MCCC Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebration

WEST WINDSOR – Mercer County Community College will kick off its year-long 50th anniversary celebration on April 15 with the inauguration of Dr. Jianping Wang as the college’s sixth president and an evening fundraiser gala for student scholarships.

Over the next year, the college will host a variety of special events in recognition of MCCC’s 50th anniversary, concluding in May 2017 with the commencement of the college’s 50th graduating class.

Following Dr. Wang’s inauguration on the afternoon of April 15 at MCCC’s West Windsor Campus, friends, supporters, and the community are invited to attend the “50th Anniversary Gala Celebrating Spring Into Student Success,” a fundraiser hosted by the MCCC Foundation to benefit student scholarships. Chaired by Mercer County Freeholder Pasquale “Pat” Colavita and Nina Melker, senior vice president at First Choice Bank, the event will be held at The Stone Terrace, 2275 Kuser Road in Hamilton.

The gala is from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Guest tickets are $200; Golden Anniversary Guest tickets are $250 and includes a private cocktail reception with Dr. Wang prior to the event.

Each year the MCCC Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships to high-achieving and financially-qualified students, including non-traditional students, part-time students and single parents. Many students benefit from endowed or named scholarships established by donors through the Foundation. This year alone, the Foundation will award nearly $200,000 in scholarships.

The “50th Anniversary Gala” features a formal dinner, live music featuring the Meg Hanson Band with Bill Hill, and a silent auction. In addition, community partners who have contributed to higher education will be honored during an awards presentation, along with deserving students who have benefited from past fundraisers. Refreshments include hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, coffee and desserts.

Businesses and community members are invited to participate in the “50th Anniversary Gala” scholarship fundraiser through corporate sponsorships, silent auction donations, and ticket purchases. For more information, visit www.mccc.edu/gala, e-mail foundation@mccc.edu or contact Michelle Hoffman at (609) 570-3616.