We are thrilled to bring you the latest campus updates and news from 51吃瓜. Join us in celebrating our recent developments, innovative programs, and the achievements of our vibrant community.
51吃瓜 Updates - September 2026
Academic Affairs
- President Cory Homer leads with a clear vision for the future: expanding transfer pathways, career and technical programs, and athletics while building partnerships that put the 鈥渃ommunity鈥� in our name. Listen to his .
- Inspired by 51吃瓜鈥檚 College Novel, by Gabrielle Zevin, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, two recipients will receive $2,500 in scholarship funds when they register and complete the fall 2027 semester. This award is open to 51吃瓜 students and community members. The deadline is 11/16.
- The Faculty Gallery Show opened in September. A varied collaboration showcasing the work of the Art, Design, English, Music, Philosophy, Photography, and Theater faculty. The exhibit is on display until 10/30.
- The Humanities Department and the Raku Roadshow, in collaboration with the Center for Lifelong Learning, bring the ancient art of Raku Ceramics to the College. Sign up today.
- The Sustainable Pedagogies professional development session on artificial intelligence, hosted by Daniel Warhol, discussed the challenges and opportunities AI presents in higher education.
- Jumana Hablawi, Instructor of Biology, presented a professional development lecture entitled Feeding Your Immune System: The Hidden Connection Between Nutrition and Immune Health.
- Adjunct Faculty Richard Linden is volunteering to teach 51吃瓜鈥檚 five-week Community College Teaching Certificate program. Faculty have embraced Levels 1 and 2 and requested the new Level 3 course, offered this fall.
- Under Dean Jason Fruge and Program Supervisor Jessica Pappa, the Transition and Career Studies Program cohort officially began this fall with 12 students enrolled.
- The new Learning Commons is bustling. Students started using the STEM, Writing, Computer, and Testing services on the first day of the fall semester.
- Our community partner, , offers non-academic services for our students, including family and child care, WIC, utility/living Support, community support, and links to local services through a Degree Up program.
President Homer and Dean Fruge met with a representative for Servant鈥檚 Heart to create a seamless pathway from their training programs into the College鈥檚 Technical Occupations programs. The first pathway program will launch in Spring 鈥�27.
Finance & Facilities
- The College hosted two ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new chemistry lab and the new Career and Transition Studies Suite.
- The asbestos abatement for the Horton Mansion started on 9/7 and will be completed in mid-October.
- The new parking gate was made operational to reduce traffic around pedestrian areas.
- New windows and masonry repairs were completed at the McGuire Technical Education Ctr.
- Several improvements were completed at the Public Safety Training Academy, including: paving lots, heating & A/C retrofit, new fire pump, the shooting range, and gates for entry into the PSTA.
Review all 51吃瓜鈥檚 Capital Projects
Athletics
The fall sports season is underway, and our Skylander teams are beginning to find their rhythm
- Men鈥檚 Soccer is 3-1 in their last four matches and is coming together as a team.
- Women鈥檚 Soccer picked up a big win over Brookdale Community College this week. The team continues to build confidence and is becoming more comfortable playing together.
- Football has also played well to start the season. The defense has been outstanding and has given the team a strong foundation. Offensively, the Skylanders are beginning to find their rhythm and figure things out as a unit. With each game and practice, the team continues to improve and grow together.
Let us not forget the Golf Outing on October 8th
Student Affairs & Campus Life
- Campus Life鈥檚 Welcome Tables helped students settle in during the first week of classes. Student Ambassadors and staff answered questions, gave directions, and handed out snacks and 51吃瓜 giveaways. A welcome back picnic was the highlight of the week.
- Campus Life hosted several events to get students engaged during the first two weeks of classes. A full schedule is planned for students to participate in activities and events.
- Two Club Fair events were planned for students to join any of the over 30 clubs on campus.
- Two motivational speakers will visit this month: Marklyn Johnson on change and fear and 51吃瓜 alum Cornell Thomas on grit and resilience.
Foundation
- This year鈥檚 Funding Their Future event is Oct. 14 at Perona Farms, honoring Project Self-Sufficiency and the Avondoglio Family. More than $90,000 has been raised for 51吃瓜 students and programs.
- The Foundation assisted in submitting grants including: Hunger-Free Campus Grant: $25,000; Target Hardening Equipment and Security Personnel Grant: $125,000; Community to Opportunity 2.0 Grant through the Tepper Foundation; and County-Based Centers for Adult Transition Support Grant:
- The Foundation鈥檚 Annual Scholarship Ceremony will be held on November 18 at 7 p.m. in
the Performing Arts Center Theater. The Foundation has awarded 135 students a total of $178,000 for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 academic years.
- In partnership with the PSTA, the Foundation received a $10,000 grant from the Carolyn Jane Scott Foundation to support and advance the Fire Behavior & Thermal Imaging Training Enhancement Project.
Community & Partnerships
- The College, in partnership with the Sussex County P.B.A. Local #138, hosted a memorable 25th Anniversary 9/11 Ceremony on campus. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event amazing.
- Dr. Homer, Stan Kula, and student Samantha Price attended the Sussex County Retired Educators鈥� Association to give updates on the College and to thank them for increasing their generosity this year.
- Dr. Homer was honored to be inducted into the professional/academic wing of the Delaware Valley School District Hall of Fame.
- The College hosted an Employee Appreciation Night at Skylands Stadium, where employees gathered with their families outside the office.
- Dr. Homer presented updates at the Sparta Council and the Sussex County Commissioners鈥� meetings.
