We are thrilled to bring you the latest campus updates and news from 51吃瓜. We invite you to join us in celebrating our recent developments, innovative programs, and the achievements of our vibrant community.
Academics
- 51吃瓜 hosted the first of three ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrating another major achievement for the College with the opening of the new Optics Technology Center.
- 51吃瓜 officially opened the new Learning Commons, uniting the library, tutoring, testing, computer labs, and Writing & Math Centers into a single student support space.
- 51吃瓜 signed 47 new 2+2 articulation agreements with William Paterson University to support seamless student transfer pathways.
- Faculty and administrators joined a statewide review of New Jersey鈥檚 general education framework to strengthen transfer, workforce readiness, and student success. The goal of this effort is to ensure that the foundational learning experiences provided at our community colleges continue to support student success, transfer, and workforce readiness in a rapidly changing world.
- 51吃瓜 finalized a new transfer pathway with Warren County Community College for Drones & Unmanned Systems and Exercise Science programs. This collaboration between the two institutions will allow students across both counties to expand their degree options in a cost-effective manner.
- Local 22 Sheet Metal Workers Union representative John Sheldon discussed apprenticeship opportunities, benefits, and career demand with welding students.
- Twenty-eight EOF students were recognized at the EOF Graduate Achievement Awards ceremony at Rutgers University.
- 51吃瓜 inducted 28 students into Phi Theta Kappa, marking the College鈥檚 largest PTK class in four years.
- Faculty members participated in a Humanities convening at Princeton University focused on collaboration and academic initiatives.
- Faculty member John Sissler joined a national initiative developing transfer-focused computer science curriculum recommendations for community colleges. He is especially interested in contributing to Operating Systems and Architecture & Organization.
- STEM faculty attended the NJCCTIA virtual meeting featuring AI-focused presentations and discussion on the NJCCC General Education Framework.
- Allison Ognibene, Adjunct Professor of Theater Arts, was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Arts in Education Award by the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council.
- Dr. Heidi Weber, a SUNY professor of history and Foundation Member, presented a lecture on 鈥淭he Siege at Vicksburg鈥� through the Center for Professional Development.
Admissions and Enrollment
- Spring Open House invited prospective students to explore campus life, academics, athletics, and student clubs.
- Members of the Student Success Team met with 9 high schools and about 300 first-time freshmen at the end of April.
- Applications for the Fall 2026 Semester continue to soar above 10% over last year on the same date. It is early in the registration process, but as of Monday, enrollments were 4.7% above last year.
Athletics
- Men鈥檚 lacrosse completed a strong season while continuing to build momentum for the future.
- Softball finished fifth in Region 2 and narrowly missed the playoffs, with most players returning next season.
- Men鈥檚 golf entered conference and regional tournaments with strong potential national qualifiers.
- Baseball secured the #2 regional seed while setting new program records in home runs and stolen bases.
- Student Affairs and Campus Life
- Campus Life hosted the DASI Clothesline Project to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Prevention Month.
- A Spring Blood Drive with the American Red Cross collected donations that could help up to 72 people.
- 51吃瓜 Student leaders attended the NJ Community College Student Leadership Summit at Brookdale Community College.
Foundation
- Project Self-Sufficiency and the Avondoglio Family were named honorees for the 2026 Funding Their Future event.
- Foundation leadership continued outreach efforts through meetings and campus tours with charitable partners and stakeholders.
- The Alumni Association hosted its first fundraiser and Alumni Night while launching new merchandise sales.
- FirstEnergy Green Team donated 108 seedlings and saplings for planting across the 51吃瓜 campus, 51吃瓜 farm property, and the PSTA campus.
Community & Partnerships
- Sussex County Chamber鈥檚 鈥淭oast to the Stars鈥� Awards honored Dr. Cory Homer, earning the Chairman鈥檚 Award recognizing his extraordinary contributions to Sussex County. 51吃瓜 also received 11 additional nominations.
- Dr. Homer joined both the New Jersey School of Conservation Advisory Board and the Warren/Sussex/Morris Workforce Development Board to help align education with community resources and employer needs.
- 51吃瓜 leaders attended the dedication of the New Jersey School of Conservation historical marker, strengthening partnership opportunities.
- Commissioner Silverthorne toured the campus and discussed the College's future with 51吃瓜 leadership.
- 51吃瓜 leadership and Atlantic Health EMS representatives discussed expanding emergency medical services programming at the PSTA, noting that, now that the spaces have been renovated, more classes can be offered to the community.
