Reading Area Community College
Forty-Eighth Annual Commencement Ceremony 2020
F R O M
T H E
P R E S I D E N T
On behalf of Reading Area Community College, I welcome you to our 2020 virtual commencement webpage. My name is Dr. Susan Looney and it is my privilege to address you as the sixth president of Reading Area Community College. Let me be among the first to offer congratulations to RACC’s Class of 2020! We recognize with pride your personal growth and academic achievements. We could not be prouder of each and every one of you. It is my hope that this virtual commencement page could be a celebration for our graduates and would be shared with their families and friends as we all live through this global health crisis that keeps us all apart at the same time it has brought us all closer together. Your ability to graduate today would not have been possible without the dedication and support of faculty and staff. Those faculty and staff have created for you messages of encouragement found on this commencement website. With many ceremonies celebrating our lives postponed or cancelled, I want you to know that staying the course to complete your degree, certificate, or diploma is an achievement that cannot be taken away from you. You are a RACC graduate and you are ready for your future. As you move to other educational institutions, expanded career opportunities or both, I am confident RACC has prepared you for a successful future. I would like to take a moment to recognize our resilient community by acknowledging the people who keep this college strong: To our sponsors, the Berks County Commissioners, thank you for your support of our college. To the Board of Directors of the Foundation for RACC, friends and supporters whose volunteer efforts raise private funds for special initiatives, thank you. To the college’s Board of Trustees, thank you for your commitment to, and advocacy for, our college. Graduates, you continue to inspire me every day, and you will continue to make the RACC family of faculty, staff, students and alumni very proud. This spring semester showed me your unflinching resolve to stay the course. I am so incredibly thankful to my colleagues, faculty, and staff for their adaptability and resourcefulness in doing what we do best: educate students. Together, we all stayed the course so you could graduate. We are so #RACCPROUD of all of you.
Most sincerely, Susan D. Looney, J.D., Ed.D. President Reading Area Community Collegee
A S S O C I A T E D E G R E E
I N
A R T S
C A N D I D A T E S
Bryan Algeo Creative Writing Transfer
Edrick Burgos-Diaz Social Science Transfer
Katherine Defalco Business Administration Transfer
Yarlennis Arias Mora*+ Business Administration Transfer
Rebecca Capobianco+ Business Administration Transfer
Alissa Degreen Social Science Transfer
Aya Ashour Business Administration Transfer
Alexander Carino Business Administration Transfer
Andrew Dibiase** Business Administration Transfer
Lauren Baatz Social Science Transfer
Priscilla Chavez-Roque Education (Secondary) Transfer
Kelly Dugan**+ Business Administration Transfer
Deneisha Baldwin Social Work Transfer
Emily Chilcote** Education (Secondary) Transfer
Holly Dunda**+ Accounting Transfer
Sierra Baller Social Work Transfer
Jordan Conrad Business Administration Transfer
Alex Espinal*+ Business Administration Transfer
Brydon Barker*** Business Administration Transfer
Alonzo Cooper^ Addiction Studies/Human Services Transfer
Brad Feltenberger*^+ Business Administration Transfer
Edgar Barreiro Social Work Transfer
Cameron Cranos Computer Information Systems Transfer
Theresa Figueroa+ Social Work Transfer
Tyler Borton Business Administration Transfer
Johannys Cuello Psychology Transfer
Johanna R. Fletcher Business Administration Transfer
Renae Bowman+ Health Sciences Transfer
Lizeth Cuevas Frutos Social Work Transfer
Olivia Ford***+ Social Science Transfer
Jose Bueno Social Work Transfer
Joseph Damon** Business Administration Transfer
Makayla Forrest Psychology Transfer
Derric C. Burden** Social Science Transfer
Shane Dantzler Business Administration Transfer
Margaret Fortunet Health Sciences Transfer
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E D E G R E E
I N
A R T S
C A N D I D A T E S
Adam Frank Business Administration Transfer
Rebecca Heater** Social Science Transfer
Juliana Kalous Business Administration Transfer
Sandy Fries**+ Business Administration Transfer
Wyatt Hessler** Business Administration Transfer
Bryn Keeney* Communications Transfer
Lilian Gamez Business Administration Transfer
