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Aspire
Fall 2012
The Lehigh Carbon Community College Magazine
A service-learning focused curriculum Serving those who protect our community BAS degree at Bloomsburg
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LCCC Mission Responding to the community by providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education
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LCCC Vision National prominence and academic excellence as a comprehensive community college LCCC 2012–2013 Board of Trustees Joseph A. Alban, Whitehall-Coplay Robert M. Cohen, Parkland Annabelle B. Creveling, Allentown Mathias J. Green Jr., Northern Lehigh David R. Hunsicker, Northwestern Lehigh Matthew T. Korp, Catasauqua Audrey L. Larvey, Palmerton Thomas F. Mantz | Treasurer | Salisbury Kenneth H. Mohr Jr. | Chair | Southern Lehigh William Santore Jr., Panther Valley Randall L. Smith | Secretary | Jim Thorpe Larry E. Stern, Lehighton Ann L. Thompson | Vice Chair | East Penn Michael J. Torbert, Trustee at Large William Miracle, Trustee at Large Jerome B. Frank, Esquire, Solicitor
Dear LCCC friend, If you haven’t been on campus in a while, I’d like to personally welcome you back to see the transformation. With the latest renovation of moving Orchard Road, our campus is connected with beautifully-landscaped, open space. The new athletic fields are underway and our athletes will be enjoying the beautiful, much needed renovated space for sports seasons to come.
share in their success, however they have defined it. Please enjoy this issue of Aspire, read our heartwarming stories and see firsthand how our students continue “Starting here and going everywhere.” New in this issue of Aspire is an alumni section, featuring success stories “in their words.” Read firsthand how LCCC has made an impact on so many lives.
LCCC continues to be the starting place for thousands in our community and we want every step along the way to be a step toward the road of success. We always look forward to seeing our students back on campus so we can
Also in this issue, enjoy the photos and story about a new program through a partnership with Bloomsburg University and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute—a Bachelor of Applied
Science in Technical Leadership. This issue also introduces you to one of our many partnerships within the workforce community and personifies the great work of our faculty and staff. I hope you enjoy all of these touching stories and experience LCCC through our students’ and alumni’s eyes.
With warm regards,
Donald W. Snyder | President, LCCC
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2 A service-learning focused curriculum 6 Serving those who protect our community 14 BAS degree at Bloomsburg 18 Student Section: Returning adult students of LCCC 22 Focus on Faculty 24 Alumni Profile 28 Alumni Voice 29 Alumni News 32 LCCC Events + Community Leadership 33 Foundation News
Executive Staff President
Donald W. Snyder, J.D., L.L.M. Senior Vice President for Administrative Services
Ann Bieber, Ed.D. Vice President for Finance and Facilities/Controller
Larry W. Ross Aspire: The Lehigh Carbon Community College Magazine is an official publication of LCCC and is published twice yearly. It is distributed free to alumni, friends, faculty, and staff. Copyright Š 2012 by Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). Photographs and artwork copyright by their respective creators or by LCCC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reused or republished in any form without express written permission. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disabilities, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices as required by applicable laws and regulations. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures or for information regarding services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and useable by persons with disabilities, contact the Office of Human Resources. Students may contact the Office of Disability Support Services, LCCC, 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville, PA 18078-2598, 610-799-2121.
Vice President of Academic Services and Student Development
Thomas C. Leamer, D.Ed.
Aspire Staff Editor | Associate Dean of Institutional Advancement
Heather L. Kuhns Associate Editor | Director of Marketing and Publications
Paula Hannam Designer & Production Coordination
Jennifer B. Burns Photographer
Theo Anderson
Fall 2012 cover Adam Grube is one of the dedicated firefighters at Lehigh Valley International Airport. Find out how LCCC is helping the Lehigh Valley public safety services keep our community safe. above A new program combining technical and leadership skills will be offered in the fall, 2012. Sharon Miller, director of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) for the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, and Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, OVAE assistant secretary for the Federal Department of Education, talk with a student about the benefits of the program.
Contributing Writers
Megan Sciarrino Margo Trott Mukkulainen
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A service-learning “Stuffed shells!” exclaims Stephanie Miller, assistant professor of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). Sustaining her contagious, hands-in-the air excitement, Miller next shares her hallmark “It’s going to be awesome!” to officially welcome six juvenile probationers, ages 13–17, to one of many evenings they will spend on campus cooking, crafting and socializing with LCCC OTA students as part of the college’s OTA Youth Probation Program, one of LCCC’s many service-learning focused curriculums. The all-smiles slender teen boy in khaki cargos, the girl with the fuchsia hair feather and equally rock-star eye shadow, plus the freckle-faced redhead wearing a purposely threadbare Ozzy Osbourne t-shirt—each one is a Lehigh County adolescent arrested for a poor decision like theft, possession or simple assault who must now fulfill court-ordered community service. Their nights together with first-year OTA students like Linda Pappalardo, Marlo Wargo and Melissa Barndt will accomplish this and so much more.
A Program Envisioned Now in its fourth year, the program was originally envisioned by LCCC’s Cindy Rifenburg, associate professor of occupational therapy and OTA program coordinator. Rifenburg’s search for innovative fieldwork experiences for OTA students brought her together with Kelly Weisner, Lehigh County 4-H youth development coordinator, and Ryan Schaffer, then chief probation officer of Lehigh County. Over a brainstorming lunch that included Miller, the group formulated a contract for all of the entities’ specific needs: clinical learning hours for LCCC’s OTA students, greater inclusion of Lehigh Valley youth in 4-H and, most dramatic of all, life skills for youth on probation. The current-day program is co-administered only by LCCC and Lehigh County but continues to imbue the youth-empowering 4-H philosophy. “It was a total wow in terms of what we were looking for!” says Schaffer, “Historically, we [the juvenile probation department] have always done a lot of neat things—recycling programs, community gardens, Habitat for Humanity—but this program was really, really focused on forming bonding relationships and making it meaningful.”
Fulfilling State- and County-adopted Competencies In 2005, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency released a white paper outlining the “five domains of competency” for juvenile offenders: pro-social skills, moral reasoning skills, academic skills, workforce skills and independent living skills. Schaffer says this reflects the state and countywide adoption of what is known as evidence-based probation.
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left Getting involved in community services projects, like these knitted caps for premature babies, give the youth a purpose and feeling of well-being. above Marlo Wargo, LCCC occupational therapy assistant student, shares her recipe for stuffed shells in a group cooking session.
Moreover, with dedicated components for cooking/meal planning, crafting community service projects and student-led psychosocial groups covering subjects like anger management and goal setting, Schaffer says it is the only initiative to date to effectively accomplish four out of the five competencies, noting that academic skills is next to almost covered by default.
Worksite of the Year Award Last year, under Miller’s leadership, the program was recognized with a Worksite of the Year Award from the Lehigh County Juvenile Probation Department. In Miller’s office bedecked with photos of her tutu-wearing granddaughters and towers of textbooks, there hangs a corkboard where the Worksite of the Year Award takes center stage.
“It means more to me than anything on that wall!” says Miller. Recipients like her and LCCC are handpicked by the young kids themselves from among 100–125 worksites every year.
In the Kitchen, Life Skills are Cooking Soon after Miller’s sparkling salutation, the kids waste no time getting to work and the din of kitchen takes over—the where’s-the-tool-I-need shuffle inside cabinet drawers, the tsss...of ground beef browning for a meat sauce and the whoosh of a flower-spotted tablecloth being put in place. “Here, we give them consistency, a schedule,” says Pappalardo. “They seem to like it—to be able to come in and know exactly what to do—and that’s to start cooking.”
