RACC Alive August 2021

® A PUBLICATION OF READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

racc.edu

80

RACC costs

%

LESS

than Berks four year colleges.

Cover Story

President: Dr. Susan D. Looney Editor: David Hessen Contributors: Kathy Cunningham, Jennifer Lindsay, Kathryn Plesnarski Design: Kathryn Plesnarski Photography: Susan Angstadt, Kathryn Plesnarski RACC Alive is published quarterly by Reading Area Community College. All contents of this issue of RACC Alive are copyrighted by Reading Area Community College. All rights reserved.

Reading Area Community College does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status.

For 50 years, Reading Area Community College has been dedicated to student success. I am proud of RACC’s outstanding reputation for preparing students to enter their careers or seamlessly transfer their degree to regional, as well as nationallyrecognized four-year institutions.

Whether toward a new or returning student, those seeking a degree or certificate or seeking a career through our many short-term programs, all of our energy is devoted to student success in meeting those goals.

Many of our dedicated professors, advisors, and financial aid professionals, as well as myself, are community college alumni. We have walked the same path as our students, and we are here to guide them as they manage busy lives, attend classes, and study in our state-ofthe art laboratories, smart classrooms, and well-resourced library.

Above all, each of us at RACC is committed to the individual students, and their success. We are the “community’s college” devoted to student achievement and the enrichment of our community.

This is our moment in time. A pause after 50 years of dedicated service to say thank you, to relive our successes, and plan for many more in the years to come.

Reading Area Community College 10 South 2nd Street P.O. Box 1706 Reading, PA 19603 racc.edu

Dr. Susan D. Looney President, Reading Area Community College

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence Fifty years ago, Reading Area Community College (RACC) was founded on October 1, 1971. Classes were held for the first time on October 13, 1971, with an enrollment of 265 students. The college operated from several buildings throughout Reading during its early years until it acquired the Holiday Inn (the current Berks Hall building) in 1978. In 1996, the college completed a campus expansion plan that transformed it into an attractive city-based campus.

Now, after fifty years, RACC has graduated 13,771 students and awarded 14,516 degrees, including associate’s degrees, and certificates and diplomas. Training programs include career-focused training; transitional coursework; skills training for business and industry; personal enrichment programs and public service activities.

Students from every age, race, religion and many different countries throughout the world have chosen to study here.

Those who are seeking degrees are attracted to programs like nursing, respiratory care, criminal justice and business.

Others pursue certification in a variety of subjects. The Community Education/ Workforce Development Division offers programs like dental assisting, home health aide, veterinary assisting, lab technician and GED preparation.

The college has had a deep impact in the business community as well.

Founded in 2006, the Schmidt Training and Technology Center on the RACC

campus, provides training in senior leadership, manufacturing technology, information technology, workplace readiness and workplace literacy. RACC also collaborates with other community organizations to enhance the economic vitality of the city and county.

As we look forward to many more years, RACC remains committed to our four, key “hallmarks” which we believe are at the core of a comprehensive community college: access, opportunity,

excellence and especially hope. Our mission ultimately offers hope to all persons, and we will continue to work diligently to sustain, and ultimately fulfill, that hope for all students.

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Wednesday, November 10 5:30PM Reception | 6:30PM Program/Dinner DoubleTree by Hilton, Reading The RACC 50th Anniversary Gala event benefits the Foundation for RACC Scholarships Fund, which supports students and families in our community who need it the most.

Together we can create opportunities for every student who desires a RACC education, to have that chance. Gala attendees will have a chance to support Reading Area Community College’s promise of delivering the “four hallmarks” to our students: access, opportunity, excellence and hope.

About Steve Wozniak A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer.

The following year, he introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics, and a floppy disk drive.

The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry.

In 1981, he went back to UC Berkeley and finished his degree in electrical engineering/computer science. For his achievements at Apple, Wozniak was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in

Featuring guest speaker

Steve Wozniak

Apple Computer Co-Founder/Philanthropist

1985, the highest honor bestowed on America’s leading innovators.

In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.

Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students. Making significant investments of both his time and resources in education, he adopted the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-theart technology equipment. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.

Wozniak is Chief Scientist at Primary Data and is a published author with the release of his New York Times best-selling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon by Norton

Publishing. His television appearances include reality shows Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and The Big Bang Theory. In 2014, he was awarded the Hoover Medal, a prestigious honor given for “outstanding extra-career services by engineers to humanity,” and was inducted into the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame.

To purchase tickets to the gala or for sponsorship and table reservations, visit racc.edu/50th-gala.

Admissions

EVENTS Learn more about all events happening at RACC, just visit racc.edu/events

SEP

07 SEP

07 SEP

14

Admissions Information Session Learn about RACC’s programs and enrollment process — in the comfort of your own home! The Q&A format will allow you to ask questions which will be answered live on Tuesday, August 3 from 2-3 PM.

