CONNECTIONS WINTER 2016
1966-2016
Celebrating CCAC’s 50th Anniversary! 50 YEARS ONE MILLION
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Looking Back While Looking Ahead Dear CCAC alumni and friends:
We are pleased to report that CCAC continues to make advances that help to make our mission, vision and goals a reality. From various campus updates to several new partnerships, it has been an exciting time for CCAC as we continue to evolve to meet the 21st century needs of our students. In an effort to provide a dynamic, diverse and supportive learning environment, we have implemented the Ridge Avenue Revitalization Project at the Allegheny Campus, opened a connecting roadway at South Campus and partnered with the Energy Innovation Center to offer classes and training to residents of the Hill District. And for the first time ever, we look forward to introducing student housing at multiple campuses in the near future. Additionally, we continue to offer a variety of programs to prepare our region’s residents for academic, professional and personal success in our changing global society. During the past year alone, we signed 13 new articulation agreements with four-year institutions and launched six new career and academic programs. Since its founding in 1966, CCAC has grown substantially and become one of the largest providers of educational services in western Pennsylvania. And we expect this growth to continue in the coming years thanks to a new five-year strategic plan. We hope you will join us in looking back at our first 50 years while looking ahead to CCAC’s future as we celebrate our 50th anniversary throughout the 2016 calendar year. We have many events, activities and initiatives planned to commemorate this historic milestone. To learn more about the ways you can get involved in our year-long celebration, please read more on pages six and seven of the magazine. Sincerely, Dr. Quintin B. Bullock CCAC President CCAC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Peter M. DeComo (’73 & ’09), Chair Charlene Petrelli (’85 & ’12), Vice Chair Emanuel DiNatale (’76), Treasurer Rachel Lorey Allen, Secretary Gary Glausser, At-large Michele Rice, At-large Jesse C. Campayno (’81) Scott Cox Patricia J. Darnley Anthony Ditka David Hall Mary Beth Johnson John Manzetti Edward Karlovich (’80)
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Rose Ann DiCola CCAC Educational Foundation Chief Executive Officer
CONNECTIONS WINTER 2016
table of contents
EXCITING ADDITIONS
ADVANCEMENT UPDATES
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
50TH ANNIVERSARY
ALUMNI EVENTS & CLASS NOTES
PLANNED GIVING
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
CCAC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION STAFF Rose Ann DiCola Chief Executive Officer Jodi Beemer Michael Adamcyk (’76), Emeritus Director, Development George K. Beck, Emeritus Linda Dickerson, Emeritus Cara Huey-Henry John Dziak, Emeritus Coordinator, Foundation Relations Teresa Fedele, Emeritus and Executive Assistant to the Board Lawrence V. Gleason, Emeritus Rocco Pacella Douglas Knable, Emeritus Coordinator, Alumni Affairs Timothy Merrill Jr., Emeritus Candice P. Mill, Emeritus CCAC Connections is written and Robert M. Mill (’73 & ’98), Emeritus developed by Mindful Kreative Peter J. Muth, Emeritus Quintin Bullock, D.D.S., ex officio CCAC President Rose Ann DiCola, ex officio Chief Executive Officer Amy M. Kuntz Angela Longo (’84) Robert Sendall (’78) Elise R. Yanders
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DON’T MISS
AN ISSUE To update your address
EMAIL:
alumni@ccac.edu
VISIT:
ccac.edu/Update_Your_Alumni_ Contact_Information.aspx
WRITE:
CCAC Connections 808 Ridge Avenue Byers Hall, Room 103 Pittsburgh, PA 15212
EXCITING ADDITIONS
Starbucks Opens at Allegheny Campus Located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near notable landmarks such as PNC Park, West Park and Heinz Field, Allegheny Campus features a blend of modern and historic architecture set on 10 acres, but unfortunately, some of the older structures have been showing their age in recent years. Buildings such as the Physical Education Building, West Hall and Foerster Student Services Center are currently under renovation thanks to the $22 million Ridge Avenue Revitalization Project. In fact, work began last fall and has already produced many positive changes to the 42-year-old Physical Education Building. “One of the goals of this three-phase revitalization project is for students to come to brighter, more modern spaces,” said Donna Imhoff, president of CCACAllegheny. “The renovations will help to provide more student-friendly and student-focused areas for the 7,260 individuals currently enrolled at CCAC-Allegheny.” The Cougar’s Den, a student lounge previously found in the basement of West Hall, was moved to a bright and airy space on the second floor of the newly renovated Physical Education Building. Additionally, the Ridge Avenue entrance now leads to an expanded college bookstore and Starbucks coffee shop, replacing an unused swimming pool. After conducting open interviews and hiring several full-time and part-time baristas during the summer months, the Starbucks coffee shop served its first “cuppa joe” on July 21 at Allegheny Campus. Since the opening, many students, faculty and staff have stopped by for their morning coffee or afternoon caffeine fix.