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Barndt and Pappalardo team up to talk two girls through dessert—crunchy peanut butter bars—while Wargo doles out tips on her very own stuffed shells recipe, which the kids admit is a departure from their preferred staples of rice and beans. “That looks like mayonnaise,” says one young man about the opened container of ricotta cheese. The most boisterous girl in the group disagrees, saying she thinks it looks more like cement. Yazim Ramos, a part-time work crew supervisor with Lehigh County who attends the meetings, says to the young woman mixing the ricotta filling, “You didn’t know how to make very much before, but now you will know how to make stuffed shells.” Ramos refers to all of them as “her kids” and she moves away from the kitchen to take stock of all the crafts they have created, mostly the array of glazed ceramic pots in sage, cobalt and powder pink. Holding a chalk-yellow colored one she says, “It is unlike anything else they do. They look forward to seeing what they made. They say, ‘I can’t wait to see how it came out!’” Back in the kitchen, Wargo says, “Don’t let shells break. If they break, you can’t stuff them.” And when the mixer isn’t quite doing the job of whipping together the dessert crust, Barndt jests, “Yeah! Someone’s getting their hands dirty here!” Before long, everyone comes to the table and the eldest-appearing boy says, “Can we all bow our heads?” before humbly giving thanks for the meal they’re about to enjoy. above The students are proud of their accomplishments and display them proudly. opposite top LCCC occupational therapy assistant student, Melissa Barndt believes her involvement in the Youth Probation Program has given her the confidence to succeed in her chosen career. opposite bottom Everyone sits and enjoys the meal that
With parents working opposite schedules or there sometimes only being one parent or another family elder, this kind of structured togetherness is altogether foreign for many of them. Schaffer says of his visit with the group, “I went in with the expectation that the kids were going to try to brag things up and talk about their war stories, but it wasn’t anything like that. There was no negativity. The kids were so dialed in and focused on manners, teamwork and social skills; it just blew me away. It was like sitting down with a family.” After dinner, the kids move on to making bunnies from dried beans, toddler socks, felt and ribbon. All of them take turns personifying the little rabbits that will soon delight nursing home patients as part of their community service. “My bunny is fat and lazy! I want my bunny to look like he ate 50 pizzas!” “Oh, I named mine Thing 1 and Thing 2.” One boy chimes in, “We should make bunnies every week!”
they prepared as a group which symbolizes
Exploring the Psychosocial Element
coming together as
Miller expresses that the student-led psychosocial groups are often the most powerful element of the meetings. They enable meaningful breakthroughs for girls like 17-year-old Sylvia, a past juvenile probationer and new mother who Susan Sedora, juvenile probation officer aide in community service for Lehigh County, says “was a tough, streetwise kid you couldn’t get through to.”
a family and fosters positive relationship building.
“Up at LCCC, there was a conversation on anger management,” says Sedora.
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“She took over and got very vocal. I noticed that she finally got it. She got it and she remembered it. When she knew she was going to be a mother, she had to switch her way of thinking.” Sylvia says, “We did a lot of mapping out of ways to how to use our coping skills, what triggers our anger and stuff like that. I was a different person before. You always think you know stuff, and you really don’t, and you struggle.” Fighting is what Sylvia says resulted in her probation. Looking forward, her goals are to finish school, to go to college or enter the military and pursue a career in the medical field.
The Future of Occupational Therapy and the Program The OTA Youth Probation Program serves to satisfy LCCC students’ required clinical hours, but Miller says that it too represents the direction of the occupational therapy (OT) field. Traditionally, OT professionals have worked with mental health patients. But today, especially with the closure of state hospitals, the shift is more towards prevention. OT now emphasizes early intervention through social skills development. Juvenile probationers with past delinquent behavior are more at risk for future mental illness and antisocial lives. Working with them greater prepares students like Pappalardo, Wargo and Barndt for relevant OT careers.
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Schaffer says the evolution of the LCCC program will have the adolescents customizing their community service and interacting greater with the groups and associations they serve. “The kids are going to be asked to recognize problems in their own communities and to design solutions on their own,” says Ryan. “We’re looking at doing this next with LCCC’s guidance.” With the program now in effect long enough, Schaffer will soon quantify its success through an assessment of recidivism rates. But perhaps, the best measure is not an enumerated figure. Maybe it’s more about that moment that Sedora and others say is occurring more often, when the van to LCCC is leaving and a young kid who has already met their hours runs up and asks, “Is there room in there for me?” |
The community service projects of the OTA Youth Probation Program include: • Fundraising and participating in Walk Now for Autism Speaks • Making blankets for soldiers in Iraq • Presenting backpacks to Lehigh Valley children of soldiers in Iraq • Making Christmas ornaments for Carbon County Meals on Wheels members • Making Easter decorations for Lehigh County Meals on Wheels members • Rake-knitting caps for breast cancer chemotherapy patients, brain trauma patients and premature infants • Making holiday crafts for local long-term care facilities • Making dog treats for donation to local animal shelters
“I really felt honored to be picked in the first place for the program,” says Barndt. “Now whenever I have doubts about whether or not I can be successful at OT, I’ll just think of this experience.”
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Serving those who
Members of the Lehigh Valley Emergency Response Team (ERT) practice a drill at the Lehigh Valley International Airport.
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Protect our Community, With help from the DOT Thanks to a generous five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Lehigh Carbon Community College’s (LCCC’s) Public Safety Leadership Center has helped make our communities safer and more prepared for emergencies and disasters. Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has a long history of providing vital public safety training. It’s a source of pride for the College, and one that does not come without grateful acknowledgement to the generous public and private financial supporters of the Public Safety Leadership Center (PSLC). Over the past five years, the College has benefited enormously from a $2.5 million training grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration. The grant, dedicated to public safety projects, which concluded in January of this year, has had an enormous, positive impact on the College and community. Because transportation safety and general public safety issues are so closely related and often intertwined, the DOT grant gave the College a lot of flexibility to offer a broad spectrum of security and disaster preparedness programs that directly and indirectly relate to travel and transit. “It was originally a four-year grant, but the programs and offerings were so successful that the DOT graciously awarded us a fifth year allocation,” says Terri Keefe, executive director of workforce and community education at the College. “Our programs, resources and opportunities were greatly enhanced through funding and we were able to develop new programming and serve a broadened audience.” The DOT grant has enhanced the PSLC’s reach in remarkable ways. It has made it possible for the PSLC to bring on subject-matter experts for instruction, to purchase state-of-the-art computer-based-training equipment and begin work on a countywide evacuation plan and drill in partnership with Lehigh County Emergency Services, says Keefe.
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Do you know the Public Safety Leadership Center? Here is an overview of the types of courses and programing offered by the PSLC. Police Courses: ACT 235, expandable baton, pepper spray, TASER, emergency and tactical driving, critical incident weapons response and more. Fire Courses: basic firefighter safety, fire ground operations, flashover survival and other local level PA State Fire Academy training in Carbon, Lehigh, and Schuylkill counties, as well as specialized industrial training, OSHA Train the Trainer and workplace programs, hazardous materials handling, and NIMS and ICS programs. EMS Courses: PA Department of Health First Responder and Emergency Medical Technician programs and PA Department of Health and nationally credentialed paramedic program. Community Education: first aid courses, CPR training and other safety instruction, including on-site classes at area businesses. Get Ready: community preparedness programs for community volunteers and professionals.
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The DOT grant was focused primarily on five major PSLC programs and initiatives:
Broader Outreach for the “GET READY” Program This program relies on grants and community partnerships to provide community preparedness programs for volunteers and professionals through nationallyrenowned presenters, interactive classroom opportunities, certification programs, and real world drills. This program included courses and training at satellite campuses and a special guest lecture by Amanda Ripley, Time Magazine contributor, investigative journalist and author of The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why (Crown Publishing Group) at Symphony Hall. “The range of courses we were able to provide thanks to the DOT funding was terrific,” says Scott Lindenmuth, manager of the Public Safety Leadership Center. “We offered the important basics, like CPR and emergency evacuation planning, but we were also able to give more advanced material, like how to manage volunteers during extreme circumstances and communication strategies during emergency situations. We provided in-depth training that will help on all levels during disaster response situations.”
