2017 Annual Report by County College of Morris

“Imagination will take you everywhere.” Albert Einstein

Annual Report 2016–17

Our Mission

Annual Report

County College of Morris is committed to excellence in teaching and lifelong learning through the delivery of exceptional programs and services to our students and to the larger community that reflect a dedication to inclusiveness and diversity, educational advancement, cultural enrichment and workforce development.

2016–17

Title IX, Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance County College of Morris does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, veteran status or disability in its employment practices or educational programs. Inquiries regarding compliance with federal or state antidiscrimination laws may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer, Thomas C. Burk, 973-328-5039 or tburk@ccm.edu.

“I believe in engaging with people, in finding people to support you, who you also can support, and who can be part of your journey. It really enlarges your world and you end up accomplishing more than you can even imagine. This college really gets that. People here want you to succeed.” Sean Needham, Humanities/Social Science Major

On the Cover Above clockwise: Biology and Chemistry students work in modern labs, utilizing equipment used by industries today. Photo by Shelley Kusnetz Photography. Nursing students learn in realistic clinical situations using patient simulators. Photo by Shelley Kusnetz Photography. Photography students have access to facilities that include wet-lab darkrooms, digital imaging lab, lighting studio and electronic flash facilities. Photo by Shelley Kusnetz Photography. Hospitality students gain practical hands-on experience in the teaching kitchen, which features individual stations. Photo by Shelley Kusnetz Photography. Below clockwise: High School students enrolled in the NASA HUNCH program at CCM work with Professor Venancio Fuentes and Lab Assistant Eric Pedersen. Photo by Shelley Kusnetz Photography.

As a member of Region XIX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and a charter member of the Garden State Athletic Conference, CCM fields varsity teams in baseball, softball, golf, lacrosse, basketball, soccer and volleyball. Photo by Rick Burchfield. Students in the fine arts program benefit from small class sizes that allow for individualized attention. Photo by Shelley Kusnetz Photography. Professor and Chair of the Landscape and Horticultural Technology programs Brian Oleksak works in one of the campus’ greenhouses. The Landscape and Horticultural Technology building features a green roof, solar panels and rainwater harvesting as well as high-tech classrooms to enhance the learning experience. Photo by Shelley Kusnetz Photography. The Alex DeCroce Media Center functions as a TV studio and classroom for students majoring in the Broadcasting Arts and Technology, and Communication programs. Photo by Amy Sciuto.

Our Values

Strategic Goals

• A commitment to people, evidenced by a secure, supportive environment responsive to the needs of students, employees and the community

• Improve student learning through high-impact practices

• A commitment to the academic mission of the college, which entails the search for truth and respect for scholarship and learning

• Improve student success through excellence in teaching • Increase enrollment, retention, completion and transfer/ career placement • Strengthen relationship between CCM and the community

• A commitment to honesty and integrity in all endeavors

• Develop a marketing strategy – internal and external

• A commitment to the stewardship of the public trust

• Expand professional development and employee recognition

• A commitment to diversity that respects individual differences and upholds the dignity of every person

• Demonstrate diversity through employees, programs and communication

• A commitment to providing access and services to all regardless of financial, academic, educational or physical challenges

• Develop an integrated system of planning, allocation and assessment • Diversify and increase revenue sources • Expand workforce development

Photo: John Hester

Trustees and Administration Board of Trustees as of August 2017

College Administration as of August 2017

County College of Morris Foundation Katie A. Olsen, Executitive Director of Development, Foundation

Paul R. Licitra, Chair

Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President

Thomas A. Pepe, Vice Chair *

Dr. Dwight L. Smith, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Board of Directors

Karen VanDerhoof, Vice President of Business and Finance

Eileen Paragano, Vice Chair

Jeffrey M. Advokat, Esq., Treasurer Dr. Barbara L. Hadzima, Secretary * Laurie Bogaard, Esq. Jack N. Frost, Jr. Esq. Francis P. Giarratano Roger A. Jinks Dr. Joseph S. Weisberg * Jennie Abat, Alumni Trustee Sandra Geiger, Trustee Emerita W. Thomas Margetts, Trustee Emeritus All trustees also serve concurrently as members of the CCM Foundation. Members noted with an * serve on the Foundation Board of Directors.

