By Jasmine Hendricks
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – The Camden County College Blackwood campus is calling all students interested in learning and improving their writing skills to attend a workshop in December.

A student walks to the Connector Building, where the learning workshop will be held. By Jasmine Hendricks, CCC Journalism Program

During the two-hour workshop, participants will develop effective learning outcomes for their courses. The event will be held by Soheila Kobler, associate dean of academic assessment at Raritan Community College. Students will be shown both effective learning and writing methods.

Amber Fuchs, a second-year student at Camden County College, is eagerly waiting the workshop.

“I love writing. It’s something that comes easy to me and it always has,” she said. “A lot of my friends hate English and having to write stories or paper, but not me. I see it as a chance to express my ideas if it’s a story or argue a point effectively if it’s a paper. I really want to know what kind of pointers and tips they’re going to show us. I’m always looking for new ways to improve my writing.”

The workshop will take place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Room 101 of the Connector Building on the Blackwood campus. There is no cost for the workshop.

By Marie Vassey
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Camden County College celebrates not only the art of students, but the pieces of its staff as well. Once a year, CCC showcases the artwork of its faculty at the Visual Arts Faculty Exhibit at the Marlin Art Gallery on the Blackwood campus.

The faculty art exhibit will be Nov. 13 to Dec.13 at the Marlin Gallery in Lincoln Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. By Marie Vassey, CCC Journalism Program

This year, the exhibit will open Nov. 13 and close Dec. 13. The artists’ reception will be held Nov. 13. The Marlin Art Gallery is open 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays. Admission is free and the gallery is open to the public. The artists’ reception is also free and open to the public.

Students of all majors are welcome to view the exhibit; however, art students are encouraged to attend. Professor Kay Klotzbach, who has shown in the exhibit 13 times, says, “It’s good for the students to see what I do when I’m not teaching them.”

Klotzbach says she hopes students who attend the exhibit take away one thing from her pieces and that is, “That I practice what I preach.”

The faculty showing in this year’s exhibit includes new professors as well as veteran professors, art department staff and CCC adjuncts. All of the work, including sculptures, paintings, photography and film, will be the newest of each faculty member’s collections. Some faculty members will have pieces for sale. Klotzbach will be selling three.

The 2013 Visual Arts Faculty Exhibit will include work from:

• Kay Klotzbach, Lindenwold
• Fred Herr, Collingswood
• Gregory Brellochs, Philadelphia
• Tom Murray, Bristol, Pa.
• Meredith Amos, Vineland
• Phil Rychert, Pennsauken
• Deborah Moss Marris, Moorestown
• David E. Gamber, Moorestown
• Debbie McCarthy, Atco
• Dressler Smith, Sicklerville
• Pat Meeder, Mantua
• Kathleen Zielinski, Mount Laurel
• Coy Gu, Philadelphia
• Joanna Platt, Philadelphia
• Leah MacDonald, Philadelphia

The Marlin Art Gallery is in room 24 of Lincoln Hall on CCC’s Blackwood campus. Additional gallery hours are available upon request. For more information, contact the Marlin Art Gallery at artgallery@camdencc.edu or 856-227-7200, ext. 4201.

Contact information for individual faculty members showing in the exhibit can be found in the staff directory on http://www.camdencc.edu.

By Albert Dadson
CCC Journalism Program

Zach Gray is a freshman at Camden County College. He is a star center on the men’s soccer team. Even though he is a freshman, he led the team in goals this season and is a main reason the team won the regionals this season. The team is strong and the leaders work hard and are pushing hard for a national soccer title. The Cougars play their first game in the nationals on Nov. 14.

Gray was born in England, where soccer is popular and is the main sport played. England is also where international superstar David Beckham was born and that is from whom Gray gets most of his inspiration.

“My biggest inspiration growing up was David Beckham,” Gray said.

That is a lot of inspiration with Beckham’s reputation. When you look up to great stars like that, it means you have high expectations for yourself and for the team you are on.

“The team’s moral is massive,” he said after the regionals win.

He had backup this season with players such as Francis Kailondo, who had 8 goals, and Dennis Bermudez, who had 5 goals, to back up his team high 10 goals this season.

“We know we had a good team, but we didn’t realize it until after the last couple of weeks,” Gray said.

The team came together after they had time to play with one another and they realized one another’s talents. Everything clicked and now they look to advance in this magical season.

With the confidence Gray has in his team, the Cougars should be fine. With Gray on the team, they should be fine.

On the soccer field, Gray has focused on getting his team to the nationals and to new heights.

“These last three months have been the best three months of my life,” he said.