State-of-the-Art Simulators that enhance LCCC’s Public Safety The realistic practice and training made possible by two high-tech, computerbased technology (CBT) simulators purchased with DOT grant funds will remain an important part of several of the College’s driving and public safety programs for years to come. The $250,000 TransSim driving simulator was acquired first. Housed in a trailer next to the new Community Services Center, the TransSim simulator allows students and trainees to virtually get behind the steering wheel of emergency vehicles, tractor-trailers and regular automobiles. The seating area and controls look and feel just like they do in a real vehicle, and users go through the motions exactly as they normally do, while the three screens display any one of the hundreds of virtual roadway scenarios available. As the cockpit moves and responds to such conditions as shifting weight distribution, inclement weather and hazardous traffic situations, the simulator tests and records the users reactions and performance for review.
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opposite Coordination of all emergency services is key when dealing with a crisis. LCCC is front and center with rigorous training programs. above LCCC’s state-of-the-art driving simulator prepares respective drivers for all kinds of conditions and situations.
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The DOT grant also made possible the roughly $100,000 purchase of a PRISim simulator for safety and law enforcement training. PRISim allows users to experience a realistic training encounter within a classroom setting. Video, audio and real firearms or tasers are used. Trainees practice tactical strategies, observation skills, scene assessments, interactive dialog, problem solving and decision making using over 500 different scenarios. The simulator also records how the user responds. “We can give our students their first experience before their first experience, so to speak,” says Athanasios “Thanos” Milios, transportation and public safety training specialist. “The interactive environment gives them a place where they can overcome things like indecision, sudden fear, confusion, elements of surprise, and other things that can, in some cases, mean life or death out in the real world.” This type of training device is used by professional law enforcement and military organizations for training purposes, which means that students and Public Safety Leadership Center program participants have a chance to “train like the pros.”
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THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: Thanos Milios LCCC’s transportation and public safety training specialist. “Our simulators are really amazing tools. Being able to let CDL [Commercial Driver License] trainees practice on the TransSim before getting into tractor-trailers or other vehicles is a safe, effective way for them to learn the feel of those big trucks. Students can practice for inclement weather before it hits, prepare for real-life situations and correct bad habits that lead to accidents before they get out on the road. And the PRISim marksmanship and judgment simulator is an equally effective tool for law enforcement and emergency professionals and trainees. We can record all the ways that a person responds physically and verbally, as well as with real firearms or tasers. We can then go over the scenario afterwards to discuss what was done right, what can be done better and other ways to deal with various situations. It’s all very realistic, right down to the language used by the actors, so it really engages the user in a way that textbooks or videos just can’t do. We are really fortunate to have this training tool on campus.”
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THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: Chuck Thomas Member of Lehigh County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), serving the Applewood Planned Residential Community and its neighbors in Upper Macungie Township. “I have taken many ‘Get Ready’ courses at LCCC, and they have been so valuable. I’ve learned about the right way to organize and respond so that we can keep people safe in the event of an emergency. The program not only trains professional first responders and volunteers, but it also opens the average person’s eyes to all of the resources out there, so that people know how emergency teams work and what they can do. Knowing all this, as well as how to assist responders in the event of an emergency, we can get aid where it’s needed faster and can save lives.”
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“The Israeli Experience in Mass Casualty”: Preparing for the Unthinkable
above The ‘Get Ready’
Computer-enhanced simulators in a classroom setting are certainly realistic training tools, but role-playing terrorist attack scenarios at the airport definitely raise the virtual reality bar on public safety training experiences. Making sure our communities are prepared for this kind of emergency was the thrust behind “The Israeli Experience in Mass Casualty”, which was held in 2011 and funded by the DOT grant. This special program brought experts from the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response to enact a simulated mass casualty event at Lehigh Valley International Airport. “Ours was the first time this was ever done in Pennsylvania,” says Scott Lindenmuth, manager of the Public Safety Leadership Center. “Police, fire, EMS, hospital, ground transit and airport personnel were invited to participate in the real-time, life-like simulation, complete with people made up as injured victims and real Israeli snipers.”
opposite Terrorism response
courses touch all members of the community in how to respond in an emergency. training is essential since the impact of 9-11. The ‘Get Ready’ program through LCCC offers courses to properly train the authorities and cover the gamut from crisis communication to firearms training.
“The Israeli Experience” was invaluable, as a way to educate our emergency management trainers on how to deal with this sort of scenario,
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says Lindenmuth. “Without having a major act of terrorism really occurring, it was the closest thing to the real deal that we could have. It was role playing for the best possible reasons.” The three-day program, which was free for participants, was meant to give first responders an understanding of what mass casualty response involves, including the threat of terrorist attacks and methods. The full-scale training exercise at the airport came after two days of intense classroom training with subject matter experts, with the purpose being to demonstrate the preparedness and response procedures utilized in Israel. These proven measures could then be implemented into homeland security planning, preparedness training and response procedures within communities here.
“CYBER SECURITY FOR MASS TRANSIT”: Beyond Pin Codes and Passwords IT security is another area where the College invested DOT grant funds, this time in the form of a carefully-crafted “Cyber Security for Mass Transit” course. It was offered in 2011 to professionals, who came from as far away as Washington D.C. to attend the special four-day intensive program,
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THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: Michael Perelman, MS, CPP Co-Director of the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response “Handling of a mass casualty terror incident at an airport is not something that is easily practiced by emergency workers. Fire departments, police, EMTs, airport security and medical personnel are all important players in such a situation. The Lehigh Valley was an ideal location for running such a training course and drill because terrorists do not just target large urban areas. Everyone should prepare to handle such a crisis. Even beyond terrorism, this kind of training translates into preparedness for other kinds of large-scale emergencies, such as natural disasters or unimaginable events, such as a stadium collapse or pipeline explosion. With any emergency, knowing how to coordinate efforts between agencies and volunteers is essential. The Lehigh Valley program really impressed me with the level of commitment and effort on the part of the airport, the Public Safety Leadership Center and the emergency response agencies that sent representatives to participate in our program.”
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THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: Nancy White President of Digital Consulting Associates, LLC, West Chester, PA “Today, safety for the community at large includes protection on the Internet—there is no way around it. That’s why when LCCC asked us to design a cyber security program for its Public Safety Leadership Center that would address the complicated issues surrounding Internet safety for professionals working with mass transit safety and infrastructure, we were very excited about it. Transit operations, power grids, sewer and water are just a few proprietary data systems that are accessible on the Internet and can be vulnerable, with the weakest link sometimes being nothing more than a hack via a smartphone or tablet. The ‘Cyber Security for Mass Transit’ course we helped develop and execute offered specific, vital information and a chance for attendees to obtain a CompTIA Security+ certification, which is an internationally-recognized vendor-neutral accreditation in the field of IT security.”
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addressing the specific needs of public transportation systems in order to protect our national infrastructure. Working with Digital Consulting Associates, LLC, the PSLC brought in cyber security experts to instruct the course. Participants were then encouraged to complete their training by earning CompTIA Security+ certification in IT security.
above Scott Lindenmuth, project director—TAACCCT Grant, was integral in the coordination of public safety training. opposite Tanya Hook and Tom Nervine of Lehigh County Emergency Services are coordinating a major evacuation plan because of the DOT grant funding.
“We own the curriculum and can expand upon it, so this was an investment in something that will serve the college and the community at large for a long time,” says Keefe. “The end result is that we have something unique and valuable to offer in the arena of public safety. IT security is a fast growing career track as well, so it is exciting for LCCC to be involved in this way.”