Adult Learner Information Session Flexible, affordable, and accommodating, let RACC help make your educational goals a reality. Successfully earn or finish your associates degree or certificate at the pace, location, and times you choose.

Veterans Enrollment Info Session Learn more about our programs and the enrollment process by participating in a one-hour online information session with an Admissions representative. Ask questions about your financial aid and VA benefits options.

racc.edu/HP

Great Nursing Careers Start Here Start a challenging career as a professional nurse where you can make a difference in the lives of others…while earning a great salary in a field with 15% projected growth in the next few years.

Academic Achievements

RACC celebrates commencement for 800 students May 2021 - About 800 students celebrated earning their degrees or certificates from RACC during ceremonies Friday, May 7. The in-person commencement ceremonies were held at Santander Arena.

“This year, especially, it is a privilege and a joy to see so many graduates persevere and take this step toward great success in the years ahead,” said Dr. Susan D. Looney, RACC president. “Our students and graduates continue to inspire me every day, and will continue to make the RACC family of faculty, staff, students and alumni very proud.”

The student speaker at the ceremony was Carolina HidalgoAhmed. Born in the Dominican Republic, she immigrated to the U.S. when she was 4 and was raised in New York City.

Hidalgo-Ahmed is working on starting a nonprofit organization called PECAN The HONE Initiative that focuses on hands-on nutrition education for Berks County children who qualify for free or reduced school meals. She will pursue her bachelor’s degree in social work at Millersville University.

Met-Ed hires new graduates from FirstEnergy’s Power Systems Institute Training Program June 2021 - Met-Ed, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has hired 33 new graduates from the Power Systems Institute (PSI), the company’s awardwinning, two-year educational program that helps train the next generation of line and substation workers for FirstEnergy’s ten electric companies.

proper work methods and teambuilding, by developing the well-educated men and women needed to provide reliable power to customers,” said Linda Moss, regional president of Met-Ed. “We welcome these graduates joining our workforce to help continue providing safe and reliable electric service for our customers.”

The new employees include 24 line workers and nine substation electricians who are recent graduates of the PSI training partnership with RACC.

The PSI curriculum for lines and substation employees requires two and a half days each week spent at RACC completing academic course work with the remainder at a Met-Ed training facility in Reading or a substation facility in Philipsburg, New Jersey, to focus on safe work practices and procedures in the electrical environment.

“For 20 years, our PSI program has strengthened our diverse workforce pipeline and instilled safe work practices,

Academic Achievements

RACC, Penn State Berks, and Berks County CTC’s sign Engineering Pathway Agreements May 2021 - RACC along with its valued partners, PSU Berks, Berks County Career and Technology Center (BCTC) and Reading Muhlenberg Career Technology Center (RMCTC) have signed articulation agreements that result in a 2+2+2 engineering pathway.

“RACC is very fortunate to have deeply connected K12 and university partners that continue to improve our transfer pathways in order to provide students of Berks County access to an affordable college education,” says RACC President Dr. Susan D. Looney.

RACC and Susquehanna University Sign New Articulation Agreement April 2021 - RACC president, Dr. Susan D. Looney and Susquehanna University President Jonathan D. Green, signed a transfer agreement that will offer guaranteed admission to Susquehanna University for RACC associate degree graduates to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

“RACC is committed to creating partnerships that encourage students to complete their associate degree before transferring,” says Dr. Looney. “Our graduates are highly valued by our college and university partners, and we are excited that Susquehanna University has committed to a seamless transfer to their bachelor’s degree programs.”

“A college education continues to be a sound investment for any individual who is preparing for a prosperous future,” says President Green. “We look forward to ensuring a smooth transition for RACC graduates who come to Susquehanna to complete their bachelor’s degree in preparation for an even brighter future.”

High school students earning college credits at RACC February 2021 - Muhlenberg High School senior Brooke Elizabeth Weister is earning college credits through RACC’s dual enrollment program. The cost is covered by scholarships funded through contributions by local businesses.

The 18-year-old Muhlenberg High School senior will start college with a handful of college credits in head. A few she earned through taking Advanced Placement exams last year, but most are from her participation in a dual enrollment program at RACC. “I’m beyond grateful for the experience,” she said of the RACC program, where she receives college credits for the AP classes she earns a C or better in at Muhlenberg. “It’s taking a huge weight off my shoulders. It basically knocks a semester off for me. It has really paid off to relieve some of the stress of starting college.”

RACC TIMELINE

September 1970

June 1974

September 1974

Reading School District Board votes to sponsor a community college.

Dr. Lewis W. Ogle becomes RACC’s second President.

RACC takes over the Reading Standard Evening High School and its former head, Gust Zogas, is hired as RACC’s Director of Continuing Education.

January 1971

October 1971

October 1978

Byron L. Rinehimer, Jr. is named RACC’s first President.

