communiquĂŠ A n u p d at e f o r fa m i ly & f r i e n d s o f r e a d i n g a r e a c o m m u n i t y c o l l e g e
Putting a Face on the Future Foundation for RACC Donor Report and 2013 Annual fund
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Dear friends of RACC, Welcome to this issue of the Communiqué that includes wonderful updates on the College including articles featuring several individuals whose successes are well worth sharing. We are also pleased to acknowledge those who contributed to the Foundation for RACC in 2012. Their support is critical to our students as well as to our institutional effectiveness. At RACC we are always focused on student success. As we celebrate the success of our students, it is also important to note the power of collaboration as we consider the impact this College has on both individuals and the broader community. This is illustrated by the article on our exciting partnership with Olivet Boys and Girls Club. In this issue you will read about the many paths students can take to reach their common goals––finding careers they connect to and that also provide solid job opportunities. As the “community’s college” we are proud to work closely with many organizations and institutions that also serve the interests of our students 2 SPRING 2013 Communiqué
and community. You may have seen the efforts of Greater Reading Economic Partnership’s (GREP) Careers In 2 Years initiative that illustrates the excellent employment opportunities in Berks County. RACC offers affordable, appropriate and industry-backed training that can be completed at RACC in two years or less and lead to manufacturing and other in-demand jobs. In addition, these programs provide the basis for building additional academic credentials to assist students in climbing the career ladder. Together GREP and RACC are also working with local, state and federal elected officials to gather their support of this effort. We emphasize our collaboration as a model of a private business and economic developmentoriented organization pairing with the local community college to collectively and significantly impact individuals’ employment options as well as fill employers’ workforce needs. To all of you who take an interest in and find various ways to support this College, I offer my sincere thanks. Your faith in all of us at RACC, along with the many successes of our students, is why this is truly a place where lives are changed for the better.
In this Issue 4 5 6 8 10 14 16 The G-Man Teaches
Moving Up the Ranks Honors and Divinity
Travel to Triage
Partners with Passion for Success No Time Wasted on Path to New Career Putting a Face on the Future Foundation for RACC 2013 Annual Fund
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Miller Center Spring Season
On Our Cover The graduating Class of 2012
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10 communiqué Reading Area Community College 10 South 2nd Street P.O. Box 1706 Reading, PA 19603 www.racc.edu
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President Dr. Anna D. Weitz Editor Melissa Kushner Contributors Alison M. Wenger Design Liz Berdow Photography Secoges Photographics, Alison Wenger www.facebook.com/ReadingArea CommunityCollege www.facebook.com/RACCalumni RACC_edu It is the policy of Reading Area Community College to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran in regard to the administration of all campus programs, services and activities and the admission of students, employment actions, or other sponsored activities. Furthermore it is RACC’s policy not to tolerate harassment of any type, including sexual harassment, of or by any employee, student, contractor, vendor, and/or visitor to Reading Area Community College.
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In addition it is the policy of Reading Area Community College not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX provides that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual assault.
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“RACC’s program is superior to many because it has instructors that have worked in the field…we bring to the classroom a lot of hands-on experience that gives students a much more well-rounded background.”
The G-Man Teaches
Top: Ralph Hilborn receives special commendation from an FBI supervisor. Bottom: Hilborn teaching a class at RACC.
Ralph Hilborn was enjoying his first few months of retirement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation when he got a phone call for a new job offer. “Tom McDaniel (former coordinator of RACC’s criminal justice program) called me on a Friday and asked if I had any interest in teaching,” Hilborn recalled. “He said they needed someone to teach sociology starting on Monday, and he knew I had a teaching background from when he worked for the State Police and we shared cases together.” Hilborn immediately headed to RACC to interview for an adjunct faculty spot in the Social Science/ Criminal Justice Program. Ten years later, he still loves being a part of the College. “RACC’s program is superior to many because it has instructors that have worked in the field,” he said. “Lawyers, criminal investigators, police officers and chiefs…we bring to the classroom a lot of hands-on experience that gives students a much more well-rounded background.” In fact, Hilborn developed and teaches LAW 270, a class focusing on organized crime. The textbook he uses references at least 10 cases that he was involved with during his 24 years with the FBI, including 11 years spent in New York City focusing on organized crime. “I can teach from a different perspective, offering hands-on analysis of what took place,” he said. “I can talk about the problems with the cases, witnesses, trials—it is information you can’t get out of a book.” Hilborn is proud of his background with the FBI and says he dreamed about being a “G-man” from the time he was little. Growing up in Royersford, he watched a television show called “The FBI,” and when he was in elementary school he participated in the national Junior G-Man program run by the Royersford Police Department.
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“We met two days a week in the summer and we would have 15-minute film and crime story sessions discussing those cases,” he said. “I wish I still had my badge and ID card since those would be antiques now!” Even though he had a long career with the FBI, it took time to reach his ultimate goal. After graduating from high school, Hilborn enlisted in the Marines during the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam, he used the G.I. Bill to earn a degree in Secondary Education and Sociology from Kutztown. “I was 28 years old playing football with these younger guys,” he said remembering. “There was another student at another college who was 40, but after a heart attack, he couldn’t play anymore. So someone told me they thought I was the oldest Division II football player in 1973.” While he was attending classes at Kutztown, he was also working as a municipal police officer back in his hometown. After graduation, he moved to a county detective position in Montgomery County. He then considered re-joining the military, but received advice from a friend about going the FBI route instead. Hilborn said he still remembers that talk as a turning point in his life. Once he was accepted by the FBI, he also became certified as an FBI firearms instructor, a polygraph examiner and a general police instructor. Although he prefers not to discuss specific cases he has worked, Hilborn said his career has been rewarding. “Working kidnapping and murder cases with local law enforcement and being able to bring those criminals to justice is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job,” he said, “and being able to protect the public from people that prey on them.” As he reflects on his 33 years of law enforcement experience, Hilborn said he incorporates career development in each of the classes he teaches at RACC. “I’ve been through the process at every level, so I can help guide the students and teach them about the educational requirements of each,” he said. “To have that career and now turn around and give back is just tremendous,” he said.