THE NEW Public Organization Leadership Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program Even though the DOT grant ends its five-year run at LCCC this year, its legacy will live on through a new associate degree that will first be offered in fall of 2012. The Public Organization Leadership Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree
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program is for those seeking a management career in government or other public organizations. It will focus on both entry-level students as well as individuals returning to school for additional educational resources to enhance and advance their careers. Students completing the Public Organization Leadership A.A.S. will not only learn to plan and formulate public policy, but will also acquire the knowledge to manage, organize and implement operations, be able to evaluate and manage employment issues and concerns, and develop the skills to propose and implement the public budget process. For more information, please contact LCCC’s Admissions Office at 610-799-1575, or visit www.lccc.edu. “This degree is unique to our region and is geared for those seeking a career in public service. It’s a wonderful way to help those who want to make a career out of doing good for their communities, get the specific skills they need,” says Keefe. “We’ve been able to really think this through and design a degree program that works for these individuals.” She notes that those who have already taken courses in the past, will be able to have those credits applied towards the major, should they enroll in the degree program. |
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THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: Tom Nervine Director of Emergency Services, Lehigh County “We have been partners with the College in developing and executing classes for emergency response on many levels, including a major evacuation plan currently being developed for our area, thanks to the DOT grant funding. From my experience, I can say with certainty that the new Public Organization Leadership degree is a wonderful progression of the work that the college has been doing for many years to prepare the next generation of public safety leaders in our community. Having people formally educated in public safety systems and operations will be a huge benefit to our emergency service fields. Improving the public preparedness and response systems and infrastructures in times of disaster has become a very important function of public service organizations on every level. The career opportunities for someone with this degree and skill set should be limitless.”
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Feedback from students and graduates is key in building a program that will be successful. From left to right: Jordan Kevler, LCCC student, Vincent Basile, BAS director, Justin Witt, LCCC graduate, and Joyce Thompson, computer science faculty and facilitator for the NSF grant, discuss the benefits of the new program.
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BAS degree at Bloomsburg A winning combination of skills A degree, certificate or even coursework from Lehigh Carbon Community College can prepare you for so many fields. Now there is one program in particular which pairs technical knowledge with leadership skills—a very sought after, and sometimes, hard to find, combination. Bloomsburg University has partnered with LCCC and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute to offer a new program starting in the fall 2012—a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership. The courses are going to be offered on LCCC’s campus and taught by Bloomsburg faculty. “The BAS degree in Technical Leadership allows LCCC to offer its students a new educational pathway that provides increased opportunities for educational and career advancement. This has the effect of essentially expanding program options for technical career students. Bloomsburg University gains access to a new and diverse group of students. It also allows for an expansion of our career-oriented technical programs,” says Vincent Basile, coordinator of the new BAS program. The program, which is expected to enroll at least 25 new students in the fall, was developed in response to a need expressed by employers in the region for technical professionals who could relate effectively as leaders and apply their technological expertise in support of their organizations, according to Basile. “We acknowledge and respect the value and integrity of a technical education and recognize the need for continuous educational opportunities for all in the ever changing workplace,” says Virginia Mihalik, LCCC transfer counselor. “This is an opportunity for LCCC students, alumni, and community members with technical expertise to continue their education to earn a bachelors degree from Bloomsburg University, a well-respected, accredited, and affordable institution.” A two-year grant from the National Science Foundation has provided funding to study the feasibility of such a program. A project team from all three schools worked to create a curriculum that provides the knowledge and skills needed to effectively take on lead roles in technical teams and work groups. The program includes coursework in communication, team leadership, staff training, collaborative work, virtual workplace skills, project management, conflict resolution, financial accounting and other areas need by today’s technical leader. The coursework prepares graduates with the skills needed to support their companies’ efforts as they adjust to a rapidly changing, and increasingly global workplace.
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Sharon Miller, director of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education
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Most courses in the program will be provided in the evenings and students may enroll part-time or full-time. The program is also a flexible and accessible pathway to educational and career advancement. All courses are offered at Lehigh Carbon Community College in a face-to-face or hybrid format.
(OVAE) for the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, OVAE assistant secretary for the Federal Department of Education, and LCCC President, Donald Snyder, discuss the dynamics of the new degree program partnership.
A skillset in demand “Today students are in need of more advanced degrees. This partnership is providing our students with a pathway to obtain these degrees. Many of our students are unable to “go away” to a college or university. Having this opportunity in their backyards is advantageous to both LCCC and Bloomsburg. Students will be able to obtain a bachelor’s degree and maintain their current obligations,” says Joyce Thompson, computer science faculty and the principal investigator for the NSF grant. “Graduates of this new program will receive knowledge and skills needed to undertake leadership roles for technical work groups and project teams. This better equips them for increased levels of responsibility and improves their prospects for promotion and career advancement,” continues Thompson. The BAS degree is an applied baccalaureate, which is a new degree in the state of Pennsylvania. It is a degree designed to incorporate applied associate’s degree courses and degrees that were once considered to be “terminal,” designed to lead directly to the workplace. More recently, the applied baccalaureate is seen as a new, career-focused educational pathway. Applied baccalaureate degree programs have been gradually expanding and are now available in 37 states. The BAS in Technical Leadership is the first of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania, according to Thompson.
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“Many of the workplace positions are service-oriented and graduates must prepare for this. The BAS in Technical Leadership will guide our students to leadership positions in the workplace, as it is more than management. Teams should be lead not managed and since this degree is an applied degree, students will have the skills necessary to build on the knowledge gained in their associate degrees,” says Thompson. The BAS in Technical Leadership has been in the planning stages for three years, but a full schedule of courses is being offered this fall. “The partnership is truly extraordinary,” says Thompson. This program is a true 2+2+2. Students start with career technical education from LCTI or other CTEs, where they can receive articulated credits, giving them a jumpstart to their college education, while still in high school. From there, they can enroll in LCCC achieve their associate degree and then articulate that to Bloomsburg’s BAS in Technical Leadership, she adds. Currently, there are 23 associate’s degrees at LCCC that are being articulated into the degree.
Joyce Thompson, computer science faculty and facilitator for the NSF grant, has been integral in the development and execution of the Bachelor
“LCCC students are very excited about the prospect of obtaining the much needed bachelor’s degree on home soil. This is one of the most motivating factors to completing the associate degree and is therefore, beneficial for working technical professionals.” |
of Applied Science in Technical Leadership offered through a partnership between Bloomsburg University, LCCC and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.
For more information on the BAS in Technical Leadership program, please contact Virginia Mihalik at vmihalik@lccc.edu or Vincent Basile at vbasile@lccc.edu or refer to www.lccc.edu/bastl.
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returning adult students of LCCC
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Non-traditional, returning adult students are on the rise, and LCCC is experiencing this demographic as one of the largest student populations. Whether it is additional skills for a competitive edge in a current position, career changes due to the economic climate, or those just starting college, returning adults are constantly balancing competing responsibilities. In addition to college, they simultaneously juggle work, family, and other commitments. Returning adults contribute a wealth of knowledge and skills that enrich the learning experiences for all students at LCCC. Educational Support Services (ESS) offers returning adults assistance in transitioning back into the education environment by providing learning strategies, tutoring and academic support. |
Issac Martinez
My motivation for returning to school is my family. After leaving my family (wife and 3 daughters) behind when the nation called and going through my second deployment, I asked myself a question; who am I after all this is over? I felt that something in my life was missing. This time I needed to prove something to myself. I knew it was not going to be easy, especially after so many years away from college. I knew that if there is one thing that will define me in society, it is a college degree and that no one could take it from me. I chose LCCC because of the vast variety of programs (health department) and, it is a military friendly school. Professors make helping the student to achieve their goal their top priority. I thank each and every one of them for that. Now I am officially a student at LCCC and I’m learning as I go. I’m attending a program for returning adults at Donley Center. I couldn’t have made a better decision.
—Issac Martinez
Rebecca Raub
Pursuing a college degree has always been a dream of mine. I have always had a thirst for knowledge. Now in my thirties and three children later, it’s my turn to be an adult student. My husband attended here at LCCC and went on to get his bachelor’s at Albright, all while I stayed home with our children. Teaching my children on a daily basis has been a joy with no regrets and now I am teaching them that you’re never too old to learn. My intent is to become an RN. I was hesitant at first to attend college. However, with the help of the educational support services team, my confidence grew. They are a great help. They told me about all the tutoring that LCCC has to offer their students free of charge. I have been taking advantage of this. The educators are great and they all want to see us succeed as students.