He has confidence, swagger and is having the time of his life. All these components are necessary to stay consistent and be effective all season.

Gray is not only thinking about this season. He is looking to take this success past Camden County College and further his college career.

“I hope to continue this success next year in my sophomore year and try to get into as good a soccer college as possible,” Gray said.

Now, however, the task at hand is the nationals. With players like Gray, the Cougars are in good hands.

Zach Gray is ready to lead the Cougars to victory. By Albert Dadson, CCC Journalism Program

By Melissa Priore                                                                                                                                                                           CCC Journalism Program

All students enrolled in English 101 and English 102 courses at Camden County College must take a departmental final toward the end of the semester.

Students are must register for the final through CCC’s website. The timed essay is administered in the library.

Listed are the sessions a CCC student can attend the exam. The time, the date, the campus and room the test will be administered, ending with how many seats are left to take the exam.

The essays are graded on a scale from one to 12.  A score of less than a six is a failed final.  If a student fails the final, they cannot receive the grade or credits for their registered course until they pass.

Students have a year to retake the test until they need to retake the course.

“You’re going to write more research papers once you transfer to another school,” said Stephanie Gavin (33, Pine Hill, human services major), “If you can’t pass a departmental final for English 101, you’re not in good shape for furthering your education.”

But Toni Gerome (30, Pennsauken, criminal justice major) and Lauren Longfellow (19, Voorhees, fire science major) both agree that they don’t like the fact that the departmental is what determines passing the class.  “I don’t think it’s fair, honestly,” said Gerome.

Longfellow agreed with Gerome.  “There’s no reason you should pass through the whole class just fine then have to take one last test that if you fail, you fail the whole course,” said Longfellow.

Other schools, such as Burlington County College, don’t  have a departmental final for English courses.

So why is there departmental testing for the English courses at CCC?

The head of the English department, Anthony Spatola, said there’s a need for testing beyond the classroom of the professor.

The instructors of the Camden County College English department.

“Instructors have great latitude in how they conduct their classes,” Spatola said, “The common writing examination provides an impartial method for students to demonstrate that they have mastered the core learning objectives of the course.”

By Rachel Robin
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Jacqueline Tenuto has been a faculty member at Camden County College for 26 years and has spent nine of those years as director of student life and activities.

Jacqueline Tenuto can be found in the Office of Student Life and Activities. By Rachel Robin, CCC Journalism Program

Tenuto was born in Audubon. She attended Camden County College for two years and received her associate’s degree in marketing from the college. She then attended Rider University, where she received her bachelor of science degree in education. Tenuto taught high school for three years before she started her career at Camden County College.

Tenuto said three key mentors helped her become the professional woman she is today. Bernie Carlson, former director of student life and activities, was Tenuto’s adviser and mentor. As a Camden County College student, Tenuto worked for him in the Job Placement Department. Tenuto’s other two mentors were Joan Haefe, who was the transfer director, and Joe Haro, who was one of Tenuto’s marketing professors.

Tenuto said the students have motivated her the most to do her job for so long.

“I like being with the students directly. The students come to me for everything,” Tenuto said. “Knowing that I can help a student or the satisfaction of helping someone is what excites me.”

Tenuto wears many hats at Camden County College as both director of student life and activities and acting assistant dean for student development and support.

“I’m always here for the students for anything they need. I’m seen as the help desk,” she said.

With her new position to become official in a couple of months, Tenuto said she is looking forward to adding services that will help students at Camden County College.

“I’m looking forward to handling discipline, expanding student services such as mental health workshops and workshops to help students with time and stress management, along with other activities,” Tenuto said. “The door is always open here at the Office of Student Life and Activities.”

By Brianna Cutter
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – The Camden County College men’s soccer team recently finished another exciting season, coming out as division champs. Contributing to this successful season was right fullback Taylor Tresca.

Taylor Tresca, 21, dedicates his time to his most beloved sport, soccer. By Brianna Cutter, CCC Journalism Program

Tresca, 21, is a sports management major at CCC. He has been playing soccer for the last 17 years. When he isn’t on the field with his team, he is busy training younger children how to play soccer.

Tresca’s love for the sport led him to give up his hobby of baseball after his sophomore year of high school, giving him time to focus solely on his soccer career. That eventually led to becoming a part of the CCC soccer team when he entered college.

This season, the team earned their way to victory with hard work, determination and plenty of teamwork. About the final game of the season against Union County College, Tresca shares what was going through his head during this final stretch to glory: “We had given up a late goal after being up 2-0. Union had all the momentum for the last five minutes of the game. All I can remember was thinking that I had nothing left, but we lasted long enough for their goalie to make a mistake, took advantage of it, and the rest was history.”

