SUMMER 2016
A Publication for Alumni and Friends of Mercer County Community College
Inauguration of Dr. Jianping Wang
Celebrating Class of 2016 Details on pages 4-6
A Half Century of Mercer History Strategic Plan Sets 5-Year Course Banner Spring for MCCC Sports Students Travel To Poland With MCCC Study Tour
Sisters Mallory, left, and Bridget Phelan Gabe Matt (with service dog Louie) 2016 Commencement Student Speaker
“Discover Mercer” at Fall Open House!
MCCC opens its doors to prospective students and their families on Saturday, October 8, 9 a.m. to noon. The community event includes academic displays, campus tours, MCCC gift bags, and a light breakfast. Faculty members along with staff from Admissions, Financial Aid, American Honors, Transfer Services and the University Center will be on hand. Registration takes place in the West Windsor Campus Welcome Center.
MCCC’s Center for Continuing Studies Invites You to an Open House Thursday, September 15, 6:30 p.m.
Need to earn new professional credentials or retool for a new career? Find out what’s available at The Center for Continuing Studies, where your professional and personal growth is our mission. Staff and instructors will be available to answer career questions and describe courses and certificate programs in business, technology, health care and more. Visit www.mccc.edu/ccs for course listings.
Upcoming Events Sept. 12: 9/11 Commemoration, 11 a.m. Sept. 15: Center for Continuing Studies Open House, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24: “Beloved Prey” at Kelsey Theatre (Children’s Opera by Alumnus Kento Iwasaki)
Sept. 27: MCCC Annual Golf Classic Mercer Oaks Golf Course
Oct. 8: “Discover Mercer” Open House 9 a.m. to noon, West Windsor Campus
Read and Share The Viking Magazine online at www.mccc.edu/viking THE VIKING, a semi-annual publication for alumni and friends of MCCC, is published by the Marketing and Public Relations offices. Send story suggestions to
[email protected]. Mercer County Community College Jim Gardner, Public Relations Manager James Kerney Campus West Windsor Campus Lynn Holl, Director of Marketing & Communications 102 North Broad Street 1200 Old Trenton Road Wendy Humphrey, Public Relations Associate Manager Trenton, NJ 08608 West Windsor, NJ 08550 Bradley Kent, Web and Print Editor
CONTENTS The Viking • Summer 2016 4-6
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Graduation Highlights
Alumni Stories • Heidi Musick • Dawn (Coy) Armstead • Marsha Stoltman • Molly Thompson
• Commencement • Honors Convocation • Nursing Pinning • Trenton Celebration
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Transfer News
50th Anniversary
• Admission Agreement with Rowan University • MCCC Signs with Del Val • Agreement with Wilmington Expands • Rutgers to Add Business Administration on Campus
• Chronicling Five Decades of Teaching and Learning
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News Around The College
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• President’s Inauguration • National Guard Flight • Trenton Hall Annex • 5-Year Strategic Plan
For Arts Sake • Visual Arts Student Show • ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ • Faculty at Teen Arts • Aspirations Inspires Teens
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Academic News
Sports News
• Poland Study Tour • American Honors Symposium • Ad Design Students Create for Client • STEM Career Day • MCCC at Philly Flower Show • Fashion Exhibition
• Baseball • Men’s Tennis • Softball • Men’s Basketball • Women’s Basketball • Mercer to Add Lacrosse and Distance Running • Elyse Diamond to Coach Women’s Soccer
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Foundation and Donor News • 50th Anniversary Gala • Butch Miller Baseball Pavilion • Investors Bank Donates to the Arts
For a complete listing of MCCC social media sites, visit the college’s home page at www.mccc.edu and click on the social media icon on the lower right.
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GRADUATION HIGHLIGHTS Record Graduating Class Celebrates at May Commencement A record 1,188 students received their college degrees and certificates May 19 during MCCC’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony, and advanced to the next step of their college and career ladders with words of encouragement, praise and inspiration. President Jianping Wang shared aspects of her personal story in her opening remarks, noting that she was born in China at a time when girls were not valued, let alone given the chance to go to college. “You have similar stories. Many of you came from faraway places. You have faced substantial social, economic, and cultural challenges. You have managed to work, take care of a household, and care for family members while pursuing a college education,”
Group, a corporate event planning firm, delivered the keynote address. (Read her alumni success story on page 17.) Stoltman praised the community college concept and Mercer in particular. “You have benefited from smaller classes, professors who took time to listen to your questions, and counselors who guided you through the academic process.” she said. Student speaker at Commencement was Gabriel Matt, who was diagnosed with learning disabilities as a child and, after an 11-year Army career, returned to civilian life with multiple injuries. He graduates with a 3.25 GPA in Engineering Science and will attend Rutgers this fall. Matt, who stood at the
Professor Bob Pugh Named 2016 Distinguished Teacher In a Commencement highlight, Professor of Health and Physical Education Bob Pugh was announced as the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Teaching Award, which is determined by nominations from students. In accepting the award, Pugh recounted his own challenges growing up in the mountains of West Virginia. A member of the MCCC faculty since 1972, Pugh has served and mentored countless students and was part of the men’s basketball coaching staff when the Vikings won two national titles in the 1970s. Pugh encouraged members of the Class of 2016 to take stock of their own lives and be mindful of how they got there. “You have traveled many different paths and endured hardships to get to where you are,” Pugh said. “Take a moment to think of all the people who helped you along the way, and to thank them for their support.”
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podium with his service dog, Louie, asked the audience to draw inspiration from his story. “If I can have that much going against me and still be going to Rutgers, then you too can accomplish whatever your heart desires,” Matt said to thunderous applause. Alumna Marsha Stoltman ’81, the owner of Hamilton-based The Stoltman
Student speaker Gabe Matt.
Two PTK All-Stars Represent Mercer at State Ceremony
From left, PTK adviser Jingrong Huang and MCCC President Jianping Wang, PTK All-Stars Radoslaw Dlugowski and Cody Willever, and PTK adviser Jennifer Cook. Two of MCCC’s top scholars, Cody Willever and Radoslaw Dlugowski, were honored May 5, joining high-achieving community college students from across the state for the New Jersey Council of Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa Day in Trenton. Dlugowski, a Physics major, will transfer to Purdue University to pursue a degree in Nuclear Engineering. Willever, a Nursing student, will graduate in the fall with plans to become a nurse practitioner.
Honors Convocation Recognizes High-Achievers More than 100 high-achieving graduates took center stage during the Honors Convocation held at Kelsey Theatre prior to Commencement. Administrators and faculty members presented distinguished students with certificates and scholarships in recognition of academic excellence as proud family members looked on. Dr. Jianping Wang welcomed students and guests in her first Honors Convocation as MCCC president. “You are why we do what we do each and every day. I want to thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey to excellence.” Presiding over the ceremony was Professor of Physics Jingrong Huang, the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Teaching Award. Graduates from all three divisions of the college – Liberal Arts, Business and Technology, and Math, Science and Health Professions – were called to the stage. Several top scholars received multiple awards. Among them was Brittni Addye, who served as president of the Organic Chemistry Club and was selected for two scholarships. She will transfer to Rowan University as a pre-med student. Liberal Arts graduate Dean Blank, an American Honors student with a 4.0 GPA, played two years of Vikings basketball and earned two scholar athlete awards. He will transfer to Drexel University to study finance.
Nursing Program Salutes 41 Grads at Pinning Ceremony
Among 11 graduates selected for Albert B. Kahn Foundation Scholarships were, from left, Taylor Leonardo, Radoslaw Dlugowski, Richard Siggillino, Jennifer Vitella, Katie Mullen and Brendon Pearsall, with President Jianping Wang. Thirty-six graduates were recognized as members of the second cohort of the American Honors at Mercer program; they are the first group to have participated in the program for the two full years since it was introduced in Fall 2014. Also among the honored grads were 100 members of the PTK International Honor Society, 17 NJ STARS students, and 10 new members of the Alpha Mu Gamma National Collegiate Foreign Language Society. Five students who will transfer to William Paterson University (WPU) at Mercer in the fall were presented with WPU scholarships.