Moving Up the Ranks It may not be rags to riches, but the story of how Ruben Dario De Los Santos came to Reading without a high school diploma and without speaking English to becoming a state police trooper, is nothing short of inspiring. After moving from his native Dominican Republic, De Los Santos was living in New York with his mom and struggling to make ends meet, so a friend suggested he come down to Reading. Feeling like he had nothing to lose, De Los Santos packed his bags and headed for Berks County. He began working temporary jobs and then landed at a factory, but De Los Santos wanted more. He wanted to fulfill his long-time dream of being a police officer. Not being able to speak English and not having a high school diploma were two large obstacles blocking that path. Then, he found RACC. De Los Santos registered for the free community education English as a Second Language (ESL) classes so he could improve his English and get his GED. He then learned his
employer would pay for him to take classes at RACC, which would finally move him in the right direction of his dream. De Los Santos credits his early instructors and the staff at the Tutoring Center for helping him through his developmental courses. “Yocum Library was my place of peace,” he said. “I would spend hours there studying, and in the Tutoring Center. Everyone was so warm and patient and helpful.”
De Los Santos also joined the Criminal Justice Club, which was run by the former head of the program, Tom McDaniel. “I met with him and told him this is what I wanted to be, and I’ll never forget what he said to me. He said, ‘You need to learn how to be resilient.’ And, I didn’t even know what resilient meant.” Under the tutelage of McDaniel and instructor Ralph Hilborn, De Los Santos’ passion for law enforcement continued to grow. It was with the club on a field trip to Baltimore City Police Department that De Los Santos got his first opportunity. “They gave us a tour of the department and said that they were hiring,” he said. “All you needed was a high school diploma, or equivalent, which I had.” De Los Santos made the decision to leave RACC, after three years and 33 credits, and join the police department. He said the academy was tough and the English barrier proved to be a challenge once again, but he persevered and was assigned as a patrolman to the Southwest District, one of the toughest neighborhoods in Baltimore. “The neighborhood was similar to where I grew up because of the
other things that would get them off the street.” Eventually, De Los Santos was promoted to detective and spent two years working in domestic violence and assisting on other cases as needed, including the Fugitive Task Force. “This job gave me the opportunity to grow, being Hispanic and bilingual opened a lot of doors. But, I never lost sight of my goal of joining the Pennsylvania State Police,” he said. To become a trooper, De Los Santos was able to combine his college credits and time in Baltimore to qualify for the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, and he officially joined the ranks in 2009. He is stationed at the York barracks, and lives in Red Lion with his wife and two young sons. He occasionally comes back to RACC to talk to current students in the Criminal Justice Program. While he has achieved his goal of becoming a police officer, De Los Santos said he still wants to get his degree and maybe even teach one day. Now that he’s settled in his new position, he is looking into the Law Enforcement Management Program
“I aced the class and that’s when I really knew that I could do it—actually be a police officer,” he said.
Once he passed his prerequisites, De Los Santos was able to take his first actual Criminal Justice class. “I aced the class and that’s when I really knew that I could do it—actually be a police officer,” he said.
poverty,” he said. “It was shocking to me because it was America and it was just like back home. Seeing the kids that knew nothing but the street and gangs was hard. The ones that were saveable, I would give them pep talks and tell them about the military or
at Johns Hopkins, which would eventually lead to his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “RACC was the stepping stone I needed,” he said. “The teachers were so helpful, and they always said there was nothing you cannot do.”
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“While I am still discerning my call to ministry, my heart feels strongly about pastoral care, justice issues, mission, and reaching out to those who have been excluded and isolated…”
Honors and Divinity College is the place where many students find their calling in life, and that is exactly what happened at RACC for Linda Kozlowski. Arriving at RACC as a single mom later in life, Kozlowski was planning to major in business and enhance the secretarial skills set she developed after high school. Her son was in junior high when she came across a flyer for an open house at RACC and took it as a sign. “RACC fit perfectly since I could commute easily and classes were offered in the evening, which was necessary since I would be a part-time student while continuing to work full-time,” she said. Although she had her sights set on the investment field, she said her path changed as soon as she started her first class, Honors English Composition with Dr. Donna Singleton. “I discovered I could write,” Kozlowski said. “I also discovered my passion for vulnerable members of our society. At the encouragement of Dr. Singleton I submitted my essay entitled ‘Lock the Door and Throw Away the Key?’ to Legacy, RACC’s student- produced scholarly journal, and it was published. My second term I enrolled in Navajo Studies with Dr. Stucki. This was when I realized that I needed to change my major and switched from Business to Sociology,” she continued. Publishing that first article was one of the highlights of Kozlowski’s time at RACC. She also presented twice at the annual RACC Colloquium. But, Kozlowski said it was during a project in a Human Evolution course where she found her true direction. “I researched HIV/AIDS and had the opportunity to go out into the community and interview people,” she said. “And along the way I discovered my calling in life— ministry.”