As to how it feels to be a part of the division champions, Tresca states, “It’s one of the best feelings I have ever experienced. My teammates and I have been working hard for this since the preseason in August. Two months isn’t the longest time to get to know each other and how we each play, but we played with great chemistry, and the results show this. Playing with these guys and winning the title for the first time in school history, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”

After such a satisfying season, Tresca says he has plans involving soccer: “I have a plan, but you never know what life is going to give you. You just have to trust the Lord in my opinion. But Lord willing, my plan is to make a soccer training facility and rehabilitation center somewhere here in South Jersey.”

By Tyler Shute
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Marjorie Sokoloff is a teacher and head of the Theatre Department at Camden County College. She has directed and acted in hundreds of plays and has written a few pieces.

Marjorie Sokoloff converses with a coworker in the hallway of Lincoln Hall. By Tyler Shute, CCC Journalism Program

Sokoloff has been on the stage since she was 7 or 8 years old. She started to get paid as an actress in her teen years.

“The rejection never stops. It’s next to impossible, it’s not romantic, it’s not glamorous, it’s just brutal, brutal,” said Sokoloff about the obstacles of being an actress.

She has directed many plays at CCC, including “Company,” which was performed last month.

“I was very, very pleased with ‘Company.’ Incredibly difficult music, difficult casting and difficult staging. I think we achieved it at a lot of levels and I think it was really sophisticated work for us,” Sokoloff said.

Donald Swenson, the theatre technician/teacher administrator at CCC, has known Sokoloff for about seven years and they have worked on 23 plays together.

“Our working relationship is probably the best I’ve ever had. We talk, we argue, we try and make sure that every show is as artful as we can make it. My job is to create a visual representation of her vision for the show,” Swenson said. “She is super creative, super talented, very passionate individual who cares about her students and about how artistic each and every one of our shows are.”

The 23rd play that Sokoloff and Swenson are working on now is “Great Expectations,” which will be performed in December.

“Going quickly, we’ve only rehearsed for four weeks here, we are really nailing it out. We’ve had maybe five rehearsals so far. It’s long ways away but it’s looking good,” Sokoloff said about the progress of “Great Expectations.”

Sokoloff has been teaching at CCC for 10 years.

“I find it challenging to keep the students realistic. I find that a lot of students I get in theatre have no idea what’s really coming their way,” Sokoloff said.

For more information about upcoming shows and ticket reservations, check out http://www.stagesccc.com.

By Alicia Colletti
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Camden County College student Rachael Williamson began her internship for the Camden County College radio station this fall.
Williamson, 20, of Barnsboro, is studying communications at Camden County College in Blackwood. She grew up the middle child of a happy, well-rounded family.

“I’m always aiming to make my family proud,” Williamson stated.

The young, dedicated woman aspires to become a sports broadcaster or a reporter. Williamson, who frequently shows up early and stays late to her internship, stated, “My internship is easy and fun. I get to listen to a variety of music.”

Williamson has been a musician her whole life, singing since the time she could talk and teaching herself to play the guitar when she was only 9 years old. When she was 11, Williamson started recording music.

“I’m obsessed with a variety of genres and I get to listen to new things each time I’m on the air,” Williamson stated. “It also gives me experience that I can use to obtain future internships.”

Although music is a passion of hers, Williamson also decided to apply for the internship to help her get experience in the communications field. After graduating from Camden County College, Williamson hopes to attend Rowan University. She plans on interning there, as well, for their news station.

“The media industry has always intrigued me and that is where I can see myself working hard, sharing ideas, and expanding my knowledge,” she said.

A fellow intern for the Camden County College radio station, Nick Lang, stated, “Rachael is very easy to work with. I trained her for about two weeks and after that she took the mic and started going on her own. She didn’t seem shy or nervous. She’s a natural. We can definitely expect great things from her in the future. I wouldn’t be surprised if I turned on the radio or the television in 10 years to Rachael’s voice or her sitting behind a news podium.”

Williamson said she is excited for the future.

“I think this internship is going to help me a lot,” she stated. “I hope to use what I learn here to get other internships and hopefully a career in communications. This experience can only make me grow in the broadcasting world.”

Rachael Williamson selects music to play for the Camden County College radio station. By Alicia Colletti, CCC Journalism Program

By Christian Berry
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – This school year, Camden County College History/Political Science/Philosophy Department Professor Jennifer Hoheisel will be celebrating her 13th year of teaching at CCC.

