John Simone Receives MCCC Human Relations Award 5/31/05 John Simone, MCCC director of athletics and student activities, was the recipient of the Human Relations Award during the college’s Annual Staff Recognition ceremony on May 17. This award is presented to one Mercer employee annually for his or her superlative efforts on the job. According to MCCC President Dr. Robert Rose, Simone connects with the entire college community. “He is a great person to work with. He attends athletic events, student events and cultural events. He is a positive person, who is committed, conscientious and concerned about this college and our students.” Simone believes that extracurricular activities not only enrich students’ experience of college, they also serve to open up future possibilities. “We are constantly on the lookout for a student’s passion – and then for opportunities to cross that passion with academic pursuits,” Simone explained. “If we can find a way to fuse students’ natural strengths and enthusiasm with their academic interests, we’re on our way to student success.” Participation on a sports team is one of the ways students stay engaged in college life and motivated in the classroom, according to Simone. “The proudest moments for my staff and me are when our students have performed well in both areas and receive scholarships to four-year schools.” Equally important are the many other organizations and clubs that keep students active on campus. “Through student government, students learn important leadership skills that will serve them well through a lifetime,” Simone said. “Academic clubs enhance career goals and social clubs provide an element of fun that should be part of college and of life.” Simone has been Mercer’s athletic director since 1997 and added student activities to his responsibilities in 2003. Under Simone’s leadership, Mercer has established itself as a dominant presence in the Garden State Athletic Conference and in Region 19 (which includes Pennsylvania and Delaware). Last year for the first time Mercer was awarded the Collegiate Athletic Administrators of New Jersey Cup for highest point total among all New Jersey community colleges during the 2003-04 school year. Also under Simone the Vikings have won four NJCAA national titles in women’s tennis and a national championship in soccer in 2004. John Simone (right) is pictured with MCCC President Robert Rose after winning the college’s Human Relations Award.           Directions to MCCC Return to What's New