Community Hero Award
Rodney and Erika McLeod
Founders
Change Our Future


Rodney McLeod, a native of Hyattsville, Maryland, is a distinguished NFL player known for his exceptional on-field performance and impactful community service. A standout football player at DeMatha Catholic High School, Rodney earned a scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology. His commitment to success extends beyond the football field, with a focus on making a positive difference off the field.

Together with his wife, Erika McLeod, Rodney established the Change Our Future Foundation in 2020. Committed to improving the lives of local youth, the foundation spearheads various education and enrichment initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles and empower young individuals to become agents of change globally. The McLeods also host an annual free Youth Football Camp at DeMatha, emphasizing football fundamentals and life skill development in Rodney's hometown of Hyattsville, Maryland.

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Rodney McLeod has actively participated in initiatives such as the Philadelphia Eagles social justice committee, the "End Philly Gun Violence" campaign, and the St. Louis Rams Salvation Army "Tree of Lights" campaign. He is a distinguished recipient of the NFLPA Alan Page Community (APC) Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an NFL player for exemplary community service in their team, city, and hometown.

Erika McLeod, a graduate of the University of Virginia, brings a unique professional background in clinical health and patient advocacy to the McLeod power duo. Despite facing a life-altering brain injury after graduation, Erika's resilience and determination have been inspirational. She is a passionate advocate for change in underserved communities, working towards equality in access to healthcare and education.

Erika's commitment to community empowerment led to the creation of the I "AM" Youth Leadership Summit in Philadelphia, targeting 10th and 11th-grade students. This summit bridges the gap between academics and personal development, empowering today's youth to step confidently into leadership roles. Her charismatic approach, natural leadership qualities, and dedication to health, education, and advocacy inspire individuals across all walks of life.

Together, Rodney and Erika McLeod embody a powerful force for positive change, using their influence to uplift communities and empower the next generation through education, advocacy, and awareness.

Alumni Achievement Award
Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN ‘95
CEO
MANNA


Sue, a 1995 graduate from Community College of Philadelphia, joined MANNA in 1999 as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). At MANNA, Sue has held several positions prior to being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2012. Sue garnered national recognition in June 2013 when she co-authored a key study, “Examining Health Care Costs Among MANNA Clients and a Comparison Group” published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. This research study examined the health care cost savings associated with MANNA’s model and has ongoing impact on nutrition policy nationwide.

Sue has presented MANNA’s work at conferences and meetings across the country. She has also testified in front of the United States Congress.

Sue is an Advisory Board member of the national Food Is Medicine Coalition and served as co-vice-chair from 2019-2022. In 2019 Sue was invited to join the Food Lab Accelerator at Google as a product owner for Food Is Medicine. Other accolades include, the 2015 Jefferson College of Population Health Education Hero Award, Comcast’s Newsmakers selection, the Cancer Treatment Center’s America Caregiver Women of the Week Award, and Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award. In May 2022 Sue was the Keynote Speaker for the graduating ceremony for Jefferson College of Health Professionals and she received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from Thomas Jefferson University.

Corporate Leadership Award
Dan K. Fitzpatrick
President
Citizens Bank


Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, CFA, is President of Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region and a corporate finance executive with more than 30 years of experience. Dan Fitzpatrick is a native of Northeast Philadelphia and is a former chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on its Executive Committee. Fitzpatrick is also a member of the Board of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development in Pittsburgh and the Senator John Heinz History Center. Fitzpatrick serves as Chairman of Philadelphia Works, Inc., Philadelphia’s workforce development corporation. Fitzpatrick earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from LaSalle University and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CPA and a Chartered Financial Analyst. Dan and his wife Beth live in Philadelphia and have four adult children.

Legacy Award
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN
President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross


Lorina Marshall-Blake is the president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (the Foundation), a charitable, private foundation founded in 2011, and also the vice president of community affairs at Independence Blue Cross (Independence).

In her role with the Foundation, she leads strategic, programmatic, and operational efforts to fulfill the Foundation’s mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and wellness of the community. Under her leadership, the Foundation has established itself as a collaborator, innovator, and thought leader in addressing emerging health needs in southeastern Pennsylvania.

As the vice president of community affairs, Marshall-Blake develops and manages relationships with community partners to advance Independence’s social mission efforts.

Marshall-Blake is passionate about giving back to the community. She is involved with more than 30 professional and civic organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the United Negro College Fund, and is the former president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter. She is also an associate minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

Currently, she also serves on more than 25 non-profit boards and committees including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association — Corporate Responsibility Committee, The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Paradigm Award & Scholarship Committee, the Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Urban League of Philadelphia. Marshall-Blake also serves on Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions Executive Advisory Council and Rutgers School of Nursing — Camden Dean’s Leadership Circle. She is also an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Nursing Education and Practice.