Professor Jennifer Hoheisel is a professor in Camden County College’s History/Political Science/Philosophy Department. By Christian Berry, CCC Journalism Program

After reading The Miracle Worker, the story of teacher Anne Sullivan and her educational work with Helen Keller, Hoheisel was inspired to pursue a career as an educator. In 1983, Hoheisel completed her undergraduate program at the College of William and Mary before attending St. John’s College Annapolis and graduating with a master’s degree in liberal arts in 1989.

“It was at St. John’s College where I fell in love with philosophy,” states Hoheisel.

It was in 1989 when she began teaching at Trinity Washington University. In 2000 Hoheisel concluded her student journey by graduating from Georgetown University with a master’s degree in philosophy and began teaching at CCC.

While Hoheisel has taught at numerous colleges and universities – Wittenberg, Villanova, Rowan – she has a deep devotion to CCC. Hoheisel is the director of the CCC honors program, which she founded six years ago. Every October, Hoheisel organizes and conducts transfer/financial aid workshops at CCC to help students gain a better understanding of how to fund and plan for their education. In 2010, Hoheisel was granted the CCC Lindback Award for her teaching excellence and contributions at CCC.

Additionally, Hoheisel is the coordinator of the Autism Initiative offered through the college’s Center for Civic Leadership and Responsibility. The initiative presents a variety of autism-related talks for educators and families with members with autism spectrum disorders or ASDs on the Blackwood and Camden campuses.

“We hope to pool our knowledge and help each other,” says Hoheisel, who has a child with autism. Hoheisel is also the president of the Southwest New Jersey chapter of the National Autism Society.

Hoheisel’s devotion to CCC includes a deep commitment to the Camden campus.

“The high school I graduated from was one of five schools involved in the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education case,” explains Hoheisel, “I witnessed an excessive amount of educational and opportunity inequalities, which are unfortunately still relevant today.” These inequalities motivated Hoheisel to dedicate herself to CCC’s Camden campus, where she remains actively involved.

While Hoheisel keeps busy through coordinating events and teaching courses, she also plans to develop an updated version of the philosophy of religion course offered at CCC.

By Jeffrey Abbott
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – After 22 years, Linda Klingler keeps Camden County College’s photo lab in pristine condition so students can expect film and pictures to develop in a reliable and consistent manner.

Klingler was born in Cooper Hospital in December 1951. Shortly after, she moved to Delaware Township, which later became Cherry Hill. She recalls living in the rural area of Cherry Hill before it became developed but remembers it as a hot spot in the areas where the nightclubs and race track were.

She started her college career at CCC. “I was in the first photo class. The lab hadn’t even been set up, and once the lab was set up we started working over there in that lab (in the basement of Jefferson Hall, the lab now resides in Lincoln Hall),” Klingler said.

For Klingler, a typical day includes setting up the lab by doing various tasks. “When I come in the first thing I do is go into that lab and turn on the safe lights and set up the trays. And then I come back out here and mix chemicals to go into the trays and set it all up. I pull the prints off the screens and then I turn on the washers, make sure I turn on the faucets too, make sure all the water’s the right temperature and then I usually start mixing some chemicals. Sometimes I’ll clean before students start coming in too,” said Klingler.

Klingler calls the CCC photo lab “the best photo lab in New Jersey.” As the photo lab attendant, Klingler combines knowledge of the facility with a passion for the job, the students who use the lab and producing quality negatives and prints.

“I like the students, they have some really nice work this semester,” said Klingler.

Frederick Herr, who is the assistant professor of photography and has been at CCC for 15 years, said, “She does a great job at keeping the lab in order. She really does a good job, her and I have worked very well together. I just tell her I don’t care how you do it just make sure the lab runs smoothly and she does. She really has been a great asset to the photo program. She’s very helpful with the students, she’s very helpful all the time.”

Linda Klingler of the CCC photo lab shows the various film carriers with which students can make prints. By Jeffrey Abbott, CCC Journalism Program

By Marie Vassey
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – John Vu, Camden County College sophomore, is the captain of the CCC cross country team, a member of the student athletic committee, a full-time student and a part-time employee at Urban Outfitters. Even with such a packed schedule, Vu has missed only one cross country practice in the last five months. To call Vu dedicated would be an understatement.

John Vu, captain of CCC’s cross country team, makes the most of any free time he has, like studying between classes. By Marie Vassey, CCC Journalism Program

“No drug or alcohol can replace the natural high from working hard,” says Vu, who recently competed at the Collegiate DIII XC National Championship Race in Massachusetts.

Vu’s passion for cross country and bettering his team is undeniable. After being deemed a good leader by Coach Terry Visale-Damminger and voted for by his teammates, Vu was elected captain of the team. He also was the team’s number one runner this season.