Dr. Bette M. Simmons, Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment Management Rob Stirton, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and CIO Thomas C. Burk, Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations Patrick J. Enright, Associate Vice President for Workforce Development and Dean for the School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences

William McElroy, Chair

Robert Zajac, Treasurer John Beyel Esq., Secretary Thomas Pepe, Assistant Secretary Joseph Bilotti, Faculty Representative Dr. Cathryn M. Clary Jack Farris Carol Fitzpatrick Sandra Geiger Thomas F. Hayes Allan Iskra Edward Nelson Everton Scott Eric Sequin Gil Zweig

Board of Chosen Freeholders as of January 2017 Douglas R. Cabana, Freeholder Director John Cesaro, Deputy Freeholder Director Kathryn A. DeFillippo William â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hankâ&#x20AC;? Lyon Thomas J. Mastrangelo Christine Myers Deborah Smith

Photos: Shelley Kusnetz Photography

Table of Contents

Schools and Departments

Report from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Report from the Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Creating Paths to Discovery Spyridoula Fotinis Named Top Community College Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 High School Students at CCM Participate in NASA HUNCH Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Graduatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Enthusiastic Response Moves Commencement Offsite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 CCM Students Seize Third Place in Business Competition . . . . 7

School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences Business Corporate and Community Programs Criminal Justice Engineering Technologies/Engineering Science

A Family of Nurses Turns to CCM to Pursue Their Passion . . . . 8 From CCM to Columbia University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Driving Change for Individual and Community Success

Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts

Establishing Strong Community and Workforce Development Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Information Technologies

CCM Partners with MSU on Federal NSF Grant . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Mathematics

Breaking Boundaries Strengthening Learning through Hands-On Experiences

School of Health Professions and Natural Sciences Allied Health Biology and Chemistry Health and Exercise Science

CCM Students Create Prosthetic Hands for Children in Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 CCM Staff, Students and Alumni Embark on a Tour to France and Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Landscape and Horticultural Technology

CCM Students Spend Spring Break on Goodwill Trip to Ethiopia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Nursing

CCM Nursing Students Engage in Community Work . . . . . . . 13

Achieving Dreams of a Promising Future School of Liberal Arts Art and Design Communication English and Philosophy History and Political Science Languages and ESL Music, Dance and Performing Arts Psychology and Education Sociology, Economics and Anthropology

CCM Named National Center of Excellence for Cyber Security Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 CCM Alumni Earn Top Salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 BestColleges.com Ranks CCM a Top Community College . . . . 15 Graduate Survey Once Again Reinforces the Quality of a CCM Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Performing Arts and Cultural Events Sharing Stories that Inspire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Athletics Student Athletes Once Again Gain Success on and off the Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Foundation Supporting Scholarships and Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Major Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Facts and Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Report From the President A year ago, I began my journey as the third president of County College of Morris (CCM). What a remarkable year it has been as the result of the numerous accomplishments and contributions of our students, faculty, administration and staff. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of an institution that not only provides a high-quality education, but also continues to imagine possibilities for the communities we serve and work with them to build a remarkable future.

Photo: Farlekas Photography

The unwavering foresight and hard work of Professors Patricia Tamburelli and Joseph Tamburelli led to CCM being designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through a program sponsored by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. CCM is the first community college in New Jersey to gain this designation and one of only 41 community colleges in the country to hold this distinction. This also has been an exemplary year of life-changing opportunities for our students through experiential learning. For example, high school students from CCM’s Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing program worked in partnership with NASA to create parts for a stowage locker that was sent to the International Space Station. Outside of the traditional classroom setting, our faculty and students traveled to France, Spain, Ethiopia and other locations to expand their worldview and offer their services to communities in need. The Women in STEM Club, meanwhile, created 3D-printed prosthetic hands for children around the world, two of which were hand-delivered by Professor Tom Roskop to a hospital in Brazil. Such experiences inspire our students to live extraordinary lives by impacting communities near and far. This Annual Report lends testimony to the fact that Academic Year 2016-17 was, indeed, a milestone year for the college. BestColleges.com ranked CCM a top college in New Jersey. And PayScale, Inc., creator of the world’s largest online salary database, placed CCM among the top 25 community colleges whose alumni are earning the highest salaries. Building on our record of success, plans are underway to launch an Honors Program to provide high-achieving students with an intellectually stimulating environment so they can reach their highest potential. We are also focused on offering a larger community of students access to CCM’s high-quality academic programs through the development of a virtual campus. In addition, we are working closely with the business community to provide workforce development opportunities throughout Morris County. Equipped with a highly accomplished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, CCM looks forward to reaching more milestones by building bigger and better opportunities for our students, developing unique programs to meet the needs of adult students and establishing stronger community and workforce development programs. At the culmination of my first year as president, I am looking forward to working with you to plant the seeds of imagination that will continue to be sown, nurtured and carried to fruition at CCM.