New Board Members and New Emeritus Director Receive Warm Welcome Board members and emeriti directors are committed to strengthening the CCAC Educational Foundation’s mission. Their guidance and skill help in raising funds, managing assets and distributing resources to programs and scholarships for the college. Above all, they play an integral role in opening access to quality education and workforce development training. The CCAC Educational Foundation is delighted to welcome two new individuals to the board of directors and honor a former board member as the newest emeritus director.
Scott G. Cox – Board Member
John W. Manzetti – Board Member
Pete Muth – Emeritus Director
Scott Cox is a seasoned advisor with expertise in investment management, wealth planning and private banking. As the managing director of sales for BNY Mellon Wealth Management in its central region, Cox provides leaderships to a team of six directors and coordinates new business development efforts in western Pennsylvania. He previously spent 20 years at Merrill Lynch, serving in a variety of management positions. In addition to supporting CCAC, Cox also serves as a board member for the Akron Symphony, Akron Museum of Art and Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force.
John W. Manzetti is a visionary financial and corporate leader who brings years of experience in venture capital formation, economic development and the commercialization of innovation. He currently holds the position of president and CEO at Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PLSG), as well as the founder and managing director of PLSG Accelerator Fund. Manzetti has won several prestigious awards for his professional accomplishments and has also served on the board of directors at Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association and Pittsburgh Technology Council, among other organizations.
Peter J. Muth has been a dedicated board member for the last decade and been instrumental in the Educational Foundation’s mission to support the college. During his tenure, he served as an at-large member of the Executive Committee for three years, and most recently as chair of the Finance Committee. As a private equity investor, he has experience in a full range of investment opportunities. In addition to his position at Stonewood Capital Management, Muth is a principal of Birchmere Capital, LP. He also serves as current director for portfolio companies like Miller Centrifugal Casting, Pittsburgh Brewing Company and BBR Services LP. CCAC CONNECTIONS
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ADVANCEMENT UPDATES
CCAC and Carlow University Partner to Offer Smooth Transition to Bachelor’s Degree One of the college’s enduring goals is to identify and respond to the changing educational needs of our students and the community. Recognizing that students may desire to further their education beyond CCAC programs, we work to develop and enhance partnerships that provide additional learning and workforce training opportunities.
