News Release
Contact
Nicole S. Rowe
Administrative Assistant,
Public Relations
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE
19720
nicole.s.rowe@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University and Salem Community College Celebrate 35-Year Partnership
Salem Community College’s Donaghay Hall was all a buzz last night as students joined administrators, faculty, and community residents to learn more about Wilmington University, a partner school located just 8 minutes over the bridge in Delaware. Last night’s Partnership Open House was held to celebrate and reflect on a 35-year partnership between Wilmington University and Salem Community College. This partnership has granted countless students throughout southern New Jersey the access to a quality education.
Salem Community College President, Dr. Peter Contini, welcomed the crowd recognizing the faculty, provost and deans who were in attendance. He also welcomed the students and New Jersey residents. “We are here to celebrate a partnership of over 35 years,” said Contini. “The relationship between Wilmington University and Salem has been long standing. Students can start here and then continue their quality education just over the bridge in Delaware...The vision of Wilmington University and the opportunity they have brought to students at Burlington, Cumberland and Salem has been tremendous.
Wilmington University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs also emphasized the significance of this 35 year partnership saying, “What were you doing in 1974?...this was in this year that Wilmington University partnered with the fine institution that is Salem Community College. This partnership has bridged the path from associate’s degree to bachelor’s degree for our southern New Jersey residents. Salem Community College students can seamlessly transfer their courses into a bachelor’s program just 8 minutes over the bridge in Delaware.” Dr. Caffo went on to announce that the Wilmington University Board of Trustees, acting on a nomination by President Jack Varsalona, approved the awarding of an honorary doctoral degree to SCC President Dr. Pete Contini, to be bestowed at Commencement in the spring. “He is not only a great colleague but also a great friend,” said Dr. Caffo.
“The Partnership Open House was not only a way to commemorate the long time relationship between Wilmington University and Salem Community College, but also a way of sharing how this partnership has benefited New Jersey residents,” said Christopher Pitcher, Assistant Vice-President of Public Relations at Wilmington University. “Salem Community College (SCC) and Wilmington University have 16 dual admissions programs, meaning SCC students who have completed their associate’s degree can smoothly transition into a corresponding bachelor’s degree program at Wilmington University.”
The University offers bachelor’s degree classes every 8 weeks at Salem’s Carneys Point campus. Additionally, students can choose between accelerated day, evening, weekend or online classes at Wilmington University’s New Castle campus (just 10 minutes over the bridge). Best of all – New Jersey residents pay Wilmington University’s low in-state tuition.
As students stood in line to submit applications and request program information from Wilmington University advisors, the excitement grew. “My boss’ wife recommended the University to me and I am here to find out more about the Education program,” said Lauren Oliver, an Education major at Salem Community College, “Its close to home and has a good reputation.” Lori Strang, also an Education major at Salem, echoed Oliver’s sentiments saying, “Some of my friends go to Wilmington University and they like the fact that they can work and go to class. I’d love to transfer to Wilmington.”
To learn more about Wilmington University’s partnership with Salem Community College and other colleges in New Jersey visit www.wilmu.edu/newjersey.