Dr. Anthony J. Iacono President

Dr. Joseph L. Ricca Jr., chair

Paul R. Licitra, vice chair

Report From the Board of Trustees The County College of Morris Board of Trustees held its annual reorganization meeting in November 2016 and elected Dr. Joseph L. Ricca for a second term as chair, Paul R. Licitra for a second term as vice chair, Laurie Bogaard for a second term as treasurer and Thomas A. Pepe as secretary. The board also welcomed a new member, Jack N. Frost Jr. Continuing their service on the board were Jeffrey M. Advokat, Frank Giarratano, Dr. Barbara L. Hadzima, Roger A. Jinks and Dr. Joseph S. Weisberg.

Photos: Jim DelGiudice

Laurie Bogaard, Esq., treasurer

Expecting that the state and Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders would be providing level funding to the college for the 2017-18 fiscal year, trustees were able to keep tuition and fee increases to a minimum. The in-county tuition rate was increased by $2 from $123 to $125. Out-of-county tuition was increased from $246 to $250, and out-of-state was increased from $351 to $357 per credit. The board also voted to increase the per-credit college fee from $27 to $29 per credit. The increases equate to an additional $48 per semester for an in-county student taking 12 credits. For the 2017-18 fiscal year, running from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, the trustees approved a $71.89 million budget, representing a $1.1 million increase (1.5 percent) over the $70.81 million 2016-17 budget.

Thomas A. Pepe, secretary

Creating Paths to Discovery Spyridoula Fotinis Named Top Community College Student County College of Morris (CCM) student Spyridoula Fotinis, of Succasunna, was named to the New Jersey All-State Academic Team this past spring based on her exceptional educational achievements and contributions to the community. She was selected by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges for her stellar academic record and participation in the CCM chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. Fotinis also was named a 2017 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar. She was one of only 50 students nationwide to receive a Gold Scholar award. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by annually recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars nationwide.

Photo: John Hester

The 150 Coca-Cola Scholars were selected based on scores the students earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition. In academic year 2016-17, there

were more than 1,900 finalists. Each Gold Scholar received a $1,500 scholarship. “We’re very proud that Spyridoula was selected for these honors,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “She is an exceptional student who has developed an outstanding academic record at CCM, while offering her talents and skills to benefit others.” Along with excelling academically, Fotinis has traveled the world as a community service participant with the Eastern Orthodox Church. Her first mission project, at the age of 17, was in Kenya assisting school children. During her 2017 spring break, she spent her time in Romania working with orphans. She also has helped to build houses in Mexico and assisted with a homeless shelter in Cleveland. “It’s important to reach out as a human being to make personal connections and to help and serve where you can,” she said. “In the process, I also have learned a lot about myself.”

High School Students at CCM Participate in NASA HUNCH Program Photo: Shelley Kusnetz Photography

Morris County high school students taking part in the Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing (EDAM) program at County College of Morris (CCM) continue to serve as NASA affiliates working on parts for the International Space Station. The EDAM students at CCM are participants in the High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program. The first HUNCH class at CCM worked on parts for a stowage locker for the space station. To celebrate the delivery of the stowage locker, Dr. Florence Gold, HUNCH implementation project manager; Stacy Hale, HUNCH founder; and Blake Ratcliff, HUNCH program manager; visited the EDAM students at CCM during the Spring Semester to congratulate the inaugural class of HUNCH students and welcome the new class to the program.

Students enrolled in the NASA HUNCH program at CCM receive their certificates for creating equipment for the International Space Station.

“The biggest benefit of being a part of the HUNCH program is that, not only do the students get to apply what they learn in the classroom and see their work come to fruition, they get to be a part of technological

history,” said Tom Roskop, assistant professor of engineering technologies at CCM, who has been teaching the EDAM students and overseeing their work through various stages of machining and finishing.

EDAM, a share-time program developed by the Morris County Vocational School District in partnership with CCM, is designed for students with an interest in engineering, computer applications and manufacturing. Upon completion

of the two-year program, students earn 32 credits from CCM and a Certificate of Achievement in Mechanical Computer Aided Drafting and Engineering Technology. Students may then enroll in CCM’s engineering technology

program for one additional year to earn their Associate in Applied Science degree, apply to a four-year college or university, or pursue workforce placement.

Photo: Farlekas Photography

Graduates’ Enthusiastic Response Moves Commencement Offsite

Due to the overwhelming response of graduates who wanted to take part in this year’s commencement, County College of Morris (CCM) moved its 48th ceremony to an offsite location.

graduates transferred to are Emerson College, Johnson & Wales University, Penn State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Texas, Arlington, along with New Jersey’s leading colleges and universities.