This vision inspired CCAC and Carlow University to join together to offer a series of articulation agreements designed to enable CCAC associate’s degree graduates to seamlessly transfer to Carlow to complete their bachelor’s degrees. CCAC President Dr. Quintin Bullock and Carlow President Dr. Suzanne Mellon signed the framework for this innovative partnership on March 12, 2015. Members of the board of trustees and administration from both institutions also attended the ceremony. “We are honored to partner with CCAC to expand educational options for their students," said Dr. Mellon. “Allowing students to easily continue their learning and further build their skill sets will help to build a pipeline of graduates that will thrive in the regional workforce and beyond.” The partnership enables associate’s degree graduates from CCAC to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree in more than 30 programs at Carlow University. An agreement with our Allied Health Sciences program provides transfer options for students in 25 majors, while another permits
graduates from our Business Management program to continue their studies towards a Bachelor of Science in Management at Carlow. A final agreement spells out specific transfer agreements encompassing 29 other degree programs. Additionally, nursing students from CCAC can now be simultaneously admitted to Carlow’s Registered Nurse and Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (RN-BSN). The agreement will give students access to Carlow advisors, resources and events while still attending CCAC and enable them to accelerate their progress toward a master’s degree in nursing at Carlow. Nursing students will have the opportunity to enroll in classes at Carlow at a reduced tuition rate, while other CCAC students will be eligible for generous transfer scholarships from the university. "Through this partnership, CCAC and Carlow University have drawn upon our shared ideals to provide future-focused educational options that are both industry-driven and student-centered,” said Dr. Bullock. “Together, we are helping to ensure that future graduates have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in our diverse and changing world." While the agreements went into effect in fall 2015 and the first students enrolled this past semester, officials at both institutions continue to examine other degree programs that could also qualify for a smooth transition.
Susan B. Edelstone RN to BSN Scholarship In the early 1970s, Susan B. Edelstone enrolled in the nursing program at CCAC to help prepare her for a career as a labor and delivery nurse. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to meet the love of her life. After graduating from the nursing program in 1973, Susan met Dr. Daniel Edelstone—a physician specializing in obstetrics, gynecology and maternal fetal medicine—while they worked together at a local hospital. Susan enjoyed her nursing career and furthered her education by earning her BSN. Unfortunately, Susan passed away in January 2013 due to a re-occurance of cancer. To honor his late wife and acknowledge the role that CCAC played in bringing them together, Dr. Edelstone recently established the Susan B. Edelstone RN to BSN Scholarship to provide financial support to full-time students enrolled in the joint admission RN to BSN program. It was important to Susan to further her education by earning her BSN, so it’s only fitting that Dr. Edelstone establish this scholarship to help provide an opportunity to others earning their RN to continue their education and pursue the BSN.
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Students awarded the scholarship can receive up to $2,000 each fiscal year while enrolled in the CCAC nursing program and a $1,000 award each year for two years of study toward a BSN at a college or university with an established articulation agreement at CCAC. To begin, the newly established Susan Edelstone agreement with Carlow University will allow dually-enrolled students to take advantage of this opportunity. Those students awarded the scholarship will be known as the Susan B. Edelstone Nursing Scholars and receive specialized support. Dr. Edelstone recognizes that the need for healthcare professionals continues to climb nationally, making the demand for skilled nurses even greater. He is happy to provide financial assistance to future nursing students so they can learn the necessary skills to succeed in today’s healthcare landscape while honoring the memory of his beloved wife. In order to maintain this lasting legacy, Dr. Edelstone has allocated a generous gift from his estate.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CCAC Alumni Grow Business and Give Back to Support a Vibrant Pittsburgh Community Mike Geiger, Kristy Geiger (’01, Liberal Arts and Science) and John Iaquinta (Culinary Arts) have been friends since high school. Though they went their separate ways after graduating from Vincentian Academy, the Geigers eventually reunited with John years later to pursue an exciting business opportunity.
The Geigers and Iaquintas celebrated 10 years of success in December 2015, looking ahead to the future while also reflecting on their business thus far. Mike said, “Because the Pittsburgh community has been so good to Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Big Plan Group over the past 10 years, we make it a priority to give back to the community that gives so much to us.”
“When Kristy and I decided to move back to Pittsburgh after living and working in Tampa, Florida for a few years, we entertained the idea of introducing the Moe’s Southwest Grill® franchise to our hometown,” said Mike. “Between the two of us, we had the skill set to grow a business, but had limited experience in the restaurant industry. And that’s where John came in.”
A community-centric organization, Big Plan Group donated over $80,000 to local organizations in 2014 and surpassed that in 2015 with $100,000 in donations. In fact, Mike, Kristy, John and John’s wife Danielle make it a community effort by engaging employees and customers in their various community service projects and donation drives. From making a donation each time a customer uses the new loyalty program mobile app to encouraging employee participation in a Movember “no shave” campaign, they are always finding new ways to support local organizations.
