National Award-Winning Student Leader Will Deliver Address at Camden County College Commencement

A 21-year-old student who served as state president of the top honor society for community college students – and who was recognized for her outstanding leadership by the international governing body of that honor society – will deliver the graduating student address during Camden County College’s 47th commencement exercises on May 16. Representing the Class of 2015 during the 10 a.m. event that is expected to draw 5,000 audience members will be Rana Elmekadem, a 2012 Haddon Heights High School graduate who lives in Barrington.

The Honors Program student, who earned Dean’s List for three semesters of study and President’s List status for three semesters, is receiving her associate in science degree in pre-pharmacy. She is graduating with a 3.75 grade-point average as a member of the largest class in Camden County College history.

Her speech will focus on self-determination and urge her classmates to be inspired by the completion of their Camden County College studies to remain undeterred by obstacles and achieve even more. She will be joined on stage by keynote speaker and fellow CCC graduate U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-NJ-1, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Christopher P. Lu.

Elmekadem was elected 2014-15 New Jersey State President for Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society – becoming the first Camden County College student to achieve this office – and won Phi Theta Kappa’s 2015 Most Distinguished Regional Officer Award for her exceptional service. She also was a member of the 2015 Most Distinguished Regional Officer Team and helped the Middle States Region win the 2015 Most Distinguished Region Award.

Elmekadem previously served as co-president of Camden County College’s Alpha Nu Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and contributed to its receiving the Middle States Region’s Gold Award and being named a Five Star Chapter. She also completed the international organization’s Five Star Competitive Edge program as an individual.

Her other campus activities included being a member and treasurer of the College’s Chemistry Club and playing on the CCC tennis team. Most recently, she was named to the 2015 New Jersey All-Academic Team.

Elmekadem currently is employed as a state-certified pharmacy technician at CVS in Marlton. She plans to continue her higher education and earn a doctor of pharmacy degree.