers Festival, a series of poetry workshops and discussions that offer Philadelphians a glimpse of life as a professional writer.
Hickernell, who runs Philadelphia-based Reconstruction Pictures, showed movie clips he wrote and directed, explained the filmmaking process and urged audience members to hold themselves to a high standard. “In general, the first things you do are crap. You’ve got to get crap out of the way. First drafts are usually not your best,” Hickernell said.

Kelly McQuain, an associate professor of English at the College, and Jeff Markovitz, an instructor and coordinator Creative Writing certificate program, helped to organize the festivities. “It connects students to books, writers and ideas they wouldn't otherwise encounter,” McQuain said. Markovitz added, “It’s connecting our students to the real view from the professional world.”
The festival is a partnership of the Division of Liberal Studies, the Office of Student Life, the English Department, the Center for International Understanding, the Office of Diversity and Equity and the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Poets & Writers Festival events are free and open to the public. Large groups wishing to attend an event are asked to notify the coordinators at jmarkovitz [at] ccp.edu (jmarkovitz[at]ccp[dot]edu) and mcquain [at] ccp.edu (mcquain[at]ccp[dot]edu).

Upcoming Poets & Writers Festival events include:

March 13
Poetry Symposium: Workshops and Readings will take place between 9:40 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Winnet Student Life Building, on the west side of 17th Street, between Spring Garden and Callowhill streets. Sessions are offered at the following times:

• 9:40 - 11:10 a.m.—Workshop with Valerie Fox and Lynn Levin, authors of “Poems for the Writing: Writing the Cameo Cinquain and the Unanswerable Letter Poem.”
• 11:20 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.—Workshop with David Groff, author of “Clay: The Turn of the Poem: Taking Your Poetry Past Its Comfort Zone.”
• 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.—Lunch and a Reading by the Poets. Valerie Fox, Lynn Levin, David Groff, Suzanne Parker.
• 2:40- 4:10 p.m.—Workshop with Suzanne Parker, author of “Viral: Pushing the Poetic Metaphor.”

March 19
Kevin Powers, “The Yellow Birds”
9 - 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Winnet Student Life Building
One Book, One Philadelphia Author Series presents veteran and novelist Kevin Powers, who will read from his National Book Award-nominated novel, “The Yellow Birds”, and will speak on his personal journey as a soldier and writer, as well as his perspectives of the physical and psychological paths navigated by today’s veterans. A book signing will follow.

March 19
Panel Discussion: Returning Home: The Challenges Faced by Today’s Veterans
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Winnet Student Life Building
How do the issues raised in “The Yellow Birds”resonate with student veterans at the College? From experiencing PTSD to attaining an education and finding a job, what kind of obstacles do veterans face as they transition to life at home? Join a panel that will discuss these issues as well as answer audience questions. Panelists include Connie Watson, Psychology Department; Stephen Bachovin, Coordinator of Veterans Programming; Jason Mays, Iraq War veteran and Student Government President; Dr. Howard J. Cohen, Psychologist; and moderator Kelly McQuain, English Department. The event is part of the Diversity Dialogue Series and co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Equity, which will provide lunch for the first 15 people at the event.

April 7
Faculty Showcase of Writers
6 - 9 p.m. in the Sandra E. Klein Cube, Pavilion Building, on the west side of 17th Street between Spring Garden and Callowhill streets
Featuring: Alan Elyshevitz, Jeff Markovitz, Nick Moudry, Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela, Elizabeth Catanese, Diane McManus, Jonathan Pappas, Kate Brady. Thierry Saintine, and Thomas Rush.

Alumni from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses-Greater Philadelphia program gathered March 13 with City officials and a top Goldman Sachs executive for a roundtable discussion and networking event.

More than 70 business owners met at the Kensington design studio of Printfresh, LLC, owned by program alumna Amy Voloshin. They discussed the challenges and opportunities facing business owners in the area and how the program has helped them.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses – Greater Philadelphiais an initiative to help small businesses create jobs and economic growth by providing entrepreneurs with a practical business education, access to capital and business support services.

The program began in 2013 and two cohorts have completed the curriculum which covers accounting, human resources, negotiation and marketing, among other topics. More program information and an application are available online.

During the event, John F. W. Rogers, Executive Vice President of Goldman Sachs addressed the program alumni at the event. Mayor Michael A. Nutter also spoke and Interim President Judith Gay, Ph.D., led a roundtable discussion with 13 program alumni. Other VIPs in attendance: Nicole Pullen Ross, Goldman Sachs Mid-Atlantic Region Head; Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; and Mark Pinsky, President and CEO of the Opportunity Finance Network and a member of the 10,000 Small Businesses Advisory Council.

"It was a wonderful celebration with almost every one of our alums having a chance to interact with each other, Goldman Sachs officials and key partners of the program. The energy was palpable," said Margaret Berger Bradley, executive director of 10,000 Small Businesses– Greater Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Inquirer published a business feature story on March 12 hailing the benefits of the program, headlined "Back to School: Goldman Sachs-CCP Program Benefits Small Businesses".