John had held a variety of positions in the restaurant industry and was executive chef at Atria’s at the time the Geigers returned to Pittsburgh, so they knew their old friend would be the perfect business partner for this opportunity. Rather than develop a new restaurant and brand, Mike, Kristy and John were confident that an established fast-casual restaurant serving fresh, made-to-order Southwest fare was a concept that could succeed in the Pittsburgh market. After traveling to Moe’s Southwest Grill® headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss the opportunity, the threesome established Big Plan Group and opened their first Moe’s franchise location in December 2005 in Cranberry Township. Since that time, they have expanded to seven locations throughout the Pittsburgh area and over 250 employees, as well as become one of the premier corporate caterers in the region. Their success has not gone unnoticed. The Pittsburgh Business Times included Big Plan Group on the Top 100 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2014 and 2015 and the company owner’s were also an Ernst and Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” finalist in 2014.
“After volunteering at an event and seeing the impact of their work, we established a groundbreaking partnership with Beverly’s Birthdays, a local nonprofit providing birthday celebrations for at-risk youth and families in-need,” said Mike. “In addition to providing food for all of their events throughout 2016, Big Plan Group will sponsor a Beverly’s Birthdays party every time a children’s birthday party is catered by Moe’s Southwest Grill® in Pittsburgh—a one for one match, which could equate to several hundred parties annually.” The Geigers and the Iaquintas appreciate the opportunity to add to the vibrancy of their hometown—both professionally and personally. They have achieved so much by working hard and taking advantage of every opportunity, but it means little if they cannot share their success with others. Whether hiring college students as catering staff or helping to grow the culinary program at CCAC, the Big Plan Group partners look forward to sharing their knowledge and experience to assist others in realizing their dreams.
Pictured (L to R) are Mike Geiger, Kristy Geiger, Danielle Iaquinta and John Iaquinta
CCAC CONNECTIONS
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50TH ANNIVERSARY
For half a century, CCAC has provided affordable access to quality education and offered a dynamic, diverse and supportive learning for academic, professional and personal success in our changing global society. In 2016, the college will celebrate its first 50 years
CCAC to Honor 50 Distinguished Alumni in Celebration of 50th Anniversary “CCAC plans to commemorate this significant milestone in a variety of ways throughout the 2016-2017 academic year,” said Rose Ann DiCola, Chief Executive Officer of the CCAC Educational Foundation. “One such way is through the recognition of 50 Distinguished Alumni at the 50th Anniversary Gala on November 19, 2016 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown.” Alumni, faculty, staff, current and former students, and friends of the college are encouraged to submit nominations on behalf of those who have made a lasting impact on society through their outstanding professional, voluntary or philanthropic accomplishments. Nominees must have either received a degree, certificate or diploma from CCAC or must be a former student who completed any number of credits at CCAC and transferred to continue his or her studies at another institution. Awardees are expected to attend to the 50th Anniversary Gala, except in the event of a posthumous award, in which case an associate or family member may accept the award on behalf of the honoree. Once the CCAC 50th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni Committee has made their final selections, those chosen for awards will be notified. Qualified nominees who do not receive an award will be kept on file for a period of two years for consideration for future recognition.
Celebrate this Historic Milestone by Making a 50th Anniversary Gift The CCAC Educational Foundation will provide multiple fundraising opportunities so supporters can commemorate this special occasion with a 50th anniversary gift. Supporters can give in one of the following ways: • Become a sponsor of the yearlong anniversary celebration, 50th Anniversary Gala or individual events • Establish an endowed scholarship to help the Foundation reach its goal of endowing 50 new scholarships during the anniversary year • Make a donation to help meet the $50,000 challenge grant • Participate in the CCAC Family Campaign, an annual faculty and staff campaign created to raise funds for institutional initiatives, scholarships and the college’s greatest area(s) of need Supporters are encouraged to make a donation so the college may continue to fulfill its mission of helping all individuals realize their dreams of a college education for many years to come.