Assistant Coach Wayne Merkh says, “John has been a true asset to the Camden County cross country program. The team, in its second year, is just getting established and gaining credibility. John has helped to set the example and the tone for other athletes on the team and for the future.”

CCC is creating a student athletic committee in which standout students of each sport are elected to represent their teams. Vu was chosen to represent CCC’s cross country team. Vu says he agreed to join because he has a message to send: “Sports can help you become a better student. They also help you learn to balance your schedule.” More importantly, Vu says he joined the committee to “get out of the stereotype given to college athletes.”

Vu points out many college athletes become academically ineligible for sports because they’re not focused. He says, “You’re a student first and an athlete second.”

Even though he chooses to work out and train year-round, whether it’s with the soccer or baseball team, Vu’s sense of dedication is not devoted solely to sports. He is equally as dedicated to bettering himself as a student.

Vu says his greatest academic accomplishment so far at CCC was passing statistics, a more difficult class he chose to take instead of the basic math for liberal arts course the advisers suggested, last semester.

Vu’s future is looking bright. Coaches from numerous universities have taken an interest in Vu’s abilities both as a runner and as a student.

By Michael Rubinson
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Camden County College American Sign Language student Jennifer Ruegg plans to stay at CCC in Blackwood once she gets her certification.

People like the 21-year-old Ruegg provide a way for deaf students to succeed in school. This is Ruegg’s second semester interpreting for students, and while she loves her profession, this was not her childhood dream job.

“I kind of just fell on it, ha ha,” Ruegg said. “I started taking ASL in high school, took it here again. I wasn’t very good at math or science but I was good at English and I don’t know, I just kept going and I am where I am. I didn’t plan to do this or really dream to be doing this. I just went through and now I am here. I love it though. I don’t consider this a job at all.”

When asked how Ruegg does as an interpreter, Kasey, who asked to go by only her first name for privacy reasons, a student who receives assistance from the CCC interpreters, smiled and signed, “Well, good obviously, I am used to the way she interprets and she is really friendly.”

As to whether she would be able to choose Ruegg to assist her in future classes if she liked how they interacted, Kasey responded, “I can ask for a specific tutor. It is my right to ask for specific ones if I want.”

Ruegg has definite plans for the next few steps in her life.

“I plan on taking my certification test within the next six months, so if a pass my cert., I can then go out into the professional world. I personally love the education field. This is like training me for what I would really love to do,” Ruegg said.

As to why she prefers to pursue a career in education rather than one in business, she said, “Education has a certain challenge versus a business meeting, like English classes I have to explain what words mean and how we use them, which is tricky. But each setting you work in has its own unique challenges, explaining something like pre-calculus and then going to a science class challenges you to be better every day.”

For now, however, she is concentrating on her certification exam

“Right now I’m just building everything up to the cert. exam,” she said. “Everything is training right now until that test. It’s already paid for too, ha ha.”

Jennifer Ruegg works as an interpreter for deaf students at Camden County College. By Michael Rubinson, CCC Journalism Program

By Essence Money
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – De’Andre Williams, 18, of West Philadelphia, brings a positive outlook to his work on and off the basketball court at Camden County College.

When he attended Northeast High School, Williams was not able to show his talents until his senior year. “Freshman, sophomore and junior year I didn’t make the basketball team because of my height. It wasn’t until my senior year, when the school switched coaches, did I get my chance,” Williams said. “The new coach, Iran Stern, saw something in me.”

Once Williams was given the opportunity to prove himself, he rose to the occasion. He averaged 21 points per game. He made 1st All Public League Team of Philadelphia in March 2013. Following that he was voted 3rd MVP in Philadelphia. Although he doesn’t have a dream of going to the NBA, he does want to go to a Division I college.

“Camden County (College) wasn’t just an option, it was the only option. I had to get out of Philly. I didn’t want to be a part of the constant drama that took place. I wanted better for myself,” Williams said.

Williams credits his mother for keeping him motivated and his uncle for guiding him to play basketball. “I talk to my mother every day, she reminds me to keep focused. She tells me ‘you have to get what you want.’ My uncle stepped in as a father figure and taught me how to be a man,” he explained.

As to how he balances being a student and being a basketball player, Williams said, “It’s not that difficult right now. However, future semesters might be and I’ll be ready to handle it. It’s all about staying positive.”

As he prepared for the game Thursday night versus Cumberland County College, Williams reflected on how much improvement the team is making. “Everyone came from high school as the star players. We all had our own ways of playing. It wasn’t until we started losing in the preseason, 1-4, that we learned we have to play the coach’s way, not our way,” stated Williams. “I believe the team is starting to play better now that we know better.”

