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Community Corner

Camden County College Founder Receives Honorary Associate Degree

One of the volunteers who worked to found Camden County College starting in 1966 and who currently assists the institution with development initiatives received an honorary CCC degree during the 45th annual commencement ceremony.

Maxine R. Colm of Greenville, Del., helped engineer the purchase of the grounds upon which the Blackwood Campus has operated for more than 45 years. She also served as a charter member of the College’s trustee board as well as the board’s chair for 13 years. During her service, she was instrumental in guiding all aspects of campus operations throughout CCC’s crucial early years.

In recent years, following her retirement from a full-time administrative position with the University of Delaware, Colm renewed her affiliation with the College. She has been working as an associate with the Office of Foundation and Alumni Relations, providing vital help in raising money and cultivating support for College endeavors, for the last few years.

Colm was presented with an honorary associate in letters degree in recognition of all of the time and effort she has given to the College. President Raymond Yannuzzi, joined by current trustee board chair John T. Hanson, made the presentation to Colm.

“Her contributions to the past, present and future of Camden County College are both immeasurable and unmatched,” Yannuzzi said. “In recognition of her truly unique place in College history, we honor all that Dr. Colm has given and continues to give to the institution she helped create.”

Colm holds a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, a master’s degree from Rutgers University and a doctorate from the University of Delaware. In addition to the University of Delaware, she previously was employed by the New Jersey Department of Higher Education and what is now Rowan University.

In addition to her philanthropic work with Camden County College, she previously served with the Bryn Mawr Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration, the New Jersey Board of Higher Education, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges and the University of Delaware Library Associates Board. She continues to donate her time and talent to the United Way of Delaware and the Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness.

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