Thank you to all our 2024 Black & Gold Gala sponsors and attendees for supporting student access and success. Your generosity raises much-needed funds for student scholarships. 

Student Stories

Click on a picture below to read more about each of our extraordinary students.

Giving back isn’t just about money or providing housing for others; there are many ways to contribute. For example, I remember a classmate helping me with statistics. If you have knowledge, you can share it with others. You can also help with volunteering or raising money for local charities.  

The journey is about finding meaningful ways to make a difference in the lives of others, while uncovering or enhancing the skills you have within yourself. 

Atiyah G.
Alumna, Scholarship Creator

Read more of Atiya's story HERE.

Dontae B

And I just want to thank everybody here at Community College of Philadelphia for everything that they've done for me, from scholarships, for just being here to listen to me. Thank you for all the doors you opened for me, and then, most of all, to everybody who instilled the confidence and belief in myself, to believe that I can do anything I put my mind to. Before I got here, I really was struggling with confidence and believing in myself, and I know when I leave, that won't be the problem anymore. 

Dontae B.

Read more of Dontae's story HERE.

Kamal Rhodes

With the scholarships I received, I’m even more motivated to get my degree because now I can graduate debt-free, which is amazing. Amazing. I almost cried when I found out. I literally dropped a tear. My mom did cry. And it gives me extra motivation to succeed because I feel you guys are dependent on me now. Giving me scholarship support shows that you believe in me. So, I have to show that what you did for me is going to be worth it. So that's why, it's a little pressure, but I'm gonna make it happen, you know, I'm gonna make it happen. It's good pressure. Pressure makes diamonds.   

Kamal R.

Read more of Kamal's story HERE.

Rabia S

It can be difficult to explain the significance of receiving scholarships. I believe that financial aid & scholarships can be life changing. One of the best ways to consider the value of these resources is to consider the challenge of being a sole provider. Being a sole provider means placing your needs and desires on hold and constantly sacrificing.  Personal development, dreams, aspirations become an afterthought. Pursuing higher education can seem impossible when every resource is stretched thin. You feel that there is not enough for you. However, receiving a scholarship or financial aid provides breathing room. They allow you to consider yourself. Scholarships are a reminder that you’re not alone. Even if you don’t have the resources, others are willing to help invest in your future. 

Rabia S.

Read more of Rabia's story HERE.

Community College of Philadelphia is pleased to announce that Rabia has received the Dr. Edward Anderson scholarship and the Ed Hermance Scholarship.

shaun collins

"...because I believe the mind is a powerful thing, and if you sit there and dwell in all this negativeness, you need someone to help pull you out and pull you through if you're going to overcome these big challenges, and I would really like the opportunity to be there and help people through."

Shaun C.

Read more of Shaun's story HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scholarship Support

Scholarship donations are by far the most popular philanthropic gifts supporting students at Community College of Philadelphia. Scholarships and awards can be made for any amount. Donors appreciate that too many students struggle to pay for classes and are forced to leave before graduating due to financial circumstances. A scholarship can mean the difference between dropping out and completing one's education, or at least more time devoted to studies than to a part-time job.

The Community College of Philadelphia Foundation administers multiple scholarship funds that provide financial support to students pursuing an associate degree, proficiency certificate or workforce credential. Scholarships provide support for our diverse student population, whether they are current Philadelphia high school students, recent graduates, first-time College students, working individuals wanting college credentials to prepare to enter the workforce or advance in their careers, or wherever they are in their educational journeys. 

"The scholarship also helped me see my self-worth. It is the first scholarship I have ever received, and it showed me that others saw something in me when I didn’t see that in myself.”

Vina Nguyen graduated in Spring 2023 after studying for the past five years while working as a pharmacy technician. 

 

Interested donors can support the general scholarship fund, or create a fund in the name of their choosing.

For more information on how to create a scholarship in your name or the name of a loved one, please contact:

Leslie Bluestone, MA, CFRE 
Associate Vice President of 
Philanthropic Development 
lbluestone@ccp.edu
215.751.8068

To see a list of named scholarships, please click HERE

“My professors in automotive technology had a great impact on my college experience. They all showed that they cared about my education, helping me tremendously along the way.”

Zahir Anderson faced challenges in his path to earning his degree, including the passing of his mother and juggling a full-time job to pay for tuition. But with the support of his professors and scholarships, Zahir persevered and graduated with highest honors from the College’s automotive technology program. Today, he works in the Department of Fleet Services for the City of Philadelphia and one day hopes to become a lead manager.

 

 

 

 

Community College of Philadelphia Foundation
1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 751-8042
foundation@ccp.edu
EIN 23-2612698

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