Coming Events

Dedication of Robert Pugh Fitness Center March 24

The dedication of the Robert L. Pugh Fitness Center will be held Sunday, March 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the PE Building. The center is being refurbished and renamed in honor of Bob's 45 years of service and dedication to MCCC. Approximately $50,000 was raised for the project. To RSVP, email Patti Richards at richardp@mccc.edu. 

Student Restaurant Opens for Lunch March 25

If you don't have tickets for dinner at the HRIM Program's Viking Café, you're too late -- the restaurant is sold out for the semester! But there are still opportunities for fine dining at lunchtime, with two new student restaurants opening for business. The International Café will begin serving cuisines from around the world, beginning with Israeli specialities on Monday, March 25 and featuring changing menus through May 13. The Grinning Bobcat restaurant will serve Wednesday lunch on three dates : March 27, April 10 and April 17. See the menus and purchase tickets online here. Tickets for faculty and staff are just $10.

Gallery Hosts Student Art Show March 25 to April 25; Reception Is March 27

The Gallery at Mercer will host the "2019 Visiual Arts Student Art Exhibition" from March 25 through April 25. The show will feature the best work of MCCC students studying Fine Arts, Advertising and Graphic Design, Digital Arts, Photography and Sculpture. Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Wednesday hours extended until 7 p.m. All are invited to attend the opening reception on March 27 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. More details to come.

MCCC Invites All to Participate in 'Kindness Rocks Project' March 27

MCCC Counseling Services is teaming up with the Student Life and Leadership Office for the launch of Mercer's “Kindness Rocks Project” on Wednesday, March 27. Students, staff and faculty are invited to stop by SC104 in the Student Center between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., where they will have a chance to paint a rock with an inspiring word or kind message. According to Senior Counselor Dorothy Gasparro, the goal is to spread kindness and uplifting thoughts that just might make a person’s day, help them move forward, get out of the funk – whatever is needed in the moment. "We all have those days when we just need a hug…or in this case a rock!,” Gasparro says. See the flyer here.

Holocaust Center Hosts Discussion on Genocide and Tourism March 28

On Thursday, March 28, the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Center invites all to an intriguing roundtable discussion entitled "Genocide and Tourism." Notes Holocaust Center Co-chair Craig Coenen: "Genocide witness sites such as the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Cambodia have gone a long way to educating millions about the horrors of genocide. But as these sites and others attract more visitors each year, small businesses and large corporations capitalize on this growing interest. How much is too much and how can the solemnity of these places be retained when confronted with this increasing dark tourism?" The discussion begins at noon in the Holocaust Center, located next to the bookstore. See the full calendar of spring events here.

Student Life Office Hosts 'Blingo Bingo' for Worthy Causes March 28

The Student Life and Leadership Office hosts "Blingo Bingo" on Thursday, March 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Student Center cafeteria. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance in SC111. Among the prizees is Lia Sophia jewelry; there will also be a 50/50 and Tricky Tray items donated by area businesses. Refreshments will be served. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Lymphoma Foundation and Womanspace in honor of Women's History Month. To learn more, email garrubad@mccc.edu.

'Journey Into Broadway' Makes Musical Magic at Kelsey March 29 to 31

Pierrot Productions' "Journey Into Broadway" is a late addition to the Kelsey Theatre schedule (due to the cancellation of "The Sound of Music"). This musical revue will feature a dazzling selection of Broadway's most moving and famous songs, featuring a cast of fan-favorite Kelsey actors. There are just four shows over one weekend, so get your tickets soon and be ready to enjoy Broadway's and Kelsey's very best! Read more here.

Opioid Epidemic in Mercer County Is Lecture Topic April 9

"Combating the Opioid Epidemic: The Overdose Prevention Act and Narcan” will be the subject of a lecture by Kathleen Petrucci, Chief of the Special Investigations Unit/Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, at noon on Tuesday, April 9 in the Communications Building, Room 110. Read more here.

‘Explore Mercer’ at MCCC Open House April 10

Share with relatives, neighbors and friends. MCCC hosts its "Explore Mercer" Open House for prospective students, their parents, and adults interested in enhancing their job skills on Wednesday, April 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the West Windsor Campus Student Center. Faculty, staff, and students will be available to provide information about Mercer’s 70 degree programs and 30 certificate programs Visitors will also get information about financial aid, special services, and more. Read about it here.

---

Current News

MLT Students Expand Medical World View at Abbott Point of Care

Six Medical Laboratory Technology students spent hours on the phone this fall -- explaining procedures and resolving issues for Abbottt Point of Care as part of a paid internship program. A first-ever for MCCC students, the internships took their knowledge of the medical field from the lab to the manufacturing side. Read more here.