Carmelo Heyer, Jr.** Business Administration Transfer
Brennan Keller+ Psychology Transfer
Catherine Ganter+ Social Science Transfer
Matthew Hoppock**+ Accounting Transfer
Bethmary Kodjovi Education (Secondary) Transfer
Jonathan Garcia* Business Administration Transfer
Katelyn Horn Health Sciences Transfer
Victoria Korb Psychology Transfer
Amber Garl* Creative Writing Transfer
Jazalyn Horta Sanchez Social Work Transfer
Cooper Korejwo Psychology Transfer
Lisa Giang+ Art Transfer
Tyler Iffrig Social Work Transfer
Alyssa Lamp+ Social Work Transfer
Oscar Gonzalez*+ Education (Secondary) Transfer
Chaianna Irrizary Addiction Studies/Human Services Transfer
Jessica Lee***+ Accounting Transfer
Isys Goodman Psychology Transfer
Caron Jackson-Washington+ Accounting Transfer
Elyse Lesser Social Science Transfer
Nathan Greene Computer Information Systems Transfer
Johnrey Jimenez Business Administration Transfer
Keyan Long** Psychology Transfer
Katelynn Hahn Business Administration Transfer
Cassandra Joiner Computer Information Systems Transfer
Jennifer Lopez+ Addiction Studies/Human Services Transfer
Jennifer Hayes Psychology Transfer
Amando Juarez Business Administration Transfer
Jessica Lopuchin Business Administration Transfer
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E D E G R E E
I N
A R T S
C A N D I D A T E S
Valerie Mackey*** Business Administration Transfer
Dejanae Navedo+ Psychology Transfer
Jade Ramos Art Transfer
Sabine Maldonado Social Work Transfer
Jaelynn Nelson**+ Liberal Arts Transfer
Luis A. Ramos Business Administration Transfer
Tyler Manegold Business Administration Transfer
Monica Nelson**^ Computer Information Systems Transfer
Hayley Reichardt**+ Business Administration Transfer
Heather Matuszak**+ Addiction Studies/Human Services Transfer
Teresa Nguyen+ Computer Information Systems Transfer
Kortney Rentschler** Business Administration Transfer
Sara McAfee** Communications Transfer
Julian Ortiz Communications Transfer
Teresa Reph** Accounting Transfer
Deja McClary+ Accounting Transfer
Raelynn Owen Communications Transfer
Madelyn Richardson* Creative Writing Transfer
Noah McLaine Business Administration Transfer
Amanda Pena Psychology Transfer
Stone Riggin**+ Psychology Transfer
Maria Mendez-Castellon*+ Business Administration Transfer
Elizabeth Pena+ Art Transfer
Deborah Riley Psychology Transfer
Jerome Mitchell Addiction Studies/Human Services Transfer
Kimberly Peralta Psychology Transfer
Jordan Ringler Addiction Studies/Human Services Transfer
Ruth Mitchell** Art Transfer
Donald Plante** Creative Writing Transfer
Naomi Rivera Psychology Transfer
Keng Mo Pabey+ Computer Information Systems Transfer
Christian Potter+ Computer Information Systems Transfer
Miguel Rodriguez-Lopez Business Administration Transfer
Stephen Murnane Business Administration Transfer
Leslieann Ramirez Business Administration Transfer
Celeste Rowe Business Administration Transfer
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E D E G R E E
I N
A R T S
C A N D I D A T E S
Milda Sanchez* Business Administration Transfer
Nicky Storti, Jr.* Accounting Transfer
Heather Wenrich Business Administration Transfer
Maricela Sandoval** Social Work Transfer
Madison Supplee* Psychology Transfer
Emily Wentzel* Addiction Studies/Human Services Transfer
Rachel Schiefer Art Transfer
Michael Tamayo Business Administration Transfer
Caitlin Wernicki Psychology Transfer
Cierra Schoning+ Psychology Transfer
Ethan Taveras Computer Information Systems Transfer
Phillip Wholaver Business Administration Transfer
Lisa Schulze* Business Administration Transfer
Amanda Thomas*+ Business Administration Transfer
Jada Williams Business Administration Transfer
Victoria Sconion Communications Transfer
Stephany Tolentino Psychology Transfer
Emma Wright** Social Science Transfer
Ashley Sensenig+ Computer Information Systems Transfer
Pamela Tuck*** Creative Writing Transfer
Kiana Wright** Communications Transfer
Daphne Smith** Accounting Transfer
Alexzandra Valdez Social Work Transfer
Marvin Yancor-Lima* Business Administration Transfer
Marisa Smith Addiction Studies/Human Services Transfer
Vanessa Velez Business Administration
Kusilishca Yepez Communications Transfer
Oluwatobiloba Somori* Social Science Transfer
Eric Villasenor Business Administration Transfer
Vanessa Stack-Smith** Business Administration Transfer
Timothy Walker+ Health Sciences Transfer
Bethany Stern+ Business Administration Transfer
Derick Wartzenluft Accounting Transfer
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E
I N
S C I E N C E
Zaynab Abbour Science Transfer
Kianna Dixon Health Science Transfer
