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Alumni Success Stories
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Are You a Graduate With a Story?
Please contact the MCCC Public Information Office
at (609) 570-3736 or e-mail alumni@mccc.edu.
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NEWEST!
Alum Rashaun Jones' Own Story Enhances His Role as Counselor for Youth College
For alum Rashaun Jones ’09, enrolling at Mercer County Community College was the key to discovering the importance of higher education.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum’s Dream Takes Flight After Earning Her Aviation Degree at Mercer
Malgorzata Kolisz enjoyed her time at Mercer, engrossing herself in courses such as the History and Pioneers of Aviation, International Business Practice, and Aviation Transportation. “I will always remember my Mercer professors as friendly professionals that made sure I succeeded.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Former Corrections Officer and Teacher Harry Camisa Earned His MCCC Degree and So Much More
Now 84 and long retired, Camisa says the decision to go to college was one of the best things he could have done. “Life without an education would have been a whole lot different for me.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alumna Ellie Patounas Learns Value of Higher Education at Mercer
"I had such a great experience at Mercer. My classes were very engaging,” Ellie said, adding that her evening classes worked well for her because she was also working full time and needed to have a flexible class schedule.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Sara Hull Credits MCCC with Leading Role in Her Hollywood Career
Having always been drawn to the entertainment industry, Hull pursued every possible option at Mercer as she sought out ways she could turn that passion into a career. She took courses in journalism, public speaking, television production, radio and more.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum and New York City Fashion Designer Ray Brown Returns To Alma Mater To Help Promote New Fashion Program
“The fashion industry is a viable business that employs hundreds of thousands of people,” said Brown, who has been involved in the college’s new fashion program as a guest lecturer.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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MCCC Alum Finds Passion for Helping the Disabled Through Her Own Family Experiences
“I liked that Mercer was local because I needed to be in the area for my job and for family commitments. For me, it met every need in my life at the time,” she said.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Mercer Alum Uses His Education to Pursue Successful Graphic Design Career
Smith chose Mercer based on the recommendations of friends. “I knew people who graduated from Mercer’s Graphic Design program and were able to find jobs and become successful in the field.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Accomplished University Program Director Recalls Mercer As First Step Towards Success
As former commissioner of the Maryland Corrections System and current professor and program director of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Management in the Graduate School at the University of Maryland University College, alum William Sondervan still credits Mercer County Community College as the first stepping stone in his long and accomplished career.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Melissa Conklin Enjoys Busy Job as Administrator for
West Windsor-Plainsboro Community Education
Melissa notes that MCCC was exactly the right choice for her. “I studied at Mercer until I decided my future direction and then I moved on. I made important connections and had a chance to grow. I always encourage people to go to Mercer first because it helps you figure out your next steps.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Mercer Paves the Way for Alum's Path to a
Career Serving His Community
The Fire Science courses Joe Flynn took at Mercer, which are offered both in the afternoon and at night, give high school seniors the opportunity to get a jump start on their college education. By the end of his senior year Flynn was able to earn his NJ State Firefighter I Certificate.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Mercer Alum Danielle Nutt Credits Mercer for Providing Background for Her Varied Career
“Mercer is flexible and allows students to try different things before they commit to a major,” she said, adding that her professors at Mercer had a passion for their subjects.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Rob Heyman Turns to Mercer for 'Hospitable' Career
“You really got a feeling that your professors wanted you to succeed. I was able to put what I was learning in the classroom directly into my job, which was great.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Justin Kaplan Uses Culinary Skills to Open Restaurant With His Own Unique Flavor
“Mercer is a great school to attend if you’re looking to get into the hospitality field,” said Kaplan. “The culinary instructors are highly motivated and involved in the surrounding community, and they constantly look for ways to grow their program and provide students with new opportunities.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Greg Ennis Attributes Time at Mercer as
First Stepping Stone in Media Career
He was drawn to Mercer because of the fine reputation of the television and radio production program – and because he knew he wasn’t quite ready for a four-year school.
“Mercer became an excellent place to refocus and get a good educational
background,” Ennis said.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alumna Yolanda Robinson Finds her Voice at MCCC
Taking classes at both the Trenton and West Windsor campuses, Robinson says she chose to study Office System Technology because she knew it was a degree that would pay the bills. "I had really good professors and I learned a lot."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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High Standards Set at MCCC Guide Alum
Emilia Alvarez-Negron's Nursing Career
For Mercer alum Emilia Alvarez-Negron ’10 (A.S., Nursing), becoming a nurse was a lifelong dream. “Nursing is my passion and my calling,” she said.
