reading area community college communique, spring 2013
DESCRIPTION
A collection of articles highlight students and alumni from Reading Area Community College.TRANSCRIPT
communiquéA 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 s p r i n g 2 0 1 3
Putting a Face on the FuturefoundAtion for rAcc donor report And 2013 AnnuAl fund
2 SPRING 2013 communiqué
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
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 development-
oriented 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.
Dear friends of RACC,
communiqué SPRING 2013 3
In this Issue 4 The G-Man Teaches
5 Moving Up the Ranks
6 Honors and Divinity
8 Travel to Triage
10 Partners with Passion for Success
14 No Time Wasted on Path to New Career
16 Putting a Face on the Future Foundation for RACC 2013 Annual Fund
20 Miller Center Spring Season
on our cover The graduating Class of 2012
108
14 4
6
communiquéreading Area community college 10 South 2nd Street P.O. Box 1706Reading, PA 19603www.racc.edu
president Dr. Anna D. Weitz editor Melissa Kushner contributors Alison M. Wengerdesign 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.
In addition it is the policy of Reading Area Community College not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its edu-cational 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.
4 SPRING 2013 communiqué
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.
“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.
The G-Man Teaches
“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.”
top: Ralph Hilborn receives special
commendation from an FBI supervisor.Bottom: Hilborn teaching a class
at RACC.
communiqué SPRING 2013 5
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.”
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.
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
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
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
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.”
“I aced the class and that’s when I really knew that I could do it—actually be a police officer,” he said.
Moving Up the Ranks
6 SPRING 2013 communiqué
communiqué SPRING 2013 7
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.”
Honors and Divinity
“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…”
8 SPRING 2013 communiqué
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 Pass-
Through 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.”
Travel to Triage
“We use critical thinking skills in our lives every day, but a college education develops them to an even finer degree.”
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.”
10 SPRING 2013 communiqué
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.
“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.”
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-year-
old 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
OLIveT BGC > RACC > CAReeR
Partners with Passion for Success
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.
communiqué SPRING 2013 11 communiqué SPRING 2013 11
Above: RACC students volunteered to paint at room at OBGCnext pages: Scholarship recipients Jose Rivera Arcantara, Diana Ramirez, Jo-hanna Aguilar-Lopex, emely Tremols and Rubiel vargas
Leaders Making ReadersIn 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
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.
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 self-
esteem 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
12 SPRING 2013 communiqué
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,” Aguilar-
Lopez 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.
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.”
“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.”
communiqué SPRING 2013 13 communiqué SPRING 2013 13
14 SPRING 2013 communiqué
communiqué SPRING 2013 15
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.”
The Wastewater Treatment Operator Program is a new
certification through the College’s Schmidt Training and Technology
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 full-
time. “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.
No Time Wasted on Path to New Career
“…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.”
16 SPRING 2013 communiqué
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!
Putting a Face on the Future
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.
communiqué SPRING 2013 17 communiqué SPRING 2013 17
Gifts 2012 (January 1 – December 31)
David B. Adams
Jane Adams
John & Susan Aigeldinger
Charles & Mary Aims
Dr. Sharon I. Allen
Dr. Sam & Mrs. Nancy Alley
The Anderson Group
Cynthia Kay Andrews
Connie Archey
Automotive Service, Inc.
June Benz Baker
Robert L. Ballantyne
Stephen & Lisa Banco
Peter D. Barbey
Ron & Beverly Bashore
Harriet Baskin
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
Bluestone Family Dental
Boscov’s Department Store, LLC
Albert & eunice Boscov
Joseph L. & Shirley K. Boscov Philan-thropic Fund
Dianne Bossler
Nancy L. Boyer
Nicholas & Conchita Braun
The Breidegam Family Foundation
Joan Gurshick Breneiser
Susan J. Briskin
Toby J. Briskin & Michael P. vender
The Broadbent Family Foundation
John & Ann Broadbent
Michael H. Brooke
Burkey Construction Co., Inc.
Lisa M. Burns
Cacoosing Family Charitable Foun-dation
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
Brian & Julie Clements
Clermont Wealth Strategies
Clover Farms Dairy Co.
Irvin & Lois e. Cohen
Dr. C. Harold Cohn
Paul & Jo Cohn
Richard & Jane Cole
Colonial Oaks Foundation
Comcast
Concord Public Financial Advisors, Inc.
John T. & Marian D. Connelly
Diann M. Connor
Connors Investor Services, Inc.
