Community College of Philadelphia employees are taking bigger steps toward better health.

For a number of years, faculty and staff have been coming together to take walks around the neighborhood. In late July, new signs went up on campus marking an indoor walking trail for dedicated folks who wish to exercise, rain or shine.

The indoor walking trail begins on the second floor of the Mint Building near the Isadore A. Shrager Board room. It stretches about one-half mile, weaving through the Mint, Bonnell and West buildings past bright windows featuring breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline.

The indoor walking trail is part of the Office of Human Resources’ continuing focus on employee wellness. These efforts have led to the College being designated as a Fit-Friendly Workplace by the American Heart Association (AHA) for creating and promoting a culture of wellness. A Fit-Friendly Gold Plaque was presented to President Stephen M. Curtis, Ph.D.; Agnes Trummer, director of Benefits; and Ellen Fernberger, associate vice president for Human Resources, on Aug. 5 by Deena Thornton, the business development director of the AHA. The campus Walking Club was among the reasons cited for the award.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, and physical inactivity doubles the risk, according to the AHA. Poor diet and lack of exercise are responsible for at least 25 percent of health care costs incurred by working adults. 

The College offers numerous fitness and wellness activities, including free use of the College’s Athletics Center, which offers Zumba and other popular exercise classes; on-site Weight Watchers groups; and a mobile van that offers mammography screenings, with no co-pay, for employees with Blue Cross insurance.

According to the AHA, studies show that workplace physical activity programs, along with changes in diet and nutrition, help provide several benefits for employees and organizations, such as increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower turnover and reduced health care costs.

Upcoming Wellness Event

Mobile Mammography Van

The van will be available at the Main Campus for screenings on Sept. 23, 2013. There is no co-pay or cost for employees with Blue Cross insurance.

Appointments can be made through Tracey Walker at x8365.

Prison has always cast a shadow on Lorraine Haw’s life, even before she was old enough to understand what a prison was. Lorraine, who is known as Mrs. Dee Dee by her friends and family, grew up on Corinthian Avenue in Philadelphia—literally across the street from Eastern State Penitentiary. 

“I used to see guards up there,” Mrs. Dee Dee said. “I never knew they were guards. I just thought they were men with sticks. It wasn’t until I was older, until I came to comprehend, they were guards with guns.”

Today, the Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic site and haunted house attraction, but it was still a functioning prison when Mrs. Dee Dee was growing up. Reminiscing, she said, “We used to ride our homemade scooters and skates on a little hill back there.”

At the age of 66, Mrs. Dee Dee is a current student at Community College of Philadelphia pursuing her associate degree in Criminal Justice. She is part of the College’s I Am More reentry program, which provides case management, tutoring and social support to students who have been incarcerated—Mrs. Dee Dee was in prison on drug charges from 1989 to 1990.

She also serves as an organizer with The Coalition to Abolish Death by Incarceration, a collective of human rights organizations working to stop life imprisonment sentences. On top of that, she has volunteered during record expungement and pardoning clinics organized by the City of Philadelphia and hosted at the College.

She said she’s doing it all for her son, Phillip Ocampo. Phillip has been in prison for nearly 30 years. He was convicted of second-degree murder at the age of 18, a charge that carries a life sentence with no possibility of parole.

“I’m going to keep fighting even when my baby comes home,” Mrs. Dee Dee said. “I’m going to keep fighting because we’re not free until we’re all free.”

Sharing the motivation

When Mrs. Dee Dee started classes at the College in 2022, she was hesitant to tell anyone. At the age of 65, she became the first of her 11 siblings to go to college.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to do it,” Mrs. Dee Dee said, “but I told my son, and he was so happy and so proud that he told the world! He told my family and now it motivates me.”

That motivation goes both ways. She sees the encouraging effect that her education has on her son. 

“When I talk with him, the way he glows because he’s so proud of what I’m doing, it blows my mind,” she said.

Mrs. Dee Dee dropped out of high school in 1976 and gave birth to Phillip when she was 18. In her late 20s, her younger brother was shot and killed, which started her down a path of heavy drug use. Even so, she earned her GED in 1989.