Nominations, along with any supporting documentation, must be submitted by January 31, 2016 by email to 50years@ccac.edu or postal mail to the following address: Rose Ann DiCola Chief Executive Officer CCAC Educational Foundation 808 Ridge Ave., Byers Hall 102 Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Boyce Campus, 1966
Allegheny Campus, First Days
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50 YEARS
g environment that prepares the region’s residents and set the stage for what is yet to come.
$50K Challenge Grant to Support Creation of 50 New Scholarships Charlene Petrelli (‘85 and ‘12) and Dominic Petrelli (‘93) have awarded the CCAC Educational Foundation a $50,000 challenge grant to encourage others to join their effort in creating 50 new scholarships in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary. The Petrelli’s donation and those who join this scholarship initiative will change the lives of students forever with the gift of education.
ONE MILLION
Save the Date Mark your calendars so you can join us for these special occasions in 2016. In addition to our annual events, we will host even more special events and an array of activities at the various campuses to commemorate CCAC’s 50th anniversary throughout the year. 50th Anniversary Kick-off Friday, February 5 “Computer Gaming: Your Place in the Future” Saturday, March 12 CCAC Faculty Reception and Appreciation Dinner Friday, April 15 “Cruise from the Past to the Future” Saturday, April 30 CCAC Staff Reception and Appreciation Dinner Wednesday, May 18 Commencement Thursday, May 19 Fences Theatre Production and Mosaic Art Installation Thursday, June 16 – Saturday, June 18 Thursday, June 23 – Saturday, June 25 26th Annual CCAC Educational Foundation Golf Tournament September 12 “CCAC 50 Years—Five Decades” Wednesday, October 5 50th Anniversary Gala Saturday, November 19
We hope you will join us in celebrating this historical milestone all year long! Additional details about these activities and events will be shared as they become available.
Boyce Campus Cheerleaders, 1970
Commencement, June 13, 1968 CCAC CONNECTIONS
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ALUMNI EVENTS
Celebrating Visionaries at the 18th Annual Legends in Leadership Gala Since 1998, the annual Legends in Leadership gala has honored individuals and community organizations that make it possible to provide quality, accessible education to nearly 55,000 students annually. At the 2015 event, the CCAC Educational Foundation recognized four individuals and one community organization that have been instrumental in the growth and development of CCAC. Over 300 guests gathered at the East Club Lounge at Heinz Field on April 23, 2015 to celebrate these outstanding honorees and raise nearly $170,000 to support the Foundation. We were pleased to celebrate the 2015 honorees:
Thank you to our event sponsors:
Richard L. Allison Dean, Academic Affairs, CCAC Boyce Campus and Coordinating Dean, Allied Health Programs, CCAC Outstanding Faculty/Staff/ Administrator
Platinum Sponsor Highmark UPMC
Emanuel DiNatale (’76, Boyce) Tax Partner, BDO USA, LLP Outstanding Alumnus Elsie Hillman Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Kiya Tomlin Outstanding Community Leader YouthPlaces Outstanding Community Organization
Gold Sponsor Coca-Cola Bronze Sponsor AVI Foodsystems, Inc. Legendary Community Leader Sponsors Pittsburgh Penguins The Hillman Company Jones Day Legendary Friend Sponsor ATI NRG Energy Willis
Legendary Alumnus Sponsor Consol Energy Legendary Faculty/Staff/ Administration Sponsors BNY Mellon Campayno Consulting Gateway Health PSSI Stadium LLC Legendary Student Sponsors Amy Kuntz Buchanan Ingersoll First National Bank Emanuel DiNatale P.J. Dick Incorporated PNC Rice Enterprises LLC
25th Annual Golf Tournament a Swinging Success The CCAC Educational Foundation Golf Tournament has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the students and programs at CCAC over the last 24 years. Held at the Treesdale Golf and Country Club on September 14, 2015, the 25th annual event proved another successful fundraiser. With approximately 150 golfers in attendance, over $80,000 was raised to benefit the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program and workforce development initiatives. Special thanks to our event sponsors: Platinum Sponsor Highmark UPMC & UPMC Health Plan Gold Sponsor Coca-Cola
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Bronze Sponsor AVI Foodsystems, Inc. Eagle Sponsors Campayno Consulting Gateway Health Perkins Eastman Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse
Cocktail Reception Sponsors Follet Higher Education Group dck worldwide, LLC Golf Cart Sponsor NRG Energy Skill Prize Sponsor Dollar Bank
CLASS NOTES 1960s
David Mouer (’68, Allegheny, Liberal Arts) received his Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies from Pennsylvania State University since being a part of the first graduating class at CCAC. He has raised three daughters and is an avid Steelers and Pirates fan.
