More than 75 attendees participated in “Coffee and Conversations with Dr. Cronin,” held on DCCC’s Marple Campus, including College Trustees and DCCC Educational Foundation Board members as well as local partners such as Visit Delco, Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School, Sharon Bank, and other community organizations and employers invested in workforce development and economic mobility.

Pennsylvania State Senator Timothy P. Kearney and Pennsylvania State Representative Heather Boyd were guest speakers along with DCCC student Shakia Gordon-Hutt ’26. Attendees heard updates on the progress of the Southeast Center and of the College’s Building Community Campaign, a $7.5 million comprehensive initiative launched in 2021 to expand access to education, promote social and economic mobility, and strengthen workforce development across the region. While the campaign broadly supports students and programs across the College, the discussion emphasized the importance of continued capital investment and partnerships to ensure the Southeast Center is fully equipped to meet regional workforce and community needs. The gathering was intentionally designed to celebrate fundraising and construction progress, recognize and thank donors, elevate student voices, and foster conversations that build advocates for the project and inspire future giving.

Conversations also focused on the role of community colleges in the future of higher education, community leadership and opportunities for residents and businesses. Participants discussed how the Southeast Center will contribute to the region’s workforce pipeline and economic vitality once it opens. “I have done community work in the Drexel Hill/Upper Darby area, and I have seen firsthand how much DCCC and educational opportunities are needed there to better themselves and their families,” said Gordon-Hutt. “You’re giving knowledge, skills and opportunities that people take back to their families, communities and cultures.”

“It’s not just a building; it’s a promise to our learners and to our region’s future,” noted DCCC President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, host of the event. “The addition of the Southeast Center will change lives for years to come.” Dr. Cronin encouraged attendees to continue sharing the project’s story and to support the College’s ongoing efforts to build strong partnerships and secure the resources needed to ensure the Center is fully equipped to meet student and workforce needs.

To support the College’s Building Community Campaign, visit dccc.edu/campaign or email Dr. Laura Chisholm, Vice President, Institutional Advancement, at lchisholm1@dccc.edu.