That same year, she was arrested on a series of drug charges and went to prison until 1990. She continued using drugs throughout much of the ‘90s. During that time, her son became involved in an armed robbery that resulted in a shooting death. Philip wasn’t the gunman, but at the age of 18, he was sentenced to life in prison.

“If I hadn’t been an addict…” she said, taking a pause. “I should have given him the life that he needed and he wouldn’t be in this predicament. I’ve always taken that blame for what happened to him.”

She continued using drugs until Oct. 18, 1998. She found the strength to get sober in her son. 

“I reached the point I was tired of being tired,” Mrs. Dee Dee said. “My kid was incarcerated while I was in the streets worried about my next fix. I knew my kid needed me.”

She celebrated 25 years of sobriety this year. And in 2021, she began the process of getting her criminal record expunged and receiving a pardon. Having already volunteered at a couple expungement and pardoning clinics, she decided to go through the process herself.

“I wanted to have another chance at life,” she said, “starting over with a clean slate.”

She received her pardon in 2022 and her expungement in 2023, effectively wiping her record clear.

Mrs. Dee Dee is on track to graduate with her associate degree in Criminal Justice in 2024 and she plans to use her education and degree to continue advocating for her son and everyone who is incarcerated.

“I know it’s hard and you might feel ashamed if you have a loved who has been incarcerated,” Mrs. Dee Dee said. “But I’m here to let you know you have nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary, let’s learn so we can fight this system and make things change.”

She admits that talking publicly about her son is hard, but she wants to do it because she believes stories like hers and her son’s can change the incarceration system that unjustly targets Black and brown people.

“I do it because I want my son to know that no matter what he goes through in life, we can be somebody,” she said. “We don’t have to be the title they give us.”

Teaching at the College for almost 40 years has given Mike Shaffer the opportunity to prepare students for their future—just as the institution has done for him and his family. 

Starting as a part-time instructor in 1986, Mike is now an assistant professor of Management. As an alumnus, he relays his first-hand experiences as a CCP student and serves as an example of how the College can change lives.

“The College has had a tremendous influence on me. I wasn’t a great student. I took an  Accounting course at the College while in high school, and I realized I enjoyed it,” he said.

The importance of higher education and the benefits of CCP were passed down to Mike from his parents. His father, Edward, was an English professor at CCP for more than 30 years, and his mother, Judy, was the site administrator at one of the College’s former neighborhood locations. 

After graduating high school, Mike worked a variety of jobs, but couldn’t find a career path of interest. His father offered the obvious advice: go to the College and earn a degree.

Earning General Studies and Finance degrees from the College, Mike went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School at Penn. He also has an MBA from La Salle, a Doctorate in Education from Wilmington University, and is a Certified Financial Planner. His start at the College positioned him for success. 

“When I transferred to Penn, I was prepared. At the College, I learned what it took to be a good student.” 

Shortly after beginning his career as a financial consultant, he became an adjunct instructor at CCP. Throughout the years, he has provided first-hand knowledge and insight from the field to prepare students for their careers or further study.

“I sincerely enjoy teaching and helping students succeed. The College offers several support services for students, and there are tools to help faculty get added support for students in need,” he said.

His family’s link to the College has continued through his son and daughter, who have accumulated dozens of credits from CCP courses while still in high school, which will save them tuition dollars and prepare them for college-level work.

“I recognize what my high school experience did for me, and that’s what the College can do for them,” he said.

Mike tells his story to inspire students and demonstrate that a CCP education can lead to wherever you want to go.

“I’ve been there. I’ve done it. Some students are afraid of the work and underestimate what they can do. The College will open so many doors. Whether you’re in a career or transfer program, the College will change your life.”

An Achieving the Dream grant is one more way the Nursing program is working to support the success of black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and first-generation students. Through this grant, students receive mentors, academic and career support, leadership experience, and a stipend to help them complete their degree and increase the number of nurses from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. In the fall 2023 semester, 30 students benefitted from this opportunity. 