More than 500 students from the Class of 2017 took part in this year’s commencement ceremony. As a result of that large number, CCM moved the ceremony to the Mennen Sports Arena to allow more family members and friends to watch their graduates.

Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, who became CCM’s third president on September 1, 2017, gave the commencement address.

Included among the top schools CCM

“Your education will open up doors of opportunity and set you on the path to a more fulfilling life,” said Iacono. “But … I challenge you not to stop there. Instead, take what you have

learned – and will continue to learn – and use it to open the doors of opportunity for others. As much as others have helped you to reach this milestone, be that help for others.” Michael Gosden, an Exercise Science major and past chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, served as the student speaker. Standing with tradition, the college also presented its Peace Prize at the ceremony. The winner of the 2017 CCM Peace Prize was Jessica Ann Jones, of Hopatcong, for her video “Light.”

CCM Students Seize Third Place in Business Competition A team of five County College of Morris (CCM) students joined together to solve a real-world business challenge that landed them a third-place award in a prestigious Rutgers Business School competition during the Spring Semester. Professor Susan Miller was their coach in the County College Case Competition (NJC4), but gave full credit to her students’ outstanding

efforts. Their professional business proposal was presented in a 20-minute presentation to the judges, followed by a 10-minute questionand-answer session. The team members, recruited from CCM’s Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society and its sister club Young Entrepreneurs of America, included Devin Gribbon, of Roxbury; Mohammed Rahmatullah, of Parsippany; Kayla Lalji, of

Wharton; Mark Lalo, of Parsippany; and Ethan Madera, of Mt. Olive. The goal of the NJC4 competition is to provide New Jersey community college students with the opportunity to collaborate, network and demonstrate their talent, knowledge and skills as they solve a real-world business problem.

A Family of Nurses Turns to CCM to Pursue Their Passion Some professions – such as lawyers and doctors – become a family tradition. For Gulay Loder, of Rockaway, and her daughter, that profession is nursing and the place where they started is County College of Morris (CCM). Loder first enrolled in CCM’s Nursing Program in the 1990s but left after she got married so she could focus on raising her children. As her children got older, however, her desire to become a nurse grew stronger. In 2014, she re-enrolled at CCM and set the goal of being accepted once again into the Nursing Program.

this past January. Before she finished, her daughter, Kayla Skibicki, of Sparta, joined her in the program. Shortly after being accepted into the Nursing Program, Skibicki learned she was pregnant and debated whether she should set aside her plans for college and just focus on her job as an emergency room technician.

“We’re proud to be a family of nurses who picked CCM to get our start.”

“You only have one life, so I believe you need to reach for your goals,” said Loder. “I made sure I aced all my classes my first semester so they would reconsider me for the Nursing Program.” Her plan succeeded and, once again, Loder was on the pathway to becoming a nurse. This time she finished the program, earning her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing Photo: John Hester

Like her mother, Skibicki had long dreamed of becoming a nurse. She had initially enrolled at Rutgers University with that goal, but was put on the wait list for its nursing program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public health instead and then turned to CCM to earn her nursing degree. Not only did mother and daughter choose CCM to pursue their passion, Skibicki’s fiancé, Robert Pregno, also has enrolled at the college to earn his nursing degree. “There’s a higher purpose in nursing that appeals to us,” said Loder. “We’re proud to be a family of nurses who picked CCM to get our start.”

“Regardless of how you ended up in your seat today, you all made the necessary sacrifices and persevered through numerous challenges to make it here . . .” Michael Gosden ’17, Associate in Science, Exercise Science, 2017 Student Commencement Speaker

From CCM to Columbia University The son of healthcare professionals, Jacob Kokoshka always envisioned himself following in his parents’ footsteps. As a competitive rock climber, he also saw many athletes struggle with injuries. “I wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon to mend damaged tissue and restore patients’ ability to engage in physical activities as they used to before injury,” said Kokoshka. He opted to attend County College of Morris (CCM) because of its “broad choice of classes, phenomenal reputation and inexpensive tuition.” Having built a solid academic record at CCM, he was accepted into Columbia University to earn his bachelor’s degree. While at CCM, he was referred to Professor Anthony Di Stasio, who has led the charge to find internships for CCM science students. On Di Stasio’s recommendation, Kokoshka visited the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education to prepare for the application and interview process. He then acquired an internship with Lightening Energy, working in a lab using tools he was familiar with through his classes at CCM. He also was introduced

to new technology and acquired a vast skillset, including the ability to construct battery cells and run impedance spectroscopy. In addition, he got to talk with visiting scientists and business leaders to start building a network. “Being adequately prepared for the interview at Lightening, I was able to nimbly answer questions,” explained Kokoshka. “My lab experience from CCM also prepared me well for the practical portion of the interview.”

