LCCC Alumni Magazine The Bridge Summer 2018

The

Bridge

Luzerne County Community College

Alumni & Friends

Summer 2018

SELMA

TO MONTGOMERY

2016-2017 Annual Report of Gifts

50 Years Plus

I

am simply amazed at the number of positive news, events, and accomplishments that have happened at Luzerne County Community College over the past year. We just finalized a very successful 50th anniversary celebration.

This included our first Gala Dinner at Mohegan Sun Pocono which helped raise more than $150,000 in student scholarships, and openings of our new Veteran’s Center, walking trail, a food bank in Wilkes-Barre, Thomas P. Leary, LCCC President and a powerful civil rights exhibit at the Schulman Art Gallery.

Whenever LCCC reaches a milestone, I have the opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and what this College has accomplished. From our humble beginnings when we opened our doors for the first time in 1967 on River Street in WilkesBarre, to the construction of our new Main Campus in 1974 in Nanticoke, to the development of our dedicated centers throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, we have reached out farther than anyone could imagine. LCCC offers over 100 academic, workforce development, and continuing education programs. This past commencement in May, we celebrated our 50th graduating class, adding to the more than 33,000 alumni.

What’s truly amazing about Luzerne, is that most of our students and alumni live and work in northeastern Pennsylvania. The education and training LCCC provides for residents results in the greatest impact. Thousands of former students are employed, adding $403.1 million of income to the region.

The value of LCCC influences both the lives of students and the area economy.

The College serves a range of industries in northeastern Pennsylvania, supports local businesses, and benefits society as a whole from an expanded economy and improved quality of life.

Student debt remains one of the major concerns that students and parents have about attending college. A recent economic impact study shows that investing in an education at LCCC produces a positive return on investment for students. Students earn $3 in future earnings for every $1 invested in their education at LCCC.

As we continue and expand classes and degrees in our dedicated centers, we will increase the economic impact of northeastern Pennsylvania. The College is looking to expand our offerings in Northumberland County as residents and community leaders look to us to provide the

2

education they need. The city of Pittston reached out to Luzerne to be part of their revitalization. Pittston officials gathered grants to remodel a donated M&T Bank building to become the College’s new center to provide academic programs and leadership training this fall.

LCCC truly provides the concept of lifelong learning. The College now has a Head Start program for children three to five years old on our campus. We have students in our Early College program as young as age 14. The College prepares students for careers upon graduation from LCCC or from transfer to four year colleges and universities. We help displaced workers with new training, those currently employed learn new skills, and those who are retired to just learn, like Ted Geffert who graduated from LCCC this May at the age of 82.

Every day, I meet a student or alumnus of the College who tells me what a valuable and meaningful experience they have found here. We hope that every student who graduates from LCCC finds meaning and purpose in their lives and they use their education to have a positive impact on the world around them.

As you read through the testimonials in this issue of The Bridge, see how our students and alumni have overcome obstacles and achieved great successes in our region and throughout the country. They credit much of their success on what they learned here at Luzerne County Community College.

Table of Contents 2.

President’s Message

3.

Commentary - Patrick Barrett

4.

50th Gala Celebration

6.

New Pittston Center

7.

Veteran Center Opens

8.

Swicklik Lives in History

10. Hoover Rocks On

LCCC holds 5oth Commencement LCCC held its 50th commencement this past May for the Class of 2018.

With the official switching sides of the tassle, President Thomas P. Leary conferred

degrees to the 754 graduates at the ceremony held at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event ended with a cascade of gold confetti showered over the graduating class.

Foundation Commits to Success

A

s the incoming President of the Luzerne County Community College Foundation, the fundraising arm of the College, I have been impressed by the breadth and caliber of educational programs

Patrick Barrett offered by LCCC. From traditional degree programs to continuing education; from contract training for business and industry to English as a second language classes; from assisting high school students who want to get an early start on a college education to helping alleviate the regional nursing shortage, LCCC steadfastly continues to serve the needs of our community. With an average student body of 5,500 students per year located on the main campus and six dedicated off campus sites, the need for financial assistance to our students only continues to grow. Many are non-traditional students, working full-time while attending classes in the evenings; many are single parents or first generation college students who, after paying their tuition bill cannot spare the cost of instructional

books. It is interesting to note that 85% of LCCC’s graduates remain in Northeastern Pennsylvania to live and work, helping to build a stronger and more vibrant region.

The Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors understands the important role LCCC plays in the region and is highly motivated to raise crucial funds for those students who have difficulty meeting the College’s modest tuition. Government support of the College does NOT include any funds for tuition assistance. In the past year, the Foundation was able to grant over $350,000 in scholarship aid and assist 300 students with tuition and emergency book funds. In most cases, this financial help meant the difference in a student entering College or continuing their studies.

To the community, business and industry, alumni and friends who have supported the Foundation’s efforts, thank you for making a difference and I look forward to working this year in continuing to help LCCC build a stronger community.

Patrick J. Barrett is the Senior Vice President of First National Community Bank, President of the Luzerne County Community College Foundation Board, and a Former Board Member at the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce.

Luzerne County Community College 1333 South Prospect Street, Nanticoke, PA 18634 • 1-800-377-5222 • www.luzerne.edu

12. Alcantara Cruises Along 15. Head Start at LCCC 16. Hudson - Many Ways to Heal 18. Selma to Montgomery Exhibit 23. New Walking Trail Opens 24. Alumni Class Notes/ Announcements 26. 2018 Events Calendar 27. In Memoriam/Retirements 28. Annual Report of Gifts 33. Ted Geffert - Lifelong Learner

Credits Contributing writers & editors Robert Bogdon Bonnie Lauer ‘87 Lisa Nelson Sandra A. Nicholas Kathy Goeringer Thomas P. Leary Patrick Barrett

Photography

Mark James ‘96 Robert Bogdon Spider Martin Jim Gavenus LCCC Archives Contributed photos

Layout and Design Robert Bogdon

About the cover: Selma march “foot soldier” survivor, Amelia Boynton, photographed by LCCC faculty Jim Gavenus, and shown during the Selma to Montgomery Schulman Gallery exhibit.