1980s
CCAC Alumni Night at the Theater On November 6, 2015, more than 100 alumni and friends gathered at South Campus to watch a live stage adaptation of The Three Musketeers. Prior to the student performance, alumni and their guests attended a reception with South Campus President Charlene Newkirk and CCAC Theatre Professor George Jaber before making their way to the South Campus Theater. Professor Jaber began the night’s performance by speaking to the audience about the play itself—a world premiere adaptation of the Dumas novel by playwright Bette Cassatt—and of the efforts put forth by the CCAC student cast and crew. After the performance, Professor Jaber, Ms. Cassatt, the production’s director, and the cast and crew stayed for an alumni discussion session, answering questions posed by the audience regarding the show’s writing and production. The entertaining night ended well and with much-deserved applause. Alumni Affairs is currently planning the next CCAC Alumni Night at the Theater for spring 2016! Make certain to update your contact information to receive an invitation to this exclusive CCAC alumni event.
CCAC Alumni Holiday Reception & Concert On December 6, 2015, more than 50 alumni and their guests visited the Allegheny Campus’ Foerster Student Services Center for a CCAC student performance, which included a few holiday-themed additions. The second annual CCAC Alumni Holiday Reception & Concert began with a reception and an exceptional presentation from CCAC Music Professor Mark Domencic regarding the evening’s performances. Following the reception, guests joined CCAC faculty, staff, students and family members for a choral and instrumental recital, performed exclusively by CCAC music students.
Beth Ann (Peterson) Gump (’81, South, Nursing) received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California University of Pennsylvania in 1986. Since graduating from CCAC, she has held positions as a registered nurse with a step-down and critical care focus at a number of hospitals, and is currently working in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. Anita (Palese) Spalick (’83, Allegheny, Nursing) worked as a neuro-med/surgery nurse for 16 years before transitioning careers to become a stay-at-home mom while also running a successful photography business. She is currently the flu/wellness coordinator at Maxim Healthcare Services, Pittsburgh.
1990s
Lori Ann (Lang) Dobos (’90 & ’05, Allegheny, Medical Assistant & Nursing) is currently employed in a rehabilitation and skilled nursing center as a house supervisor. Selena Murphy (’99, North, Nursing) is currently attending Walden University in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Nursing Education. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Walden University. Selena served as an adjunct nursing faculty member at California University of Pennsylvania for four year, and has worked as a case manager for a medical insurance company for the past 12 years. Some of her professional experience includes telemetry, hospice and operating room nursing. Selena is also an inductee into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society of Nursing, holds a case manager certification and online teaching certification, and annually volunteers with an online distance education program designed for caregivers within orphanages located in Jamaica.
2000s
Charles Pittsburgh Roe (‘03, Allegheny, General Studies) is currently working for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration as an aeronautical information specialist in the VP Mission Support Services, Dir. Aeronav Products, Visual Charting and Airport Mapping Group, VFR Charting Team, VFR Charting—East Sub Team AJV-5221, located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Charles is married to Barbara D. Roe and is a U.S. Army Disabled War Veteran. During his free time, Charles works with the Civil Air Patrol and Boy Scouts on STEM projects.
