A New Semester Brings Enthusiasm as Students Return to Atlantic Cape’s Three Campuses

MAYS LANDING — There was an excitement-filled buzz and aura of anticipation emanating throughout Atlantic Cape Community College’s three campuses in Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May this week as students were welcomed back for the Spring 2023 semester on Tuesday, January 17.

At the Mays Landing campus, chefs-in-training listened intently to Academy of Culinary Arts Chef Educators; classroom tables and desks were inhabited by students focusing on their respective professors lessons; groups of various sizes of students congregated together in common areas; and some students relaxed by engaging in a friendly game of ping-pong.

President Dr. Barbara Gaba welcomed the students back to campus in a collegewide message to all students, staff and faculty.

“As we begin the Spring Semester, I would like to take a moment to welcome back all of our new and returning students, as well as our faculty and staff. I hope you had a wonderful and safe winter break and are refreshed for the new year,” Gaba stated.

New, and returning students alike, spoke of their goals and lofty aspirations for the Spring semester as dreams of graduating in May and achieving academic milestones filled campus halls and classrooms. Eating lunch at a table in the lobby of Walter E. Edge Hall, freshmen Maddie Farley and Adam Goos are excited for what the new semester may bring.

“I am taking History, English, Introduction to Computers and Math classes and I really want to get all A’s,” said Farley, a General Studies major from Cape May. Goos, a Nursing major from Galloway, is currently enrolled in Honors English and Statistics, Composition II and Sociology. “After Atlantic Cape I want to transfer to maybe Rutgers, University of Delaware or West Chester. I am also interested in joining a club this semester,” Goos said.

Over in M Building, freshman Jeremiah Paduani of Egg Harbor City was relaxing on a bench prior to the start of his next Academy of Culinary Arts class. “I really want to learn some new culinary information this semester,” said Paduani, who is unsure of his future plans, but for now he says that he loves learning all about food.

Inside the college’s new Innovation Center, which resides in the renovated Charles B. Boyer Hall, Esports gaming students practiced their digital competitive skills in the new lab room, while several computer lab classrooms were full of students engrossed in their respective lessons. Two additional newly-renovated buildings, Silas Morse Hall and Samuel Richards Hall, hosted classes and welcomed faculty back to their offices.

Atlantic Cape’s Student Government Association (SGA) welcomed students back to campus with breakfast foods from bagels and donuts to coffee and juice. The SGA also celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Remembrance Day by airing the film “Selma” in the Student Center lobby. Students gathered individually and in groups between classes and during lunch to catch a few minutes of the movie.

Across the Mays Landing campus, numerous staff members assisted students in helping them locate their classrooms and answer questions. And in J Building, students spoke with academic advisors, guidance counselors and purchased textbooks that, within, hold a wealth of knowledge that will lead Atlantic Cape’s students on their path to success.

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.