—Rebecca Raub Aspire Fall 2012
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After retiring from 20 years in the United States Navy, I decided to return to school to refresh my knowledge as well as enhance my education and pursue a second career. I want to broaden my education beyond the realm of Aviation Maintenance and Management, Building Management and Mentoring, which is what I have done in the military. LCCC has been a positive experience since my enrollment. They have excellent resources and customer service and a user friendly website, which were instrumental in my enrollment process as well as assisting students with a variety of other professional and personal topics. —Jamie Serfass
Bill Wirtz
Jamie Serfass
Student Section
Tina Thomas
From the beginning of my career as an EMT, working After being a stay at home mom for 14 years, I was as a Nursing Technical Partner at Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Transitional Trauma Unit in the 1990’s, to the most recent event of remaining at my son’s hospital bedside following an emergency appendectomy; I knew I was meant to be a Registered Nurse. Why do I choose LCCC? I have several reasons. First, my instructors continue to help make my transition back into the learning environment a positive and memorable account. Next, the availability to attend local campuses while helping keep the overall costs more feasible. Last and most important to me, LCCC is allowing me the privilege to further my education in the same institution, at the same time with my daughter Allyson, “The apple of my eye!” To my wife and children, my instructors, and those countless others behind the scenes helping my dream become a reality, “Thank you!”
—William (Bill) Wirtz
ready to work outside my home while the kids were all settled in school. I tried my skill as an income tax preparer, class volunteer, cafeteria monitor, one-onone instructional aid, ski instructor, house cleaner, plant vendor, pumpkin painter, yoga teacher, and massage therapist. I am studying and working to be accepted into LCCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program. It has been a path of growth for me. I was nervous and excited at the same time when I began this next phase of my life. I am gaining a great education and confidence in my abilities to change and grow in new learning. Most of my classes have been interesting and productive. I appreciate the dedicated professors who are 100% supportive of the student’s needs. There is an excellent, free Educational Support Center with helpful advisors and counselors. I feel at home and grateful for the enriching experiences here at LCCC. —Tina Thomas
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enriching the learning experiences of others
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My interest in returning to school came from losing a full-time job. I believed that learning to speak, read, and write in English would make it easier for me to get a job. However, I quickly realized that this was not enough. As a single mother, I knew that I needed to gain new skills to be able to better provide for my family. I took on a part-time job as a health care aide and realized I found a field that I am good at and love to do. Since then, I have enrolled at LCCC to obtain a degree in Nursing and am really enjoying this new learning experience. —Roberta Kuhns
Roberta Kuhns
Javan Wilson
I have always had an interest in the field of medical science, but never pursued it. In my 42 years, I have traveled the world, served my country and protected my community, but had never truly decided what I wanted to be when I grew up. I considered becoming an attorney after spending 10 years as a police officer. Officer Candidate School was also an option after returning home from a deployment in Iraq. However, I still had this desire to help others and saw the opportunity to pursue a degree in Nursing with the GI Bill benefits I had earned. This ambition is what brought me to LCCC. I chose LCCC because of its reputation in the Northern PA area. After relocating to Schuylkill County, I started researching the colleges in the area and found that LCCC had an outstanding graduation rate for its Nursing students, which is very important to me. After meeting with the Admissions staff, I felt confident in my selection. I saw that LCCC valued its adult students. In addition, the teaching staff, like Prof. Diehl (Biology) and Prof. Turrano (English), is committed to the success of their continuing education students. —Javan Wilson
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Returning to school after many years was scary at first. It took some time, but with some help from friends, I was ready to become a college student. LCCC is close to my house and convenient for many reasons including: cost, education and support. I am currently attending to earn my Associate’s in Nursing and hope to transfer to Cedar Crest for my Bachelor’s. Equipped with internal drive, I am determined to work hard, do my best and succeed and get everything out of school that I can. I am gaining confidence and wisdom, meeting new people, facing challenges, problem solving, keeping my brain and body active, and building a better me along the way. —Kim Roeder
Jacqueline Almonte
Kim Roeder
My return to LCCC after twenty plus years is a very exciting time for me. I have spent many years in the workforce, which included being a business owner and earning my Pennsylvania real estate sales license. Now I have become a displaced worker. In order to compete in today’s job market it is necessary for me to further my education. I am enrolled in the Administrative Office Technology Certificate Program here at the College. I feel this program will equip me with the skills required to re-enter the ever changing and challenging job market. The staff has been key in helping me adjust to campus life. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to start a new career armed with a valuable education, pride in my accomplishment and gratitude for all LCCC has helped me to achieve.
—Jacqueline Almonte
Vickie Ryba
A few years ago I found myself a single parent. My work hours were terrible and I was able to spend precious little time with my daughter. We both deserved better. It was then I made the decision to return to school. I am now a full-time student at LCCC working toward my degree in Health Information Technology. Having been out of school for twenty-some years, I feared the transition would not be an easy one. I was wrong. LCCC made returning to school uncomplicated and enjoyable. With the help of my professors and the many services offered through Educational Support, I am able to make the most of my college experience and give my daughter and I what we both deserve, the chance to have a better life. I am glad I chose to return to school...and I am glad my choice was LCCC.
—Vickie Ryba (and daughter)
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Getting to know LCCC’s faculty – Adjunct Susan Petrole Susan Petrole has had two epiphanies which really helped shape her passion for teaching and writing—a literature course in college and her first college-level teaching experience. Petrole, who received Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award in 2010–11 academic year, wants to help students find their passions and write, write, write about them. Petrole has been teaching English at LCCC since January 2009 and would ultimately like a full-time position, as she really enjoys teaching at the community college setting. Petrole, who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in English, also teaches at Northampton Community College. “The diversity of the students and the opportunities afforded to these students in a community college setting are very much conducive to my teaching philosophy—which is very much student centered with an emphasis on the individual and the potential within each individual,” says Petrole.
“I try to bring that out in my teaching when I teach the students the various readings and I want to help them to advance their skills to help them know themselves better. Community college offers an accepting environment, with a lot of diverse students.”
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Focus on Faculty Expressing passion Petrole believes students should take something from everything they read—whether it be an enriching thought or a subject that sparks writing. Petrole says she is very influenced by the book “The Courage to Teach,” by Patrick Palmer. “One of the philosophies I have taken away from that book is that communicating your own passions about a subject and your desire to enhance your own love of the subject can be translated to the students. Also, being able to relate with each student on an individual level that teaching is not just about your discipline but it’s really a people profession. I try and address the needs of the individual student but also the student body as a whole—knowing what the personality of each class is and how they respond to the literature.” “I am always amazed during the first day of class when the students share what book they last read. For many it has been a very long time since they have read a book and I see this as an opportunity to expose them to the literature,” says Petrole. “I like to communicate how enriching reading and writing can be.” “I try as much as possible to find out from the students what they are passionate about and get them to write about that. It has actually surprised me how little these students have really thought about this stuff and I think I provide an environment where the students can spend time reflecting and on a path of self discovery, if you like. Just seeing that writing is a key communication tool in the real world. Knowing what you want to say and knowing how to say it in a clear fashion is an important communication skill,” says Petrole. In addition to the English and composition courses Petrole teaches, she also teaches in learning communities, which is collaboration between two different subjects. One of her learning communities is Social psychology and literature— studying the social psychological aspects of priming (in the advertising world). Through the learning community, Petrole’s students learn ‘literature connections.’ The connection in this case is the way that a writer primes the reader for a certain response in a story. The specific word choices used were supposed to illicit certain emotions. “The intensity of my classes bring out all kinds of emotions and the students feel comfortable in being able to express themselves in that environment,” says Petrole. She reflects on “The Awakening,” a story about how a young woman feels stifled in her own identity and her marriage. That story touched a student so much that he broke down, thinking about his own mother.
Outside the classroom When Petrole is not teaching, she enjoys reading, walking, hiking in nature, spending time with her husband, Jerry and son, Christopher, and travelling whenever she can. She had the opportunity to visit England and Ireland a few years ago and says it gave her a taste and now she wants to visit more of Europe. She also claims herself as a history buff.
Susan Petrole enjoys spending time reflecting and writing.
