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SCCC August Newsletter

9/5/2025 12:00:00 PM

We are thrilled to bring you the latest campus updates and news from Sussex County Community College. We invite you to join us in celebrating our recent developments, innovative programs, and the achievements of our vibrant community.

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Academics

SCCC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Passaic County Community College for the new Nursing Simulation Lab, a realistic educational environment designed to replicate the situations nurses encounter in clinical practice. Sessions are recorded for review, and students participate in guided debriefings where they reflect on their actions, receive feedback, and reinforce their learning.

Robotics students Rohan Lukose and Jose Rivera developed code that allows a camera-equipped robot to recognize different products and sort them for customer delivery. Using AI, the automated system identifies objects and directs them to designated locations. As part of the robotics program, students can also earn up to ten industry-recognized certifications.

SCCC attended the ribbon-cutting for the new NORWESCAP Makerspace in Sussex. The space is designed to provide access to resources for local businesses and entrepreneurs, including technology, professional development, networking, workshops, business counseling, and mentorship programs. 

Diesel Technology Instructor, Keith Popp, was named the 2025 National Garage Star of the Year by Student Transportation of America. This prestigious recognition, now in its tenth year, honors fleet management professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills in their bus garages and in their communities. 

The College has partnered with Georgian Court University to submit a $1.25 million grant, further supporting students with intellectual disabilities through the Transition Programs for Students with Disabilities into Higher Education program.

The newly renovated faculty offices were unveiled, creating a welcoming and efficient space that fosters collaboration and productivity. A special thanks to Dean Gallo, Professor Fitzgerald, and Instructor Jeffries for their efforts in making this possible.

SCCC is collaborating with Barnlight Productions on a strategic partnership that will lead to industry-specific curriculum improvements and opportunities for students seeking careers in professional production and emerging industry technologies, paving the way for articulations with four-year institutions.

Enrollment & Community

Enrollment for the Fall 2025 Semester looks good with another steady increase over last year —a big congratulations to our Strategic Enrollment Group, led by Executive Director Jamie Borger.

A focus on increasing social media presence through new stories resulted in the College increasing awareness and engagement across all metrics, thanks to the new Marketing Assistant, Alex Romano. She is creating student-focused content and handling departmental photography.

Over the summer, the College Administration connected with nine nonprofit organizations to explore potential partnerships and share information about College programs. The College also hosted staff members from PSS for a campus tour, lunch, and an overview of the college programs.

The newsletter has approximately 10,000 recipients and continues to grow steadily among our community members.

Softball Coach Jamie Borger coached the Team USA 12U girls in their national competition.

Student Engagement Coordinator Christine Gaydos served as a facilitator for the NODA - Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education's virtual Student Leadership Institute. 

Campus Life & Athletics

A new scoreboard on the soccer field was dedicated to all First Responders who serve our community during a special ceremony held on 8/29.

The Women’s Soccer Team won their first game of the year against the CCBC, 1-0.

The Football team opened their season and will play home games at Skylands Stadium starting 9/20.
 
The Skylanders Athletics Golf Outing is scheduled for 10/2 at Crystal Springs. Registration starts at 11:30 am. Shotgun start at 1 pm, followed by dinner and Awards. sussex.edu/golfouting.

Finance & Facilities

Campus Security enhanced safety and reliability by staffing each shift with both dispatchers and responders, thereby reducing response times and increasing accountability. New gate procedures now improve access control, visitor and vehicle tracking, and provide a stronger security presence, with all staff trained in updated protocols.

The HVAC unit for the Library renovation project was installed on 8/21. This unit was purchased as part of a $1.1 million program with Elizabethtown Gas aimed at emergency efficiency.

Capital Projects remain ongoing after significant progress this summer, including:
•    Optics Technology Center
•    Learning Commons/Library
•    Chapel Renovation
•    Art Gallery Renovation
•    Nursing Simulation Lab
•    Medical Arts Center
•    PSTA Basement/Defensive Tactics Space
•    PSTA Outdoor Shooting Range
•    Outdoor Fitness Studio
 
The Learning Commons Renovation (right) is coming along! This space will be a wonderful resource for student learning.

Foundation

The 2025 Funding Their Future event will take place at Perona Farms on 10/15. The Foundation will honor Al Dorso, President of Skylands Stadium, for his partnership with Skylanders Athletics at SCCC.  Tickets and sponsorships are available at sussex.edu/fundingtheirfuture. 

The Foundation announced that 122 students enrolled for the 2025-2026 academic year have been awarded a total of 132 annual and endowed scholarships maintained by the SCCC Foundation. To date, $136,000 in scholarships have been awarded. 

The Foundation was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from FirstEnergy Foundation to purchase needed climbing and protective gear for our Electrical Lineworker students.

The SCCC Alumni Association Executive Board will hold its first in-person meeting on 9//.  During that meeting, the Board will discuss the proposed bylaws, the selection process for officers, and an alum gathering for the Fall semester.    

The Foundation continues to collaborate with faculty and staff on several grant opportunities, with the following recent grant submissions.