MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College held its annual New Student Orientation (NSO) at each of its three campuses in August. The College hosted nearly 300 students and parents at the Mays Landing campus on August 7, 25 students at the Atlantic City campus on August 13 and 45 students at the Cape May County campus on August 19.
Each year hundreds of incoming students attend NSO to become familiar with the College's surroundings, meet staff and faculty members while also getting to know fellow classmates. Each student has his or her own story and reason for attending Atlantic Cape. Whether for a specific academic program; its close proximity to home; its affordability, accessibility and flexibility; or one of our ten athletics programs. Several students discussed their motivations for enrolling at the College this year.
Residing outside of Atlantic and Cape May counties did not deter two of the newest Buccaneers baseball team recruits, second baseman/shortstop Carter Wiederhold (left) and outfielder Logan Hammer, from choosing Atlantic Cape.
“I chose Atlantic Cape mainly because of the athletic programs. I was previously playing baseball at another school and I transferred here because Head Coach (Alex) Tafaro recruited me to come here. He also told me about the business program and the area is really nice. I like it,” said Wiederhold, a native of Harrisburg, PA who has played baseball since he was nine years old and will be studying business.
“I want to study business and (Head) Coach (Alex) Tafaro recruited me back in February. I didn’t start playing baseball until my freshman year of high school, so I had a late start to the recruitment process. He recruited me, so let’s do it. Let’s play college baseball!” said Hammer, a native of Long Beach Island, NJ.
Twin sisters Laura and Vanessa Fernandez of Atlantic City sought out Atlantic Cape for vastly different academic programs.
“I’ll be studying nursing. I heard a lot of good things about Atlantic Cape. I would like to create a foundation for myself and I also like that I am able to transfer into another school as well,” said Laura Fernandez, who says she would like to transfer to Stockton University once she graduates. “I am looking into a couple of different fields in nursing like medical assistant, RN or a pediatrician.”
“I am majoring in general studies. I want to have a good experience in college and I wanted a little bit of everything,” said Vanessa Fernandez. “After Atlantic Cape I plan on attending Stockton University for dance.”
For some students, like Joey Aponte (below left) of Egg Harbor City and Daniel Hann (below right) of Hamilton Township, choosing Atlantic Cape came down to simple economics.
“I am being honest; Atlantic Cape was the lest expensive option for me. I am going to be studying criminal justice and Atlantic Cape was the only school I was looking at,” said Aponte, whose career ambition is to become a defense attorney.
“Atlantic Cape was also the least expensive option for me and it’s the closest to my home. Also, my aunt worked here for 40 years and ever since I was a little kid I kind of knew that this is where I would go to college,” said Hann, a Fine Arts major who would like to transfer to a four-year school to study digital animation.
At the Mays Landing campus NSO, Keynote speakers Jeff Dess and Lenny A. Williams of Trill or Not Trill choreographed an entertaining presentation meant to uplift, motivate and empower one and all. They reminded the students to "create your story," "respect the journey" and to remember that your "lessons fuel your legacy."
First-Year Experience Assistant Director Jerome Ingram guided the NSO attendees at each event through the in's-and-outs of succeeding during their first year at Atlantic Cape. Also, Dean of Students Stacey Zacharoff spoke to parents and guests on the importance of supporting a student’s college journey; Student Services Navigator Renee’ Patterson offered techniques designed to improve time management; and Director of Instructional Technology Michelle Perkins and Instructional Technology Program Coordinator Gerald Fox guided students through how to operate Blackboard platform.
At the conclusion of each NSO, students were treated to a free lunch and had the opportunity to access free student resources, meet with representatives from numerous student clubs, organizations and academic departments.
Best of luck to all of Atlantic Cape’s students during the 2025-26 academic year.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/one-stop/register/index.php to register for classes and learn about upcoming College events.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