Her new discovery was confirmed during an independent study project with her advisor Dr. Larry Stucki, who is now retired. “I looked at how the faith communities welcome or exclude the LGBT community,” she said. “I sent out surveys, conducted interviews and did research. It was a fulfilling learning experience for me as a future Pastor. Also, I learned along the way that I am able to get up and speak in front of people.” Kozlowski graduated from RACC with an associate degree in Sociology and was accepted into the Master of Divinity program at Lancaster Theological Seminary. As part of her Seminary education, she is currently serving as Student Pastor at Maidencreek Church in Blandon. Kozlowski is set to graduate in May 2014. An essay she recently composed on her vision for Global Missions won a contest that will allow her to travel to Haiti for a week-long mission trip with the United Church of Christ Mission Partner in Haiti. Kozlowski is excited about her accomplishment and the potential that the trip will hold. “While I am still discerning my call to ministry, my heart feels strongly about pastoral care, justice issues, mission, and reaching out to those who have been excluded and isolated,” she said. “I hear God’s call to welcome everyone.” Kozlowski said she is thankful for her time at RACC for setting her on a new course and that RACC will always hold a special place in her heart. “Looking back I see how much I grew from this experience,” she said. “I grew in knowledge. I grew in wisdom. I grew in maturity.”
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Travel to Triage
The opportunity to travel the world would be enough for many people to satisfy their career goals. Italy, India, Brazil, Nicaragua, Australia, Guatemala and living in Puerto Rico sounds glamorous and exciting. But through his travels, a higher calling led Christopher Quesenberry, 44, to his biggest personal accomplishment yet—an associate degree in nursing. After working 20 years in the travel industry for companies like Pan American and American Express Travel, Quesenberry found himself unemployed and his job outsourced after the online travel industry exploded. In 2009 he enrolled at RACC with a new and challenging goal. Not only was he completely
changing careers, his ultimate desire was to break through the boundaries of traditionally female-centered roles by becoming a pediatric or maternal care nurse. “I noticed during my clinical experience that there were no men on staff as nurses in the labor and delivery or pediatric units,” Quesenberry said, “and I thought to myself that perhaps something needed to be done about that. Hopefully, I’ll be able to secure a job in one of those areas once I graduate.” Although he does miss traveling, Quesenberry explained that not all was lost on his previous 20-year profession. Many of the experiences helped prepare him for a job in
the fast-paced healthcare industry. “Working in travel is a high pressure job, you never know what to expect from one day to the next and critical thinking is essential—just as in health care,” said Quesenberry. “My time in the corporate world cultivated my critical thinking skills,” he added. “Over the last few years, the staff and faculty at RACC have helped to hone them even further. We use critical thinking skills in our lives every day, but a college education develops them to an even finer degree.” Still, the transition was a big one. He decided on nursing after caring for his mother following a surgery. Would he be satisfied with his decision? His confirmation came from two
experiences during his clinical work for the program. “I had a chance to be there for a birth and someone passing,” he said. “That reaffirmed my decision. Another student and I volunteered to stay with the person who passed because the family couldn’t be there. Some people you will never forget—in a good way,” he said. Although Quesenberry is happy with his choice to pursue the nursing degree, he said it is not without financial concerns. The Foundation for RACC selected him as the recipient of the Elizabeth Yocum Benbow PassThrough Scholarship, awarded each year to a nursing student from Berks County who has both financial need and a high GPA. Quesenberry has performed well both in the classroom and with his clinical abilities, while also finding time to make a difference on campus. He is actively involved in the Health Professions Club coordinating activities, including the annual World AIDS Day Ceremony held each December. “I was in high school in the mid-1980’s when the AIDS crisis first emerged and I lost several friends to the disease in the early years,” he said. “While I haven’t lost any friends since 1996, HIV is still out there and too many young people are becoming infected. I hope that when I graduate, I’ll have an opportunity to serve as a volunteer with Co-County Wellness to provide free testing and counseling.”
“We use critical thinking skills in our lives every day, but a college education develops them to an even finer degree.”
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Quesenberry will earn his nursing pin and graduate in May. He said he would love to pursue a bachelor’s degree down the line, or if a future employer will help cover the cost. Still trying to scratch the travel itch, he hopes to tie his first love into his new career by volunteering on international nursing mission trips. “My education as a nurse is a blessing on me so that I may be a blessing to others,” he said. “Mission trips would give me the opportunity to travel while at the same time providing care to those less fortunate.”
Olivet BGC > RACC > Career
Partners with Passion for Success Emely Tremols was planning to go to Albright. She had received several scholarships, but realized she was still several thousand dollars short of covering her costs. She then switched gears and decided she would pay her way through RACC, even if it was one class at a time. One day this past summer, she received a phone call telling her that she was one of eight students chosen to receive the Haberberger Careers in Two Years Scholarship to attend RACC—all expenses paid. The scholarships were made possible by a pair of anonymous donors who established the program in 2008 to provide funding for deserving Olivet Boys & Girls Club (OBGC) members of Reading and Berks County. The Careers in Two Years portion of this scholarship fund is designated for any member who graduated from Reading High and intends to attend Reading Area Community College.
The club’s core programs encourage activities with adults, peers and family members that enable kids to enhance their self-esteem and fulfill their potential. “It was a blessing, because I know I need my education, and I didn’t know how I was going to afford it,” said Tremols, who works a part-time job at McDonald’s. “I was stressing all summer about how I was going to pay for school. Then, when I got that phone call, I wanted to cry, I was so happy.”