EOF Students Earn Honors and Applause
Forty-one graduating Nursing students were sent off into the world of healthcare with a grand salute for a job well done. The Nursing program held its Pinning Ceremony on May 17. After reviewing the lengthy list of learning outcomes required of graduating students, Director of Nursing Donna Penn noted her confidence in this class. “You will make Mercer proud and serve the community well.” Valedictorian Joy Ugorji addressed her classmates with affection. “We became like a caring family, laughing and crying together. We learned empathy and selflessness,” she said. “The Nursing program stands for excellence. It could not have been possible without our dear professors, who stood with us every step of the way. We have been taught well and now it’s our time to give back,” Ugorji concluded to enthusiastic applause. Ugorji, along with Christopher Pothier, Samantha Moreland, Rachel Mynes and Christopher Reiser, were selected for special awards.
MCCC celebrated the success of its Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) students on May 17. Twenty-four EOF students are members of Mercer’s 2016 graduating class. Governor’s Award recipients were, from left, Estefany Gonzalez, Cornette Davies, Johanna Agudelo, Nnamdi Nnajiofor, Christopher Ambrose, EOF Club President Gabriel Douglas and Colette Leonard-James. The Viking
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GRADUATION HIGHLIGHTS James Kerney Campus Recognizes Grads with Words of Inspiration At Celebration of Academic Achievement
Foundation Executive Director Ed Gwazda, far right, with scholarship recipients, from left, Ezekieline Esau, Luis Garcia, Tericea Hatcher, Jason DeLeon and Latasha White. From left, student speakers Qayshawn Williams, Omayra Vargas and Eddy Saravia. Not pictured: Nicholas Castro and Bobbie Wallace. In its annual tribute to graduates, MCCC’s James Kerney Campus (JKC) packed the Washington Ballroom at the Trenton War Memorial with close to 200 students and their family members for its 28th Celebration of Academic Achievement. The May event recognized the completion of a program of study for students who made the Trenton campus their home base for learning. Among the 183 honorees were 75 associate degree students, 24 High School Equivalency (HSE) students, 22 English Language Institute (ELI) students, 14 Career Training Institute (CTI) students, 12 students from HomeFront, and 36 students who participated in New Jersey Youth Corps. “These individuals have worked so very hard. They have earned the right to chart their destiny,” said JKC Provost Monica Weaver, adding that programs recently introduced in Trenton include Fashion/Apparel Design, Fashion Merchandising, Se-
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curity Systems Technology, and Cybersecurity. Communication faculty member Alvyn Haywood served as master of ceremonies. Vice President for College Advancement Ed Gwazda presented scholarships to 25 students. Also joining in the celebration were MCCC administrators, faculty members, trustees, Foundation Board members, and city officials.
Keynote speaker was Dr. Susan Powell, of The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, who offered strong words of encouragement. “Reflect on the skills you have developed, know what makes you stand out and what you have to offer,” she advised. Five students spoke about their Mercer experience. Qayshawn Williams, who earns his associate degree in Fashion Merchandising and will transfer to Montclair State University, pointed to his faith, dedication, and perseverance. “There were hurdles that could have derailed me,
but in the end, you must learn to jump over hurdles to be successful,” he said. Other speakers included Nick Castro, who completed his Culinary certificate through CTI, Bobbie Wallace, who represented the HSE students, Omayra Vargas, who spoke for students in the ELI, and Eddy Saravia, who reflected passionately on his experience in Youth Corps. “The program is about far more than service and academics,” Saravia said. “It has provided me with opportunities and made me a stronger person.”
Youth College Programs Continue to Create Pathways to Success for College-Bound Teens In two awards ceremonies in May, there were smiles all around for students in the SMILE / GEAR UP, Upward Bound and Urban Youth Academy programs offered at the James Kerney Campus. The college saluted more than 100 high school seniors, many who plan to proceed directly to college with scholarships in hand.
Upward Bound high school seniors, from left, Blessing Cummings, Camille Echols, Jason DeLeon and Kimberly Rodas. All will attend college in the fall.
50th ANNIVERSARY HISTORY MCCC Looks Back on 50-Plus Years of Academic Success and Student Service From The Trenton School of Technical Science and Art (1898), to The School of Industrial Arts (1901), to Trenton Junior College (1947), MCCC has had numerous iterations during its long and illustrious history – all of them dedicated to serving the educational and training needs of the local community. In 1962, Trenton Junior College (TJC) gained full accreditation from the Commission on Institutions of Higher Learning of the Middle States Association. The Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders began to consider the establishment of a county college to accommodate TJC’s increasing enrollment. In 1966, MCCC was established and, in 1967, it formally merged with Trenton Junior College. The State Board of Education approved a 292-acre site in Assunpink Park for the West Windsor Campus. Dedication ceremonies took place in 1972. From the outset, the
MCCC at its Trenton location circa 1960s.
West Windsor Campus was embraced as a major county asset, noted for its beautiful setting, interconnected buildings, spacious classrooms, and outstanding athletic facilities. The campus has seen significant growth over the years. Additions have included an expanded Engineering Science building (1991), a new Funeral Science building (1992), and a major annex to the Communication building (1999). In 2000, a new Fitness Center opened in the Physical Education building, for use by both students and community members. The Conference Center at Mercer opened in 2002, housing The Center for Continuing Studies, and serving corporate, nonprofit and governmental clients with state-of-the-art technology and facilities. In 1997, Mercer’s Virtual Campus was launched and has blossomed into a strong third MCCC campus, renamed Mercer Online in 2012. Meanwhile the college’s Trenton site has enjoyed expansion of its own as it continues to serve city and county residents. With land donated by the James Kerney Foundation at the corner of North Broad and Academy streets, the college moved from the Kelsey Building (now home to Thomas Edison State College) to the Kerney Center in 1975. In 1998, the center formally became the James Kerney Campus (JKC) and opened a newly renovated adjoining building. In 2012, JKC cut the rib-
A new era begins in West Windsor. Pictured at right is then President Richard Greenfield. bon for Trenton Hall across the street from the Kerney building; the Trenton Hall Annex will be completed by the end of the summer. The college also serves as a county cultural hub. In 1973 Kelsey Theatre opened its doors, offering high quality theatrical productions year-round and Tomato Patch Performing Arts Workshops for middle and high school students in the summer months. In 1982, WWFM The Classical Network (89.1 FM) signed on for the first time, adding jazz programming on JazzOn2 (89.1 HD) in 2008. In 1989, the Gallery at Mercer hosted its first exhibits to showcase the county’s artists, as well as MCCC faculty and students. Among the slate of annual exhibits is “Mercer County Artists,” presented in partnership with the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission. The college’s ten athletic teams enjoy state-of-the-art facilities both indoor and out, while the community
The James Kerney Center was formally renamed the James Kerney Campus in 1998. can take advantage of an Olympic-size swimming pool and a Fitness Center that offer the lowest membership rates in the area. Mercer County Community College stands today as a testimony to educational leaders whose vision and persistence have created a dynamic educational institution. Each year the college serves the needs of tens of thousands of students and community residents seeking educational enrichment and career and personal growth. The Viking
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NEWS AROUND THE COLLEGE Inauguration of Dr. Jianping Wang With a message of “a new vision for student success,” Dr. Jianping Wang was formally installed as MCCC’s sixth president at Kelsey Theatre April 15 in a ceremony attended by faculty, staff, local officials and colleagues from numerous other schools. Dr. Wang assumed her duties at MCCC on July 1, 2015. In his introductory remarks, Mark Matzen, Chair of the MCCC Board of Trustees, noted the extensive selection process that resulted in a visionary leader for Mercer. “Dr. Wang has demonstrated her commitment to making a difference in the lives of students, and leading a college that remains engaged with the community and holds student success as its hallmark of excellence,” he said. In her address, Dr. Wang outlined her philosophy on education, rooted in her experience growing up in Communist China – where education was a privilege bestowed only on a select few. Individual success, she said, comes from numerous
Music major Irvel Jean performs the MCCC alma mater during the inauguration. Student dancers also participated, as well as the Mercer County Symphonic Band.