Here are a few quotes from our AtD Scholars:

“I am going wherever education and opportunity allows, with an ultimate goal to positively impact the physical, mental and emotional well-being of my community. My dream is to partner with legislators and other necessary parties to create a program 

that offers access to mental health and wellness services paired with parenting and pediatric health education.”

—Ikea Kemp

“I grew up in a very humble and loving family that taught me the values of 

being kind and welcoming to all forms of life. I strive to become a nurse as well as be a positive influence on the youth and my community.”

—Brandin Marshall

“I want to keep reaching forward and get my BSN, also becoming the first in my family with a bachelor’s degree. I envision myself supporting my mom, who has a chronic illness, and giving her a better life just like she did for me.”

—Amelia Hernandez

“I am a mother of six children, and I am currently aiming for my degree in nursing. My goal is to work with all age groups.”

—Esther O’Pare

“My previous degree was in business, where I learned the importance of working in teams. My five-year plan is to pursue a nurse anesthetist career, which I feel is in line with my nature of being supportive, accurate and team-oriented.”

—Youngwoo Choi

A few months ago, Bryant Grantham didn’t really drink coffee. His role as student CEO at Saxbys changed that.

“Being in the café so much, it’ll make you like coffee,” Bryant said with a laugh, “and just be open to trying new things. I like the café vibe.”

Bryant and Saryah Maldonado—both Catto Scholars at Community College of Philadelphia—are Saxbys student CEOs for the fall semester. As part of the Student Café Executive Officer (SCEO) program, they work full time in management positions at a Saxbys café. Saryah works at the CCP location and Bryant in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

They both describe the opportunity as a mind-opening, skill-building experience.

“You get to basically flex your leadership skills,” Saryah said. “You see where your strengths and weaknesses are. You really get to see how you are as a leader.”

During the semester-long program, they manage various aspects of their respective cafés, including team development, behind-the-counter service, profit and loss statements, inventory orders, and more.

Bryant is a second-year student at the College, and although he doesn’t know exactly what he wants to do in the future, he has a better grasp on what kind of work culture he’ll be looking for.

“I feel like this job is something that I’d want to do,” he said, “a leadership position with a team where I can get to know the people I’m working with. I like Saxbys and I like what they’re trying to do and the togetherness of it. I just feel like they’ve opened my eyes up to the type of environment I want to work in, and I know this type of environment is something I want to be part of forever.”

As SCEOs, Bryant and Saryah will receive 12 credits toward a proficiency certificate in Business Leadership through the College along with a stipend for the time they work. They do not take any courses during the semester they are working in the café. 

“For people who want to be in the business field or want to have their own company or want to run something, I feel like this is a good opportunity prior to having to jump into the fire,” Bryant said. “This is schooling with lots of real hands-on learning.”

Saryah, who is also a second-year student at the College, had planned on earning her Business and Leadership certificate before she knew about the Saxbys SCEO program. When Alexis Mercado, the Career Connections Pathway coordinator for the College’s Octavius Catto Scholarship, told her about the opportunity, she applied.

After interviewing for the position, Saryah was hired and officially started work in July of this year. She didn’t know exactly what to expect.

“It seems like you’ll just work in the café, making lattes, making breakfast burritos,” Saryah said. “But no, there’s a lot more than that because you have to care about the people around you and that’s part of being a leader. People really matter and that affects everything. It affects the people who come in, it affects you, it affects the rest of the team.”

The experience has helped her realize that she wants to pursue a career in management. For her, it’s all about the people.

“I love talking to people,” Saryah said. “It’s a passion. That’s why I’m in business. I love interactions that mean something to people. I like changing people’s days when someone comes in getting coffee in the morning. I love that stuff.”

To become a Saxbys SCEO, applicants must be in good academic standing and typically have some customer service experience. Students can have any major, but the program is geared toward Business, Culinary Arts and Hospitality students at the College.

If you are a current Community College of Philadelphia student interested in applying for the Saxbys SCEO program, click here. Or find the full list of Saxbys openings by clicking here. 

Donny Mutiva is a first-year Business, General student who started the new International Students Club at the College. Although he is from Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was inspired to start the group in the fall 2023 semester when he sensed cultural barriers may be preventing international students and others not originally from Philadelphia from accessing resources available at the College.  