Photo: John Hester

Looking Ahead: A Virtual Campus County College of Morris is currently focusing on developing a virtual campus to provide a larger community of students with access to its academic programs and courses through online and hybrid classes. The college also plans to extend its services through the virtual campus that will include admissions, tutoring, financial aid, library services, career services, counseling, technology support and accessibility services. An important step in launching this virtual campus was the appointment of a Dean of Virtual Campus, who is responsible for driving its functions and operations.

“…We’re getting to build a network and obtain real-life experience.” Vivian Rosenberg, Member, Women in STEM Club

Driving Change for Individual and Community Success Establishing Strong Community and Workforce Development Initiatives Over the last four years, more than 675 Morris County companies have experienced the value of grant-supported and private-pay, business skills training offered through the Center for Business and Technology (CBT) at County College of Morris (CCM). More than 14,000 employees have received training through CBT during that period of time, resulting in a positive impact on the businesses where they work. During Fiscal Year 2016-17, CCM’s CBT was first among all 19 New Jersey County Colleges in the number of workers trained through a federally funded $12 million Ready-to-Work grant that was deployed

statewide. Overall, 3,000 employees were trained through the diverse customized training programs offered through the college’s CBT. This fiscal year, CBT will be focused on delivering workforce training programs for high-demand areas such as certification in project management, supply chain management, Lean Six Sigma, computer repair, computer networking and cybersecurity. This training will support both those who are looking to advance their careers and those seeking to transition to new opportunities in manufacturing, IT, life sciences and health care.

CCM Partners with MSU on Federal NSF Grant County College of Morris (CCM) faculty member, Diana Aria, from the Department of Psychology and Education, is partnering with a Montclair State University (MSU) team that recently received a three-year, $1.1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant aimed at increasing the number of math teachers.

Photo: John Hester

Eligible MSU mathematics majors will take part in an innovative program to address the shortage of highquality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers by preparing them to teach math in New Jersey elementary schools that need them most. Ten students per year will receive grant-funded scholarships and stipends to be part of the project.

Aria, who is serving as a co-principal investigator for the project, is working to grow the program by recruiting math majors. She also is strengthening ties with seven area community colleges to recruit transfer students, including those from CCM, into the program. “Increasing student participation in STEM is a priority for our institution,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president. “We are honored to be involved with NSF for the fourth time in three years and to be part of bridging the current gap in STEM education.”

Photo: John Hester

Breaking Boundaries Strengthening Learning through Hands-On Experiences CCM Students Create Prosthetic Hands for Children in Need Vivian Rosenberg, of Lake Hiawatha, and Brian Seligson, of Parsippany, students at County College of Morris (CCM), worked hard this past spring and summer to finish creating prosthetic hands for children around the world. The hands were created on the 3D printers in the college’s Engineering labs. Hands were made for three different groups that help children who have lost or are missing part of their limbs. “I joined an online community of prosthetic 3D print groups and they put me in contact with an organization called Limbs with Love,” explained Eric Pedersen, Engineering Lab assistant. That organization provides children in the United States and around the world with prosthetic limbs free of cost.

Brazil and the nonprofit group Enabling the Future, which also provides prosthetic hands to children around the world, was interested in obtaining two to three hands for children there. Prior to 3D printing, prosthetic limbs could be quite costly but now they can be printed and assembled for about $20 to $30 in materials, according to Pedersen. “It’s work that is really beneficial and we’re getting to build a network and obtain real-life experience,” said Rosenberg. The students took on the project as members of the college’s Women in STEM Club. Over the summer, two completed hands were delivered to Brazil and four to an Enable Project chapter in Baltimore to be sent to India. Pedersen’s hope is that the work will continue as an ongoing project of Women in STEM.

Next Pedersen heard about a church in Baltimore that provides prosthetic hands to children in India through one of its mission programs. Then engineering Professor Tom Roskop told him he was making a trip to

CCM Staff, Students and Alumni Embark on a Tour to France and Spain Twenty travelers from County College of Morris (CCM) embarked on a 12-day cultural tour of France and Spain last March under the guidance of tour organizer Dr. Craig Pilant of the History and Political Science department. Pilant has offered tours for the CCM community since 2011 in conjunction with EF College Study Tours. This year’s group flew to Paris, and then traveled to Barcelona, Madrid and several other Spanish towns. The travelers – mostly CCM students and alumni – visited famous historical spots, including memorials, neighborhoods and museums, and sampled various cuisines and wines, as well as attended several cultural events, including a flamenco performance. They also had the chance to try their hand at cooking paella in a Madrid Cooking School. The next CCM European Tour is scheduled for May 2018, this time traveling from Munich to Lucerne, Venice, Assisi and Rome.