Alvarez-Negron chose Mercer because of the close proximity to her home, and the availability of classes online, as well as evenings and weekends. “It worked out great for me.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Mercer Alum Brenda Werner Finds Career That
Embraces Her Love of Children
Brenda remembers two MCCC professors who were very influential, one who taught English and another who taught African American Studies. According to Werner, both of them challenged her to think and write in new ways.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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MCCC Alum Mary Jo Butera Realizes Lifelong Dream
to Guide Students on the Road to Success
“I used whatever resources the college made available to me. The coursework at Mercer was just as challenging as TCNJ. I felt well prepared when I transferred."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Chic Hess Carries on Life-Changing Lessons from
Trenton Junior College and Basketball Coach Howie Landa
“God had to be looking out for me that fateful day when Coach Landa altered the course of my life. I did not have the academic background that would have predicted college success.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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MCCC Theatre Alum Mark Applegate
Returns to the Stage for Starring Role at Kelsey Theatre
“I knew all along that I wanted to study theater. Mercer is a great starting off point. I cherished my time there.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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MCCC Alum Ayo Johnson Uses Her Educational Experiences
to Give Back to the Mercer County Community
“I ended up loving Mercer. I always stand up and proudly say I am a graduate of this college. Mercer has so much to offer; the college is the hidden gem of Mercer County.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Rob Pivovarnick Builds Solid Career
with Start in MCCC Architecture Program
“At Mercer, you don’t get pushed out if you’re not sure what you want to do. It’s a great place to find yourself and explore different majors until you find your passion.”
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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MCCC Experience Prepares Alum Mel Weldon
for Dynamic Career in Local Community
"I played basketball and I got serious about academics. This was a chance that was given to me. I took advantage of it. Basketball was a tool to get someone interested in me. But education is more important than sports."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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For Alum Fabio Iucolino,
Mercer Holds Key to Education and Success
“Mercer was where everything started for me. I experienced top-notch learning from the very best instructors. It took a lot of hard work and extreme dedication."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Mercer Helps Alum Toni Campbell
Establish New Career in Radio Broadcasting
"I studied at Mercer through every avenue they offer, including night classes, online classes, CLEP exams, TV classes, and going full time during the day. I owe my instructors a huge portion of the credit for where I am now."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Mercer Basketball Lives on
In Heart and Actions of Alum Deitra (Primas) Johnson
"I was always torn between my love for writing and my love of athletics, so I learned to combine the two, The way I look at it, I was supposed to go to Mercer, It all began there."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Three Alumni Return to Mercer
to Guide Students Through College Experience
For some Mercer graduates, their associate's degree is just the start of a long-term relationship with the college. That's the case for three Mercer alumni who work in the college's Student Activities Office: Danielle Garruba, Tina Young, and Tatiana Dodge.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Multifaceted Nursing Career
Brings Alumna Portia Johnson Back to Classroom
"I knew this was my opportunity. My Mercer education was solid. I set aside everything else. I consider the year I graduated as the real beginning of my professional nursing career."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Laura Rose Is Residential Counselor
Helping Patients Better Their Lives
"It was time for a life change, Mercer was recommended to me as a great starting point, When the textbook comes to life, it's very surprising."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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MCCC Alum Maggie Anderson
Reflects on Fulfilling Career in the Wild
"Mercer gave me more than a good education; it really broadened my perspectives socially. I'm glad things went the way they did."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Port Authority Supervisor Jeffrey Yuhasz Recalls
Mercer as First Challenge in His Climb to Success
"What I immediately recognized was a community that welcomed me whole-heartedly to academia without any reservations concerning my earlier academic failings."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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MCCC Student Earns Associate Degree
Just Six Months After High School Graduation
"I was really able to get a wide range of courses at Mercer. The college served as a proving ground for developing my liberal and technical education. MCCC is truly what you make of it."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Klaus Thalinger Takes to the Skies His Way
"Everyone really cared about my career and goals for the future. The professors would go above and beyond to help students. I really have the highest regard for Mercer's program."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Juan Chavez-Valdes Banks on Success
"At Mercer, I acquired the necessary business acumen that the industry demands from professionals today. MCCC opens doors to great opportunities."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Frank Caponi Savors Opportunities in Culinary World
Caponi, who completed Certificates of Proficiency in Cooking and Baking at MCCC in May 2010, takes great pride in whipping up a wide variety of daily specials to delight patrons.