“When I lived in Boston, I loved visiting the historic homes and visiting the places that are written about. It’s fascinating how the past has influenced the present, not only in literature but in the architecture too,” says Petrole. On a professional level, Petrole continues her academic career in the summer months pursuing a Ph.D. in literature and criticism at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. “It’s incredibly intense but so rewarding,” says Petrole. “I know that it will help me to bring so much to my classroom in the fall.” |
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Veronica Bocian – a changed perspective
Veronica Bocian’s life was turned upside down but she found her way with the support from LCCC.
Reflections told by Veronica Bocian Lehigh Carbon Community College is home to many students. But for Veronica Bocian, it also changed her perspective on life. When Bocian was a senior at Catasauqua High School, she felt like the Lehigh Valley or even Pennsylvania, had little to offer her. “I was very restless—I just wanted to leave the area. I applied to schools that were far away. I didn’t even consider Pennsylvania as an option,” says Bocian. And with that, she packed up her whole life and moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where she was planning on studying theater education. But her perspective on life was changed pretty quickly through an unfortunate incident (reflected by Bocian in the rest of the article) and she found LCCC was truly a safe haven, and the place where she learned more than coursework. “I really truly feel that I found myself here, who my true friends are and discovered my sense of self-awareness when I came here,” says Bocian. “I feel like I have my second family here at LCCC. It’s probably the only college campus where I’ll ever feel completely safe.”
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Alumni Profile Making the move – the remainder of the article is reflected by Veronica Bocian Even though I wanted to leave the area, I had a sinking feeling about making the move to Virginia. I applied to go early and complete freshman orientation. “I had an intuition that something was wrong and that I had made the wrong decision,” says Bocian. And then I faced a life-altering incident on campus. “I was there less than a week (August 29—my parents wedding anniversary). I was in a building on campus and decided to walk home. Mistake number one. I hadn’t been drinking and it wasn’t late at night—7:30 p.m.—it was still light. It seemed to be a safe idea until I got lost—my sense of direction is hopeless. I realized I was going the wrong way and decided to go back the way I came but through side streets to save time. Mistake number two. I could still hear the sound of passing cars. A man walking on the street approached me and began saying inappropriate things. Before I knew what was even happening, he had me pinned up against a building and tried to assault me, but I was in survival mode. At one point he placed my hands on his shoulders and I knew with my hands free that it was my one opportunity to get out of the situation. Using my hands on his shoulders as leverage, I kicked him as hard as I could in the groin area,” she recalls. “One of the things I was thinking of at the time was my parents and my relationship with them. My attitude had been so incredibly selfish and they had sacrificed so much for me. They took me to a school they didn’t want me to go to in the first place, paid for it using loans and drove me down there, set me up with a meal plan and I virtually shooed them out without even a thank you. I remember thinking that I didn’t want this interaction to be the last one we had. It probably sounds dramatic but I had no idea if this man had a weapon, or what he was planning on doing to me. He was obviously much bigger than me, and more than likely under the influence of something like drugs or alcohol. Needless to say, I ran away as fast as I could. When I got back to my dorm room, I showered straight away because I had felt so violated. One word of advice here—if any kind of attack ever happens to you—do not take a shower because it erases any and all evidence you may have to convict your attacker. I wasn’t even sure whether I should tell anyone either because nothing had really happened to me. I was only physically hurt from our initial impact when he pushed me against the wall, and scrapes on my feet from running so fast in flip flops. However, my advice to anyone who is unsure, if you have to question whether to report it or not—you should report it. Even if it’s the smallest incident.
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The next thing I did was call my mom, even though we didn’t have a positive relationship at the time, she was there for me. I describe my mom as a fearless leader. She gave me loads of advice about what to do next and she and my dad got straight in the car to drive down and be with me. My parents arrived at about 3:00 in the morning and by that time, I had spoken to the police. It was difficult to try and describe my attacker, even though I had a mental picture in my mind. Plus I was lost at the time so I couldn’t even tell them exactly where it happened. I felt like no help at all. I didn’t want to leave my dorm room —I was so afraid he had followed me. My curtains would be closed and I would swear that he was standing right outside my window. I was scared to death. Once my parents had arrived, I was already packed to go back home. I knew I didn’t want to be in a place where I would constantly be looking over my shoulder. I knew I wouldn’t get the positive college experience I was looking for. So, I withdrew and came back home. My parents are the world’s greatest people and I’m sorry every day that it took something like this for me to realize that. I’ve never considered myself to be a fighter or a person that faces challenges head on, but now that’s all changed. I didn’t know what I was going to do when I got home. I had a lot of visitors and people bringing flowers. The level of support shocked me. I had never truly realized that people cared that much, I guess because I didn’t care that much. I talked a lot with my parents and after about a week at home, I called LCCC and it was a day too late to start classes. I hadn’t even been to visit the campus but I had a lot of preconceived ideas of the school hearing nicknames like, 13th grade, Schneck-tech, L-tri-harder— stuff like that. I ended up taking a semester off which lead to a lot of time on my own. That’s when I started teaching myself guitar and writing songs. It was really a kind of therapy for me. A lot of the songs I first wrote are very depressing but that’s the way I was feeling at the time. It was very cathartic, and something no one could take away from me.
for any number of reasons, attend a traditional four-year school whether it be because of a life situation, having to work as well as study, having a disability, or looking after a sick family member. It could be anything. All of these people still want to push through and achieve something, regardless of the barriers in their way. It made me see that I wasn’t alone. That’s why I feel that the individuals that I’ve met at LCCC are more unique and stronger than anyone else I know. Another thing about coming to LCCC, was that no one knew me. No one knew what had happened to me so it was like a fresh start for me. At the end of that Spring semester, I decided then that I wanted to stay for another year. In fact, if this was a four year school, I would still be here now. It forced me to understand that I was meant to come back here and to see for myself that this is nothing to be ashamed of. I am so proud to tell people that this is where I started. People are so caring here and it is truly a resilient place.
My first class was a communication class and the stories that I heard throughout the semester made me realize that a lot of students who come here share special circumstances. There are traditional students but there are those that cannot,
So, at the end of the day, even though this experience was the worst thing that had happened to me in my life, the best experiences have come out of it and I feel that I was meant to go through all of this to really appreciate what was there in front of me all along. Not only did it teach me to value and love the place that I’m from—the foundation I am so fortunate to call home, but it has also helped me to remain closer than ever with my family, who I now know would do anything and everything
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All of my friends were starting their lives and I was still back home—the one place I had so badly wanted to get away from. I knew no matter what I did, I didn’t want to delay my life any more. I decided to begin with four classes just to have them under my belt and then I would decide where to go from there. I had very low expectations—in fact I had no expectations; but from my very first class, I felt this is where I needed to be.
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for me. I know I won the parent lottery at birth, and I will never allow myself to forget this again. Part of the reason I love LCCC is that it’s not about the partying. It’s still about learning about yourself, meeting people and making friends—and most prominently, being involved. While at LCCC, I became involved with the Education department, and further developed my interest in music. I took one formal lesson to learn chords and strumming techniques and from then on I was in love. Combined with my love of writing, I began writing songs. I have journals full of them. Some people like them, some don’t—but they all mean something to me. It’s the only thing I’ve ever been in love with my entire life. Being able to express myself through music and song writing is very therapeutic and it’s something that belongs to me that no one can take away.
Veroncia Bocian values her time spent at LCCC, where she discovered her passion for music and writing music.
Through this entire experience, I have found that I don’t hold back with my feelings any more—I always tell people how I feel and I don’t care if it’s too much—that’s how I feel, and I have no time to waste. Even when I was driving to LCCC today, I got all excited; because this is a place where I fit. There is so much opportunity here in the Lehigh Valley that I completely overlooked and I’m so happy, and grateful to be back. |
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“
Alumni Voice
Caitlin Campanella | Liberal Arts A.A. (2009)
My experience in the Liberal Arts A.A. program at LCCC prepared me for my future more than I could have ever realized at the time. I was not especially passionate about academia when I began LCCC. However, my professors there instilled a love of learning in me that not only encouraged me to go to graduate school, but also gave me the desire to work in academia myself in the future. Some of the classes I had at LCCC were just as challenging, if not more, than my classes after I transferred to Moravian College. The Liberal Arts program gave me the opportunity to take a wide range of classes, and discover which disciplines I loved, as well as the areas that were not for me.|
LCCC Alumni share their story and how LCCC made a difference in their lives.