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Tremols is studying Business Administration and said her goal is to earn her degree at RACC while upholding a 3.9 GPA, then transfer to Philadelphia University to study fashion marketing. “I have my own sewing machine, and I’m always altering clothes that I buy at thrift shops,” she said. The recipients of the scholarship must meet specific requirements, including maintaining a 2.0 grade-point average. They also meet five times per semester with their mentor, Auria Bradley, who is the RACC representative assigned to follow-up with them and keep them on task. “They have all told me that this scholarship is what provided them the opportunity to go to college,” said Bradley. José Rivera Arcantara, who relocated to Reading from the Dominican Republic five years ago, is another one of the recipients. Rivera Arcantara studied electrical technology at Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center in addition to his classes at Reading High School, so he was happy to learn about RACC’s Mechatronics Program. “I like the hands-on program,” said Rivera Arcantara. “It helps to clarify that you are learning the skills and can do what they want you to do.” Diana Ramirez is also getting a jumpstart in her career field, as she has been shadowing speech pathologists at a clinic in Wyomissing for the past year. “My 7-yearold cousin is autistic so I went with his mom to an appointment and started asking a lot of questions,” said Ramirez, who is majoring in Liberal Arts with plans to transfer to West Chester for speech pathology. “I shadowed two different people, but I’ve talked to everyone. They are honest and have told me that there is a lot of work
Leaders Making Readers In addition to the scholarship program with the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, the RACC community has also taken on a number of volunteer initiatives. One of the largest efforts is the annual RACCy Olympics, which is a year-long fundraising campaign that culminates in a day of zany competition. RACC students will organize raffles, car washes, roller skating parties and more to raise funds that will be presented to the Olivet Boys and Girls Club in April. During the fall semester, members of Phi Theta Kappa, the College’s chapter of the international honor society, started a project to help battle poverty through education and literacy. RACC students contacted Olivet’s and learned that their nine locations in the County serve more than 2,600 children between the ages of 13 and 18. RACC students then reached out to Townsend Press to coordinate the donation of books. Townsend agreed to donate for each location: • 1 case of 116 different novels • 10 copies of Guadalupe Quintanilla’s My Story, an autobiography of her struggle to learn English while attending school, raising kids, and eventually becoming a lawyer. The text is in both Spanish and English. • 1 extra set of the Blueford series, a collection of contemporary fiction set in urban America and focused on issues that relate to young adults. • a poster promoting the importance of reading, ideally to be displayed with the books
involved, but I want to have an influence in the life of children with autistic disabilities,” Ramirez added. Students said they learned about the scholarship opportunity through Judd Meinhart, grants and program administrator at OBGC, and his staff. The club’s core programs encourage activities with adults, peers and family members that enable kids to enhance their selfesteem and fulfill their potential. Based on the physical, emotional, cultural and social needs and interests of boys and girls, and recognizing developmental principles, the club’s programs fall into five areas: Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career
Above: RACC students volunteered to paint at room at OBGC Next Pages: Scholarship recipients Jose Rivera Arcantara, Diana Ramirez, Johanna Aguilar-Lopex, Emely Tremols and Rubiel Vargas
Additionally, students from Phi Theta Kappa and the College’s newspaper, The Front Street Journal, purchased a second case of 116 different novels for each of Olivet’s nine locations. RACC students continue to seek book donations for younger members of the OBGC program. The volunteerism continued during the winter break when RACC students in the Leadership Program spent a day painting a teen room at the club’s Oakbrook location. Additional planning is underway, including students joining the United Way’s reading initiative this summer and faculty making arrangements to assist club members during homework times. For more information on the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, visit their website at www.OlivetBGC.org.
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Olivet BGC > RACC > Career
Development; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Johanna Aguilar-Lopez said her high school English teacher encouraged her to talk with OBGC, and during her senior year she learned the details regarding the RACC scholarship. “I always wanted to attend a community college to get my associate and then transfer for my bachelor’s,” AguilarLopez said. “It would save money, but I still thought I would have to work a lot to pay for RACC. So when I got the scholarship, I was excited because it’s a big help financially.” Aguilar-Lopez is majoring in Social Work because she likes working with kids and helping people. She continues to volunteer with Special Olympics, a cause she grew attached to during high school. Even earlier than high school, it was while in junior high that Rubiel Vargas started working for the Olivet Center for the Arts. A member of the Glenside club as an eighth grader, Vargas said he was approached about helping with office paperwork for the venue. He worked there for six years and was planning to leave when he learned of the scholarship. Vargas wasn’t sure what he was going to major in, but when he came to RACC, he learned about the new Electronic Healthcare Records program launched last fall. “I thought it sounded like a good fit since it’s with computers and could mean working in a hospital, and I like helping people,” he said.
“It was a blessing, because I know I need my education, and I didn’t know how I was going to afford it…when I got that phone call, I wanted to cry, I was so happy.” In addition to their mentoring meetings, students attend workshops designed to educate and inform them about services on and off-campus in the Reading community. These educational workshops provide students with opportunities to network with their peers, faculty and staff. “I believe that mentoring college students is a great way to help them feel connected to the college and others,” said Bradley. “The more they feel connected, the more they want to learn and reach their goals. Additionally, they have found that the support they receive at the college has provided them with the tools needed to succeed.”
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“…I felt this was a career path I could follow. This is a job with a future. It is not something that can be outsourced—it will always be needed.”
