WEST WINDSOR – The Mercer County Community College Board of Trustees welcomed more than 200 students, prospective students, families and community friends to its Annual Open House on Nov. 14, while honoring several Mercer County organizations for their contributions to education.

The event provided a comprehensive overview of Mercer’s academic programs and support services, with MCCC representatives also providing information on non-credit classes, summer camp offerings, and shows at Kelsey Theatre. Representatives from The University Center at Mercer spoke with students and parents regarding bachelor’s degree programs offered on the West Windsor Campus, while current students and alumni also came out to connect and reconnect.

"Tonight is an opportunity to showcase our accomplishments, to demonstrate what Mercer County Community College has to offer, and how Mercer can play an important role in your academic plan," said Dr. Gwendolyn Harris, chair of the MCCC Board of Trustees.

The event also gave the college an opportunity to present awards to three community partners, including seven organizations participating in the “Literacy Project,” a Mercer County Consortium that provides county-wide adult education and literacy services. The consortium was selected for the Partner in Education Award, and includes: Mercer County Community College (Community Education and Training program), Mercer Street Friends, Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (Immigration and Refugee Services program), Literacy Volunteers in Mercer County, YWCA of Trenton (Latinas Unidas program), YWCA of Princeton, and West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District (Community Education program).

Funded by Workforce Investment Act Title II funds, over a period of five years the Consortium has helped 5,882 adults reach their goals. This includes improving their English and basic literacy skills, building self-sufficiency, and transitioning to work, training or higher education. Participants in the program emerged prepared for roles as workers, family members, and community members.

The Corporate Partner Award went to Princeton University for its commitment to life-long learning through a partnership with MCCC. Mercer recently completed its tenth year of developing training programs that have enhanced the skills of Princeton employees, with the goal of offering staff development to those interested in enhancing their skills in basic math, communications, and English as a second language.

The Alumni Leader Award went to Mackington Joseph, a graduate who has distinguished himself through outstanding accomplishments as a student, an electrical engineering professional, and an instructor. An employee of Public Service, Electric and Gas (PSE&G), Joseph earned three associate degrees from Mercer: Electronics Engineering Technology (’05), Energy Utility Technology (’06), and Mathematics (’07). After Mercer, Joseph earned his bachelor’s degree in Applied Science and Technology and later a Master of Science in Management from Thomas Edison State College. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Walden University, and a senior adjunct instructor in Electronics at Mercer.

"Our ability to change with the times and to respond to the evolving economy and advances in technology would not be possible without the support of this group of individuals who donate their time and talent to make Mercer an even better place to learn, and to pursue career goals," said MCCC President Patricia C. Donohue.

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