Jessica Walker Mauro | Liberal Arts A.A.
Sam Strong | General Studies A.A. (2010)
Returning to school as an adult learner can be intimidating. As adult learners, we manage work-life balance as well as educational expectations. During my time at Lehigh Carbon Community College I found a helpful staff, quality support programs and inspirational instructors. As someone who has an undergraduate degree from a large state school, I appreciate the individualized attention that is available at LCCC. The instructors expect quality and greatness in each individual. As an adult learner, I see great value in the continuing education experience I had at LCCC. |
Most students don’t know their area of study when entering college. Most think they do, but statistically they will change their minds. I certainly did. Originally I planned to become an industrial designer. I found myself, however, at Lehigh Carbon Community College, studying the Liberal Arts, because that was the school I could afford.
Tim Corbett | General Studies A.A. (2011)
I have never once regretted it.
Originally when I enrolled at LCCC, I was completely unsure of what I would like to study, therefore I decided on the General Studies program. Due to the program’s flexibility, I had the ability to choose classes that interested me, which allowed me to discover the subjects I enjoyed learning about. Also, being on a transfer track, I could tailor my schedule around classes I needed for the institutions I was looking to move on to. Once I earned my degree and moved to another university, the transition was easier due to the variety of coursework I had already experienced. Taking Honors courses at LCCC really helped prepare me for the rigor and expectations of the school I transferred too. I believe that by having a broad educational experience at LCCC, I was able to succeed in further studies because of the invaluable skills different facets of study provided me. In addition, the amount of diversity that LCCC has to offer really provides different insights in and out of the classroom, opening me up to varying schools of thought. This diversity allowed me to gain an open mind, which I found has been essential in growing as an academic and as an individual. Overall, the education I received at LCCC has been enriching and has given me the tools I need to accomplish and succeed at my life goals. |
In my college career, I have gone from an Industrial Design major, to a Graphic Design major, to an Art History and English major, and, now I’m moving on to Graduate School as a Media Studies major. And yet, through my entire college career, my Liberal Arts education has served me well. No matter what field I explored, I always relied upon the basic knowledge of analysis, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration that I had learned in LCCC’s Liberal Arts program. The skills you learn in this program are universally applicable to education and to life. For anyone that is unsure of what they want to study—even if they don’t realize that they are unsure—the Liberal Arts are a great place to start. |
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Alumni News
Hannah Long | Liberal Arts A.A. (2010) My time at LCCC was some of the best part of my college experience. Even though I’ve transferred and am nearing the end of my undergraduate education, the knowledge, experiences, and teaching I received at LCCC were some of the best I’ve ever received. Being able to experience what all of the liberal arts and humanities have to offer, instead of boxing myself into a set of required classes, allowed me to truly investigate what I really wished to pursue studying in more depth and learn what kind of a person I really am. Having a background in the liberal arts has helped me in my other classes. I think that one of the most valuable lessons taught by being in a liberal arts program is that it helps you to see multiple viewpoints and windows on the world; you see the interconnectedness, and not just the isolation of a single discipline. Observing and thinking holistically is probably the most valuable thing I’ve gained from my college career, and that was directly the result of being able to have the experience that the liberal arts program brought me. |
LCCC Alumni Association Board of Directors Megan Billowitch (‘94) Shannon Ciamacco (‘94) Betty George (‘73) Susan Heller (‘03 and ‘07) Dallas Holtzer (‘73) Linda Krisko (’80) | Treasurer Fabian Moriah (’05) | Secretary Heather Mullen (‘06) | Vice President Christina Schoemaker (‘99) | President 1973 Jill (Mohn) Mitchell of Lancaster is an LPN at Geriatric Specialists. 1993 Karen (Cope) Vandak of Coaldale is a Unit Manager at Extendicare Corporation. 1995 Stephanie Brown of Iqaluit, Nunavut is a Respiratory Therapist. 2006 Monica Pahira of Minersville is a Social Director at Lincoln Towers.
Calling all LCCC Alumni: Contribute to Alumni News If you’d like to list an announcement in Alumni News, suggest a story for Aspire, or mentor an LCCC student, simply visit www.lccc.edu/alumni.
Tammy Lerner | Liberal Arts A.A. (2007) Re-entering the classroom after having been away from it for nearly 15 years was daunting. With two kids, a fulltime job and financial concerns, I was feeling overwhelmed and worried about whether or not I would be able to keep up with the younger students. But, after stepping into my first class at LCCC all of the anxiety melted away. The level of support I received from professors and students was unparalleled, and that was important to me. No less important was the academic rigor offered by honors classes and top notch professors, some of whom are ivy degreed. I have no doubt that without the strong foundation given to me by LCCC, I would never have gone on to graduate from an ivy school, Columbia University, in 2010. I highly recommend LCCC as a first choice school for both traditional and non-traditional students. |
Karen Duld | Social Sciences A.A. (2009) The time I spent at LCCC was one of the most rewarding educational experiences I have had in my academic career. The quality of education I received not only prepared me to further pursue my academic goals and to succeed in my pursuits, it provided me with the tools and the confidence to excel. Thanks to my professors and the stellar education I received from them, I am on my way to pursuing a graduate degree in History. The faculty and staff of LCCC, via their knowledge and genuine interest in my success, took a good student and made her into a scholar. |
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Shout Out Series: Corey Reifinger This article is an excerpt from a blog and talks about LCCC alum Corey Reifinger and his experience, as told by one of Reifinger’s professors at Kutztown University. We each have an individual way of creating: bringing distinctive experiences, diverse talents and a unique voice to the creative table. If we learn other’s processes, we can enhance our own, in a sense build better creative tools to use when designing. Learning the processes of those we respect and admire is a tool that furthers our knowledge of graphic design and serves to present endless inspiration and countless methods of creation.
Corey Reifinger Corey Reifinger is a graphic designer and visual thinker originally from Eastern Pennsylvania. Reifinger has a long history of creating with flare and attributes the foundation of his creativity to healthy doses of Nick Jr., farming landscapes and occasional cow tipping shenanigans. (I wonder how many of you know what cow tipping is?! Cow tipping is the activity of sneaking up on a sleeping, upright cow and pushing it over for fun. (1) As far as I know, cattle don’t sleep standing up and conclude cow tipping must be a myth! I’m attributing Reifinger’s cow tipping comment to his off the cuff sense of humor and vivid imagination.) Attempting to explore various interests, Reifinger dabbled in over a dozen parttime jobs throughout high school, eventually narrowing his focus to the arts. After acquiring a fine arts degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College, he focused his efforts on earning a BFA in Communication Design from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
Photo: dezignrogue
Corey Reifinger highlights his opportunity to illustrate an “Idea Machine,” visually depicting the creative process from concept to fruition as his defining moment to date. The graphic was integrated into TracyLocke’s re-branding efforts, printed on shirts for employees and even mounted onto their conference room wall. An animated video is currently in production too.
You need drive and determination to excel in the visual communication field. Reifinger certainly supports this point by taking on three in-house design internships while working towards his BFA. One week prior to graduation from Kutztown University, he received and accepted an offer to join the creative agency, TracyLocke in Fairfield, Connecticut. He works as a Graphic Designer/Art Director promoting global brands Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Gatorade, Starbucks, Frito-Lay and others. Reifinger, congrats on your impending two-year anniversary at TracyLocke!
Favorite visual communication design quote Reifinger lives by: Create the world you want to live in. —Anonymous (I didn’t get it from a kitchen plaque at Bed, Bath & Beyond, I swear!)