Jim & Anna Connors
Brenda & John Creasy
Customers Bank
Gretchen Darlington
Dr. A. Wade Davenport
emmajane DeLong
Liz Dentzer
John M. Devere
Mr. & Mrs. Russell Diehm
Lois & David T. Dieterly
Mary Anne & Jack Disegi
Jason Donnelly
Nancy S. Dresher
Sandra Duffy
June & Charles Dunn
e. J. Breneman
e. R. Stuebner, Inc.
eHD
east Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc.
eastern PA Water Pollution Control Operators Association, Inc.
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
Severin Fayerman
Beulah B. Fehr
Santo & Ann Ferrarello
Rick & Merry Fidler
Fightin Phillies Baseball Club
Steven Finkel
Firstenergy Foundation
Bonnita A. Fitzgerald
Mary S. Flagg
Philip & Judy Fleck
Follett Higher education Group
Theresa D. Fort
Teresa A. Friedmann
Fromm electric Supply Corp.
Darla Moyer Fulmer
Fulton Bank
Tomma Lee Furst
GMI First, Inc./Gregory A. Sarangoulis
Gage Personnel Services
Bill & Gwen Gage
Austra Gaige
Charles & ellen Gallagher
Foun
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undFoundation for RACC 2013 Annual Fund
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.
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!
18 SPRING 2013 communiqué18 SPRING 2013 communiqué
Diane L. Gaul
G. Richard Geertman
Georgeadis II Setley
Carol & Bernie Gerber
James A. Gilmartin
Cheryl A. Gipe
David G. Glass
edward & Dolores Gombeda
Deborah Goodman & John Moyer
Libby Goodman
Sam & Alexandra Goodman
J. Clivie Goodwin
Greater Reading economic Partner-ship
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
Graham K. Johnson
Robyn Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Leon Kaplan
Dr. Sheldon J. Kaplan/eye Consul-tants of PA
Suzanne Karterman-Storck
Steven C. Katsarides
Steve & Sue Kegerise
George & Louise Kellenberger
Sandra & ed Kern
Keystone Instant Printing/Raymond & Cynthia Zdradzinski
Lyndell Kline
Mary Lou Kline
Sidney & Barbara Kline
Robin & Bill Koch, Sr., CPA
Kozloff Stoudt
Bert & Ann Kramer
esther C. Krasevac
Barbara & Richard Kratz
Mary B. Kreider
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
Tom & Sandi McCarthy
Samuel A. McCullough
McGlinn Capital Management, Inc.
Sue Merryfield
Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe
Mr. & Mrs. J. Christopher Michael/AWI
Janet M. Miller
Jennifer A. Miller
Marlin & Ginger Miller
Roger & Loretta Minear
Charles & Patty Minehart
Lucille M. Mock
C. S. & K. A. Mohn
John & Anne Morahan
Mosteller & Associates/Chet Mo-steller
Michael & Lynn Nagel
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen J. Najarian
National Penn
National Penn Investors Trust Company
Ray & Carole Neag
Joan A. Noll
Jorge & Patricia Nouhra
Rhonda Ochs
D. Robert & yvonne Oppenheimer
Todd & Tara Oswald
The Oxholm Family
PFLAG eastern PA Regional Chapter
PSeG
Mr. & Mrs. John K. Palmer, Sr.
Mary M. Palmer
vincent & Ann Paolini
ParenteBeard
Dr. Natalie Parisi
Thomas F. Paules
Patricia A. Pelchar
Mary Pendleton
Penn National Gaming Foundation
Penske Truck Leasing
Sue Perrotty
Henry A. & Janet J. Peters
Dolores R. Peterson
Walter & Diane Pohl
edna C. Pollak
Robert & Claude Poole
Ruth B. Potteiger
Steven e. Pottieger
Precision Medical Products, Inc.
Craig & Lisa Priebe
R. M. Palmer Company
Ann Schmoyer Rauchbach
Reading Health System
Redner’s Warehouse Markets
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
Dr. Gary e. Rizzo & Susan M. Liberace
Paul R. & Frances Roedel
Susan Rohn & Nick Kuruc
David & Jane Rohrbach
Roland Stock, LLC
The Rose Corporation
Barbara & Seth Rosenzweig
Dennis Rothenberger & Mary Beth Krawchuk
Justin e. Rothenberger
Melissa Rowan
Dr. & Mrs. Lee D. Rowe
The Philip D. Rowe, Jr. Family
Theresa Rowles
Whitney A. II & Cathy Sanders
Korie & Larry Sandridge
earl D. Schenheit
Michael & Janice Schiffman
Roger J. Schmidt
Rolf D. & Renate Schmidt
Beverly & Marty Schmittberger
elsie M. Schmoyer
Tom & Betty Schmoyer
Kathleen L. Schoch
Pam & Steve Schumacher
Jon & Alva Scott
Mr. & Mrs. G. Brad Scribner
Security First, Inc.