No Time Wasted on Path to New Career The Wastewater Treatment Operator Program is a new certification through the College’s Schmidt Training and Technology
Jason Correll was closing in on 40 years old and had been working for more than 15 years as a landscaper. He knew he wanted a new career, but did not have a direction. He tried a four-year college, but knew that was not the right fit for him. So, when RACC’s Community Education catalog showed up in the spring of 2011, he flipped through it to see if there was a career training program of interest. “The wastewater program caught my eye as something with a future,” said Correll. “I contacted the college to ask some questions about the program and to schedule a tour of the Reading plant. After doing so, I felt this was a career path I could follow. This is a job with a future. It is not something that can be outsourced—it will always be needed.” Correll, who served in the Navy after graduating from Governor Mifflin High School, said he enjoyed landscaping but did not see it as a long-term option. The physical demands were taking a toll on his body and he realized there was no chance of advancing his career. “I enjoy the creative process and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I build something from the ground up,” said the married father of two young boys. “I also enjoy working outside as opposed to an office job.”
Center. Correll was one of the first students to successfully complete the curriculum, which is designed to help license new operators in the high-demand field. He attended evening classes twice a week from August 2011 to May 2012, which allowed him to continue his landscaping job fulltime. “The classes were mostly lecture with a few trips to different plants in the area,” said Correll. “There were a couple of different instructors and each had their own perspective which kept things interesting.” Correll shared the key to his success was reading ahead in the material to be better prepared for the next class discussion. He completed the program and went on to pass the Department of Environmental Protection’s certification exam this past summer. “This course was invaluable in preparing me for the exam as well as opening doors to finding employment,” he said. “Many people I met in the class already were working in the field and gave me advice and opinions on finding a job.” Find a job he did. He is now employed at the City of Reading’s treatment plant in their service utilities department—the same plant he visited when he was considering enrolling in the program. Correll said some of his landscaping skills have come in handy with his new job, specifically skid loader operation and small machinery and power tool operation. “My duties include property maintenance, setting up pumps and cleaning tanks,” he said. “I hope to eventually move into an operations position once one becomes available. After that, there are possible opportunities to move into supervisor and managerial type positions. “I never would have imagined I would be working in this field,” he added. “While it was not something I ever thought about before, I am very glad I made this career move. I think it was a good decision for me and my family at this point in my life.” New students who are interested in the program can learn more at www.racc.edu/sttc. An information session will be held in May and the next session of classes will start in August.
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Putting a Face on the Future Try as I might, I would be hard-pressed to describe the typical RACC student. Our students vary in age, educational background, and career aspirations, but they all have one thing in common. They recognize that education is a key to getting ahead. Many juggle jobs, family and economic uncertainty and others attend RACC right right out of high school or while currently working. They make us proud not only when they complete their coursework and earn their certificate or degree, but when they attain additional goals such as becoming honors students, All-PA Academic Team members, Beacon Scholars and members of Phi Theta Kappa. This is what RACC is all about––opportunity, accomplishment and achievement. It is my pleasure to recognize and thank the many donors who supported the Foundation for RACC in 2012. The Foundation exists for only one purpose; to encourage support of and investment in Reading Area Community College. We are passionate advocates for
education because we see every day how it can improve lives. To our donors I say thank you for your generosity, which means so much to our students. Through your gifts, our students are learning that there is no power greater than that of individual achievement and accomplishment. We are proud to count each and every donor among the members of the RACC family! Sincerely,
Michael E. Nagel Vice President for Institutional Advancement/ Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC
The official registration and financial information of the Foundation for Reading Area Community College may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-900-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
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We are pleased to kickoff the Foundation for Reading Area Community College’s 2013 Annual Fund Campaign. The Foundation for RACC encourages support of and investment in Reading Area Community College. We are passionate advocates for education because we see every day how education can improve lives. Why should you consider supporting RACC? • RACC is 100 % student focused. We fully engage with our students and work closely with them to help encourage their success. • Berks County and the surrounding area have an extraordinary, critical need for the services we provide. • RACC is uniquely positioned to meet those critical needs. • RACC cannot meet the identified, critical needs in our community without additional financial support.
Gifts 2012 (January 1 – December 31)
Our impact on the local community, measured by more than 15,000 students served this year alone, is significant. RACC provides a full range of coursework ranging from short-term career to traditional degree track study. In addition, keep in mind that an investment in RACC benefits first an individual. As that person blossoms, the community benefits through an educated workforce. This is what RACC is all about—opportunity, accomplishment and achievement. Have you already made your gift? If you have, we thank you. For those considering a gift, please know how very much your support will mean to our students. Please visit us at www.racc.edu/foundation/donate.aspx to make a gift to this year’s campaign or call 610.607.6294 for more information. Thank you for considering a gift to the Foundation for RACC!
Eastern PA Water Pollution Control Operators Association, Inc.
Bluestone Family Dental
Brian & Julie Clements
Boscov’s Department Store, LLC
Clermont Wealth Strategies
Albert & Eunice Boscov
Clover Farms Dairy Co.
John & Susan Aigeldinger
Joseph L. & Shirley K. Boscov Philanthropic Fund
Irvin & Lois E. Cohen
Charles & Mary Aims
Dianne Bossler
Dr. Sharon I. Allen
Nancy L. Boyer
Dr. Sam & Mrs. Nancy Alley
Nicholas & Conchita Braun
The Anderson Group
The Breidegam Family Foundation
Cynthia Kay Andrews
Joan Gurshick Breneiser
Connie Archey
Susan J. Briskin
Concord Public Financial Advisors, Inc.
Automotive Service, Inc.