Team CCM take a break while cooking paella in a Madrid cooking school.

CCM Students Spend Spring Break on Goodwill Trip to Ethiopia County College of Morris (CCM) students, Aicha Chakib, Jasmine Napoleon, Stephanie Garcia and Kiana Matos spent their spring break in March on a goodwill trip to Ethiopia, organized by Professor William Solomons from the Department of Criminal Justice. This is the third goodwill trip Solomons has conducted. During the trip to Ethiopia, Solomons and the students visited a local school, farm and church and traveled to the Arsi region to view a small training camp where the next generation of Olympic champions is hoping to get their start. CCM students on a goodwill trip to Ethiopia.

CCM Nursing Students Engage in Community Work County College of Morris (CCM) Professors Buffy Reilly and Therese Farmer, along with 12 CCM students from the Nursing department, took part this past semester in a service trip with Experience Mission to the School for Life in Gary, WV. The purpose of the journey was to enhance student learning about health effects in an environment of poverty. The team engaged in activities including demolition, construction, leveling, mulching and installing drainage pipes for a playground, visiting a nursing home, planting flowers and interacting with the community. Students who did not know one another before the trip bonded and learned to problem-solve and overcome challenges, said Reilly. She noted that they also returned from the trip stronger, with a greater sense of physical, emotional and spiritual accomplishment.

CCM faculty members and nursing students at the School for Life, Gary, WV

Reilly and Farmer plan to continue engaging with communities by conducting other student trips.

County College of Morris

HONORS PROGRAM

Looking Ahead: An Honors Program

County College of Morris plans to introduce an Honors Program for highachieving students. The Honors Program will serve as a platform for nurturing students by challenging them with an intellectually stimulating environment to assist them in reaching their highest potential, along with giving back to the community.

“The professors at CCM are real leaders in their fields and I’ve been learning more than I ever expected. I feel really grateful that I’ve received the preparation I need to develop a career in a field that really interests me.” Marshall Williams, Graphic Design Major

Achieving Dreams of a Promising Future County College of Morris (CCM) this year became the first community college in New Jersey to gain designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through a program sponsored by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The designation recognized CCM as an institution with a proven track record for information security education and awareness. Only 41 community colleges across the country, or less than 3 percent, hold the same designation, according to the NIETP program office. “We are deeply grateful to Professor Patricia Tamburelli, who with her husband, Adjunct Professor Joseph Tamburelli, had the foresight and undertook the hard work to ensure CCM was able to obtain this designation,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president. “Their expertise, exceptional work and dedication to students are the reason CCM stands out in higher education.” To obtain the designation, CCM needed to demonstrate that its cyber security curriculum is aligned with national standards, that the college

contributes to providing a pipeline of professionals who can assist with protecting against cyberattacks and that it is a resource for the community in the area of information security.

Photo: John Hester

CCM Named National Center of Excellence for Cyber Security Education

Professors Patricia and Joseph Tamburelli

CCM offers a certificate program in information security and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Information Technology with both a digital forensics and information security track. Also offered is an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in computer forensics. Along with recognizing the excellence of the college’s educational programs, the designation means that CCM students now can apply for scholarships through the National Science Foundation to continue their cyber security education at four-year institutions.

CCM Alumni Earn Top Salaries PayScale, Inc., creator of the world’s largest online salary database, in its annual College Salary Report for 2016, placed County College of Morris (CCM) in the top 25 ranking in terms of community college alumni who earn the highest salaries at mid-career. The PayScale survey ranked hundreds of two-year colleges by how much their alumni go on to earn, and CCM secured the 18th position for Best Community and Career Colleges by Salary Potential. All data in the report were collected from employees who completed PayScale’s employee survey.

In the associate degree only category (381 institutions), only employees who possess an associate degree and no higher degrees were included. Therefore, associate degree graduates who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctorate or other advanced degrees were not included. CCM alumni’s median mid-career pay is $64,100 compared to that of Fashion Institute of Technology - New York’s $74,600 median mid-career pay at rank one.

Photo: John Hester

BestColleges.com Ranks CCM a Top Community College County College of Morris (CCM) gained ranking as one of New Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top community colleges in the 2017 Top Ranked Colleges by BestColleges.com. The ranking was based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. That data consider such measures as student completion rates, enrollment trends and tuition. Included among its student success measures, CCM consistently has one of the highest combined transfer and graduation rates of all community colleges in New Jersey. Over the last several years, CCM graduates have transferred to more than 200 colleges and universities across the country including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Rutgers and Yale.