First classes held at the Northmont Campus Fremont and Bruckman Avenues in Reading.

By 1972 additional leased location was added - Schuylkill Campus, Schuylkill Avenue and Greenwich Street in Reading.

Dedication of the Riverfront Campus (former Holiday Inn).

March 1979

September 1989

RACC accredited

by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

RACC purchased 10 acres along the Schuylkill River from CONRAIL and announced plans to build a library.

March 1983

June 1987

October 1990

First Foundation for RACC Board members selected.

Richard A. Kratz hired by RACC as Dean of Student Services and Institutional Planning.

RACC reaccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

August 1986

June 1989

July 1991

Dr. Gust Zogas becomes RACC’s third President.

RACC purchased the East Shore Office Building (formerly Penn Hall now Weitz Hall).

The County of Berks takes over the sponsorship of RACC from the Reading School Board.

January 1994

November 1996

April 2004

RACC receives $11.6 million for the Yocum Library construction and expansion of Penn Hall (now Weitz Hall).

Dedication of the Gust Zogas Student Union Building.

Construction started on the Rolf Schmidt Training and Technology Center and the Miller Center for the Arts.

May 1996

January 2003

November 2003

Dedication of The Yocum Library was held.

Dr. Richard A. Kratz becomes RACC’s fourth President.

Rolf D. Schmidt led the $2.5 million fundraising drive to build RACC’s Training and Technology Center, contributing another $1 million himself toward the $10 million project. The center was named in his honor.

Spring 2006

June 2007

The Schmidt Training and Technology Center opens.

Dr. Anna D. Weitz becomes RACC’s fifth President.

2017 The Science of Success Capital Campaign raised $2,272,775 to renovate and expand the biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology labs.

Fall 2006

September 2007

2011

The raven was adopted as the RACC mascot after input by RACC students.

The 509-seat Miller Center for the Arts offered its first performances. The theater was named for Marlin Miller, Jr.

RACC in partnership with the Berks Career and Technology Center, launched the Technical Academy with a degree in Engineering Technology (Mechatronics).

July 2018

October 2019

Dr. Susan D. Looney took office as RACC’s sixth President.

RACC hosted a SMART Automation Summit at the Schmidt Training and Technology Center.

Fall 2019

November 2019

March 2020

RACC, Kutztown University, and the Career & Technology Centers launched Teacher Academy, a teacher certification pathway.

RACC hosted its third annual STEM Day for over 130 Berks County middle school students, teachers, and administrators.

RACC closed its physical campus in response to COVID pandemic, but continued to offer classes and college support services remotely and online.

May 2020 RACC held its first virtual commencement ceremony in response to the COVID crisis.

November 2020 RACC named as a top ten national Bellwether finalist for its online learning programs, which includes over 120 courses, and 10 in-demand online programs.

April 2020

Spring 2020

2021

The Schmidt Training and Technology Center became a temporary face shield manufacturing and assembly hub and produced close to 3,000 face shields used by Berks County first responders.

RACC introduced Weekend College offering classes on Fridays and Saturdays.

RACC celebrates 50 years of excellence!

TOM PAPA MARCH 12, 2022

Reading Area Community College

BODYTRAFFIC – October 30, 2021 MAX WEINBERG’S JUKEBOX – November 13, 2021 SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS – December 3, 2021 HYPROV, COLIN MOCHRIE - Improv Under Hypnosis January 23, 2022 REDUCED SHAKESPEARE - The Complete History of Comedy – February 11, 2022 FIREFALL & PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE – February 12, 2022 DAN – February 20, 2022 TOM PAPA – March 12, 2022 TARTAN TERRORS – March 18, 2022 SMOKEY & ME – May 20, 2022 JULIE FOWLIS – October 7, 2022

More to come!

1

osis

The Miller Center brings talent from around the world to the local audience.

Music, dance, improv

(this year with hypnosis!),

2 2 0 -2 1 2 N 20 O S SEA RE! E H IS

comedy, and theater.

We’ve got something for everyone!

Check out our affordable 12-month membership packages! $50 feature member – includes presale access, 2 membership cards and other gifts, detailed emails including show information, access for you and a guest to a members only reception! $150 star member for 1 year, $250 for 2 year – includes all feature membership perks, personalized customer service with the House Manager, Megan, your name featured as a Star Member and included on our lobby screens during select nights, and how about a bonus reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres before a select show night!

For more membership info and to check out our premier sponsorships go to millercenter.racc.edu/memberships

millercenter.racc.edu 4 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601 | 610.607.6270

Get one

FREE three-credit course at

RACC this fall!

Get one free three-credit course at Reading Area Community College this fall!

The RACC Reengagement Opportunity Grant allows you to take one FREE course at RACC. Contact the Admissions Office at admissions@racc.edu or 610.607.6224.

We cannot wait to see you on campus this fall!

RACC.edu/FREE