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West Windsor,
N.J. -- On November 12, Mercer County Community College opened its
doors for its Annual "Report to the Community" Open House,
hosted by the MCCC Board of Trustees at the Conference Center. Among
the 300 guests were families who came to learn about program opportunities
for their college-bound children, adults with plans for second careers,
and still others who attended as friends and supporters of the college.
The event also provided an opportunity to celebrate student successes
over the past year.
Among the event highlights were displays by every division of the
college, where guests had an opportunity to talk to deans, faculty
members and students. Admissions representatives were busy throughout
the event, explaining the application process and answering questions
about enrollment and financial aid. Some visitors even registered
for classes.
Live music was provided by the MCCC Jazz Band, while Physical Therapist
Assistant students reported a steady flow of customers for chair
massages. MCCC culinary students prepared their signature dish,
Bananas Foster, and Career Training Institute chefs served made-to-order
tacos. Additional refreshments were served by Conference Center
staff.
Guest Kenny Oseni, who was laid off from her job with a local corporation,
came to the open house to explore possible careers in health care.
But as she walked around the event, she realized there were many
programs to consider. "This opens your mind to the possibilities,"
she said.
Oseni is looking forward to returning to school as an adult student.
"We're serious. We don't want to play around." Oseni was
accompanied by Ciunis Gonjon, a friend from her former job, who
is interested in studying Gerontology.
Alumna Marva Reid brought her son Joshua and his friend Kiara White
to the event. Herself a 2006 Liberal Arts grad who is an employee
in the accounting office at Princeton University, Reid is thinking
about returning to Mercer to pursue a career in health care. Her
son is considering the Energy Utility Technology program offered
in partnership with PSE&G, while White is considering nursing.
All three say they got the information they were looking for from
MCCC staff and students.
The
event provided the perfect backdrop to honor three deserving community
partners., who were presented with awards and interviewed live on
the college's Jazz on 2 radio station by host Winifred Howard. Les
Venella, Jr., CFSP, was selected as the 2009 Alumni Leader Award.
A graduate of Mercer's first Funeral Service class in 1976, he is
president of Saul Funeral Homes, with four area locations. Venella
is a member of the college's Funeral Service Advisory Commission
and has consistently provided employment opportunities to graduates
of the program.
The 2009 Corporate Partner Award was presented to PSE&G for
its generous support of students and programs of MCCC, especially
its partnership with Mercer on developing the AAS degree program
in Energy Utility Technology. The award was accepted by PSE&G
Senior Vice President Margaret Pego. The
2009 Partner in Learning Award went to the Trenton Section of the
American Chemical Society (ACS), which has provided funding for
an annual "Chemistry Road Show," presented by MCCC science
students to approximately 700 elementary school children during
National Chemistry Week. Accepting the award was Mark Galley, acting
chair of the Trenton Section.
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