Graduate Survey Once Again Reinforces the Quality of a CCM Education The latest survey of graduates from County College of Morris (CCM) once again showed that the vast majority of those who earn a degree from the college rate their experience and preparation as good to excellent. CCM has conducted annual surveys of its graduates one year after graduation since 1971. Its latest survey of graduates from the Class of 2015 found 99 percent rated their overall CCM experience as good to excellent (79 percent excellent, 20 percent good). A total of 71 percent of the graduates from the Class of 2015 were represented in the survey. The survey consistently has found over the years that CCM graduates highly value the education they received, with the college each year earning good to excellent ratings in the 90-plus-percent range. A total of 98 percent of graduates from the Class of 2015 rated their preparation at CCM for further education either good to excellent (78 percent excellent, 20 percent good). A total of 71 percent of

respondents had transferred to either a public or a private institution to earn their bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees. The list of schools graduates enrolled at included Columbia University, the Culinary Institute of America, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Savannah College of Art and Design, Temple University, and colleges and universities across New Jersey. Graduates were also highly satisfied with their preparation for the workforce with 98 percent of respondents rating their work preparation as excellent or good as a result of their time at CCM (86 percent excellent, 12 percent good). Some of the careers CCM graduates went on to obtain include user experience designer at Google, operation supervisor at Marriott, brand ambassador for Michael Kors, mechanical engineer at Fiabila USA, supervisor of operations policy and planning at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and designer at Sustainable Threads.

Sharing Stories that Inspire The cultural and performing arts scene during Academic Year 2016-17 was another enriching one at County College of Morris (CCM). The college welcomed the return of the Legacy Project, an interdisciplinary initiative that presents lectures for faculty, staff and the community. This past year, the Legacy Project celebrated and explored the many cultures of Latin America. The first event of the year was a spectacular performance by Ballet Hispánico’s BHdos company. The second event featured a special lecture and book signing by David Good, son of a prominent American anthropologist, Kenneth Good, and a Yanomami indigenous woman, Yarima. At age five, Good saw his mother leave the family’s home in New Jersey and she never came back. Twenty years later, he embarked on a journey to her indigenous homeland and reunited with his mother in a remote village

Ballet Hispánico’s BHdos company

David Good

nestled deep in the Amazon rain forest of southeastern Venezuela. The final Legacy event of the year was a treat for the senses, featuring a mini concert by Cubano Be Cubano Bop, a local seven-piece band, and a lecture by Ronaldo Linares, local chef and contestant on Food Network’s “Chopped.” Meanwhile, the Department of Music, Dance and Performing Arts presented an array of performances through fall and spring. The performance of West Side Story, one of the most acclaimed musicals of all time, in the fall retold a heartwarming story of love, forgiveness and a final understanding. During the spring, audiences were swept away by the wonder of Disney’s The Little Mermaid adapted from the classic story by Hans Christian Anderson. In conjunction with the Department of English and Philosophy, the Department of Music,

West Side Story

Dance and Performing Arts also presented Dracula in the fall – the powerful stage adaption brought the audiences back to the original mythic origins of one of the most famous characters in literature. The spring production, The Elephant Man, told the story of a 19th century man who became a star of a traveling freak show circuit. CCM students also displayed their talent in an intimate evening of song, dance, comedy and laughter, while they entertained in classic cabaret style. CCM’s 11th Annual Story Telling and World Music Festival featured outstanding storytellers who brought to life, tales and tunes of old and new. Other shows, offered free of cost, included Halloween Happenings, CCM Dance Theatre, Winter Music Concert, Spring Music Concert and the Spring Dance Theatre.

Dracula

Photo: Farlekas Photography

Student Athletes Once Again Gain Success on and off the Field COUNTY COLLEGE of MORRIS

On-the-field teams continued to grow and succeed at County College of Morris (CCM) this past academic year.

NJCAA ranking was eighth overall, as they gained a high-water mark of four during the season.

Golf also continued its winning ways by making it to the NJCAA Nationals once again and finishing 12th in the country.

Individual achievement in a team sport is wonderful, but it is more important that everyone works in a team environment to accomplish team goals. During Academic Year 2016-17, the Titans gained both team and individual recognition through conference, region and national honors.

The Women’s Softball Team also continued its success by winning the GSAC Conference

Not only did the Titans fare well on the playing field, numerous student athletes received academic honors ranging from All-GSAC 3.0, to All-Region 3.25, to NJCAA All-American.

The Men’s Baseball Team set school records by winning 41 games this past spring. The team captured the GSAC Championship and made it to the Region XIX Semifinals. Their final

Championship and making it to the Region Semi-finals. Both teams had outstanding seasons and graduated many sophomores who signed on with Division I, II and III four-year universities.

