ECC Builds Community at 2025 CCA Retreat 

NEWARK, N.J.- Essex County College brought together faculty, staff, students, and community partners from across the county for its 2025 Campus Community Alliance Retreat, held Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Newark Campus.

ECC President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye welcomes attendees and delivers opening remarks at the 2025 CCA Retreat.

The theme for the one-day event was “Celebrating Community through Education: Building Bridges and Unlocking Potential.” Sessions focused on the power of education to unite individuals, transform lives, and reinforce a value-centered culture of engagement and collaboration.

Essex County College President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye offered meaningful insight and inspiration for building a better future during his opening remarks.

“In bringing us together to build bridges, it’s a call to action to promote an institutional climate that exemplifies teamwork, embraces innovation, respect, and understanding,” said Dr. Boakye. He continued, “We must be purposeful in whatever we do — ensuring we provide the right care, celebrating our successes, and being bold enough to create a better and stronger Essex County College for everyone.”

Dr. Yeurys Pujols, Vice President of Institutional Engagement and Excellence at Hudson Community College, echoed these sentiments during his keynote address.

“What makes us the same is greater than what makes us different, and when it comes to building bridges, we need to look at the commonalities,” said Dr. Pujols. “You’ll see that once you get to know someone and find that level of commonality, something clicks. And that’s incredible.”

Dr. Yeurys Pujols, Vice President of Institutional Engagement and Excellence at Hudson County Community College, delivers an inspiring keynote address at the 2025 CCA Retreat.

Guest speakers further underscored the event’s message of unity and purpose. ECC alumni Sadiera Crawford (‘15), vice president at J.P. Morgan Private Bank; Jose F. Medina Pardo (‘06), senior engineering manager at The Durst Organization; and Jessiah Paul (‘17), executive director of Brick City Peace Collective, shared their experiences as leaders of transformational change and connected with students.

ECC alumni José F. Medina Pardo (’06), Sadiera Crawford (’15), and Jessiah Paul (’17) returned to campus to share their journeys as leaders of transformational change—joined by moderator Adewale Thompson. Together, they reinforced the event’s message of unity and purpose.

Faculty and staff also exchanged ideas and actionable steps to strengthen campus collaboration during their breakout session, which highlighted the importance of understanding different viewpoints and working together to advance the College’s mission, values, and goals.

Following a brief lunch break, the day’s activities included a student art exhibition titled “Fragments of Now” by multidisciplinary artist MxFae; musical performances by ECC music majors; and a photography installation by Bikier Hayes, in collaboration with the Africana Institute, called “Lens of the Streets.”

Students attend the 2025 CCA Retreat, listening to presentations focused on collaboration, leadership, and institutional excellence.

The 2025 Campus Community Alliance Retreat was organized by the College’s Campus Community Alliance (CCA), led by co-chairs Dr. John Runfeldt and Dr. Renee Ojo-Ohikuare, along with members representing departments across the College. The CCA extends its sincere appreciation to the many faculty, staff, and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s retreat.