Happy Tears and Emotion Aplenty at Atlantic Cape’s Student Government Association Annual Club Recognition Ceremony

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College’s Student Government Association (SGA) recognized the contributions of its many diverse student clubs and its advisors, along with acknowledging and honoring some of the college’s finest and most dedicated students, staff and faculty members at the SGA’s Annual Club Recognition Ceremony on May 4 in the Student Center on the Mays Landing campus.

“This is a night to celebrate all of you, thank you and let you highlight yourselves, your accomplishments, and your wonderful energy and vibe that you brought here this year,” said Student Engagement Manager Lisa Givens in her opening remarks.

Atlantic Cape’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Natalie Devonish stated that the 20 student clubs hosted 32 fundraisers, 29 events supporting Atlantic and Cape May counties, 38 mental health support events and 58 culturally-diverse themed activities for a cumulative 236 events during the 2022-23 school year. The events had a positive effect on everyone involved by bringing students from all backgrounds together.

“We were able to make everyone feel more comfortable being a student here and that’s by embracing who we are as a community and who you are as a student,” Devonish said. “I also want to say thank you to all of the club advisors. You all have dedicated so much more of your time and it has not gone unnoticed.”

At the onset of the evening, Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba and Dr. Devonish were recognized with Appreciation awards for their commitment and dedication towards the excellence of the students at Atlantic Cape.

Special awards were then presented to the following recipients in their respective categories: Earth Day Winner: Environmental Club; Hall of Fame Award: Radio Club, Circle K and Asian Cultural Club; Student Spotlight Award: Haniyah Bey and Charlene Maycott; Beacon of Light Award: Nancy Porfido, diversity, equity and inclusion advocate and judicial officer; and Visionary Award: Jeanine DiNardo, assistant professor, Hospitality Management.

Members from the 20 student clubs were recognized and honored with certificates for their dedication and accomplishments over the course of the school year.

Outgoing 2022-23 SGA President Jasmin Caldwell presented the incoming 2023-24 SGA President Sultana Zakia with the ceremonial gavel.

Two special awards were presented to Lisa Givens and Joelle Motley for their unwavering support and for going above and beyond to ensure that everyone involved in the SGA were cared for and treated with kindness and respect.

The evening ended with student leadership members from the SGA being recognized and honored by Givens for their commitment this year.

“We are always going to be here to support you no matter what, and we love each and every one of you. You are always home here, this is home,” Givens concluded.

Learn more about Atlantic Cape's Student Clubs and Student Government Association.

View a photo gallery from the event at Flickr.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.