MCCC Board of Trustees Chair Mark Matzen places the presidential medallion on Dr. Wang. sources and involves the efforts of many individuals. “It has been a very long journey with many twists and turns from an unwanted girl from China to the sixth president of Mercer County Community College,” Dr. Wang said. “However, no one succeeds alone. I am standing on the shoulders of many unsung heroes.” In pursuit of education, Dr. Wang challenged the policies of the Maoist government, gaining admission to one of China’s premier universities, and eventually immigrating to the United States, where she continued to pursue her dream of becoming an educator. “Education is empowerment, education is freedom, education is inspiration, and education is change,” Dr. Wang said. “Education can open the door to unlimited opportunities for all and unleash great potential in each of us.”
New Jersey National Guard Lands at Mercer On a windy morning in March, 11 MCCC professors and staff members flew to Fort Dix Army Base via Blackhawk helicopter as part of the New Jersey Army National Guard’s “Operation: Educate the Educators.” The four-hour trip included a base tour and discussions with National Guard personnel. MCCC staff members returned to campus with a better understanding of veterans and their needs, and a focus on helping them achieve their educational goals. Before the flight, MCCC Aviation students toured the helicopter.
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College ‘Tops Off’ New Trenton Building; Opening Set for Fall In February, MCCC marked a major milestone toward the completion of a new high-tech education facility at the James Kerney Campus (JKC) in downtown Trenton. The “topping off” ceremony included the ceremonial signing and placement of the final steel beam in the crown of the three-story, 8,500-square-foot Trenton Hall Annex. The facility will open in the fall. Located at 137 North Broad Street, the building will house programs in Security Systems Technology, Cybersecurity, and existing programs in Certified Nurse Assistant, Phlebotomy and EKG. The ground floor will house an art gallery, made possible through a generous gift from Investors Bank, in partnership with the Roma Bank Foundation. Dr. Wang said the new structure is a demonstration of MCCC’s commitment to the expansion of educational op-
framework for the future of the people of Trenton.” Funding for the $5.9 million project was made possible through the Building Our Future Bond Act, passed by voters in 2012.
President Jianping Wang invites Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson to sign the final beam of the Trenton Hall Annex, as MCCC Board of Trustees Chair Mark Matzen looks on. Also participating in the ceremony were Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes and Mercer County Freeholder Pasquale Colavita. portunities in the city. “With the addition of the Trenton Hall Annex, JKC students will have access to more degree programs in cutting-edge, high demand careers.” Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson endorsed the project with enthusiasm. “You
International Students Share Cultures through Fashion
Members of the International Student Organization donned traditional dress representing 16 different countries in its annual Cultural Fashion Show. Their spirited walks down the runway and up on stage in the Student Center cafeteria drew enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd and reminded all of the rich diversity of MCCC’s student body.
need look no further than the steel beams in front of you to see evidence of Trenton’s revival. Not only has Mercer provided a framework for a building, it is providing a
The new building adjoins Trenton Hall, home to the MCCC Fashion/Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising programs.
New Strategic Plan to Focus Squarely on Student Success MCCC has adopted a new strategic plan to guide the college for the next five years, a plan that is leaner and more tightly focused on services to students. “This strategic plan is a forward-looking document, developed as we celebrate Mercer’s 50th anniversary and intended to launch the college on a well-considered and results-focused path for the next 50 years,” President Jianping Wang said. The new plan has three goals: ensure student success; expand innovative partnerships; and invest in organizational and professional effectiveness. The plan’s targeted goals will enable faculty and
staff to internalize and work them into daily operations at the college. “The new plan is applicable to every division of the college, with each to be guided by its own set of strategic objectives,” Dr. Wang said. The process was guided by an 18-member Strategic Planning Steering Committee, co-chaired by Associate Professor Andrea Lynch and Acting Dean of Math, Science, and Health Professions Linda Scherr, with the assistance of consultant Rick Voorhees of The Voorhees Group, a nationally recognized strategic planning firm. The MCCC Board of Trustees approved the plan in May.
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ACADEMIC NEWS Study Tour to Poland Is Life-Changing Pilgrimage For eight days in May, students studying the Holocaust got a chance to visit places they had only read about in books. By every account, the experience was life-changing. MCCC’s Study Tour to Poland included 14 travelers, ranging in age, ethnicity, backgrounds and understanding of the Holocaust. But all maintain that their shared experience created a bond they will never forget. The students and their professors, Dr. Craig Coenen (History) and Dr. Jack Tabor (English), met for a wrap-up session in the Mercer County Holocaust-Genocide Resource Center in June. While the group recounted some enjoyable memories from their days in Warsaw and Krakow, the visit to the town of Oswiecim and the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps located nearby was the main topic for discussion. Echoing the sentiments of others in the group, Mae Calacal said she found it hard to imagine what happened at
MCCC group in front of one of the last remaining buildings of the Warsaw Ghetto.
Auschwitz even as she was standing there. “It wasn’t until I showed the photos to my family members that it really hit me,” she said. Mallory Phelan, who traveled with her sister, Bridget, noted that she thought she had prepared for Auschwitz by reading accounts in class. But, she concluded, “You can’t learn it in a classroom. This was the most emotional experience of my life.” Numerous students observed that the trip reinforced the role of religion in their lives. Growing up Jewish, Rachel Levitt said she had known about the Holocaust and it caused
With a tour guide inside the gateway of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
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her to question her faith. “I didn’t understand how people could still believe when something so terrible
happened. I can’t express the magnitude of what I experienced, but it has made me so much closer to my faith.” Liz Franz, who earned her Mercer degree this spring, noted how impressed she was by her traveling companions. She said the trip broadened her circle in unexpected ways. “At Auschwitz we held each other up,” Franz said.
Another Bright Semester for American Honors Students Students enrolled in the American Honors at Mercer program presented innovative projects at a stimulating symposium at the end of the spring semester. According to Dr. Gianna Durso-Finley, Assistant Dean for American Honors, the format for the Honors conference is similar to what students experience at the graduate school level. Dozens of students came together to share a semester’s worth of learning. Students studying English, Psychology, Social Science, Organic Chemistry, Math and History presented research projects via table-top displays and interactive activities. Creative approaches abounded. “We let students pick their own topic and hopefully they learned something that can help them in the real world,” Professor of Mathematics Richard Porter noted. “They need to know this is useful and not just an exercise.”
Honors students gather in the Conference Center to share information and ideas.
Horticulture Program Brings Jersey Shore to Philly Flower Show
The display takes root in the greenhouse with student volunteers, from left, Jennifer Buffington, Katelyn Sanchez, Colleen Wurtz, Pam Mills, and Professor Amy Ricco. Horticulture students and faculty recreated a New Jersey treasure at the famed Philadelphia Flower Show in March. Inspired by the show’s theme of “Explore America: 100 Years of the National Park Service,” the Mercer group earned a Silver
Award in the Education Category for its New Jersey Coastal Trail display, which featured a 22-foot model of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, a boardwalk bordered by dunes, a Cape May Butterfly Garden, and topiaries of a loggerhead turtle and great blue heron. Marshlands were surrounded by 1,500 pounds of sand. According to Ricco, MCCC was the only community college and the only New Jersey college in the show. And being from New Jersey, the choice of themes was easy. “Everyone loves the shore,” she said. The Horticulture program joined forces with the Art Club, which created murals for the exhibit, Architecture students, who created a model of the exhibit, and Graphic Design students, who did signage. Television students produced ocean sounds. Preparation for the show began in the fall as students got involved with growing, building and researching the shore’s national park history. More than 10 students made a commitment to work on the display in between classes and on Saturdays. “One of our goals this year was to get more programs and people involved,” Ricco said. “I am so proud of the students’ dedication to the process and everyone who particpated.”