Franklin Lucas*** Science Transfer
Lucas Albitz+ Science Transfer
Katie Doberstein+ Health Science Transfer
Megan Mueller+ Health Science Transfer
Angela Bagenstose Science Transfer
Kevin Estrada Health Science Transfer
Abigail Ramos Health Science Transfer
Brett Baldacci Science Transfer
Erlyn Fox+ Health Science Transfer
Jennifer Rodriguez Health Science Transfer
Yamah Bangura Health Science Transfer
Layci-Jayde Gandia Science Transfer
Bibi Safia+ Science Transfer
Schnae Barnett Health Science Transfer
Stefan Grove Science Transfer
Wanda Tineo Health Science Transfer
Ashley Brown**+ Science Transfer
Stacey Jandrew** Health Science Transfer
Tabitha Warden Health Science Transfer
Shelby Churico Science Transfer
Ashley Keener* Science Transfer
Shannon Wiedinmyer Health Science Transfer
Natalie Clayton**+ Health Science Transfer
Kyle Kiehl*+ Science Transfer
Julia Wolfe Science Transfer
Eric Davis Health Science Transfer
Gabrielle Knowles Science Transfer
Angella Daye* Health Science Transfer
Jymey Lara Herrera* Science Transfer
Madison Diana Health Science Transfer
Adriana Lemus Health Science Transfer
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E
I N
D E G R E E
A P P L I E D
S C I E N C E
C A N D I D A T E S
Aidan Algier***^ Electrical Utility Technology
Bridger Brewster Electrical Utility Technology
Jacob Clemens Electrical Utility Technology
Andrew Altieri+ Computer Technology
Kevin Brito* Nursing
Mitchell Cole Criminal Justice
Nicholas Armao Nursing
Michael Burch, Jr. Computer Technology
Arlene Compere+ Medical Office/Health Records Specialist
Donald Baker**+ Computer Technology
Elizabeth Calancea Nursing
Margarita Cornejo-Jimenez Accounting
Alana Bangura* Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Anthony Calderoni** Computer Technology
Eden Craciunescu Medical Laboratory Technology
Terry Bayne Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Jennifer Caligari-Damestoy** Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Catarina Cylcewski Nursing
Jean Bazile, Jr. Accounting
Shomar Callender Criminal Justice
Andria Berkley Nursing
Kaitlyn Carl* Business Management
Justin Bertoti Electrical Utility Technology
Casey Carpenter Business Management
Tyler Blood** Information Technology (Web Site Development)
Robert Carver, Jr.***^ Information Technology (Web Site Development)
Gisela De La Rosa+ Business Management
Teresa Borelli* Nursing
Ana Castellon* Administrative Office Specialist
Paula De La Rosa+ Business Management
Alexa Bower* Nursing
Ricardo Ceballos**+ Computer Technology
Byron Dean^ Respiratory Care
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
Emily Daniels Nursing
^veteran
Corinda Davidheiser Nursing Lucia De la Cruz Nursing
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E
I N
D E G R E E
A P P L I E D
S C I E N C E
C A N D I D A T E S
Jessica Dejesus Nursing
Ty Fenstermacher+ Criminal Justice
Sara Giannattasio Business Management
Grace Dey+ Business Management
Yessenia Fernandez Criminal Justice
Lissett Gonzalez^ Accounting
Ashley Diaz+ Administrative Office Specialist
Brian Ferro*+ Computer Technology
Jacob Goodman**+ Business Management
Dharibeth Diaz** Accounting
Christianna Flaherty Criminal Justice
Alex Gregro* Electrical Utility Technology
Elijah Flores Nursing
Marissa Hassler Nursing
Jacobo Flores* Electrical Utility Technology
Cindy Heiner***+ Accounting
Jennifer Dieter Respiratory Care Michael Dietz* Electrical Utility Technology Brian Drummond+ Computer Technology Laciann Eckenroth Administrative Office Specialist Nicole Eckroth** Nursing Emily Encarnacion Culinary Arts Kimberly Escobar** Culinary Arts Mario Estrella+ Computer Technology
***summa cum laude
Charlene Fourquet Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4) Aracely Fuentes Accounting
Jessica Hoffman Business Management
Brianna Galanos* Accounting
Justin Horn Electrical Utility Technology
Patrick Gardner Electrical Utility Technology Joshua Garris*^ Electrical Utility Technology Joseph Gendreau Information Technology (Web Site Development)
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
Matthew Hill** Computer Technology
^veteran
Brent Houck** Medical Laboratory Technology Melissa Houck Business Management Julian Jaime-Mercado Respiratory Care
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E
I N
D E G R E E
A P P L I E D
S C I E N C E
C A N D I D A T E S
Desiree Johnson Culinary Arts
Sarah Laity* Business Management
Afaf Maslah*** Medical Laboratory Technology
Jelitza Karish+ Business Management
Jordan Lash Criminal Justice
Wid-Pierre Mathias Nursing