Aspire Fall 2012
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A standout, defining moment in Reifinger’s career thus far:
Alumni News
“It’s most rewarding knowing my ideas can manifest into something so much bigger and be shared with so many people. My work is my voice. Every time [my work] makes it one more round on a job, makes it past one more client or is noticed by a peer, it feels like a small inner high five.”
The Reifinger design philosophy Everyone ticks differently and there are ten ways to do the same thing. Reifinger believes working as a visual thinker you must take time throughout your career to identify your unique skill sets, craft a game plan and utilize this plan to tackle creative problems. If you don’t find some level of fulfillment in your work, you have the power to change it.
Photo: C.R. Archives
Reifinger’s design helped launch the limited edition of Mountain Dew’s 65th anniversary promotion.
Another comment Reifinger makes regarding his design philosophy is—Design should raise eyebrows, say something and turn heads. If a design is to communicate, it must emotionally connect with your intended audience. How many times have you heard me say this: If a design solution is expected, it’s boring. If it’s boring, no one pays attention to it. If no one pays attention to it, you haven’t communicated anything. Design must pique the viewer’s curiosity, engage and command them to take some sort of action.
(Reifinger was on vacation the 1st week of June in Tennesse and saw the 6-pack Mountain Dew design in a gas station/mini mart. He hasn’t seen it anywhere up North yet. It was a surprise to him to see his design on the
Awards or publications featuring the design stylings of Corey Reifinger
limited edition packaging for their
There was that Most Artistic award my freshman year in high school but no official publications as of yet. [The shout out series] is the first! Cheers to that. Getting acknowledged by your respected peers or community is quite an accomplishment, but I’ve seen you can win an award one week and somehow find yourself unemployed the next.
know why his boss didn’t tell
65th anniversary. He immediately called his boss and wanted to him. Supposedly no one knew that Mountain Dew had went with his idea.)
There’s merit in being acknowledged and recognized by your peers I’m speaking directly to new designers about winning awards and being featured in publications when stating this comment. Citing accomplishments on your resume and self-promotional materials is an excellent way to build your reputation. Each award/publication is another opportunity to separate yourself from the countless other designers competing for the same jobs you are. Take advantage of every opportunity you can! |
Read more on Corey’s blog “Shout out”: http://dezignrogue.blogspot.com/2012/03/shout-out-series-corey-reifinger.html
Are you an LCCC Alum? Do you have a great story to tell? Send it to alumni@lccc.edu for consideration.
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LCCC Events + Community Leadership LCCC Clayshoot
Fall Holiday Classic Lehigh Carbon Community College’s (LCCC) Foundation is holding its first-ever Scholarship Fall Holiday Classic on Friday and Saturday, November 9th and 10th, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. each day. We invite you to participate in this wonderful event, benefitting student scholarships. This is just one of several annual events LCCC holds to raise awareness and funds for scholarship funding to worthy students.
Photo: LCCC Archives
Scholarships are more than money to deserving students Lehigh Carbon Community College and the Foundation give hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships every year, but the demand is always greater than our resources can cover. With the economy rebounding slowly and revenue reduced by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania this year as last year, you can make education a priority for one or more needy students by contributing to the Foundation’s scholarship funds. Did you ever try to do two things at once? Working to fund an education is a full time endeavor. So is studying and applying oneself to make that education meaningful and effective. Scholarship grants help reduce the cost of funding for a student or their parents, and allow students to focus on getting ready to Go Anywhere. They are more than money—they are an opportunity to excel. Some of the scholarships we have available are: • Vet Tech Scholarships for those interested in pursuing a career as a Veterinary Technician. • STEM Scholarships are available for those interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. | Aspire Fall 2012
If you are an independent designer, crafter or creative artist we are seeking individuals who sell one-of-a-kind crafts and products not affiliated with any other trademarked company. This event will be housed in our newest facility, the Community Services Center on LCCC’s main campus in Schnecksville. It has all the latest technology you will need—wireless internet, electric, tables and chairs, plenty of parking and handicap accessibility—in a facility that offers limitless space with the finest services. All you will need to bring are your goods or crafts. Over the course of these two days, we will have food vendors and student entertainment, featuring some of our local high school students who have incredible talent. By showcasing their exceptional musicality and giving tours of our campus via carriage rides, we hope to draw in a large portion of the community! This will be a fun-filled day for all to come out and visit the campus, shop for the upcoming holidays and see some fabulous entertainment. Please contact Jane Wilchak at 610-799-1929 or at jwilchak@lccc.edu to find out how you can be a part of this exciting event! |
LCCC 2012–2013 Foundation Board of Directors Ann Bieber | Vice Secretary | Institutional Appointee, Senior Vice President, LCCC Lee Bond Tony Boyle, Boyle Construction John T. Cathers Jr. | Treasurer | Chair of Finance Committee & Compliance Officer, First Commonwealth FCU Jan Creedon, County of Lehigh Annabelle B. Creveling, LCCC Trustee Bernard Durant, Durant Ent. (retired) Maria Esposito, Saucon Valley Country Club Robin Flores, Allentown Symphony Association Ronald Glass, Administrator Emeritus Andre Green, Verizon Inc. Christopher Jordan, Northstar Youth Services Richard Kern, KNBT, Division of National Penn Bank Kathy Kovatch Reaman | Vice Chairperson & Secretary | Kovatch Corporation Buddy Lesavoy, Esq., Lesavoy, Butz and Seitz, LLC David Lobach, Embassy Bank Ellen Millard-Kern | Chairperson | Office of Sen. Patrick M. Browne Ron Neimeyer, Altronics Inc. Kent C. Newhart, Accounting and Tax Associates Inc. Thomas Oleksa | Vice Treasurer | Liberty Savings Bank, FSB Roger C. Reis, Lower Macungie Twsp. Commissioner Dale Roth, Architect Christina Schoemaker, Lehigh Valley Health Network Betty Smith, Trexler-Haines, Inc. Willard Snyder, New Tripoli Bancorp Mark Thompson, MKSD Architects
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Foundation News
Turning student aspirations into reality through education
Your gifts to the LCCC Foundation raise the number and quality of opportunities at the College, and carry a legacy of success after every graduation.
John E. Morgan Center
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
A sad note
What Is It For? To provide aid to a deserving student or students who wish to pursue their education at Lehigh Carbon Community College and are children or grandchildren of an LCCC graduate. A “graduate� is someone who graduated from LCCC with an A.A. or A.A.S. degree.
This past December we bade farewell to LCCC Board of Directors member and champion of LCCC and education in general Yvette Palmer, who lost her struggle with lymphoma. Palmer was a shining example of how to be an advocate and a friend, and she will be sorely missed. Memorial gifts are encouraged to the LCCC Foundation, to Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Bethlehem, or to the Rotary International Foundation Annual Programs Fund. |
How Much Is It? The annual scholarship goes to one person at $1,000 or two students at $500 depending on the number of qualified applicants. Once more alumni start to support the scholarship with their annual gifts, we can increase the number of recipients or the level of each scholarship. Is There A Preference? Yes, preference is given to those who have not received this scholarship already, but students may re-apply each year.
The Fowler Educational Excellence Center
How Can I Help? You can contribute an additional amount every year on top of your Cougar Fund gift, specifically toward the Alumni Legacy scholarship. $25 and over makes you an active member of the Alumni Association. See the Alumni web site for more information. |
Lisa Jane Scheller Student Center
Community Services Center
The Rothrock! Library
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4525 Education Park Drive Schnecksville, PA 18078
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Permit No. 116
Get a BAS from Bloomsburg University...at LCCC! Turn your A.A.S. degree into a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Technical Leadership from Lehigh Carbon Community College and Bloomsburg University. With convenient evening classes at the LCCC campus, you can advance your career while you work! |
Paul Fink, advisory board member for the LCCC School of Computer Science and the Arts, and Andrew Kravelick, a former LCTI student currently at LCCC and enrolled in the BAS degree program through the Bloomsburg partnership.
If you would like to help LCCC be greener, please send an email to marketing@lccc.edu, asking to receive a pdf version of Aspire instead of a printed version. Please include your name, address and email in your message. Thank you!