Ad Design Students Create for “FOR GRANTED” In capstone projects for their Ad Design III class, MCCC student graphic artists took on a project with global reach. Six design teams created marketing campaigns for FOR GRANTED.ORG, a nonprofit organization committed to improving lives in underserved communities around the world. The Mercer campaigns included logos, slogans, newsletter designs, web pages, posters, promotional items and more. According to Professor Tina LaPlaca, Coordinator for
The winning team with FOR GRANTED judges: front row from left, FOR GRANTED Founder and CEO David Sokoloff, students Aisha Lopez, Regina Ritter and Taylor Leonardo; back row from left, FOR GRANTED Treasurer Lee Merwin, and students Cole Warner and Ryan Brady.
the Advertising and Graphic Design program, the judges were very impressed with
the quality of the marketing materials the students presented. The organization
has plans to incorporate elements of the designs as soon as possible with help from members of the winning student team.
Dinner Is Served! Student Lauren Shields cooks up pulled pork for The Viking Café with instructor Frank Benowitz. (Pictured in the background is Austen Cappley.) This spring, MCCC’s advanced culinary students prepared a dazzling array of menu items for college and community patrons. In addition to a caféstyle restaurant, a second student restaurant served international cuisine from Israel, Mexico and France.
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ACADEMIC NEWS Technology and Science Professionals Offer Sage Advice to Students on STEM Career Day It’s a world that techies embrace and the rest of us can’t live without. As part of MCCC’s efforts to engage and nurture science and technology students, the college hosted a Career Day in March to encourage students to pursue degrees and careers in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines. The event, which was held in the Communication Building, featured lobby displays with STEM employers, as well as MCCC professors and students demonstrating the use of equipment from simple beakers to advanced 3-D printers. A panel discussion included participants from academia and industry, who shared their academic and career histories and offered career advice. MCCC’s partnership with the National Science Foundation is providing major scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students. More information is available at www.mccc.edu/stem.
Science Students Volunteer for Elementary School Olympiad
Among MCCC’s Science Olympiad volunteers were, from left, Tania Asmal, Matthew Werenski and Brittni Addye. This winter, Mercer science students spent time at West Amwell Elementary School as part of the grant-funded Science Olympiad, a partnership between colleges and elementary schools to promote science learning. Over the course of three months, MCCC students helped youngsters create tools from everyday materials to solve real world science and engineering problems. It all culminated with the Science Olympiad event in February, in which 11 elementary schools participated. According to Professor of Biology Laura Blinderman, the project gave Mercer students a chance to mentor, teach, and serve as judges. “It was a dynamic and interactive experience for both groups of students. These kinds of programs can have life-changing impacts,” she said.
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From left, Engineering Science students Denys Bengizu, Benjamin Solomon, Chukwuemeka Iloka, and Christian Boateng participate in STEM Career Day.
DREAM Students Take Lead at State Conference The power and promise of MCCC’s DREAM (Developing Real Expectations for Achieving Mastery) program were very much on display as DREAM students took on leadership roles at the “Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conference,” sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs at the MCCC Conference Center in April. The annual event serves to highlight strategies and share information to prepare high school students with disabilities for college and career readiness. Students in the DREAM program, now in its 11th year at Mercer, actively participated in the conference. Inspirational opening remarks were delivered by DREAM student Kristen Robinson. During breakout sessions, DREAM students led a session entitled “Super Heroes: Unleashing Your Super Powers!” Each of the six presenters selected a favorite super hero to illustrate his or her strengths and then encouraged audience members to consider their own gifts and how to use them not only in school but in everyday life.
From left, MCCC’s DREAM “super heroes,” Daniel Woods, Sebastian Siwik, Rashida Diwan, Jessica Vandegrift, Nick Waclawski and Kamil Dolmat.
Fashion Showcase Is All About Style
Sherwin Kainer with his vision board of sleek, yet comfortable, designs.
Drawing inspiration from such diverse sources as Greek goddesses and crime scene dramas, fashion students put their talents and imagination on display during an exhibition at the James Kerney Campus (JKC) in May. The versatile sophomore Verity Gordon drew inspiration from several sources – Greek mythology, the recent “Alice in Wonderland” film, and with a nod to MCCC’s 50th anniversary, a 1960s style outfit accented by Mercer’s green and gold. Gordon will transfer to Moore College of Art and Design this fall. Freshman Sherwin Kain-
er says his first sewing class revealed how much more he has to learn, but he is determined to pursue a career in fashion design, focusing on men’s wear. Other students with work on display included Carol Florence, Catherine Gilchrist, Ashley Vause, Qaysean Williams and Stephanie Young. Melissa Zimberg, Coordinator of the Fashion Design program, said the showcase was an excellent example of what students accomplished during the academic year. “I am very proud of these students. I expect great things from all of them,” she said.
More Adventures for MCCC Business Club Between trips off campus and visiting special guests, the MCCC Business Club had an active spring. In mid-April, seven students traveled to a Princeton branch of Wells Fargo Bank for an insider’s tour. According to Professor of Business Laura Sosa, adviser for the club, the trip was time well spent. “Students met with upper level managers in Finance and Human Resources, and a high level regional manager. They had a chance to make real connections with banking professionals and even took home a few business cards,” Sosa said. Sosa reports that Wanda Saez, Wells Fargo’s Vice President for Government and Community Relations, was extremely welcoming. “She provided a good overview of the community banking business that really enhanced students’ classroom learning,” Sosa said, adding that the group also discussed opportunities for job shadowing.
Touring Wells Fargo in Princeton, from left, Professor Laura Sosa, Wells Fargo’s Wanda Saez, and students Alex Ivanoff, Prisca Madu, Simran Chadha, Jason Lima, Michael Robbins, Onika George and Silpa Joseph.
College VOICE Covers College and Community Issues Among the many students who contributed to The College VOICE student newspaper this year were, from left, Editorin-Chief Ousman Joof, Copy Editor Jessica Powell, reporter Christine Villafuerte, Managing Editor Pablo Araya-Chacon, and reporter Robby Rowley, pictured with adviser Matthew Kochis. With five issues published during 2015-16, Kochis and returning staff members are setting their sights on recruiting an enthusiastic new group of budding journalists, publishing an additional issue next year, and revitalizing the newspaper’s website, which they hope to complete by the end of the summer.
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FOUNDATION and DONOR NEWS 50th Anniversary Gala Kicks Off Year With Salute to Donors, Students MCCC celebrated its students and its large community of friends on April 15 at The Stone Terrace in Hamilton as the MCCC Foundation hosted the “50th Anniversary Gala.” A capacity crowd of more than 300 helped to turn the Foundation’s annual Spring Into Student Success scholarship fundraiser into an even bigger event, ushering in a year-long observance of the college’s 50 years of student service and success. Gala co-chairs were Nina D. Melker, past president of the Foundation Board and a current board member, and the Hon. Pasquale Colavita, Jr., of the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Net proceeds from the event totaled more than $100,000 and will be used to sustain and expand scholarship opportunities for deserving students. The gala also gave the college a chance to recognize three community partners. The Distinguished Benefactor Award was presented to Edward S. Kahn, Esq., and the Albert B. Kahn Foundation. Edward Kahn has carried on the rich legacy of generosity to MCCC established by his father, Albert Kahn, Esq., one of the founders and original members of the college’s Board of Trustees. Scholarships awarded by the Albert B. Kahn Foundation are among Mercer’s most enduring, providing funds to both continuing and graduating students from Trenton. Last year alone, 20 Trenton Central High School graduates were recipients of Kahn scholarships. Jim and the late Fannie Floyd received the Spirit of
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From left, President Jianping Wang, Bristol-Myers Squibb representative Christoph Koenen (Distinguished Corporate Partner Award), Edward Kahn, Esq. (Distinguished Benefactor Award), and Co-Chairs Nina D. Melker and Pat Colavita Jr. At right, Spirit of Education Award recipient Jim Floyd with Dr. Wang. Education Award. The Floyds were honored for their service to the community and their decades of support to Mercer. As a founding member of the MCCC Foundation Board, Mr. Floyd has been deeply committed to expanding scholarship opportunities, including the establishment of the Jim and Fannie Floyd Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2010. Christoph Koenen, Vice President for Cardiovascular Medical Strategy, accepted the Distinguished Corporate Partner Award on behalf of Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). BMS grants, along with funding by the BMS Foundation, have significantly enhanced learning in science and technology at MCCC. BMS has also been a generous donor to MCCC’s annual scholarship fundraisers. Education major Kulubo Kokro was the event’s student
speaker. Kokro, the recipient of a Wells Fargo Urban Scholarship, invited the audience to share her journey, which included an early exit from high school and then a return to the Daylight-Twilight High School to earn her high school diploma. Kokro says becoming a teacher is her greatest wish. “I believe I can make a difference working in the inner city with middle school students, especially girls,” she said, adding that Mercer has become like a second home. “I am surrounded by other students who are pursuing their dreams and we support each other just like a family. Mercer has allowed me to strive, believe in myself, and never give up.” The list of generous sponsors is available at www.mccc.edu/gala.