Meredith Kaszmetskie Nursing
Olivia Laver Nursing
Leetha McKee Respiratory Care
Katie Kauffman+ Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Israel Leazard+ Computer Technology
Matthew Medei Electrical Utility Technology
Lea Kauffman Respiratory Care
Angelica Lemus-Hernandez*+ Criminal Justice
Taylor Messner Medical Laboratory Technology
Katie Kearney Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Gabrielle Lewis* Nursing
Brian Miller^ Nursing
Corinne A. Kinasz* Medical Office/Health Records Specialist
Aidan Lisney Nursing
Eric Miller+ Machine Tool Technology
Ryan Kinder Criminal Justice
Kimberly Lu Administrative Office Specialist
Joseph Miller**+ Computer Technology
Vanessa Klippel* Nursing
Haley MacLachlin** Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Katrice Miller* Nursing
Michael Koros^ Information Technology (Web Site Development)
Sydney Mallatratt*+ Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Maria Miller**+ Information Technology (Web Site Development)
Dillon Kramer+ Computer Technology
Kurt Manderbach** Information Technology (Web Site Development)
Dina Mojica Nursing
Robert Krick, III Electrical Utility Technology
Kira Martin** Nursing
Karla Montoya-Contreras* Business Management
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E
I N
D E G R E E
A P P L I E D
S C I E N C E
C A N D I D A T E S
Justin Mooney*+ Computer Technology
Mersadis Palmer* Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Ashley Rivera Respiratory Care
Mary Moore Respiratory Care
Matthew Pelka***+ Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Jazmine Rivera Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Clarissa Mora Respiratory Care
Elijah Perry Business Management
Kiley Roland* Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Christine Moraski Respiratory Care
Marc Pierre-Francois Medical Laboratory Technology
Michael Ross** Criminal Justice
Bella Moyer* Nursing
Bryant Pleiss** Electrical Utility Technology
Lisette Ruiz* Business Management
Michael Moyer** Electrical Utility Technology
Samuel Posey* Electrical Utility Technology
Nancy Salinas-Torres* Nursing
Megan Mueller Nursing
Jessica Poston* Business Management
Austin Sampson* Electrical Utility Technology
David Muentes+ Criminal Justice
Jacqueline Powell Nursing
Emily Munoz+ Business Management
Magaly Ramos** Accounting
Brandon Naveiro* Electrical Utility Technology
Emily Rankin Business Management
Cristian Santos+ Electronic Health Records and Healthcare Information Tech
Binh Nguyen** Medical Laboratory Technology
Michael Richard Electrical Utility Technology
Alexis Schaner* Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Amy Ortiz* Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Andrea Riegel Medical Office/Health Records Specialist
Corey Schoonover* Accounting
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
Maria Sanchez Nursing Kadijah Sannoh Nursing
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E
I N
D E G R E E
Ashley Schwartz Respiratory Care
A P P L I E D
S C I E N C E
C A N D I D A T E S
Troy Viola* Criminal Justice
Samantha Wronowski* Medical Laboratory Technology
Jessica Wamsher+ Business Management
Camille Zapata-Perez Nursing
Tabitha Warden Nursing
Maria Zavala Medical Office Specialist
Kevin Shimp+ Information Technology (Web Site Development)
Mitchell Warriner* Electrical Utility Technology
Andrew Ziegler* Electrical Utility Technology
Cory Solarek Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Makayla Weaver Business Management
Patrick Stoudt Computer Technology
Sansan Weber* Nursing
Kimberly Strohecker Nursing
Austin Wentzel Criminal Justice
Courtney Tanis Respiratory Care
Andrew Willman Electrical Utility Technology
Katy Taveras Business Management
Kristal Wise Nursing
Samantha Thompson Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Sean Wolderich Electrical Utility Technology
Britnie Troutman Nursing
Tanieya Woodson Early Childhood Teaching (Pre-K - Grade 4)
Gabriella Vera Nursing
Sabrina Woolf Nursing
Andrew Sheidy+ Computer Technology Gary Shilling* Accounting
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E
I N
D E G R E E
G E N E R A L
S T U D I E S
C A N D I D A T E S
Thomas Bradshaw*+ General Studies Declared
Amanda Eckert+ General Studies Declared
Joseph Grandstrom**+ General Studies Declared
Ashley Brea** General Studies Declared
Nina Eddinger**+ General Studies Declared
Elia Gust+ General Studies Declared
Kevin Brito*+ General Studies Declared
Caleb Erb** General Studies Declared
Madison M. Helms General Studies Declared
Kwabena Bryant*+ General Studies Declared