Now the club meets every Wednesday to talk about their educational goals and work together to connect the dots between their shared experiences. 

Faculty advisor Chris Popescu is distinctly qualified to lead the group. An assistant professor of Finance and Economics at the College, he was once an international student himself, immigrating to the United States from Romania to attend college. His motivations and aspirations for the group are twofold: to help share helpful resources, including scholarship opportunities, with international students, and to create a space where lifelong friendships, like those he built in college, have the chance to form. 

With 17 student members from diverse corners of the world, including Ukraine, Morocco, Venezuela, Egypt, Jamaica, Romania, Tunisia, Albania, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Turkey, the club is rapidly becoming a hub for international students. Members engage in cultural exchange, offering a sense of belonging and comfort at the College. Shobi Wise, from Jamaica, highlighted the importance of shared experiences, stating, "Because we share a lot of the same [experiences], it's easier to collaborate and work together. It can be nice to be in a place where you don’t have to feel like you’re not American enough.” Shobi continued, explaining that sometimes it can be helpful to be around people who have that unique experience of “coming to a different country and having to establish everything here.”

The club serves as an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of being an international student in the U.S. Melek Ercan, from Turkey, shared insights into the transfer and application process for international students, emphasizing the club's role in disseminating information about scholarships and opportunities. “When I first came here, I knew I wanted to go to university but I didn't know how to apply because in my country, you just take tests and [where you go to college] depends on your results. Here, you have to write essays, then you should be doing some extracurricular activities, and I didn't know anything about that. And also [applying for] scholarships, too. I didn't know anything about that. Whenever I saw Donny, he would say, ‘Oh, did you heard about the Catto Scholarship [or did you hear] about TRiO?’ He always wants people to know what is [available].” 

The International Students Club is also a place for students to practice their language skills among peers. “A lot of people in the club are recently done with the English as a Second Language (ESL) course sequence or still have classes left to take,” Donny explained. While students learn a lot in their English language classes, they say building the confidence to talk with strangers can be intimidating. 

While their experiences may be challenging at times, students in the International Students Club have found that connecting to their peers can make all the difference. Melek advises international students to “be social, because it’s the only way that you can connect to [new] resources and information, and don’t be afraid to ask about things you don’t know.”

The club is rapidly growing, and plans to add outings and events to its activities in the future, with a special emphasis on entrepreneurship. The club is open to international students and American citizens alike. Students interested in joining this club should contact Donny Mutiva at dmutiva1 [at] student.ccp.edu.

Returning to the College after several years in law enforcement, Colleen earned her associate degree from the College in Criminal Justice in 2010. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Chestnut Hill College, a master's degree in Public Safety Management from Saint Joseph's University and successfully completed the School of Police Staff and Command through Northwestern University.

Q: What does it mean to you, as an alum, to return to CCP in this role?

A: When I initially enrolled in CCP, the goal was to use the education to further my career in law enforcement. I understood the importance of higher education and how it could propel my career to a higher level. I never imagined that first step would eventually lead to me earning such an important role here at the College as the director of Public Safety. CCP has always welcomed me and continues to be that welcoming embrace that I felt many years ago while I was on my path to earning my associate degree.

Q: What experiences at the College helped you in your career?

A: I had some of the best educators while I was studying at CCP. Many were retired from law enforcement but shared such a passion for the field that I could feel the excitement and the camaraderie of what it was like in the field while sitting in the classroom. I learned quite a bit during my time here and became inspired to move on to a four-year institution because CCP had really laid the groundwork for me. I left here with confidence and an assurance that I was going to make it in my career, and that I possessed the ability to pursue additional education.

Q: What advice do you have for our Criminal Justice students or students interested in the field?

A: My advice would be to keep pushing forward with integrity. Always do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Sometimes the criminal justice field is intimidating and scary, or maybe, in some people's minds, it simply isn't worth it. It is worth it! Criminal justice has so many components that one can dive into. Law enforcement was my choice, but [other areas] are all quite fulfilling. Within law enforcement, you have the opportunity to change not only your life and perspective, but also the lives and perspectives of the communities we serve daily.