Student leaders sharing in a good time, from left, Richard Ward (SGA President), Julian Seward, Ousman Joof, Dean Blank, alumna Gina Migliaccio ’15, Carrie Krewson and Ivett Figueroa.
At left, student speaker Kulubo Kokro.
Butch Miller Pavilion Dedicated at MCCC Baseball Field Fans of MCCC baseball know that the current program’s resounding success is part of a tradition of achievement that dates back decades in the competitive world of community college baseball. Key to that legacy is former Head Coach Butch Miller, who led the Vikings for 21 seasons, from 1973 to 1993, and compiled a 508 to 263 win-loss record. On a sunny Sunday in April, the college’s Athletics Department and baseball alumni unveiled and dedicated the Butch Miller Pavilion adjacent to the baseball field. The pavilion features pub and picnic tables, as well as park benches. A plaque has been installed at the edge of the area to commemorate Coach Miller’s contributions to the college and its players. Leading the Butch Miller Tribute Committee was Randy Voorhees, a member of the Vikings baseball team that came in third at the 1981 Junior College World Series and earned the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award. According to Voorhees, the honor couldn’t be more deserved. “Coach Miller has made a positive impact on hundreds of lives, both in the classroom and out on the baseball field. On a personal level, he impressed upon me the value of education, and he helped me learn how to be a man. I’ll never forget him nor will I be able to thank him enough,” Voorhees said. Coach Miller, who now lives in North Carolina, attended
Butch Miller, center, is surrounded by baseball alumni at the dedication of a new pavilion at the MCCC baseball field. the event to share time with his former players and visit the field where he put in so much time and sweat. In addressing the crowd, Miller said, “This day is one of the highlights of my baseball career.” Also part of the tribute committee and major donors for the pavilion are baseball alumnus Dave Dominici (’82) and former Athletics Director Al Leister, who led the Athletics Department from 1973 to 1989. In addition to the pavilion, the committee is planning to establish a baseball scholarship fund in honor of Coach Miller.
Investors Bank Invests in MCCC with $20,000 Donation From left, Paul Kalamaras, Investors Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer; Erik Larsen, Senior Vice President and Team Leader for Business Lending; Sharon Lingswiler, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager; Linda Martin, Senior Market Manager for Investors Bank; Dr. Jianping Wang, MCCC President; and Kay Eaton, MCCC Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations.
Investors Bank, in partnership with the Roma Bank Community Foundation, has made a $20,000 contribution to fund an art gallery at MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, the second installment of a grant totaling $60,000. The street-level gallery will be housed in the Trenton Hall Annex, a new building to be completed this fall. The gallery will specialize in the photographic arts and will also present a show each semester featuring local artists. Additionally, the building will house classrooms and a multipurpose room. The art gallery and multipurpose room will be open for use by the Trenton community. Classrooms on the upper floors will be used for students studying Fashion Merchandising and Cybersecurity, as well as labs for students who are
enrolled in allied health programs. “Investors Bank is committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” said Linda Martin, a Senior Market Manager for Investors Bank. “We encourage children and adults to further their education, and we are pleased to see MCCC expand its Trenton Campus to better serve the community.” MCCC applied for the grant from the Roma Bank Community Foundation; Roma Bank became part of Investors Bank in early 2014. The foundation supports non-profit organizations that enrich diverse communities served by Investors Bank. The final $20,000 installment of the MCCC grant will be presented next year.
Make Your Gift to Our Students! Your donation today contributes to improving lives through education for many years to come. Make your gift at www.mccc.edu/give.
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ALUMNI STORIES Heidi Musick Making Difference as Student Assistance Counselor Heidi (Summers) Musick ’09 (A.A., Liberal Arts) works just a stone’s throw from MCCC’s West Windsor campus, her first alma mater, but has returned to the county’s educational complex as a professional, fully dedicated to counseling junior and senior high school students in times of need. Musick is a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) for the Mercer County Special Services School District High School (MHS). Having just completed her second school year, she says she loves working at MHS, surrounded by an excellent staff. “I see students for individual and group counseling. I also assist in student problem solving, substance abuse counseling, and prevention. I have the opportunity to make a difference in young people’s lives at critical times,” Musick said. As early as her freshman year at Mercer in 2007, Musick had already begun forming her career path, due in part to her aunt, Lynn Orlowski. “Lynn is a student adviser at Mercer. I
have always been inspired by her passion for learning and her genuine care for others,” Musick explained. Musick also points to MCCC Professor of Psychology Dori Seider (now professor emerita). “Professor Seider awakened me to the field of psychology. I was drawn to this helping profession and the many theories of counseling,” she said. Musick was just as engaged outside the classroom. She was the goal keeper for the women’s soccer team and served as secretary for the Student Government Association. Musick transferred to East Stroudsburg University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling, and then attended Rider University, where she earned her master’s in School Counseling and her SAC certificate. According to Musick, the foundation she received at Mercer was solid. “It was a true stepping stone that helped me gain focus and solidify my goals – with far less debt.” She encourages her students, as well as those at Mercer, to keep moving forward. “Learn about yourself and the world around you and you will figure out where you want to use your talents.”
Basketball Alumna Dawn Armstead Is Back at MCCC Gym as Fan Dawn (Coy) Armstead ’85 (Business Administration) is back on the MCCC campus in a new role – as a basketball mom. Having played for the Mercer Vikings from 1983 to 1985, she was in the stands this winter cheering for her son, freshman John Armstead. Armstead says she did not hesitate when it came time to consider college options for her son. John, a 6’4” guard who played high school basketball at Burlington County Institute of Technology-Medford, is studying Electronics Engineering Technology and plans to transfer for his bachelor’s degree. According to Armstead, Mercer did a great job of preparing her for the road ahead. “I learned so much and there were so many good people to help me,” she said, recalling coaches Edgar Moss and Charlie Ross, and Athletics Trainer Lisa Camillone, who was beginning her long-time career at Mercer. Armstead studied Business Administration and then transferred to the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP). With the support of then men’s basketball coach Howie Landa, who wrote her a glowing recommendation, she received a basketball scholarship and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1988. “I’m grateful for the scholarships from MCCC and UTEP because I started my career debt-free. I recommend anyone interested in going to college to look into their local community college,” Armstead said. These days, Armstead is employed as a supervisor at the Mercer County Board of Social Services. She oversees Work First New Jersey, a program that helps welfare recipients become self-sufficient through job training, internships and employment.
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Armstead believes that being a college basketball player is about so much more than what happens on the court. “You develop relationships with the coaches and your teammates. You learn how to take direction. You learn how to use your time wisely. You learn life lessons,” she said, adding that she expects her son, John, to get all of that at MCCC under Head Coach Howard Levy and his staff. John is the third of Armstead’s four sons; her 13-year-old is also a basketball player. She says there may be yet another Armstead headed to Mercer in a few years to don the Vikings jersey.