Darren Miller, 20, can attest to Williams’ influence. “De’Andre is definitely a cool person to have around. He inspires me to work harder,” explained Miller. “When it’s time to play for games, he tells me to ‘play every minute like it’s (my) last.’ ”

De’Andre Williams watches his team while he anticipates the next drill during a recent practice. By Essence Money, CCC Journalism Program

By Anna Tsiaras
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – South Jersey native Lou Abbattista has more than devoted his life to the game of basketball and his players. Abbattista, a loyal and honest coach, emphasizes his true passion to help them succeed not only as players, but as young men.

Abbattista is one of four children (he has two sisters and one brother). He turned 57 years old on Nov. 14. He attended and played basketball at Haddon Heights High School and was later recruited to Division II Philadelphia University to play for NCAA Hall of Fame inductee and all-time winningest NCAA basketball coach Herb Magee while studying business management.

The title of coach never crossed Abbattista’s mind until the late Art DiPatri approached him when he was 23 years old at a playground park in Haddon Heights. DiPatri, who died in 2011 at the age of 70, gave Abbattista his start, asking him to be his assistant at Paul VI High School in Haddon Township for five years.

Influenced by many men, Abbattista humbly attributes his success to his father, who was also a coach. DiPatri, who was another father figure to him, taught him about the game of basketball. Abbattista calls Steve Selby, with whom he co-coached the Paul VI boys basketball team to a state championship, “a brilliant-minded man” and a “great X and O man.” Abbattista was also influenced by St. Augustine Prep’s Paul Rodio, who became the all-time winningest South Jersey high school basketball coach in February 2013. Abbattista says Rodio is the greatest motivator he ever met.

Abbattista, who has coached for 32 years, is in his eighth season at Camden County College, his third as head coach. He devotes himself to being a coach his players can trust. Abbattista emphasizes how much he cares for his players and wants them to succeed. “I’ve loved almost every kid I have coached. I consider them my sons,” he says.

Abbattista says his desire for coaching is not driven by awards, fame or wins, but by watching his players move to the next level of play and grow to achieve all they can.

Philadelphia-born Dan Burke, 28, who is in his first season as an assistant coach for Abbattista, says, “He is a great motivator. He cares for his players.” Burke says Abbattista has taught him how to mold young boys into men and get them to achieve their goals.

Abbattista hopes to leave a legacy. “People remember you for being a good person, for your team playing the game right,” he says.

Lou Abbattista coaches his players during the Nov. 19 game against Cumberland County College. By Anna Tsiaras, CCC Journalism Program

By Jasmine Hendricks
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Camden County College second-year student Amanda Potter has big plans to take over the theater stage.

Amanda Potter majors in theater at Camden County College. By Jasmine Hendricks, CCC Journalism Program

Potter, 20, lives in Lindenwold. In her senior year at Lindenwold High School, she decided to try out for plays and realized her love of acting in the theater. Growing up, she liked to sing and write.

“I started writing songs when I was 6 years old,” she stated.

She always had an audience to perform for, having lived with her two blood siblings and countless people her mom took in to care for.

As to why she wanted to become a theater major, Potter stated, “I want to be completely knowledgeable of anything I do, so to be an actor I figured I would major fully in theater. I want to know the skills, background and all the little ins and outs about theater and not just the art of acting.”

Potter has worked at American Eagle Outfitters in the Cherry Hill Mall for two years. Her plans are to finish at Camden County College and then transfer to another school.

“If I had my way, I would transfer to New York University, but I’m a realist and know that I’ll most likely end up at Rowan University, which is also fine with me,” she said. “I do however want to get both my master’s and doctorate in theater.”

When her schooling is finished, she would like to perform on Broadway, but her main focus is to act in movies.

She is preparing to be in the company of Camden County College’s staging of the play Great Expectations in December and she and her cousins sang background vocals for a gospel album that was recently released.

“We recorded the vocals last summer just because we love singing and to know that the album was released last Monday is still surreal,” she stated.

She plans to audition for the college’s spring shows, Frost/Nixon and Much Ado About Nothing.

By Richard Camacho
CCC Journalism Program

Anthony DiPietro became the coordinator of academic advising at Camden County College a year and a half ago and a newlywed a little more than three months ago.

DiPietro was born in New Jersey and spent his childhood in Ocean City and Long Branch. There, DiPietro helped his father with photography at the age of 12. This was the start of DiPietro’s many jobs.

DiPietro graduated from Paul VI High School and then attended Washington College in Chestertown, Md. He graduated from Washington College in 1995 with a bachelor of arts degree in business management. Following that, DiPietro attended Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and received a master of arts degree in institutional technology. DiPietro’s best academic achievement is graduating with his master’s degree with a 3.9 grade point average.