Being a CCP Nursing alum gives Tamisha Hardee a unique vantage point with her students.

“They are pleasantly surprised that I am from this program. Students are able to ask for specific advice,” she said.

Tamisha also brings her extensive academic and career experience to the classroom. She received her Bachelor of Nursing from West Chester University and a Master in Science degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. She worked as a nurse at Hahnemann and Temple University hospitals, and as a clinical and lab instructor at Widener University. 

She started at the College as an adjunct instructor in fall 2019 and became a visiting lecturer from 2021 to 2022 as part of the Diversity Fellowship program, which was integral in helping her decide upon a career path. Tamisha saw herself teaching students in the clinical setting, but the fellowship provided the mentoring, support and option of growing her skills. 

“I tested my abilities as a lecturer, and I realized that in a clinical role, I didn’t reach as many students. As a lecturer, I can teach about 120 students a semester,” said Tamisha. 

The fellowship program also prepares participants for interviews at the College. She became a full-time instructor in fall 2022. 

“As a student, I chose the College because it was an affordable and community-based program, and it had a lot of diversity. Faculty really cared about helping students succeed. It’s a very hands-on education, with 12 hours of clinical instruction, three hours lecturer time and a one-hour seminar a week minimum, plus labs,” she said.

Tamisha was a student ambassador, participated in a Study Abroad program to Tanzania, and benefitted from scholarships and the resources provided by the KEYS program. Balancing school, family life, child care and finances was a challenge. 

“When I was at the College, about half of the students worked. Now, most students have to, and some do not succeed. I hold scholarship workshops, and I encourage them to find a study group and get to know someone on a personal level. You will have people rooting for you,” she said.

The Nursing program recently received a three-year Achieving the Dream grant, which will help black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and first-generation students complete their education by providing financial and academic support, as well as mentors. A three-credit summer research course at West Chester University will count toward a four-year degree.

“Students receive tutoring and help with coursework. We are hosting a time management workshop for grant participants and interested Nursing students. Many are the first in their families to go to college, and they need help navigating life and school,” said Tamisha.

The grant is supporting 30 students this fall, and providing a stipend. Students are chosen to participate through an application process.

"I hope the financial assistance will help alleviate some of their workload. One less day of work means one more day to study or decompress,” she said.

All students are highly encouraged to earn their bachelor’s degree, and demand for CCP nurses is outperforming the usual pace. Some graduates are being hired with an agreement to complete a bachelor’s within a given timeframe, and are receiving assistance to pay for their degree. Those looking for positions from the 2023 class were hired before graduation.

“There is still a huge demand for nurses. CCP students have a good reputation for earning their bachelor’s degree, so they are being hired right out of school. Faculty have done a good job at developing relationships with employers. Our students already complete their clinical component for a bachelor’s, so that is already done. With that and online programs, attaining a four-year degree is more accessible for our graduates,” said Tamisha.

Linda Ali’s goal when she signed up for the Nurse Aide Training program at Community College of Philadelphia was to make her way in the medical field.

“This is meant to be my starting point in a journey to become a respiratory therapist,” Linda said.

Her classes at the College’s Career and Advanced Technology Center ran from April through July of this year. Being a mother of three, she knew she needed an option that worked with her busy schedule. Linda wasn’t the only one with scheduling concerns.

"A lot of us felt like a class wouldn't fit our busy adult schedules,” Linda said, “but the hours were manageable, and I noticed when signing up for the class that there were a variety of different time slots available throughout the year. The coursework never felt overwhelming or rushed, which made this class less stressful than I originally planned for it to be."

The CATC, which is celebrating its first anniversary this month, offers career training and degree programs for all types of schedules. Classes include health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation technologies and more. Since opening for classes in West Philadelphia in September 2022, more than 700 students across credit and noncredit programs have attended classes at the CATC.

The facility is designed to give students hands-on experience that will set them up for success in their careers.

"I love that everything is hands-on since I am a hands-on learner,” Linda said. “I truly did love the program and have been telling everyone I know about it."

