Newsletter | November 2025

Academics

SCCC was honored to receive the Business Advocacy Award from the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership. This recognition highlights SCCC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the regional economy through strong workforce development initiatives, academic-to-career pathways, collaborations with local employers, and training programs that strengthen key industries. The College was also nominated for seven additional awards.

SCCC is proud to continue its strong partnership with Fairleigh Dickinson University, which offers SCCC Graphic Design students a clear path to a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design.

The nursing program received a new high-fidelity maternal and birthing simulator, MamaAnne, that enhances student training in labor and delivery.

Community members are invited to a free Winter Festival on 12/4 from 5–7 pm for holiday fun that includes treats, photos with Santa, crafts, games, face painting, and a reading of The Night Before Christmas.

The College hosted an across-curriculum presentation, Hearing Someone into Existence: A Cross-Curricular Conversation Inspired, encouraging conversation around mental well-being as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Criminal Justice Program and the Newton PD held a Code Blue meeting with the Newton Homeless Task Force to discuss ways to support those experiencing homelessness during Code Blue emergencies.

Prof. John Sissler presented to NJCCCTIA, a consortium of NJCC IT departments, sharing how an AI tutoring system was implemented and evaluated in computer science courses.

Professor Sal Paolucci and Instructor Jason Petecca partnered with the Center for Lifelong Learning to host Financially Fit at Any Age, a community seminar.

Asst. Professor Dawn Flanders and Dr. Richard Owens held a discussion on Catcher in the Rye and juvenile justice, with a presentation by CJ student Dante Garrido.

Instructor Jason Boehm presented on the History of Sussex County, providing a look into community roots, connections, and what makes our community unique.

Adjunct Professor Cheryl Conway presented a lecture, Believe It or Not? How Do You Know What Real News is and What is Fabricated, which focuses on how social media and online journalism have transformed news.

SCCC's annual Health Fair will be held on Monday, December 15 from 10 am-1 pm in the PAC and Health Sciences Building, Room A208.

Athletics

Women’s Soccer earned a #10 seed in the National Championship Tournament in Kansas. Congratulations to the student-athletes and coaches on this amazing achievement.

Men’s Wrestling competed in several invitational events and performed exceptionally in all weight classes.

Men’s Basketball began its season and faced two nationally-ranked opponents. Coach O’Hara and the team continue to demonstrate great determination.

Women’s Basketball is currently 1–2 under the leadership of Coach Matos, who is doing an excellent job.

Information Technology & Middle States Accreditation

The College is officially live on the Jenzabar One ERP platform, a milestone two years in the making that reflects the persistence, patience, and grit of our College!

There will be a preliminary visit by Middle States Team Chair, Dr. Yolanda Wilson, in the first week of December which will include open sessions that will help guide the larger team visit in March.

Community Connections

The Board of Trustees hosted a President’s Reception to welcome Dr. Cory Homer, along with faculty, staff, and community members. The evening celebrated what makes SCCC so special to the community.

Members of the College met with representatives of the Northern NJ United Way to discuss ways to partner with the ALICE community in the County.

SPRING REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR NEW AND CURRENT STUDENTS!

Student Affairs &
Campus Life

SCCC Veterans Affairs, the American Legion, and the VFW hosted a luncheon for the veteran community. Security Director John Dixon held a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps, a symbol of the passing of knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next.

SCCC received a $27,500 grant from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to support the Horton Nutrition Center to help students with food insecurities.

Dr. Jamie Borger (left) was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of New Jersey for 2025 by Women We Admire. This honor celebrates her outstanding dedication to students and her exceptional leadership as Executive Director of Student Success.

EOF Coordinator Ann Bruno hosted the fifth annual First-Generation Celebration, which honors students who are the first in their families to attend college.

SCCC Foundation

The Annual Scholarship Ceremony was held in November. To date, $157,475 in scholarships have been awarded to 150 students with 146 annual and endowed scholarships administered by the Foundation.

The SCCC Alumni Association Executive Board selected its inaugural officers who met this month to review the bylaws. They will oversee activities to engage and involve our 11,000 alumni.

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