(l-r) Jack Martin, the first director of Athletics at CCM, with Ranell Bell, recipient of the Jack Martin Scholarship, and Jack Sullivan, current director of Athletics at CCM.

Other Athletic department highlights included recognizing former CCM Athletic Director Jack Martin by presenting student athlete Ranell Bell with a Jack Martin Scholarship. Bell, as a first-year player at CCM, averaged over 20 points per game on the men’s basketball team. CCM also once again hosted the Region XIX Tournaments and the Morris County High School Tournament and Community Service program.

“ The scholarship options at CCM are vast and open to a broad spectrum of students. My scholarship helped alleviate the pressure I faced trying to pay for school and will also reduce what I will owe in student loans after college.” Philippe Clesca, Computer Science

The CCM Foundation Supporting Scholarships and Programs Thanks to the generous support of hundreds of donors, and the dedicated work of the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation staff, the Board of Directors and the Trustees of the college, the foundation enjoyed another very successful year in 2016-17, with nearly $685,000 raised in gifts and pledges. Major benefactors included Mr. and Mrs. William McElroy; the Estate of Antoinette L. Rinehart; the Estate of Nazario Paragano Sr.; Novartis; Dr. Bette Simmons; Joseph T. Vitale; Thomas C. Burk; the Estate of Christine A. Rentzell; Mr. Alexander Sica and the Gene Haas Foundation. The strong commitment of CCM alumni and the community at large allows the college to continue to provide an outstanding educational experience for students. During the past year, the scholarship program was again the major focus and beneficiary of foundation fundraising, with nearly $195,000 raised to assist students with tuition and fees. In addition, more than $50,000 was earmarked to support ongoing college programs and more than $170,000 was given unrestricted to support areas of greatest need. In addition, nearly $270,000 was raised during the initial stage of a 50th anniversary capital campaign. Through the help of corporate and private-foundation supporters, the foundation was also able to continue to fund important community programs. Thanks to gifts from the Arconic (Alcoa) Foundation and the Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation, the college was able to once again

sponsor the CCM Summer Academy for Young Scholars, a weeklong program that brings together high potential but “at risk” high school students for a course in the fundamentals of American business, as well as the college application and admissions process. Grants from Investors Bank, Morris Arts and the Mayo Performing Arts Center supported the annual Teen Arts Festival, the largest day-long gathering of area high-school students devoted to the performing and visual arts, as well as critiques by CCM faculty and local artists. Support from Siemens and New Jersey Natural Gas made possible the continuation of the Women Who Dare program, offering more than 200 area high school girls the chance to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The highlight of the foundation’s fundraising year was the 2017 Scholarship Gala, which was held May 5 and raised net proceeds of $70,000. The gala, attended by more than 200 supporters, featured the annual Alumni Awards for Achievement, Volunteerism, Humanitarianism and Alumnus of the Year. The foundation’s eighth annual Leadership Award was presented to Investors Bank in recognition of its many contributions to CCM, Morris County’s businesses and the non-profit community.

Photo: John Hester

Major Grants for FY 2017 $315,248 Carl D. Perkins Vocational-Technical Education Grant New Jersey Department of Education

Your Gifts at Work C apital Campaign: $269,259 E vents: $128,950 P rograms: $51,424 S cholarships: $194,096 U nrestricted General: $41,237

Alumni: $113,317

Foundation: $63,333

Organization: $32,607

Corporation: $137,479

Foundation Board of Directors: $87,857

Parent: $21,350

Former Trustee: $3,850

$138,475 New Jersey Division on Women Grant To support the work of the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center at County College of Morris

$573,919 Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training (TAACCCT)

2016-17 Donors Former Foundation Board Member: $2,000

To prepare students who are enrolled in career and technical education programs to be more competitive in the world economy

Friend: $86,805 Internal: $120,660

Retiree: $9,915 Student: $37 Trustee: $5,755

United States Department of Labor/ Department of Education To provide education and career training that prepares participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations 10/1/14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9/30/18

Grand Total: $684,966

Facts and Figures

4,013 3,410

3,977 3,370

3,964 3,375

3,000

3,476

3,516

4,000

4,133

4,277

Enrollment By Age (2012 - 2016)

2,000

2012

2013

2014

g 35 and older

g 21-34

640

678

743

814

886

1,000

2015

2016

g 20 and younger

Unknowns have been excluded from totals.

Revenues

(June 30, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unaudited) Category Tuition & Fees State Aid County Aid

Combined Total

(June 30, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unaudited)

$30,098,543