Charles Curry also completed the Nursing Aide Training program in April of this year. He is currently working at Penn Medicine as a nursing assistant while taking classes at Community College of Philadelphia.

“My experience was great,” Charles said. “I had the best teacher, the schedule worked with my work schedule, it was only three times a week, and I learned so much.”

Both Charles and Linda said their instructor, Mrs. Lynn, made classes fun and a joy to attend.

“I hope to apply all the tools and knowledge I learned from Mrs. Lynn during our class sessions,” Charles said. “It was highly informative!”

“I wasn't really sure what to expect walking into the program,” Linda said. “It was better than I could have imagined. Mrs. Lynn is a very dedicated instructor, and it really made my experience a memorable one. She made sure we were all keeping up, even when a student was having a hard time understanding what was being taught."

After graduating this May, Chelsea Hammond is already a working paralegal. Now 31 years old, she wasn’t sure how successful she would be after having been out of school for so long. But with each new accomplishment, Chelsea’s doubt turned into motivation and a hunger to see how far she could go. 

Chelsea chose Community College of Philadelphia because it has one of the only Paralegal Studies programs accepted by the American Bar Association. Even before she started her classes, Chelsea received some great news—she was eligible for the College’s Octavius Catto Scholarship. Attending full-time, she would have 100% of her tuition and book costs covered, plus she would receive one-on-one coaching from her Catto success coach, Sarah Steese. She would also receive a monthly stipend. “The $150 really helped me with my living expenses,” she said. 

Chelsea was interested in the justice system from an early age and thought that being a paralegal might play to her knack for research and problem-solving.  
A straight “A” student, Chelsea stays in touch with her legal professors, contacting them when she has questions about one of the many cases she works on. 

While she excelled at school, Chelsea encountered difficulties that to some, might seem insurmountable. Chelsea’s apartment was significantly damaged when a neighbor set his own apartment on fire. She got through this challenge with the help of Steese, who was able to find emergency funding to help with some of the extra expenses and connect her to organizations where she could get free clothing and inexpensive furniture to replace what was damaged. 

Throughout Chelsea’s time at the College, Steese was a vital part of her support system. “It was stressful, you know, and it was good to have somebody to talk to, and to encourage me. It helped me get through those things. It was like having a mini therapist,” she said.  

With a tenacious attitude and laser focus on her career path, Chelsea decided to participate in an online simulated internship while she was at the College. “I wasn't sure at first if it was going to teach me much that I didn't know already because I had already been working in the field, but I was really impressed. It got into personal injury, difficult research, and things that I had never done [before].” 

She not only got valuable hands-on experience during this time, but she went even further and used the opportunity to become certified in eDiscovery which is, in Chelsea’s words, “how law firms now manage large amounts of electronic files.” 

With her classmates, Chelsea helped start the Paralegal Student Association, which she says gave her a sense of community in addition to what she experienced in class. This student group focuses on networking and sharing resources and learning opportunities available at the College.  

Chelsea went on to receive multiple awards for academic excellence and student leadership, including a Distinguished Honor Roll certificate from the Octavius Catto Scholarship, a certificate of recognition from the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society, a Student Leadership Award, and an academic award from the Paralegal Studies program. 

Chelsea finds now more than ever that her life is full of things to look forward to. She cites the encouragement she has received from her friends and family as a huge source of motivation for her, saying that they were there to congratulate her on each new milestone. On top of her blossoming paralegal career, she is recently engaged, and very excited to tie the knot with her fiance, David. 

In addition, as someone who experienced addiction and recovery throughout her teens and 20s, the purpose and motivation that Chelsea gained at the College not only aided in her recovery but spurred her ambition and drive. “Before [CCP], I worked part-time and didn't make a whole lot of money, and I just felt like I couldn't do anything more than that. I didn't have that self-worth to say, ‘I can do more than that.’ Once I started school and started to show myself I could not only do it, but I was getting straight As, then I was just off to the races.”

Chelsea’s road to success and self-actualization was filled with hurdles, but she pushed past them and overcame them all. “Once you prove to yourself you can do something, it's like the sky's the limit,” she said.