DiPietro has worked numerous jobs, from the stock market to substitute teaching to college professor to counseling to board of education to his current job, as of June 2012, the coordinator of academic advising. DiPietro said the best part of his current job is “helping to make a difference, helping students and changing lives.”

DiPietro manages the day-to-day activities of his office as well as student advising. DiPietro works to make sure students are advised properly. He also works on student orientation. DiPietro prepares the advisers for any situation a student may have and helps them identify strategies to solve the situation.

DiPietro enjoys many hobbies throughout the year. They include surfing. DiPietro has surfed in Costa Rica, California, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico and New Jersey. He also fishes year round. A favorite fishing activity for DiPietro is striper fishing in the Mullica River.

DiPietro was married on Aug. 10, 2013 in Ocean City. He and his wife, Morgan, have a 7-year-old daughter, Ava. He resides in New Jersey with his family.

DiPietro is adjusting to married life with work.

Anthony DiPietro looks through emails at his desk. By Richard Camacho, CCC Journalism Program

By Natalia Panfilova
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – While studying, volunteering for an international club and working at the library, Camden County College student Kareem Lazarus, 20, works toward his dream to become a successful business owner. Two years ago he created a website, which recently attracted more people.

Kareem Lazarus works online during his break in the cafeteria. By Natalia Panfilova, CCC Journalism Program

Three years ago Lazarus came to the United States of America. Being born in Trinidad and Tobago, Sangre Grande, he said snow was the only difficulty he had to face.

In fall 2011 he decided to attend Camden County College. He plans to graduate next year.

“Here I`m completing my education for a good price. And, hopefully, I will be able to move on to another college or university, maybe Drexel,” Lazarus said.

His major is computer integrated manufacturing engineering technology. “Yes, it sounds difficult when you say it, but it is not,” he said.

Along with his classes, he volunteers for an international students’ club. “I like to meet new people, make new connections. Because I’ve already been volunteering for two years, I know many people from the office and from the club,” he said.

Lazarus also works at the CCC library; however, it is not his main income.

“I’m just business oriented. I work with a couple of business owners. They teach me how to work for myself and create income. Basically, they teach me what to do and not to do,” he said.

In 2011 he started his business online. “So far it is doing good. I’ve been extending in other countries. When you are sleeping, there is someone else up in another country, so they can be buying stuff from your business,” he said.

Lazarus said he recently his website attracted more customers. “My business grew like crazy. I also added more people to the team,” he said. Most of the people he worked with graduated from CCC.

“I like working with him,” said La Neice Davis, a secretary in the International Office. “He knows what he is doing. I usually ask him questions if I don’t know something.”

Charly Muzalier, a student working in the International Office, also builds his business career online. “We use Amazon business model and Facebook business model, and we combine them,” Muzalier said. “Kareem and I are actually from the same group. We are in the same region. But we are not working together. He has his own website, and I have my own.”

By Nicole Morozin
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – As this semester comes to a close, the Camden County College Blackwood campus’s engineering club is brewing up big ideas. Among the members is Brent Tillman, a motivated young man who helped to cofound the club.

The engineering club was founded in the fall of 2012, Tillman’s first year at CCC. The head founder, Owen Cabalceta, had gone class to class to find anyone who may be interested. When Cabalceta showed up in Tillman’s CAD course, he knew the club would be a great way to fuel and expand on the interests he’s always had.

Tillman, 19, is both treasurer and electrical engineering project manager of the club. The electronic-based position is something Tillman, who also works at the Camden County Library in Voorhees, dreamed of in his younger years.

“I always used to play with the knobs on stereos and try to build things when I was younger,” he stated. “I knew from then on that I really loved technology.”

But it was in his junior year at Timber Creek Regional High School in Sicklerville when his decision to become an engineering major took flight. While in a class that focused mainly on technological concepts, Tillman said the love he always had for technology and inventing was finally given a name.

And this love has taken him through to CCC, as the engineering club takes on its newest invention: a Research Based Hydroponics System (RBHP) which allows the user to grow plants in an isolated environment and monitor every variable. The system is being built from nothing, and the students are happily welding it together and making it their own.

“There’s nothing really like it,” Tillman excitedly exclaimed.

Throughout this project, Tillman has taken on many major technological aspects but has also contributed to ideas and other work that help to keep the club running. And Cabalceta has nothing but good things to say about Tillman’s contributions.

“(He) is a hard-working student and a good leader within the club,” Cabalceta explained.