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Paul Kraml Relishes Success
in Fast-Paced Advertising World
"Community college is always a great option, especially if you are not sure of exactly what you want to do. I did not know all that was available to me until I got to Mercer."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Constance Colon-Jones Uses
Life Experiences In Evolving Service Career
""All of my professors were highly knowledgeable. I was impressed with them. They made me think back to my days when I tutored non-native speakers in my neighborhood. I wanted to teach from that point on."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Norris Kirk Taylor Is Dedicated Educator
Returning to Community College Roots
"I have established a climate that fosters student learning and inspires students toward upward mobility. I hope students will take advantage of this to achieve their dreams."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Rewards Are Worth the Sacrifices
for Nursing Alum Mischele Lewis
"Without Mercer, I am not sure what kind of nurse I would be. My instructors molded me -- a raw, rough piece of clay -- into someone who is making a difference in the world."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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From Radiography to Fashion: Alumna Tammy Duffy
Debuts Line During New York Fashion Week
"Mercer more than prepared me to excel on the undergraduate and graduate school levels. There was a real sense of 'we want to make sure these kids excel'."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum David Noonan's Hands-on Education
at MCCC Leads to PTA Success
"I would not change a thing about my journey. No one can ever take your education away. Every experience has shaped me into what I have become today."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Dream to Serve Others Fulfilled at MCCC for Alum Joann Mia
"Passing on my enthusiasm for learning and for turning around the lives of others has become my objective. My education has been geared toward this goal."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Leon Rainbow Thanks Mercer
for Helping Him Shape Colorful Art Career
"The staff really cared and encouraged me to stay in school. I was hungry to learn. This is the first step toward improving the rest of your life."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Jerry Carbone Uses Experiences
With Disability to Advocate for Others
"I obtained a good education in a safe and friendly environment. Part of feeling that way came from the faculty and staff with whom I interacted on a daily basis. Mercer changed my life."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alumna Kathleen Costello Begins Lifetime Journey at MCCC
"Education does not have a timetable. We are all lifetime learners. It does not matter when the learning begins. What really matters is where it takes you."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Albert Giple Sharpens Accounting
and Leadership Skills at MCCC
"Mercer empowered and equipped me with the tools I needed to advance my education. Be determined and persevere. As the saying goes, 'Nothing good comes easy.' Be resilient!"
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum John J. Veisz, AIA, CSBA Builds Architecture
Foundation at Mercer; Puts MCCC Grads to Work
"I'm a little biased, but we favor Mercer grads and it's always a good choice. Generally, they are more serious, focused and grounded self-starters."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Wayne DeAngelo's Path to Legislature Begins at MCCC
"It's a great school for everyone -- for high school graduates and returning adult students, for those who know what they want to do and those who still need to figure it out."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Jennifer Walsh Comes Full Circle
as MCCC English Faculty Member
"I am proud to be a part of this vibrant college community. Mercer opened up a whole new world for me. I can only hope that I can do the same for my students."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Fredrick Dande Builds IT
Networking Career from Solid MCCC Roots
"At Mercer, I realized just how I could fit into the industry. I really felt part of a vibrant learning community because I had close interaction with everyone. They cared about my overall development."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Johnny Bullard Has Passion
for Cooking and Passion for Mercer
"Cooking is one thing, but knowing the theory behind it and the right methods makes
a difference. When you have an education, you can give an educated answer."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Jo Ann Roynestad Is Lead Manager at Penn Medicine
"Knowledge is as important as food; it nourishes you. It is never too late to learn something new; you can discover great things about yourself!"
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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MCCC Alum Christine Eggert Evolves as
Administrative Professional and IT Teacher
She recalls her Mercer years as highly productive -- even a course in Business Law. "My Mercer education was practical and hands-on. I learned the tools I needed to succeed."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Victoria Colyer Gets Life-Changing Foundation at Mercer
"Those who say they can't do something are interrupting those who are doing it.
I truly believe there is no reason to give up just because you hit a bump in the road!"
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Return to Community College Leads to
ESL Career for Alumna Emily Jacobs
"I remember the thrill of seeing the connections [in] what I was learning. I literally began to feel smarter every day. I really had the sense that the people at Mercer were saying, 'Go Emily.'"
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Linda Ialacci's Knack for Numbers
Adds Up to Career Success
"My instructors were fantastic. Many of them worked in their field during the day and taught at night. I regained my confidence, which has allowed me to be where I am today."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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"Realization of Discovery" Drives Alum Alan Delozier
as Archivist and Professor at Seton Hall University
He says he came to Mercer for an education that was affordable and close to home, and maintains that Mercer sparked his "enduring fondness for the academic world."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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Alum Ryan Csolak Thrives in Changing World of Advertising
"I simply fell in love with the process of creating and designing. Mercer set me on a clear career path. The passion you have will shine through."
...more... < FULL STORY & PHOTOS
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