Toby J. Briskin & Michael P. Vender
John T. & Marian D. Connelly
Severin Fayerman
June Benz Baker
The Broadbent Family Foundation
Diann M. Connor
Beulah B. Fehr
Robert L. Ballantyne
John & Ann Broadbent
Connors Investor Services, Inc.
Santo & Ann Ferrarello
Stephen & Lisa Banco
Michael H. Brooke
Jim & Anna Connors
Rick & Merry Fidler
Peter D. Barbey
Burkey Construction Co., Inc.
Brenda & John Creasy
Fightin Phillies Baseball Club
Ron & Beverly Bashore
Lisa M. Burns
Customers Bank
Steven Finkel
Harriet Baskin
Cacoosing Family Charitable Foundation
Gretchen Darlington
FirstEnergy Foundation
Dr. A. Wade Davenport
Bonnita A. Fitzgerald
Emmajane DeLong
Mary S. Flagg
Liz Dentzer
Philip & Judy Fleck
John M. DeVere
Follett Higher Education Group
Mr. & Mrs. Russell Diehm
Theresa D. Fort
Lois & David T. Dieterly
Teresa A. Friedmann
Mary Anne & Jack Disegi
Fromm Electric Supply Corp.
Jason Donnelly
Darla Moyer Fulmer
Nancy S. Dresher
Fulton Bank
Sandra Duffy
Tomma Lee Furst
June & Charles Dunn
GMI First, Inc./Gregory A. Sarangoulis
E. J. Breneman
Gage Personnel Services
E. R. Stuebner, Inc.
Bill & Gwen Gage
EHD
Austra Gaige
East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Charles & Ellen Gallagher
David B. Adams Jane Adams
Theodore Bassano Bernadette Bauer Richard Baumbach Emily E. Bell Michael & Linda Bell William F. Bender Mr. & Mrs. Bruce P. Bengtson Carter & Mary Benjamin Berks County Tuberculosis Society Berks Engineering Co. Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. Berks Products Corporation Jill & Sime Bertolet Jeff & Lorena Bickel Natalie & Kirk Birrell
Sheri L. Calhoun Alexander Cameron IV Hettie A. Campion Beth H. Caputo Carpenter Technology Corporation Samuel & Ingrid Carroll Chrissada M. Caruso Susan Charron Mary Ann Chelius Smith Cassandra Christ Suzanne Christie Robert Ciervo Rosemarie V. Clapp ClearView Global Wealth Advisors/ William A. Metzinger
Foundation for RACC 2013 Annual Fund
Foundation for RACC 2013 Annual Fund
Dr. C. Harold Cohn Paul & Jo Cohn Richard & Jane Cole Colonial Oaks Foundation Comcast
Peter & Susan Edelman Jermaine D. Edwards Melissa J. Eggert Judy & Mike Ehlerman Mr. & Mrs. Ned Ehrlich Ralph & Josephine Elia Jonathan D. Encarnacion EnerSys Fantasy Skating Center, LLC
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Foundation for RACC 2013 Annual Fund
Diane L. Gaul
Graham K. Johnson
Tom & Sandi McCarthy
Precision Medical Products, Inc.
G. Richard Geertman
Robyn Jones
Samuel A. McCullough
Craig & Lisa Priebe
Georgeadis II Setley
Mr. & Mrs. Leon Kaplan
McGlinn Capital Management, Inc.
R. M. Palmer Company
Carol & Bernie Gerber
Dr. Sheldon J. Kaplan/Eye Consultants of PA
Sue Merryfield
Ann Schmoyer Rauchbach
Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe
Reading Health System
Steven C. Katsarides
Mr. & Mrs. J. Christopher Michael/ AWI
Redner’s Warehouse Markets
Steve & Sue Kegerise
Janet M. Miller
George & Louise Kellenberger
Jennifer A. Miller
Sandra & Ed Kern
Marlin & Ginger Miller
Sam & Alexandra Goodman
Keystone Instant Printing/Raymond & Cynthia Zdradzinski
Roger & Loretta Minear
J. Clivie Goodwin
Lyndell Kline
Greater Reading Economic Partnership
Mary Lou Kline
James A. Gilmartin Cheryl A. Gipe David G. Glass Edward & Dolores Gombeda Deborah Goodman & John Moyer Libby Goodman
Donald Greth Griffin Financial Group LLC Clair E. Gross Dr. & Mrs. Dennis J. Grous Scott Gruber Debra Haag Joanne & Arthur Haberberger John & Katie Hannon Jason Harbonic Dr. Susan B. Hartman Mary Ellen G. & Robert A. Heckman Anna L. Hehn Alison L. Heist Susan A. Heller Mr. & Mrs. Frank C. Henderson Henry Janssen Foundation Herbein + Company, Inc. Herbein Wealth Management, LLC Dr. Debra K. Hermany Dr. Jeanne Hey Fred & Dee Hiehle Diane D. Hill Harvey Hohl Ryan P. Hottenstein Dr. James G. Hughes Daniel B. & Ellen M. Huyett Estate of Phyllis S. Imber Ruth S. Isenberg J. C. Ehrlich Co., Inc. Sharon Jacklin Robin R. Jacobs Alexis Jardine Nadine Jensen Jerlyn Foundation/Jerry & Carolyn Holleran 18
SPRING 2013 Communiqué
Suzanne Karterman-Storck
Sidney & Barbara Kline Robin & Bill Koch, Sr., CPA
Charles & Patty Minehart Lucille M. Mock C. S. & K. A. Mohn John & Anne Morahan
John A. Reedy Michael H. Reese Carol C. Reid Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP Ruth C. Reinsel Richard C. Panagacos Insurance Richard & Patricia Risinit Zylkia R. Rivera Riverfront Federal Credit Union
Kozloff Stoudt
Mosteller & Associates/Chet Mosteller
Bert & Ann Kramer
Michael & Lynn Nagel
Paul R. & Frances Roedel
Esther C. Krasevac
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen J. Najarian
Susan Rohn & Nick Kuruc
Barbara & Richard Kratz
National Penn
David & Jane Rohrbach
Mary B. Kreider
National Penn Investors Trust Company
Roland Stock, LLC
Ray & Carole Neag
Barbara & Seth Rosenzweig
Joan A. Noll Jorge & Patricia Nouhra
Dennis Rothenberger & Mary Beth Krawchuk
Rhonda Ochs
Justin E. Rothenberger
D. Robert & Yvonne Oppenheimer
Melissa Rowan
Todd & Tara Oswald
Dr. & Mrs. Lee D. Rowe
The Oxholm Family
The Philip D. Rowe, Jr. Family
PFLAG Eastern PA Regional Chapter
Theresa Rowles
PSEG
Whitney A. II & Cathy Sanders
Mr. & Mrs. John K. Palmer, Sr.