Marissa Fake*+ General Studies Declared
Frank H. Jenkins** General Studies Declared
Loredana Buglino* General Studies Declared
Eric Farrell+ General Studies Declared
Diamond Jones General Studies Declared
Andy Candiau General Studies Declared
Melissa Fernandez+ General Studies Declared
Kaitlyn Joseph General Studies Declared
Valerie Canon+ General Studies Declared
Terry Franklin*^+ General Studies Declared
Christine Keefer General Studies Declared
Abigail Cawley**+ General Studies Declared
John Gantkowski, Jr. General Studies Declared
William Keller General Studies Declared
Nadya Cesar-Luster General Studies Declared
Cheyenne Getz*** General Studies Declared
Justine Kissling* General Studies Declared
Jillian Croft*+ General Studies Declared
Evelyn Gonzalez+ General Studies Declared
Brandi Knight+ General Studies Declared
Megan Dantonio General Studies Declared
Leisha Gonzalez General Studies Declared
Robin D. Kuhl General Studies Declared
Lilibeth Dilone+ General Studies Declared
Amanda Goodreau General Studies Declared
Jasmine Lattimer General Studies Declared
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
A S S O C I A T E
I N
D E G R E E
G E N E R A L
S T U D I E S
C A N D I D A T E S
Melanie Leahy+ General Studies Declared
Adam Poper* General Studies Declared
Shannon Wiedinmyer+ General Studies Declared
Leanny Lebron General Studies Declared
Shakira Ramos-Rodriguez General Studies Declared
Seth Williams+ General Studies Declared
Bailey Ludwick General Studies Declared
Gisenia Ravelo*+ General Studies Declared
Alondra Mingucha General Studies Declared
Tatiana Rivera General Studies Declared
Lizette Morales-Marquez General Studies Declared
Omar Sanchez+ General Studies Declared
Alfredo Orozco General Studies Declared
Sonya Shull+ General Studies Declared
Jaime Ortega General Studies Declared
Laura Shultz General Studies Declared
Leslye Osorio General Studies Declared
Jackee Smith-Chichester General Studies Declared
Amber Pena+ General Studies Declared
Joy Soto General Studies Declared
Cristina Perez* General Studies Declared
Cassidy Strobbe General Studies Declared
Adriana Perez-Barajas** General Studies Declared
Elen Velasco-Rosales General Studies Declared
Melissa Polanco+ General Studies Declared
Nicole Wallace*** General Studies Declared
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
C E R T I F I C A T E
O F
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N
Maryann Alonzo Early Childhood CDA Prep Certificate
Melanie Leahy+ General Science
Beverly Ramirez-Oliva+ Practical Nursing
Samuel Bandle+ Practical Nursing
Anusha Liyanage Konara+ Practical Nursing
Beldy Ramos+ Cyber Defense
Alimamy Bangura**+ Cyber Defense
Sonia Mendoza+ Practical Nursing
Princessca Rene+ Practical Nursing
Pamely DeJesus+ Practical Nursing
Diana Morales-Camargo+ Practical Nursing
Bianca Rodriguez+ Practical Nursing
Sophia Desrosiers+ Practical Nursing
Marisa-Ashlee Morris*+ Practical Nursing
Catherine Rogers+ Practical Nursing
Karon Dockery+ Practical Nursing
Shelbie Morton***+ Bookkeeping
Vanessa Sophy** Accounting
Leimy Dotel de Jesus+ Practical Nursing
Sophiane Mouscardy+ Practical Nursing
Yomaris Torres+ Practical Nursing
Stacy Ganter**+ Bookkeeping
Emily Munoz Bookkeeping
Onayi Uribe Early Childhood Director
Rashana Harris+ Practical Nursing
Gerardine Murassaint-Orelien+ Practical Nursing
Yanitza Velazquez Early Childhood CDA Prep
Olivia Huertas+ Practical Nursing
Victoria Najarian+ Practical Nursing
Jesus Ventura-Then+ Cyber Defense
Jarrice Jones+ Practical Nursing
Loise Otieno+ Practical Nursing
Christina Waltman+ Practical Nursing
***summa cum laude
**magna cum laude
*cum laude
^veteran
+certified in December 2019
++certified in August 2019
D I P L O M A
Joan Stevens Medical Transcript DLP
S T U D E N T
S P E A K E R
Cathy Ganter is a non-traditional student who has had a rich and unique life working and volunteering for her community while raising a family. She has been a life-long learner, first attending Clarion University directly from high school. As a speech and theatre major, she made costumes and performed in several shows before leaving Clarion for marriage. In 1987, she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing from West Chester University. While attending West Chester University, she was the bakery chef for a local restaurant. Her degree in business marketing lead to working for a medical production company, where she travelled to Europe to produce films about hypertension and heart disease. While raising children, she worked as the costumer for local theater productions for the Muhlenberg School District, Reading Community Players, Kutztown University, and Penn State Berks Summer Series. A mother of four daughters, she volunteered for the Girl Scouts for eight years before becoming a recruiter and trainer for this youth leadership organization in 2000. When she enrolled at RACC, her goal was to renew her Spanish and computer skills in order to work with urban bilingual students and their families. She has accepted a position with Teach for America, teaching bilingual students in Philadelphia. She is married to Ralph Ganter and stepmother to his three children, one of whom is now a student at RACC.
