On June 12, 2019, Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) hosted its annual Black & Gold Gala to recognize the outstanding service of local individuals and organizations that demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services and health.
The gala took place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Vie, located on 600 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Event proceeds benefit the 50th Anniversary Promise Scholarship, which has provided more than 700 high school graduates across the city with the opportunity to pursue an associate degree at CCP at no cost for tuition and fees.
Philadelphia Mayor James F. Kenney and CCP President and CEO, Dr. Donald Guy Generals made key remarks prior to the award presentations for this year’s gala honorees, which included:
Philadelphia Eagle Malcolm Jenkins, safety and team captain, co-founder of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and the Players Coalition, received the Community Hero Award for his service to the community to advance issues such as education and economic advancement in low income communities, criminal justice reform, police community relations, and for his service to Community College of Philadelphia as a member of the College’s Foundation Board.
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) President and CEO Julie Coker Graham received the Corporate Leadership Award for her work promoting Philadelphia through the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, her service on multiple Philadelphia community boards, and the Bureau’s partnership with Community College of Philadelphia by inviting CCP students to participate in PHL Diversity’s Hospitality and Education Day.
Raytheon Company former Chief Diversity Officer Hayward Bell received the Alumni Achievement Award for being an industry leader and innovator in the practice of diversity and inclusion at the corporate level.
Continuing the celebration of community involvement and growth, 50th Anniversary Promise Scholar students and alumni spoke about the opportunities they’ve received through the College’s many programs. One of the attending scholars, Antoine Mauldin, was recently recognized as this year’s recipient of the Hayward L. Bell Scholarship. Jym Baker and Mary Baxter discussed how the Colleges student success initiatives have positively affected their academic paths. Jennifer Myers, a Jack Cooke Scholarship winner planning to attend University of Pennsylvania in the fall, talked about the College’s bachelor bound program and how CCP has prepared her to transition into a four-year institution. To conclude the evening, Jovira Last spoke about the quality education she received at CCP and how the career readiness program prepared her for life after College.
The event, brought together leaders from some of Philadelphia’s most engaged companies, including title sponsors Parx, Independence Blue Cross and Keystone First, as well as other prominent organizations like Comcast, PECO, Morgan Stanley, etc.
About Community College of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in Philadelphia and the sixth largest in Pennsylvania. The College enrolls approximately 29,000 students annually and offers day, evening, and weekend classes, as well as classes online. Visit the College at www.ccp.edu. Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook.