Korie & Larry Sandridge
Mary M. Palmer
Earl D. Schenheit
Vincent & Ann Paolini
Michael & Janice Schiffman
ParenteBeard
Roger J. Schmidt
Dr. Natalie Parisi
Rolf D. & Renate Schmidt
Thomas F. Paules
Beverly & Marty Schmittberger
Patricia A. Pelchar
Elsie M. Schmoyer
Mary Pendleton
Tom & Betty Schmoyer
Penn National Gaming Foundation
Kathleen L. Schoch
Penske Truck Leasing
Pam & Steve Schumacher
Sue Perrotty
Jon & Alva Scott
Henry A. & Janet J. Peters
Mr. & Mrs. G. Brad Scribner
Dolores R. Peterson
Security First, Inc.
Walter & Diane Pohl
Abigail Serrano
Edna C. Pollak
Sharon Shappell
Robert & Claude Poole
Dean & Lorrie Sheaffer
Ruth B. Potteiger
Karen & Jeff Shearer
Steven E. Pottieger
Clark R. Sheffy
Kenneth R. Kurtz ‘74 Mr. & Mrs. Edwin A. Lakin John Langan & Judith Nadell Elaine A. Lauter John & Michele Lawlor Virginia A. Lawson Leisawitz Heller Jack Linton Edgar & Joan Lloyd The Loomis Company David & Anna Ludlum M&T Charitable Foundation Andrew & June Maier Rollie Manley III Manning Management Corporation Diane & Lee Marabella Marcia Martell Marcia Martin Robert & Cynthia Marx Masano Bradley Materion Ike & Eila Matza Doris L. Maurer John & Doris Mazzacca Mr. & Mrs. John Mazzo Kathy McAlice Ed McCann
Dr. Gary E. Rizzo & Susan M. Liberace
The Rose Corporation
Kathy Weidman
Susan L. Shultz
Richard & Ginny Weidman
Steve & Heidi Silverman
Steve & Joan Weidman
Jonathan & Jan Simon
Randy L. Weidner, RE/MAX of Reading
Bo Sites Kim A. Sivak Jill D. Skaist Dr. Edmond C. Smith Dr. Ronald E. & Mrs. Helen Smith Nancy L. Snyder Noreen & Christopher W. Sobottka Sovereign Bank Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Spevak Kim R. Stahler & John Zukowski Judge Albert A. & Mrs. Orpha D. Stallone
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Weik Dr. Anna D. Weitz David E. Weller, Jr. Wells Fargo Advisors Wells Fargo Foundation Alison Wenger Ann Z. Wenrich White Star Tours/Chris & Ann Kraras Tom & Allison White Dr. Gene M. Wilkins Shari Wilkins
ClearView Global Wealth Advisors/ William A. Metzinger Cloud Nine Café Mary Anne & Jack Disegi Philip & Judy Fleck Fred Astaire Dance Studio of West Reading
Wib Lauter Robert A. Mutzel Margaret M. Noll Marie Reedy Laura Regenbogen Christopher L. Rowe
The Goggleworks Center for the Arts
Ruth Sachs
Golf Committee
Howard H. Scott
Dick Henry, Auctioneer
Bruce Stanley
Hitching Post Restaurant
Martha A. Sykes
Judy’s on Cherry
William I. Wenrich, Jr.
Miller Center for the Arts
Mary J. Wilkins
Ginger Miller Marlin Miller National Penn
Gifts were given to the Foundation in honor of the following: Gerald Budzik
Marty Stallone
Nancy Wilkins-Diehr
National Penn Investors Trust Company
Barbara R. Stark
William G. Koch & Associates
Lee C. Olsen, AIA
Sherry Stephenson
Judy & Jim Williamson
Panevino/Dave Brennan
Stevens & Lee
Nancy J. Wilson
The Peanut Bar Restaurant
David & Eileen Stevenson
Wind-Lock
Piazza Honda of Reading
Geoff & Judy Stoudt
Frederick P. Winne, Jr.
Michael & Nancy Strick
Chet & Rosemarie Winters
Vendors at the Reading Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market
Wayne & Marilyn Stumph
Peggy & John Woodward
Reading Movies II & IMAX
Thomas A. Sublette
The Wyomissing Foundation, Inc.