Abigail Serrano
Sharon Shappell
Dean & Lorrie Sheaffer
Karen & Jeff Shearer
Clark R. Sheffy
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communiqué SPRING 2013 19 communiqué SPRING 2013 19
Margaret M. Shields
Susan L. Shultz
Steve & Heidi Silverman
Jonathan & Jan Simon
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
Marty Stallone
Barbara R. Stark
Sherry Stephenson
Stevens & Lee
David & eileen Stevenson
Geoff & Judy Stoudt
Michael & Nancy Strick
Wayne & Marilyn Stumph
Thomas A. Sublette
Donna Suchomelly
Third & Spruce Cafe
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
Dr. Boyd C. & Tracy Schott Wagner
Dr. & Mrs. Clifford C. Wagner
Wal-Mart Store #1670
Wal-Mart Store #1777
Dr. Stephen C. Waller
Melodie J. Wardecke ‘77
Brett & Leah Wartluft
Weidenhammer
Kathy Weidman
Richard & Ginny Weidman
Steve & Joan Weidman
Randy L. Weidner, Re/MAx of Reading
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
Nancy Wilkins-Diehr
William G. Koch & Associates
Judy & Jim Williamson
Nancy J. Wilson
Wind-Lock
Frederick P. Winne, Jr.
Chet & Rosemarie Winters
Peggy & John Woodward
The Wyomissing Foundation, Inc.
Doug & Nancy yocom
yocum Family Perpetual Charitable Trust
James H. yocum
Zelda yoder
yuasa Battery, Inc.
Rodney & Ruth Zerr
Gust & Doris Zogas
Matching Gifts
PSeG
Wells Fargo
In-Kind Gifts
201 West
Barry Adams (Pro shop at the Berk-shire Country Club)
Affinity Bank of Pennsylvania
Berks County JazzFest/Berks Arts Council
Berks County Living
Berks Packing
Berkshire Country Club
Bill’s Khakis
Clearview Global Wealth Advisors/William A. Metzinger
Cloud Nine Café
Mary Anne & Jack Disegi
Philip & Judy Fleck
Fred Astaire Dance Studio of West Reading
The Goggleworks Center for the Arts
Golf Committee
Dick Henry, Auctioneer
Hitching Post Restaurant
Judy’s on Cherry
Miller Center for the Arts
Ginger Miller
Marlin Miller
National Penn
National Penn Investors Trust Company
Lee C. Olsen, AIA
Panevino/Dave Brennan
The Peanut Bar Restaurant
Piazza Honda of Reading
vendors at the Reading Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market
Reading Movies II & IMAx
Sorelli Jewelers
Sovereign Bank
Third & Spruce Café
Unique Technologies, Inc.
White Star Tours
New Scholarship Endowments Established in 2012
Phyllis & Herman D. Imber Scholarship Fund
Mary Jane Schmoyer Memorial Scholarship
Gladys & eli Skaist Memorial Scholarship Fund
Gifts were given to the Foundation in memory of the following:
Peter D. Archey
Alan I. Baskin
Sonia & Samuel Briskin
James & Loretta Ciervo
Terrence e. Connor, esq.
Kathryn B. Golden
Anna Mae High
Alfred L. Huff
Wib Lauter
Robert A. Mutzel
Margaret M. Noll
Marie Reedy
Laura Regenbogen
Christopher L. Rowe
Ruth Sachs
Howard H. Scott
Bruce Stanley
Martha A. Sykes
William I. Wenrich, Jr.
Mary J. Wilkins
Gifts were given to the Foundation in honor of the following:
Gerald Budzik
Mary Ann Chelius Smith
Katie Fehr Hannon
Mary B. Kreider
C. David Moyer
Dr. Anna D. Weitz
Zelda & Mark yoder
Gifts were made to the Foundation in support of the following:
Auctioneering program
Business department
Just for you/Fashion Mentoring program
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 inad-vertently omitted or incorrectly listed your name. Please report any error to our attention at 610.607.6239.
Foun
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20 SPRING 2013 communiqué
10 South 2nd StreetP.O. Box 1706
Reading, PA 19603www.racc.edu
Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage
PAIDReading, PAPermit #755
F O R C O M M e N T S , F e e D B A C K O R S T O R y I D e A S , P L e A S e e M A I L M K U S H N e R @ R A C C . e D U O R C A L L 6 1 0 . 6 0 7 . 6 2 1 2 .
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
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 pre-show 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.
Spring at the Miller Center