Need Help With Your Job Search? MCCC’s Career Services office invites alumni to join College Central Network. It’s a premier online job posting and resume tool available for students and alumni. Email the Career Services office at
[email protected] for assistance in registering or go directly to
www.collegecentral.com/mccc
Full Circle: Marsha Stoltman Returns as Commencement Speaker Marsha Stoltman ’81 (A.A.S., Business) has multiple connections to Mercer – as a former employee, as a student, and as a member of the college’s Board of Trustees. In May, she added commencement speaker to that list. A native of St. Louis who was a reluctant transplant to New Jersey, Stoltman initially came to Mercer as a part-time secretary. That part-time job connected her with counselors, who encouraged her to complete her Business degree. Graduating in 1981, she moved on to a job with Dow Jones & Company, but it was far from the end of her relationship with MCCC. In the fall of 1981, Stoltman was elected as the student representative to the MCCC Board of Trustees, and in 1983 she was appointed by NJ Governor Thomas Kean as a full voting member of the board, a post she held for 16 years. During that time, she served on the national trustee board – the Association of Community College Trustees – for six years. “Those years only enhanced my love for, and appreciation of, community colleges,” Stoltman said. Stoltman continued her career at Dow Jones, and then
moved on to other corporate endeavors in client services, sales, marketing, and event planning. She served as the head of the newspaper division of Princeton-based The Kelsey Group, and as vice president and general manager of Editor and Publisher Conferences, a trade organization for the newspaper industry. In 2001, Stoltman turned entrepreneur and launched The Stoltman Group, a full-service conference and event planning firm. She has grown the business to provide conference and trade show planning for Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities. “Entrepreneurship is tough and certainly not for the faint of heart,” Stoltman said, noting that in the beginning, there were some lean years. But now that she has celebrated 15 years in business, Stoltman said she has no regrets and credits her solid grounding in a community college education as a key to her success. “My career travels have brought me back to community colleges numerous times,” Stoltman said. “Community colleges are all about student success; community colleges are the people’s colleges. Community colleges are not just where young people come to start their college career, but where all people come.”
A&E Executive Molly Thompson Credits MCCC with Spurring Her Interest in Television Production Molly Thompson ’84 (Television), Senior Vice President for A+E Studios, had lots to share with an eager Mercer audience during a lecture at the West Windsor Campus this spring. Thompson acknowledged there’s a touch of luck involved in breaking into the competitive business of television and film, but stressed that it’s mostly about knowing your stuff and making the right connections. Thompson, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, studied television production at Mercer in the 1980s and then transferred to Rutgers for her bachelor’s degree. She says she grew to love TV production while studying at Mercer. “I learned to care about and have pride in what I was doing. That’s a lesson I have learned and re-learned,” she said. Thompson and fellow student Harry Skopas co-hosted the Molly and Harry Show on the MCCC student station. (Skopas is now the director of technology at The Mill, a major post production studio.) At Rutgers, she worked as a reporter for RU’s Inside Beat. She also worked at PBS Channel 13’s Newark office, where she booked panelists, did research and developed storylines for a weekly talk show. “It’s important to continue growing by putting yourself in different situations, places where you can fail, recover, and learn from the experience,” Thompson said. “And I was fortunate to meet people who would be vital to my career.” Next, Thompson took the big leap into network television as an A&E freelancer, working on the Biography series. “I had the opportunity to research topics in depth and to find new footage,” she explained. Her subjects included Mozart,
Picasso and General William Westmoreland. Thompson also worked for the famed TV interviewer Barbara Walters and The History Channel. In 2008, Thompson was given an opportunity back at A&E that has been a true dream job. She is the founder of A+E IndieFilms, the network’s feature documentary division. There she has been executive producer for numerous documentaries including “Jesus Camp” (2006), nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2007 Academy Awards, followed by “The September Issue” (2009), about the fashion industry and the elusive Anna Wintour, “The Imposter” (2012), and ”Cartel Land” (2015), nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2016 Academy Awards.
Stay In Touch! Connect with your MCCC friends. Learn what’s happening at Mercer by “liking” our Facebook page (MercerCountyCollege). Let us know about your professional growth and career milestones. To update your contact information, visit www.mccc.edu/alumni. Want to know how you can make a difference at Mercer? Email
[email protected] or call 609-570-3293.
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TRANSFER NEWS MCCC Signs Broad Admission Agreement With Rowan University MCCC graduates will now have the flexibility to transfer to Rowan University in practically any field of study under a new agreement signed by the two institutions in April. “Access is one of our main pillars, along with affordability,” said Dr. Jeff Hand, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management at Rowan. “We are working actively with community colleges to make sure no credits are wasted.” Students who graduate from MCCC in one of 14 associate degree programs will be guaranteed admission to Rowan in a parallel major, provided that they meet the requirements outlined in the agreement. The agreement includes Rowan University’s highly-competitive programs in Business and Engineering.
Wilmington Expands Transfer Agreement An expanded agreement between MCCC and Wilmington University guarantees that eligible graduates of MCCC will be admitted to related bachelor’s degree programs with junior status. Students are also guaranteed full transfer of all credits.
Heading to TCNJ
From left, Rowan Associate Director of Admissions Luci Nurkowski, MCCC President Jianping Wang, Rowan Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management Jeff Hand, MCCC Director of Transfer Services Laurene Jones, and MCCC Transfer Counselor Jennifer Cook.
MCCC, Delaware Valley University Sign Guaranteed Transfer Agreement MCCC and Delaware Valley University officially signed a transfer articulation agreement in May that will give students the option to transfer to DelVal and complete a bachelor’s degree in any of 14 academic programs. The Program-to-Program Agreements include Biology, Business Administration, Global Business, Sports Management, Chemistry, Communications, Criminal Justice (Corrections and Law Enforcement), Liberal Arts, and Horticulture. Students must meet required grade point averages, which vary depending on their choice of
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major. In addition, Mercer students transferring to DelVal will be eligible for transfer scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $19,500 per academic year for full-time students, and $1,500 per semester for part-time students. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society members will receive an additional $1,000 per academic year through PTK scholarships. MCCC President Jianping Wang said improving accessibility to a quality, affordable education and providing a clear path to a bachelor’s degree is a priority at Mercer. Adding DelVal
EOF grad Glendy Pineda will transfer to The College of New Jersey with plans to be a secondary school English teacher. A first generation college student, Pineda says, “The people at Mercer have helped me become the person I am.”
RU Adds Business Administration to Programs at MCCC Presidents Jianping Wang and Joseph Brosnan shake hands on the new agreement. as a partner in education is an important step toward making a four-year college degree a realistic goal for all students, she said.
New for Fall 2016, Rutgers University (RU) is adding Business Administration as one of its bachelor degree offerings at MCCC. A total of five RU bachelor’s degrees can be completed at Mercer. Other majors include Criminal Justice, Labor Studies, Political Science, and RN to BSN.
FOR ARTS SAKE Student Art Show Is Visual Delight Faculty Members Share Talents Anna Cook, with her oil At Teen Arts Festival painting “Reeva,” was one of 39 student artists selected for the annual Visual Arts Student Exhibition at the MCCC Gallery in April. From still-lifes to photographs to ceramics to works of whimsy, this year’s student show was a real treat. Sixty-nine pieces were displayed, many inspired by classroom assignments.
Cultures Combine in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Hundreds of teens from area high schools headed to the West Windsor Campus in May for the annual Mercer County Teen Arts Festival, hosted by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission in concert with MCCC. Music, dance, theater, choral performances, art and photography were all part of the day’s events as students performed for each other and were critiqued by arts professionals. Numerous MCCC faculty and staff members participated, including Photography Program Coordinator Michael Dalton, pictured center.
Inspiration Abounds in MCCC’s Aspirations for County Teens From left, Meaghan Lukas as Hermia, Madison Kotnarowski as Helena, Rachel Lemos as Titania and Katherine Beauchamps as a Fairy. Photo by Robert A. Terrano Photography. Theatre students presented an electrifying original adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Kelsey Theatre in May, combining Shakespeare’s classic tale of comic and fantastical mix-ups with Indian and American jazz dance. According to MCCC Theatre/Dance Program Coordinator Jody Gazenbeek-Person, the focus of this year’s academic studies was classical Indian drama and dance. With the help of a consultant, the actors rigorously rehearsed a variety of hand gestures and other techniques that date back over 2,000 years. “Theory and history came to life on stage in this production,” he said. “Students learned rewarding and challenging movements and acting techniques, while also learning more about India’s rich performance traditions.”