Keep your friends in the loop. Send your updates to alumni@ccac.edu CCAC CONNECTIONS
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PLANNED GIVING
Mildred “Mimi” Patton Horsley Bequeaths Funds to Honor Sister’s Legacy at CCAC Whether their commitment to community service, passion for traveling or vivacious personalities, sisters Mildred “Mimi” Patton Horsley and Alice Patton Greller shared much in common—except for the place they called “home” as adults. After graduating from Duke University in their hometown of Durham, North Carolina, Mimi and her husband lived in Germany, New York and eventually Denver, while Alice and her husband settled down in western Pennsylvania. Though Mimi could not directly observe her sister’s tenure at CCAC due to the long distance, she was very aware and proud of the impact Alice made during her 37 years at CCAC. Alice was instrumental in the founding of CCAC in 1966, helping to develop the curriculum and policies, as well as hiring many of the original staff who are still at CCAC today. She also taught U.S. history, women’s history and Greek history, among other subjects, and was eventually named a professor emeritus of history. According to Marty Barber, former dean of Health Sciences at Allegheny Campus, her impact with students went far beyond the classroom. Alice acquired numerous grants for the college to establish programs, and more importantly, helped to establish a women’s center and child care center at Allegheny Campus. These accomplishments garnered her numerous awards, including the Outstanding Faculty/Staff/Administrator Award shortly before her passing in 2003.
Honor Roll of Donors The CCAC Educational Foundation would like to acknowledge the individuals and organizations that made contributions between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Thanks to your generosity, the Foundation assisted 113 students through the distribution of 50 scholarships totaling $132,888 in the last fiscal year, providing the opportunity to attend college to many who might otherwise be unable. To view the Honor Roll of Donors, please visit: ccac.edu/donorlist. Great care was taken in the preparation of this list. If we have inadvertently omitted the name of a sponsor, please accept our sincerest apologies and contact us at 412.237.6514 so we can correct the information.
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CCAC faculty member Alice Patton Greller, 1983 Recognizing Alice’s commitment to CCAC and desire to enrich the lives of disadvantaged women trying to attend college, Mimi established the Alice Patton Greller Memorial Scholarship in memory of her sister in 2005. The endowed scholarship provides financial assistance to female students enrolled in social studies, history or art at Allegheny Campus. It has already helped many with tuition, fees, transportation, childcare and other educational-related expenses, and will continue to support CCAC students thanks to an additional gift bequeathed by Mimi in her will. We are sad that sisters Alice and Mimi are no longer with us, but we are forever grateful for the lasting impression they both made at Allegheny Campus. We will never forget Alice’s legacy as an educator and Mimi’s impact as a supporter. Their compassion and generosity will help to provide enduring benefits for students and sustain the college’s long-term excellence.
Donors Make a Difference
You can also make a lasting impression at CCAC. Annual and endowed scholarship giving enables you to donate to an existing fund like the Alice Patton Greller Memorial Scholarship or create your own scholarship in honor or memory of someone who has made an impact on you. Your gift can help CCAC and its students continue to reach their fullest potential for many years to come. To learn more, please contact Rose Ann DiCola, Chief Executive Officer, CCAC Educational Foundation, at 412.237.6517 or rdicola@ccac.edu.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Business Leader Judy Wojanis Finds New Ways to Support CCAC and Workforce Development While Judy Wojanis (’83, Dietetic Technician/Dietetic Manager) was busy completing courses in the dietetic program at Allegheny Campus, her husband James “Jim” Wojanis (’71, Marketing Management) was working to establish a hydraulics business. As the firm expanded, Judy left a career in dietetics behind to join Judy Wojanis Wojanis Supply Company in 1985 as secretary/treasurer. Little did the couple know that the small firm Jim started in their home in 1980 would ultimately grow into a successful and respected business. “I believe the education Jim and I received at CCAC was instrumental in helping us establish a successful business,” said Judy. “I can tell you from experience that you can launch a company with a two-year education and associate’s degree.” Despite substantial growth over two decades, Jim and Judy considered selling the business in 2003 when Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer. This idea, however, was short-lived. Jim suffered a fatal heart attack in 2004, and though the couple had been thinking of the next stage of their lives before his untimely death, nothing was in writing. Sharing her husband’s vision, Judy stayed on as president at Wojanis Supply Company and became a nationally-recognized business leader during the 10 years she ran the company. Under her leadership, the business doubled its capacity and earnings, as well as expanded its distribution to a worldwide market. Her tenure as president ended in 2014 when she sold the firm to brothers Keith and Doug Goldstrohm, but Judy remains involved as a board member for the benefit of the company.