The club plans to give the RBHP to the biology department upon completion to help CCC to grow as a community and further its research.

This RBHP has proved to be a challenge to the club, but rewarding all the same.

“It’s stressful sometimes to have work and school and then go do work for the club,” Tillman said. “But it’s always worth it.”

Brent Tillman studies before Wednesday’s engineering club meeting. By Nicole Morozin, CCC Journalism Program

By Daniel Morley

CCC Journalism

BLACKWOOD- To attract more students to the stands, Camden County College athletics “winning” strategy is just that, to keep winning.

On Nov. 7, the men’s basketball team took on Burlington County College in the Papiano Gym. Fans filled the bleachers as they cheered for the home team.

But just how many of those fans were CCC students?

Fans wait in the bleachers for the game to begin, Nov. 7, Papiano Gym

Peter DiLorenzo, director of athletics, said that there is a strong presence of fans for the Basketball team.

“Normally, we pack the stands every game, anywhere from 250 to 300 people. It’s mostly alumni, family, and friends of the players. I would say about a quarter of the fans are students,” said DiLorenzo.

Fans watching Camden County take on Burlington County, Nov. 7, Papiano Gym

DiLorenzo said there are several reasons why more students don’t attending games. The main reason is that many students simply don’t have the time.

“I imagine a lot of the students are at work. They leave after their classes are over and they don’t have time to come back,” he said.

Another problem is not having the resources to market athletics throughout campus. Students can find “Cougars Athletics” pamphlets with information about the department in the Papiano Gym, but DiLorenzo said that isn’t enough.

Cougar Athletics Pamphlets located in Papiano Gym

“The Connector Building has the highest foot traffic on campus, and the only thing we have for athletics is one sign in the book store. The problem is everyone in the office is busy with their daily duties, so we don’t have time to market on campus,” said DiLorenzo.

Athletics sign located in CCC campus book store

Student Dan Martin, who attended the game against Burlington County College, said a friend who plays on the women’s team told him about the game.

“My friend plays for the women’s team, and she wanted to stay for the men’s game. I don’t even know the schedule, I just came because she asked me to come,” said Martin.

Despite challenges, DiLorenzo believes that the department is moving forward. It now has its own website, and also uses Facebook and Twitter.

DiLorenzo said, however, that the most important factor is the team’s success.

“The main thing is that we keep doing well. That is what is going to attract fans. We’ve had a big boost with the men’s soccer team winning the region championship, and that’s what really grabs people’s attention,” said DiLorenzo.

By Melissa Priore

BLACKWOOD – Signs with the words “TOBACCO FREE” are posted through out CCC’s campus and have been seen by staff member and student alike for approximately four years.

Since June 5, 2009, the college has been established as a tobacco free institution.  

Signs like this one are all over campus.

The use of tobacco of any kind is strictly prohibited on school grounds, including parking lots.  Students must wait until they drive off campus to even light a cigarette inside of their car.

“Smoking on campus, like it or not like it, the board policy makes it the law. We enforce board policy,” said Steve Hetherington, the Director of Public Safety.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 5 adults use tobacco.  That would mean around 3,000 of CCC students are smokers.  The majority of those 3,000 students have been happy to abide by this law.

“Most of the students have complied voluntarily,” Hetherington said,  “I think it might be a little easier for this generation because they’re use to no smoking areas.”

Sierra Heagen (18, Barrington, Business major) is a smoker but does not disagree with the policy and enjoys what it has done for the campus.

“I think it’s better,” Heagan said, “You don’t see cigarette butts on the ground.  It doesn’t seem as dirty.”

With every law comes those who break it.  Students can be seen smoking on a daily basis, be it behind a tree or on the steps in front of the Madison building.

Amanda Mendetta (19, Pine Hill, Criminal Justice major) explained one of the most common places smokers go while in between classes.

“Once you get past the cars in the front parking lot, by the trees, that’s where we smoke,” says Mendetta, referring to the long strip of land that separates the parking lot in front of the Madison building and Peter Cheeseman road.

Mendetta added that this specific area is safe zone for smokers and is in belief that it isn’t against school policy.

“Security goes pass us all the time and they never yell at us because they tell us to go over there,” Mendetta said.

When Hetherington was approached with the question of why students were being told they had a “smoking area” by certain public safety officers, he smirk and simply said, “We need to priorities with all things.”

For Public Safety, it’s all about picking and choosing battles.

“It’s not something our staff enjoys doing, confronting people in a negative interaction and issuing a ticket for smoking,” said Hetherington.

A first offense fine for smoking on campus is $25, followed $50 for a second offense.  Further offenses go to the Dean of Students.