Students from Hopewell Valley Central High School were among more than 150 students from area high schools who had an opportunity to showcase their literary and artistic work in Aspirations 2016, MCCC’s arts journal for teens. According to Associate Professor of English Nicole Homer, who serves as Aspirations’ editor, the publication provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard and see their work acknowledged and published. “It’s a wonderful way to empower and motivate budding writers and artists,” Homer said. The Viking
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SPORTS NEWS
For more Sports News and Vikings videos, visit www.mccc.edu/athletics
Baseball It was a record setting season for the baseball program, which posted an all-time high in wins for Mercer baseball and advanced the team all the way to the semifinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II World Series. “This year’s team had great chemistry and was able to win games in a variety of ways with interchangeable parts,” Head Coach Kevin Kerins said. “That diversity was a big part of our success.” The Vikings steamrolled through their Region 19 schedule, finishing with a perfect 14-0 record in conference play. Then they swept through the regional tournament, defeating Valley Forge 8-4, and Morris County twice, 8-4 and 9-1, in the double-elimination contest. In the Northeast District Tournament, Mercer crushed CCBC-Essex in a double-header, 7-1 and 25-8. Ranked no. 2 nationally by the end of the season, their final record was 51-10. “I’m extremely proud of this group because of their unselfishness and ability to respond to adversity, and also to success,” Kerins said. “We had a variety of injuries and obstacles, and they were able to respond to anything negative, as well as positive, throughout the year.” In the World Series in Enid, Okla., the Vikings advanced through the first two rounds of the 10-team double-elimination tournament, defeating Brunswick (N.C.) and Western Oklahoma by scores of 4-3 and 8-5, respectively. Mercer then faced Western Oklahoma a second time, in the fourth round, and came away with a 5-4 victory. Sinclair Community College would prove to be the Vikings’ undoing, as Mercer fell to the Ohio team in a soggy contest with multiple rain delays, and again in the semifinals – one game away from the championship rounds.
The Vikings celebrate after winning the Northeast District Championship. Two players, Andrew DiPiazza and Anthony Boselli, were named NJCAA All-Americans. In addition, Vikings players comprised nearly half of the All-Region 19 team. Joining DiPiazza and Boselli on the First Team were pitcher Zach Gakeler, catcher Robert Boselli, and infielder Vincent Vaccone. Infielder Austin Constantini was named to the Region 19 Second Team. All six were also named to the GSAC Division II First Team, making up more than half of the 11-man roster. Kerins was named Region 19 Coach of the Year for the fourth consecutive season. With a squad composed of 21 freshmen, Kerins expects the Vikings to be in a good position to defend their regional and district titles next year, and make another run at the World Series. Kerins was assisted by Fred Carella, Shawn Reindel, Russ Stupienski, and Matt Zegari.
Baseball Players DiPiazza and Boselli Earn National Accolades While this year’s Vikings baseball roster was heavy with talent, two players in particular are in the national spotlight. Freshman pitcher Andrew DiPiazza was named an NJCAA Division II First Team All-American and National Pitcher of the Year, and freshman outfielder Anthony Boselli was named a Third Team All-American. DiPiazza finished the year with a 12-1 record, a 1.50 ERA, and 109 strikeouts. He was named Pitcher of the Tournament at the World Series and was also selected as Region 19’s The Viking News
Pitcher of the Year. He was selected in the 39th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the San Francisco Giants, the fourth consecutive year a Mercer player has been drafted by a professional team. Boselli was also a powerful presence in the Vikings lineup. He was a catalyst who hit in the middle of the lineup for most of the season, batting .356 on the year and finishing with 62 hits, 52 RBIs, a team best, and 17 doubles. He played multiple positions for the Vikings in both the infield and outfield.
Among Mercer’s many talented players were Andrew DiPiazza, left, and Anthony Boselli.
Men’s Tennis This year’s men’s tennis team has earned a place in the MCCC record books, having achieved the highest finish ever for the program. After winning the Region 19 Championship, the Vikings competed at the NJCAA
Number one in the nation! Doubles champs Brandon Davis, left, and Andres Jacome with Coach Marc Vecchiolla. Jacome was also no. 1 at first singles.
Division III Tournament in Plano, Texas. They lived up to the predictions of Head Coach Marc Vecchiolla, who believed his squad was good enough to challenge last year’s returning champs, Oxford College (Ga). And that they did, advancing their way through a crowded field to earn a second place trophy. The accomplishments of two Mercer players earned them a place at the top. At no. 1 singles, Andres Jacome is the 2016 national champ, while he and partner Brandon Davis are champs at no. 1 doubles. Jacome’s finish is matched by only one other player in Mercer history, Marc Nichols, back in 2008. Jacome and Davis earned All-American honors, along with Jeremy Gottlieb, the runner-up at third singles, and Greg Del Favero, runner-up at fourth singles. Erik Wiener
Student Athletes On Their Way!
At nationals with their plaque are, front row from left, Erik Wiener, Jeremy Gottlieb and Brandon Davis; back row from left, Assistant Coach Ralph Bencivengo, Head Coach Marc Vecchiolla, Greg Del Favero, Andres Jacome, Sameer Chakraborty (alternate), Yasser Farid and Assistant Coach Barb Pleva. lost in the semifinals at no. 5 singles and no. 3 doubles (with Del Favero). Also competing was Yasser Farid, who lost in the semifinals at no. 6 singles and no. 2 doubles (with Gottlieb). “I’m proud of our squad,” Vecchiolla said. “They worked for everything they earned.” Athletics Director John Simone called Jacome’s ti-
tle at no. 1 singles and the team’s overall performance at the tournament an amazing feat for Mercer. “These student athletes exemplify excellence and sportsmanship. They represented Mercer on the national stage with distinction,” he said. Vecchiolla was assisted by Ralph Bencivengo, Barb Pleva, Jason Bielski and Andrew Holsman.
Mercer to Add Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Distance Running
Sophomores Brianna Gurdon and Dean Blank were this year’s top scholar-athletes and the recipients of Dr. Cynthia Schaffer Scholar-Athlete and Forman and Sloshberg Memorial scholarships. Both are headed to four-year institutions, along with 30 other MCCC athletes. They are pictured with President Jianping Wang, far left, and Athletics Director John Simone. See the full list at www.mccc.edu/athletics.
MCCC will add two new sports during the 2016-17 academic year: men’s lacrosse in the fall and women’s distance running in the spring. According to Athletics Director John Simone, the addition of lacrosse is a direct result of the sport’s growing popularity at the high school level. While it will start as an intramural activity, it is expected to quickly become a club team and then achieve full team status. Women’s distance running will be offered in addition to the well-established cross country program, allowing female athletes to train at a competitive level in longer meets. For more information, call 609-570-3740.
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SPORTS NEWS
For more Sports News and Vikings videos, visit www.mccc.edu/athletics
Softball Even before the first shout of “play ball,” the softball team was looking at an uphill battle. Four key freshmen from the 2015 team’s 24-11 season did not return, leaving key holes to fill. The 2016 squad didn’t let that hold it back. The Vikings had a record-setting 41-9 season, a national ranking, and a no. 1 seed in the NJCAA Region 19 Tournament. “These young women gave 100 percent,” Head Coach Ryan Zegarski said. “Team chemistry was amazing. Everybody knew what they had to do to make this a winning team.” The team’s 41 victories, an all-time best for Mercer softball, included an 18-outof-20 win streak going into the Region 19 playoffs. But the scrappy 13-member squad ran out of steam in the double-elimination regional tournament, losing in the first and third rounds to Del Tech Owens.