Student Newspaper Scores Big at College Media Association Conference

Fresh from a three-day trip to the College Media Association conference in New York, MCCC's student newspaper, The College Voice, received notice that three of its staff members are finalists for the Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Awards Region 1 (northeast) this year. They include Chelsey Johnstone for news writing; Drew Mumich and Brandon Simms for feature writing and Griffin Jones, now at Columbia University, for feature photography. MCCC students compete against both two and four-year schools around the nation. The winners in each category will be announced April 6 and will automatically proceed to the national competition. We will keep you posted!

Pulitzer Prize Winner Encourages Students to 'Be Open to Being Surprised'

Prior to his lunchtime lecture on March 27, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Eric Foner visited Assistant Adjunct Professor Susan Kozel’s "U.S. History Since 1865" class, where he engaged in a spirited discussion with students about the evolving definition of freedom in this country. All students taking U.S. I and U.S. II history classes read Foner’s book, “Give Me Liberty: An American History." Read more here.

Vice President Diane Campbell Recognized by Capital City Area Black Caucus

At its Women's History Month Celebration, the Capital City Area Black Caucus recognized Dr. Diane Campbell, MCCC Vice President for Student Affairs, as a "Sister in the Sun" for her service to the Trenton School Board, as a trustee at Shiloh Baptist Church, her work on the Board of the Shiloh Community Development Corporation, and as a former member of the United Way Board of Mercer County. Other honorees included Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, NJ State Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and City Councilwoman Kathy McBride. The program featured a panel discussion about city-county collaboration.

MCCC Foundation to Honor Community Partners During Scholarship Fundraiser

As part of the annual scholarship fundraiser, “Spring Into Student Success,” the MCCC Foundation will honor three community partners who have made substantial contributions to the academic and career success of MCCC students. They include NJM Insurance Group (Distinguished Benefactor Award), Wells Fargo (Distinguished Corporate Partner Award), and Infinity Flight Group / Piedmont Airlines (Spirit of Education Award). Read about our honorees here.

Discounted Faculty, Staff Tickets Available for Scholarship Fundraiser

We are just weeks away from the MCCC Foundation's premier scholarship fundraiser, "Spring Into Student Success" -- and college employees can attend at a discounted rate! With a theme of A Night in Old Havana, this year's fundraiser will be held on Friday, April 5, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Stone Terrace in Hamilton, with all proceeds to support student scholarships. The night includes a formal dinner, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, coffee and desserts, live music by the Renaissance Orchestra, and a silent auction. You and your guests can attend the celebration for $150 per ticket, a $75 discount. To make reservations, visit the MCCC Foundation’s secure webpage here (scroll down for special employee discount tickets). If you prefer, contact Radhika Jaisimha (jaisimhr@mccc.edu or ext. 3607) and make your reservations in person.

Everything's Coming Up Springtime at High School Horticulture Expo

More than 500 high school FFA students from around the state brought a breath of springtime to the college on Friday during the 9th annual "New Jersey High School Horticulture Expo," presented by the MCCC Horticulture Program in conjunction with the NJ Department of Agriculture. Visitors also came out on Saturday to enjoy the wonderful floral arrangements and displays. See the Facebook photo album here.

---

Reminders

March 27: Health Professions Info Session. Current and prospective students interested in learning about health profession degree programs, requirements, employment opportunities, career paths, the application process, and more can do so at information sessions on Wednesday, March 27 at noon in MS172 and Thursday, April 11 at 5 p.m. in MS172. Questions? Contact Cindy Matyas at ext. 3596 or matyasc@mccc.edu.

Through March 28 and May 31: Scholarship Portal Now Open. The MCCC Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for new, continuing, and graduating students. NEW scholarships have been added this year. The application deadlines are March 28 for graduating students and JKC scholarship awards, and May 31 for fall scholarship awards. More information about the AwardSpring application process is available here; the application web address is www.mccc.edu/apply4awards. See the brochure for current students here and for high school students here.

April 5: Foundation Hosts 'Spring Into Student Success' Fundraiser. Break out the straw fedora, white sport coat, or the floral print dress and get ready for "A Night in Old Havana," the theme for this year’s MCCC Foundation scholarship fundraiser, "Spring Into Student Success." Now in its 30th year, "Spring Into Student Success" will be held on Friday, April 5, from 6 to 11 p.m. at The Stone Terrace, 2275 Kuser Road in Hamilton. All proceeds will support student scholarships. Mark your calendars! Read more here.

April 10: Wawa Leadership Program Info Session. Are your students interested in pursuing a career in management? Wawa, one of the leading convenience stores in the U.S., is accepting applicants for its College Graduate Leadership Program and will be holding an information session on Wednesday, April 10, starting at 10 a.m. in SC201. Wawa representatives will be available from 10 to 11 a.m. for a meet-and-greet and for resume assistance, with a leadership program presentation from noon to 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Advance registration is required by calling ext. 3530, by email at thomasl@mccc.edu, or by visiting SC201. Students are asked to bring a resume.