C L A S S
O F
A C A D E M I C
ALL PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMIC TEAM AWARD Transfer Scholars..................................Valerie A. Mackey Emma M. Wright
Communications, Arts and Humanities Art (AA)............................................. Rachel Schiefer Communications (AA)........................... Kiana Wright Creative Writing (AA)....................... Donald J. Plante Foundational Studies English for Academic Purposes Award........................................Marvin Yancor-Lima Spanish...................................... Elen Velasco-Rosales . Cristina Perez College Success Strategies..................Monica Nelson Developmental Education “I Matter” Award ..............................Alissa Degreen
AWA R D S
Health Professions Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS)............................... Afaf Maslah Respiratory Care (AAS)...................Christine Moraski RN (AAS)........................................ Nicole L. Eckroth PN (CERT)................................ Marisa Ashlee Morris
ALL PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMIC TEAM AWARD Workforce Pathway Scholar..........................Afaf Maslah
DIVISION AWARDS Business Accounting (AA)....................................... Jessica Lee Accounting (AAS)................................. Cindy Heiner Accounting (Cert)..............................Shelbie Morton Accounting/Bookeeping......................Vanessa Sophy Administrative Office Specialist (AAS)............................... Ana Castellon Business Administration (AA).........Valerie A. Mackey Business Management (AAS)............Jacob Goodman Computer Technology (AAS)........ Anthony Calderoni Computer Information Systems (AA)................................ Monica Nelson Culinary Arts (AAS)................... ..... Kimberly Escobar Medical Coding and Billing Specialist (AAS)........... Jennifer Caligari-Damestoy Web Site Development (AAS)......................................... Robert Carver, Jr.
2 0 2 0
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Electrical Utility Technology.....................Aiden Algier Science Transfer....................................Ashley Brown Franklin R. Lucas Health Science Transfer......................Natalie Clayton Angella Daye Social Science Addiction Studies/ Human Services Transfer (AA)....... Heather Matuszak Criminal Justice (AAS)........................... Michael Ross Secondary Education............................Emily Chilcote Early Childhood Program
–Teaching PK-4 (AAS)................. Haley MacLachlin Psychology (AA).................................... Keyan Long Social Sciences Transfer (AA)..........Rebecca L. Heater Social Work (AA)........................... Maricela Sandoval
BEACON CONFERENCE WINNERS....................................... Emma M. Wright Ashley L. Beck De Muñoz BORKERT LIBRARY RESEARCH AWARD.............................Kaitlin Bechtel SONIA M. BRISKIN SCHOLAR’S AWARD..................... Emma M. Wright LITERACY PROGRAM: Ivan Persky Scholarship Award Recipient for 2020....... Samantha Piotrkowski
H O N O R S
P R O G R A M
G R A D U A T E S
Derric C. Burden
Keyan Long
Oluwatobiloba G. Somori
Olivia E. Ford (Fall 2019)
Jessica A. Lopuchin
Hope C. Sullivan
Rebecca L. Heater
Franklin R. Lucas
Caitlin M. Wernicki
Frank H. Jenkins
Valerie A. Mackey
Emma M. Wright
Kyle Kiehl (Fall 2019)
Donald J. Plante
Marvin E. Yancor-Lima
Jevin R. Lippincott
Milda A. Sanchez
To earn this recognition as Honors Program Graduates, these students have completed at least 5 Honors courses with a B or higher, have earned an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher at the time of graduation and have conducted themselves in an exemplary manner throughout their time at Reading Area Community College. Honors courses include designated Honors courses, Honors by contract in standard courses and Honors Independent Study courses.