Michael Scalise, CCAC Student
“For years, Wojanis Supply Company utilized our relationship with CCAC to hire students who were well-trained in hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics,” said Judy. “Though I’ve transitioned the business, I still want to support workforce development and industrial growth in our region, as well as my alma mater.” Judy partnered with CCAC and the Fluid Jim and Judy Wojanis Power Educational Foundation in September to host the “Art for Industry” event at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens. The event helped raise awareness of careers in science and technology, and more importantly, raised over $12,000 for scholarships to support students in the mechatronics program at CCAC. Judy looks forward to hosting similar events in the future to further showcase the art and technology communities—two communities where she believes creative minds are needed to solve problems. In the meantime, she will continue to promote workforce development and industrial growth as a board member of several civic and national organizations, as well as support CCAC as a member of the 50th Anniversary Steering Committee.
The “Art for Industry” initiative, which generated interest for local industry leaders, city government officials, educators and the art community, raised funds to support scholarships for CCAC’s mechatronics program. Fundraising was accomplished through ticket and art sales, a silent art auction and raffle baskets. More than 30 CCAC students displayed their interpretation of Art for Industry.
Karen Mitchell, CCAC Student
CCAC CONNECTIONS
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Non Profit Organization US Postage
PAID
Community College of Allegheny County 808 Ridge Avenue Byers Hall, Room 103 Pittsburgh, PA 15212-6097
EITC Funds Help High School Students Earn College Credit The CCAC Educational Foundation recently received its annual approval as a participant in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, a distinction the Foundation has held since the program’s inception in 2011. A variety of local organizations have donated more than $150,000 to CCAC through the EITC program during this time.
Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Clairton, Cornell, Keystone Oaks, Montour, Moon, Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, Quaker Valley, South Fayette, Steel Valley, Sto-Rox, West Allegheny, West Jefferson Hills and Woodland Hills. Classes were also offered to career and technical education (CTE) students at Pittsburgh Public and Parkway West CTE in spring 2014.
Businesses that choose to donate through an EITC contribution support the college’s High School Dual Enrollment program, which provides high school juniors and seniors with the resources to earn college credits at CCAC while still enrolled in their respective high schools. Thanks to companies like Fifth Third Bank and NRG, these ambitious students receive a break on education-related expenses like tuition, fees and books while they get a head start on college.
“The goal of the High School Dual Enrollment program is to reach first generation college students and/or students from low income, free and subsidized schools who often do not see themselves as college material,” said Richard Adams, assistant vice president of the Frieda G. Shapira Center for Learning through Service. “EITC contributions help these students to graduate from high school armed with the knowledge and self-confidence that they are capable of doing college work.”
According to Dr. Nina Zetty, superintendent of Gateway School District, “Exposing high school juniors and seniors to the requirements and rigor of post-secondary education broadens their horizons and gives them a quantifiable step up by providing college credit.”
Following high school, students can choose to enter a two-year associate’s degree or certificate program at CCAC with their dual enrollment credits already applied to their transcript. Students can also choose to pursue a four-year degree by beginning their studies at CCAC and transferring to another college or university, or start their college career at a four-year college directly from high school.
Since fall 2012, the High School Dual Enrollment program has served 218 students from 20 high schools and one middle school in 16 school districts—