From left, Kelly Tohill, Kaitlin Stahlbrand, Tori Carpenter and Laura Gould following a 3-0 victory over Lackawanna April 25. “Del Tech had all the momentum going into the tournament, and the rigors of a 50-game season with a short bench finally caught up with us,” Zegarski said. The Vikings boasted one of the best pitching rotations in Region 19, anchored by Kelly Tohill, who earned post-season honors as the NJCAA Region 19 and Garden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Na-
Casey Murphy Earns NJCAA’s Marucci Elite Hitter Award Sophomore outfielder Casey Murphy has been named an NJCAA Division II Marucci Elite Hitter. The award is presented to the All-American nominee with the highest batting average from each district. Topping Mercer’s list in almost every offensive category, Murphy finished the year batting .480 and had the top batting average for Regions 3, 15, 19 and 21. Sixteen players from across the country received this national award.
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tionally, Tohill ranked in the top 20 in wins, strikeouts, and strikeouts per game. Backing up Tohill on the mound was Autumn Sharkey, who posted a 10-1 record, and Kaitlin Stahlbrand, with an 11-2 record. Outfielder Casey Murphy led the offensive attack, with a .480 batting average. Murphy
received an 2016 NJCAA Division II Marucci Elite Hitter Award. (See article below.) Other key contributors included Kristen Cheesman (.442 batting average and 28 RBI) and Rachel Levach (.341 batting average and 46 RBI). With four freshmen – Stahlbrand, Tori Carpenter, Laura Gould and Lauren Bracco – likely to return, Zegarski is optimistic about the 2017 season. “Our returning players will provide the leadership, and we look forward to a strong freshman class to fill important roles,” Zegarski said. “We have some very talented sophomores moving on, but we are looking to reload quickly and continue the tradition of winning softball at Mercer.” Zegarski was assisted by John Simone and Tom DeStefano.
Storied Coach, Star Player Elyse Diamond To Head Women’s Soccer Elyse Diamond is the new head coach for women’s soccer. She has been part of the college’s athletics network for many years – as a long-time coach at Nottingham High School, as the mother of two daughters who played Mercer soccer, and as a 1984 alumna who still holds the MCCC record for most goals scored. Diamond’s success on the turf extended to Rutgers University, where her scoring record was only recently broken by Carli Lloyd (of the U.S. Women’s National Team). Her record of 112 goals as a player at Hamilton High School West still stands. Diamond comes to Mercer after 25 years as Nottingham’s coach and is looking forward to coaching at the college level.
Men’s Basketball Members of the men’s basketball team hung tough through numerous trials this year and never lost sight of the importance of supporting each other and of being good representatives of MCCC athletics. According to Howard Levy, who completes his eighth year as head coach, the lineup for the 2015-16 season never quite settled down. Due in part to injuries and the ineligibility of several players after the fall season, the Vikings failed to establish a fully working game plan. The team started off the year trying different combinations. “As always happens, by the end of the fall semester, players were steadily improving,” Levy said. But by the end of January, the already reduced eight-man squad became a six-man squad, and players who were never expected to be team leaders were stepping up in a big way. “We had a nice little run with those six,” Levy said. “They delivered on the court and academically.” This year, the Vikings’ Region 19 competition proved especially challenging, with Essex, Harcum and Manor all having very strong teams. (Essex advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament, losing in the semifinal round.) Levy can live with the team’s 8-18 record, in part because, despite the lopsided win-loss numbers, he saw substantial improvement as the season progressed. He is especially proud of his sophomores, Dean Blank, Daquan Hargrove, Salam Simon, D’Andre Parmley and Ezren Bell. “Each and every one worked hard and was a better player than when he started the season,” Levy said. Parmley was named
Three sophomores who played key roles, from left, Daquan Hargrove, Ezren Bell and D’Andre Parmley. to the All-Garden State Athletic Association First Team. Levy was ably assisted by Rich Brennan and alumnus Stanley Tuchez. According to Levy, Tuchez has been a real asset as he completes his second year. “Stan has been very effective in the way he relates to the players and the effort he is making in recruiting.” With only three freshmen expected to return – Devon Adams, John Armstead and Kevin Avent – recruiting is very much part of the game plan for next year. “If we get 40 or 50 percent of the players we are talking to now, we will have a solid season,” Levy predicts.
Women’s Basketball In the pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Night in February are, from left, Dana Davies, Janine Dennis, Mani RiveraKissling, Melanie Sachs, Delila Mena, Brianna Gurdon and Nyeema Woodall.
The women’s basketball team started off the season with a strong set of recruits, but could not maintain its numbers for the duration. Multiple factors, including injuries, created holes in the roster that proved difficult to fill. Noted Head Coach Mike Tenaglia, who completed his 25th season with the Lady Vikes, the games in the first part of the season were competitive and even the losses were mostly close ones. “But attrition really hurt us after winter break. We were
forced to get creative by recruiting several terrific athletes from the women’s soccer team, but they were not experienced basketball players,” he said. While the Vikings ended their season a disappointing 6-19, the women came away having made strides on the court and beyond. “They got a lot of playing time and improved their skill level. They never quit on each other,” Tenaglia said, adding that his assistant coaches, Jane Berlinger, Samantha Cobbs and Alexis Sweet, gave the players a lot of on-the-court guidance as well as moral support. Tenaglia said there is much take-away for both the players and the coaching staff. “Our main goal is to help our players achieve academic success and move to the next level of their lives. We want to make them better athletes and better students. And in that, I believe we succeeded.” Tenaglia is expecting next season to be an improvement on this year’s results. Four players are expected to return and the coaches have expanded their recruitment efforts. As many as 12 incoming freshmen and transfer students have expressed interest in donning Vikings jerseys. The Viking
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1966-2016
1200 Old Trenton Road West Windsor, NJ 08550
Kelsey Theatre • Fall 2016 Calendar Soar to New Heights
Kelsey Kids Series
Full-Length Family Events Babes In Toyland Nov. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 A Very Kelsey Christmas Dec. 10, 11
Miss Saigon (Musical) Sept. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 Jake’s Women Sept. 30; Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 In The Heights (Musical) Oct. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 The Odd Couple (Female Version) Oct. 28, 29, 30; Nov. 4, 5, 6 Roebling Nov. 11, 12, 13
Their Telling
Billy Elliott Dec. 30, 31; Jan. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 For tickets to Kelsey events, call 609-570-3333 or visit www.kelseytheatre.net.
ance
Storie
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Beloved Prey (Children’s Opera by Alumnus Kento Iwasaki)
Sept. 24 The Princess and The Pea Oct. 1 ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas Dec. 2, 3, 4 The Nutcracker Dec. 16, 17, 18
Events at The Gallery Sept. 19 to Oct. 18: “MCCC Arts at 50,” featuring artwork by current and emeritus Visual Arts faculty, as well as selected MCCC alumni. Opening Reception Sept. 21; Arts and Communication Reception Sept. 24. Nov. 7 to Dec. 1: “Magic,” featuring artists Sarah Peters, Michael Berryhill, Karla Knight, Matt Fisher, and Chris Martin, all of whom incorporate transcendentalism, mysticism or the manifestation of imaginary histories into their work. Opening Reception Nov. 9. Visit www.mccc.edu/gallery to learn more about these and other upcoming shows for 2016-17.
Academic Calendar Most Fall semester classes begin August 29. Later-starting fiveweek, seven-week, and ten-week sessions are also available. Visit www.mccc.edu for complete course listings and dates. cer d “Dan a e m r o f Sabrin ble per Ensem CCC dancers Diego e c n a rcer D are M Rapp; yla The Me ay. Pictured and Brianna left, Ka . M , t m f n o i e r l f ” , n s Diarie an, front row and top row aney Koffma l ; m r e h e Ra cent and D alegre, errel Moody Monte T , n Johnso
OCE • 1000 • 7/16
Read prior issues of The Viking, published twice a year, at www.mccc.edu/viking. And stay connected with MCCC 24/7 at www.mccc.edu for all the latest news, events, and offerings from your community college.