A C A D E M I C
H O N O R S
G R A D U A T E S The College recognizes students who have attained academic honors status at graduation. The Academic Honors list includes the names of graduates who have earned 30 hours or more of their coursework at Reading Area Community College and earned a cumulative quality point average of 3.50 or better.
Honor students will be recognized as follows: Cum Laude................................................................... 3.50 - 3.74 (bronze honor cord) Magna Cum Laude.......................................................... 3.75 - 3.94 (silver honor cord) Summa Cum Laude.......................................................... 3.95 - 4.00 (gold honor cord)
H O N O R
S O C I E T Y
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society International Honor Society for Two-Year Colleges Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. The silk honors stole and matching tassel are worn at graduation as a symbol of outstanding academic achievement. Yarlennis Arias Mora
Joseph Grandstrom
Kira E. Martin
Madelyn G. Richardson
Angela M. Bagenstose
Rebecca L. Heater
Afaf Maslah
Stone Riggin
Alimamy Bangura
Wyatt E. Hessler
Heather Matuszak
Kiley Roland
Teresa E. Borelli
Carmelo Heyer
Sara L. McAfee
Lisette Ruiz
Alexa C. Bower
Matthew Hoppock
Maria Mendez-Castellon
Nancy Salinas-Torres
Kevin G. Brito
Stacey Jandrew
Brian M Miller
Milda A. Sanchez
Kevin Brito
Bryn E. Keeney
Joseph Miller
Alexis A. Schaner
Ashley Brown
William Keller
Katrice J. Miller
Lisa A. Schulze
Derric C. Burden
Corinne A. Kinasz
Maria Miller
Daphne T. Smith
Jennifer Caligari-Damestoy
Justine L. Kissling
Karla H. Montoya-Contreras
Oluwatobiloba Somori
Kaitlyn M. Carl
Michael R. Koros
Bella M. Moyer
Vanessa L. Sophy
Emily L. Chilcote
Angelica Lemus-Hernandez
Gerardine Murassaint-Orelien
Bethany Stern
Joseph Damon
Gabrielle V. Lewis
Monica E. Nelson
Pamela M. Tuck
Dharibeth Diaz
Keyan Long
Adriana Pe Plante
Vanessa Velez
Andrew J. Dibiase
Kimberly L. Lu
Donald Plante
Nicole Wallace
Nicole L. Eckroth
Franklin R. Lucas
Adam R. Poper
Emily A. Wentzel
Caleb B. Erb
Valerie A. Mackey
Jessica R. Poston
Julia C. Wolfe
Kimberly Escobar
Haley L. MacLachlin
Hayley Reichardt
Emma Wright
Olivia Ford
Sydney Mallatratt
Kortney B. Rentschler
Jacob Goodman
Kurt R. Manderbach
Teresa M. Reph
Membership in the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is based on academic achievement. All students with a GPA of 3.6 and 12 credits of associate degree coursework earned at RACC are invited to join the Alpha Sigma Rho Chapter. Members must maintain a GPA of 3.5. In addition to recognition for scholastic excellence, the Society offers opportunities for Scholarship, Leadership, Fellowship and Service at the local, regional and national levels.
