CCRI student Precious Lijofi earns 2023 New Century Transfer Scholarship
CCRI student Precious Lijofi earns 2023 New Century Transfer Scholarship
March 10, 2023
Community College of Rhode Island sophomore and Providence, RI, resident Precious
Lijofi has been named a 2023 New Century Transfer Scholar and will receive a $2,250
scholarship.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Lijofi is a member of CCRI’s Phi Theta Kappa – the international
honor society for two-year colleges – Pi Omicron chapter, a Rhode Island Promise scholar,
and a General Studies major with a concentration in Cellular & Molecular Biology.
She is also a General Chemistry and Math tutor for CCRI’s The Tutoring Center.
As part of the college’s Joint Admissions Agreement (JAA) program, the 20-year-old
Lijofi will graduate in May and transfer to the University of Rhode Island to pursue
a career as an Emergency Medicine Physician.
New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments,
leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the
classroom. More than 2,400 students were nominated from more than 1,300 college campuses
across the country with one winner selected from each state.
Lijofi began the New Century Transfer Scholar application process in October and was
pleasantly surprised when she heard the good news while working her day shift at the
Warwick Mall Macy’s department store.
“I was shocked,” Lijofi said. “At first, I wasn’t sure it was real. I’m very thankful
for my professors, whom I leaned on a lot during this process, and my advisors for
their help throughout this journey. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given
since enrolling at CCRI.”
The oldest of four children in her family, Lijofi moved from Nigeria to the United
States with her mother and three siblings in 2018 as a high school sophomore. She
attended North Providence High School and developed an interest in the healthcare
industry while observing doctors nurse her aunt back to health following a major surgical
procedure. Her late uncle also practiced Family Medicine and instilled in her the
desire to enter this challenging, yet rewarding, field.
At CCRI, Lijofi took advantage of the many resources the college has to offer, including
Tutoring, Advising, and the Writing Center, the latter which helped tremendously with
her written essays during the New Century Transfer Scholar application process.
“Coming to CCRI was incredibly helpful to me in my academic journey,” Lijofi said.
“The help I received here and the growth I’ve endured these past two years wouldn’t
have been possible if I immediately enrolled in a four-year college. Everything from
the extra help from professors to the office hours after class, CCRI has been amazing.
I’m glad I started here.”
The New Century Transfer Scholar program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation,
the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of
Community Colleges (AACC).
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at
two-year colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. PTK is made up of
more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries with approximately
240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.
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The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
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The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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Warwick, RI -- Samantha Lescarbeau knew she would experience one life-changing event at CCRI commencement. But she never expected what would happen after she walked across the stage at Amica Mutual Pavillion on May 15.
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Warwick, RI -- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Student Film Festival following a weekend of cinematic talent and storytelling. The festival kicked off with a red-carpet gala on Friday, May 10, and continued on Saturday, May 11, with a full day of student film screenings. The event drew students, faculty, and local film lovers to celebrate the achievements of CCRI’s talented filmmakers.
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will launch the next phase of work-based learning to increase internships for students to work directly in workplace environments, gaining valuable skills and experience necessary for college and career success.
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May 20, 2025
A partnership between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Delta Dental of Rhode Island (DDRI) is building a pipeline of highly trained, workforce-ready dental hygienists to respond to a nationwide demand for dental hygienists and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable oral healthcare system in Rhode Island.
CCRI Celebrates its 60th Commencement with Powerful Speeches, Generational Milestones, and a Proud Legacy of Alumni
May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
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May 14, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) softball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series for the second consecutive season following another remarkable run in 2025. With a 19-7 overall record, CCRI is currently ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA Division III national poll and will represent the Northeast District and Region XXI at the World Series, held May 21–24 at Carrier Park in Dewitt, NY.
Record-Breaking CCRI Alum and World-Renowned Artist Brendan Murphy Receives Athletic Alumni Award
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Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
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May 07, 2025
Ten student-athletes from the Community College of Rhode Island were honored last week for their athletic and academic achievements as part of the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards held in House Chamber of the Rhode Island State House. The Legislative Awards are designed to provide public recognition for student-athletes from CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island for significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service.
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The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Rhode Island College (RIC) are proud to announce the launch of a new, fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. This innovative partnership offers CCRI nursing graduates a seamless, affordable, and flexible pathway to earn their BSN while delivering the academic rigor and clinical relevance that Rhode Island’s healthcare system demands.
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April 29, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a 211 satellite office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Launches Free Ophthalmic Technician Training Program
April 23, 2025
Warwick, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Ophthalmic Technician training program through its Division of Workforce Partnerships. This 120-hour program, beginning in May 2025, is free of charge and designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in a fast-growing healthcare field.
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April 23, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees. We are honored to welcome these four distinguished leaders to the CCRI Foundation,” said Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D, RN, Interim President of CCRI. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and shared dedication will support us in advancing the college’s mission of access, equity and opportunity.
CCRI and Rhode Island Energy partner to launch free utilities career exploration program
April 17, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
Four CCRI Faculty Honored with NISOD Awards of Excellence
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
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April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
March 10, 2023