Sorelli Jewelers
Donna Suchomelly
Doug & Nancy Yocom
Sovereign Bank
Gifts were made to the Foundation in support of the following:
Third & Spruce Cafe
Yocum Family Perpetual Charitable Trust
Third & Spruce Café
Auctioneering program
Unique Technologies, Inc.
Business department
James H. Yocum
White Star Tours
Just for You/Fashion Mentoring program
Michael Toledo Dr. Ivan L. Torres Rev. Msgr. James A. Treston Margretta S. Trexler UGI Energy Services, Inc. VF Outlet, Inc. Kirk & Mimi Van Pelt Al & Mary Vanim Bonnie Versace VIST Financial Corporation Carl & Kathleen Volz Dr. & Mrs. M. Herbert Wachs Marilyn Wademan & Ed Kershner
Zelda Yoder Yuasa Battery, Inc. Rodney & Ruth Zerr
New Scholarship Endowments Established in 2012
Gust & Doris Zogas
Phyllis & Herman D. Imber Scholarship Fund
Matching Gifts
Mary Jane Schmoyer Memorial Scholarship
PSEG Wells Fargo In-Kind Gifts 201 West
Gladys & Eli Skaist Memorial Scholarship Fund Gifts were given to the Foundation in memory of the following:
Dr. Boyd C. & Tracy Schott Wagner
Barry Adams (Pro shop at the Berkshire Country Club)
Dr. & Mrs. Clifford C. Wagner
Affinity Bank of Pennsylvania
Wal-Mart Store #1670 Wal-Mart Store #1777
Berks County JazzFest/Berks Arts Council
Dr. Stephen C. Waller
Berks County Living
Terrence E. Connor, Esq.
Melodie J. Wardecke ‘77
Berks Packing
Kathryn B. Golden
Brett & Leah Wartluft
Berkshire Country Club
Anna Mae High
Weidenhammer
Bill’s Khakis
Alfred L. Huff
Peter D. Archey Alan I. Baskin Sonia & Samuel Briskin James & Loretta Ciervo
Foundation for RACC 2013 Annual Fund
Margaret M. Shields
Mary Ann Chelius Smith Katie Fehr Hannon Mary B. Kreider C. David Moyer Dr. Anna D. Weitz Zelda & Mark Yoder
Langan Allied Health programs Miller Center for the Arts Nursing programs Respiratory Care program RHS/RACC Opportunity Scholarship Volunteer Tutor program Waste Water Treatment program Workforce Development Programs at the STTC and the Gateway Center Yocum Library We have received gifts from several individuals who would like to remain anonymous. We apologize if we have inadvertently omitted or incorrectly listed your name. Please report any error to our attention at 610.607.6239.
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Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Reading, PA Permit #755
10 South 2nd Street P.O. Box 1706 Reading, PA 19603 www.racc.edu
F or comm e nts , f e e dback or stor y id e as , pl e as e e mail mkushn e r @ racc . e du or call 6 1 0 . 6 0 7 . 6 2 1 2 .
Spring at the Miller Center From the Miller Center’s own series performances and Reading Area Community College events to community engagements, the Miller Center steps into its busiest time of year this spring. Each week throughout March and April boasts several activities that are designed for students and the public. The spring starts with students in the forefront in Berks County’s Annual Spelling Bee on Monday, March 11. April highlights include several nationally-renowned artists performing as part of the Berks Arts Council’s annual Berks JazzFest from April 5-14. A free screening of the movie classic, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, on Tuesday, April 16, will be presented in partnership with Alvernia University O’Pake Center Director David Meyers. Intertwined with these community events is the conclusion of the Miller Center’s Downtown Performing Arts and Family Sampler series with special outreach opportunities for school students. The esteemed Lula Washington Dance Theater opens March with Reflections in Black, a school show celebrating Black History month on Friday, the 1st at 10 a.m. The Lula Washington Dance Theatre (LWDT) was founded in 1980 by Lula Washington along with her husband, Erwin, in the inner city of South Los Angeles, California. Since then, LWDT has become one of the most acclaimed African-American contemporary dance companies in the West—known for powerful high-energy dancing and unique
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choreography. Lula also served as movement choreographer for the Na’vis character in “Avatar.” Reflections in Black aims to provide children with awareness of African-American history and culture through different dance styles. On Saturday, March 2, a public performance featuring three specially-selected dances and special preshow activity will complete LWDT’s Miller Center engagement. A mini-residency with Grammy-winner and Zydeco Master Terrence Simien will take place in the Miller Center’s theater, March 15 (school show, 10:00 a.m.) and 16 (public performance, 2:00 p.m.). Simien presents an exceptional educational event, featuring the indigenous Creole Zydeco music that has made him famous. With narration and live music, this show teaches a new generation about the unique cultural heritage of Southern Louisiana. As one of the last living Zydeco masters, Simien remains a pivotal part of music history.
The Miller Center concludes its season on Friday, April 26 with the internationally-acclaimed ETHEL string quartet joined by Grammy-winning Native American flutist Robert Maribal. The artists will be joined on stage by a community or school choral ensemble for an evening of exceptional and unique fusion of classical, contemporary and native influences in a program inspired by the sun mythology of Native America. Earlier that day, local school students will be treated to a special collaborative residency at the Reading Public Museum featuring ETHEL, Maribal and the Museum’s newly restored Native American exhibit. For more information about these school outreach opportunities, please contact Cathleen Stephen, Miller Center Director, at 610.607.6205. Tickets to these and other Miller Center performances may be purchased through the box office by calling 610.607.6270 or visiting www.racc.edu/millercenter.