Reading Area Community College Communique, Spring 2013

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.


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.


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


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…”


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.”


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


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.”


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.”


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.


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

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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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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.

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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

Reading Area Community College Communique, Spring 2013

Documents

Transcript of Reading Area Community College Communique, Spring 2013