Through April 10: Tax Prep Assistance. MCCC, in cooperation with United Way of Greater Mercer County and the IRS Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, will offer free tax return preparation on Wednesdays through April 10 in SC104, 2 to 6 p.m. (No session during Spring Break.) To learn more, see the flyer here.

Tee Up For MCCC Golf League! Employees, regardless of level of play, are invited to join the MCCC Golf League! The league has been meeting at the Princeton Country Club -- and many other courses -- for more than 30 years, playing nine holes of golf once a week from April through September, culminating with a end-of-year tournament and banquet. The league plays on Wednesdays, with tee times at 4 and 4:30 p.m. League members unable to play at those times can play other days and times, provided at least one other league member plays in the round. The cost of playing in the league is a $50 registration fee; greens fee for the weekly Wednesday tee time at Princeton Country Club are $14. Contact Bill Peroni at ext. 3219 or peroniw@mccc.edu, or Jason Taylor at taylorj@mccc.edu or ext. 3214.

Silent Auction Donations Requested for Spring Scholarship Fundraiser. The MCCC Foundation is requesting silent auction donations for this year’s Spring Into Student Success Fundraising Gala, with all proceeds directly benefiting student scholarships. Please consider contributing a silent auction item, with the most requested items being wine and spirits, gift cards from local merchants, and interesting experiences. In addition, the SISS committee is in need of items such as baskets and decorative display , containers, for presentation of donated silent auction items. Drop off donations at AD112. For more information and to view silent auction guidelines, visit www.mccc.edu/siss. Questions? Contact Madison Storcella at storcelm@mccc.edu.

Training and Development Calendar on M-Link. From Monise Princilus, Executive Director of Human Resources and Compliance: As part of our Strategic Plan, the college committed to investing in organizational and professional effectiveness, and we are continually looking for ways to maximize our internal resources to bring you opportunities for training and development. A new Training and Development Calendar has been created. To view, click here. If you see any course that interests you, please register. More courses will be added as they become available.

Through Summer: Camp Registration Underway. From June 17 through Aug. 16, MCCC will once again open its West Windsor Campus to children and teens ages 6 to 17. Registration is currently under way for a diverse list of camp and workshop offerings designed to pique the interests of just about every child. Read more here.

Exercise Classes for Spring: Exercise classes for the spring semester have begun. Yoga is held on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in PE225 and on Wednesdays, from noon to 1 p.m. in the gym. Zumba classes are on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. in the gym. Presented by Student Life and Leadership, classes are free and open to both students and staff. No classes will be held during Spring Break.

Continue to Spread the Word about Free Tuition Through New State Program (CCOG). As active ambassadors for MCCC, all employees are asked to continue to spread the word to family and friends about the state's new Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG). Also consider passing this information along to churches and community organizations for their newsletters, announcements, and information racks. Hard copies of the flyer are available in the AD Executive Suite, at the Information Desk at the JKC Student Commons, and at the Admissions and Financial Aid suites in the Student Center. Or, copies can be printed by clicking here. More information about CCOG is available by calling (609) 570-3795, e-mailing admiss@mccc.edu, or by visiting http://www.mccc.edu/free.

---

Mercer in the News This Week

Trentonian

Mercer CC to dedicate Robert Pugh Fitness Center

Broadway World

AMOS MCGEE Comes To MCCC's Kelsey Theatre March 16

Kelsey Theatre Presents SUNSET BOULEVARD April 5 To 14

New Jersey Stage

Kelsey Theatre Presents "Sunset Boulevard"

TrentonDaily.com

MCCC Display Featuring Trenton Skyline Scores Silver Medal at Philadelphia Flower Show

---

Submit Your News and Calendar Items

The M-Newsletter is published by MCCC's Public Relations office, AD114. Staff members: Jim Gardner, ext. 3736, or Wendy Humphrey, ext. 3729. More here about the services of the Public Relations Office.

Submit News & Events for Publicity: Click here for guidelines. The Public Relations staff reserves the right to make decisions about how newsworthy an item is to the media, and to edit materials based on news value and space constraints.

Submit News for this M-Newsletter: The M-Newsletter is published each week on Monday or Tuesday.

Submit Events for Calendar: All events held on our campuses must be listed on the MCCC calendar to avoid conflicting events with parking and security issues. This form goes automatically to Publications/Web, Public Information, Facilities and Security.

Submit Request for Broadcast Email. Click here for guidelines and policy link.

Please help us keep the college community informed. If you find a typo or error, please let us know so we can correct it online. Your opinion is always welcome. What do you want to read about in future M-Newsletters?

If you will be leaving the college and would like to continue receiving this newsletter, please send your new e-mail address to humphrew@mccc.edu and ask to be added to the "retirees" list.