Psi Beta Honor Society National Honor Society for Two-Year Colleges Psi Beta is a prestigious national honor society, designed for strong academic students who have an interest in Psychology. While many members are Psychology majors, our members can declare any major, and do have a wide variety of interests, hobbies and career paths. Corinne A. Kinasz Keyan Long Valerie A. Mackey Monica E. Nelson Stone Riggin
E M E R I T I Michael Nagel - Vice President Emeritus Dwight Rinehart - Assistant Professor Emeritus
D I S T I N G U I S H E D
Mr. Huascar S. Rivera Vice President of WSK and Associates
A L U M N I
Mr. Huascar S. Rivera presently serves as the vice president of WSK & Associates, a security consulting company based in Wyomissing. He is a retired deputy commissioner of administration and professional responsibility for the Pennsylvania State Police with 25 years of service. In April of 2019, he was elected to serve on the Reading Area Community College Board of Trustees. As deputy commissioner he oversaw operations of the Bureau of Professional Responsibility, Training and Education, Human Resources, and Member Assistance Programs. Having held multiple ranks from trooper to lieutenant colonel, he served in the following positions: area commander, director of the bureau of communications and information services, troop commander, emergency planning and preparedness officer, section commander, station commander, and criminal investigator. During his tenure he also established the Commonwealth’s Risk Vulnerability Assessment Team. He also held responsibilities under the Office of Domestic Security for the development of Emergency Response Policies and was the State Police liaison officer to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Mr. Rivera graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, PA. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 213th Session. In 2008, Mr. Rivera graduated with an AAS in Criminal Justice from Reading Area Community College.
P R E S I D E N T I A L
AWA R D
Brad and Barbara Hall Brad Hall is the former president of UGI Energy Services. He retired in March 2017 after a 34-year career with UGI Corporation and its subsidiaries. He was appointed to lead UGI’s corporate development program in 1994 where he started and oversaw the company’s successful expansion into Europe and the formation of its unregulated natural gas marketing and midstream business in the U.S. He served as president of the latter for the last 22 years. Prior to joining UGI, Mr. Hall served in the U.S. Army as an instructor at the Army Engineer School in addition to holding various field assignments with a combat engineer battalion in Germany. He left the Army as a captain. Mr. Hall received a B.S. in Engineering from the United States Military Academy and earned his M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration, Dartmouth College. Barbara Hall is a former elementary school teacher, whose career spanned three states and two countries. Mrs. Hall earned a BA in history from Bucknell University and Ed.M from Boston University. She retired from the Reading School District in 2012. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hall are active supporters of early childhood education initiatives at the county and state levels. They serve on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Berks County and on the Ready. Set. READ! Board of Directors. Mr. Hall was appointed in 2018 by Governor Wolf as a commissioner to the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Coalition. Mrs. Hall trains tutors who volunteer in the elementary schools with the Ready. Set READ! initiative and tutors in the Reading School District. Under the auspices of the United Way of Berks County and with the collaboration of Reading Area Community College, Mr. and Mrs. Hall support a program to help Early Child Education workers in child care centers in Reading earn a CDA (Child Development Associate) degree. Mr. Hall also serves on the Board of Directors of Centro Hispano.
R E A D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
A R E A C O L L E G E
BERKS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Christian Y. Leinbach, Chair Kevin S. Barnhardt, Vice Chair Michael S. Rivera BOARD OF TRUSTEES Guido M. Pichini, Chair Gary W. Rightmire, Vice Chair Thomas J. Mitchell, Secretary Dr. Sam A. Alley Ms. Wanda Colon Mr. Jack R. Gombach Mr. Michael C. Haney Ms. Kim D. Johnson Mrs. Mary H. Kargbo
Mr. Lawrence J. Medaglia, Jr. Ms. Brenda Rivera Mr. Huascar S. Rivera Mr. Dean E. Sheaffer Mr. Edwin L. Stock Mr. Michael Toledo
James H. Yocum Trustee Emeritus/Emerita Mrs. Connie M. Archey Mr. Jon C. Scott Mrs. Nancy L. Snyder* Mr. John C. Woodward Mr. James H. Yocum FOUNDATION FOR READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peter T. Edelman, Chair Gary M. Moyer, Vice Chair Rebecca A. Clouser, Treasurer Ryan P. Hottenstein, Assistant Treasurer Whitney A. Sanders II, Secretary Ronald L. Bashore William F. Bender Paul D. Cohn Alexandra Goodman Katie B. Hannon James A. Hughes Susan D. Looney Jerome I. Marcus Michael J. Noon Paul G. Oxholm
Mary M. Palmer Craig M. Perrotty Guido M. Pichini Roger J. Schmidt Rolf D. Schmidt Joseph J. Swope Sean Wyandt James H. Yocum Gust Zogas
Socrates Georgeadis, Counsel Michael E. Nagel, Vice President for External Relations/Executive Director of the Foundation Honorary Directors Dr. Frank A. Franco* James M. Connors* Janet J. Peters Doris A. Wagner* *deceased