3

L

uzerne County Community College celebrated its 50th anniversary in style with a glittering Golden Gala at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre.

Patrick J. Solano, Trustee Emeritus, led the planning committee as Honorary Chairman Tom McHugh ‘72, Department Chairperson, Communication Arts, hosted the gala event.

State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski and The Starfires provided a musical tour of the five decades. Faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, volunteers and the community were among the 450 attendees enjoying dinner and drinks.

Former Lt. Governor William Scranton spoke about the importance of community colleges in shaping the future of the country and reflected on his father, the late Governor William W. Scranton, and his foresight in supporting the establishment of community colleges in Pennsylvania during his administration as Governor.

In referencing the College’s first campus on River Street in downtown Wilkes-Barre, LCCC President, Thomas P. Leary stated,

4

“We’ve come from very humble beginnings. I believe the future is even more promising.”

Also, Brooke and Libby Yeager coordinated with the LCCC Alumni Office to organize a reunion of alumni who participated in the nationally recognized wrestling program while attending Luzerne County Community College. This enthusiastic and positive group of alumni helped celebrate the College’s history with pride. LCCC alumnus Joel Kislin ‘71 received a plaque commemorating the national wrestling award he received at LCCC in 1969.

The Gala was not only a celebration of a milestone, but had a serious purpose—raising money for scholarships for first generation students and veterans. The LCCC Foundation raised $150,000 as a result of fundraising for the Gala.

5

Pittston

LCCC to Open New Center in Pittston

P

resident Thomas P. Leary joined officials last October from M&T Bank, the City of Pittston, Trustees and area residents to officially break ground for the future LCCC dedicated site in Pittston. As part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, the city of Pittston is renovating the former M&T Bank Building located on South Main Street which the bank donated to the project. The College is expanding its educational opportunities for area students while assisting in the revitalization of downtown Pittston.

Renovations of the 13,000 square feet of space are nearly completed and are being funded through grants obtained by the Pittston Redevelopment Authority. LCCC will then lease the building.

The renovated building will include nine classrooms - two of which are computer labs and one is a multi-purpose lab. There will be three offices, a lobby, student lounge and common area, and supporting areas for conferencing. The Pittston Center will have fifty-two designated parking spaces located within a five minute walking distance to the building.

“The continued expansion of the Community College is indicative of the continued expansion of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy and continued expansion of educational opportunities for area students,” Leary said. “It’s great for the Pittston Area School District, the Wyoming Area School District, and the community. ” The Pittston Center will offer a variety of credit and continuing education classes, provides pathway programs for health sciences and wellness degrees, offer leadership programming, Early College classes, and opportunities for other local universities to offer classes.

The College is planning for classes to open at the site by

6

the Fall of 2018. LCCC currently offers classes in centers throughout northeastern Pennsylvania including Berwick, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton, Shamokin, and the main campus in Nanticoke.

Shown in photo left to right are: Philip Johnson, Regional President, Northeast Pennsylvania, M&T Bank; Michael Lombardo, Vice Chair, Pittston Redevelopment Authority; State Senator John Yudichak; LCCC President Thomas P. Leary; and Michael Lombardo, Pittston City Councilman.

Vet Center Dedicated

T

his past November, Luzerne County Community College dedicated the Patrick J. Solano Veterans Center to better serve student veterans and students currently in active status. The Veterans Center, located in the former staff lounge area of the Campus Center cafeteria, was renovated by members of the Physical Plant staff, and new glass doors and a window were installed by Mesko Glass, Inc. The Center provides a dedicated location for veteran students to socialize, study, access veteran resources, such as traditional services and community outreach, and meet with College counselors and advisors. The college currently has more than 180 veterans who are enrolled as students, the largest number of veteran students in the area.

The cost of the renovation work was underwritten by a donation from the Tambur Family Foundation and a matching gift from the LCCC Foundation. The Veterans Center is named for Patrick J. Solano, Trustee Emeritus, in recognition of his dedicated community service and commitment to area veterans. Solano saw service during World War II as a flight engineer on a B-17 bomber based out of England, flying missions over Germany during the war.

7

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher as early as middle school,” says Stephen Swicklik, ’11. “I won a competition called the Geography Bee, which I ironically run now at the school where I teach. I have always liked school. I idolized great teachers and wanted to be like them.”

Swicklik, a lifelong resident of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, grew up with Luzerne County Community College in his neighborhood. “Going to Luzerne County Community College was a no brainer, the College was literally one mile away,” he laughs. He chose to attend Luzerne based on the positive reviews he heard from his friends who attended.

“I knew I would save a great deal of money also and even now I would still be paying off debt if I didn’t go to Luzerne,” says Swicklik. “It’s so much more cost effective I tell my students this is the way to go.”

Swicklik majored in Education to pursue his dream of being a teacher. “I found I’m pretty good at social sciences,” he says. “History has always fascinated me. It’s the subject matter I’ve always leaned toward and wanted to teach others about.”

Wanting to be a teacher himself, Swicklik found himself surrounded by faculty who helped foster his ambition.

“When I came to Luzerne County Community College, I was happy with the caring and knowledgeable faculty,” he says. “They present challenges in a good way to better the students. I feel I forged some great relationships with many of my teachers.”

Swicklik found the teachers he wanted to emulate were LCCC faculty including Dr. Bill Kashatus. “I loved his class,” he says. He particularly enjoyed Kashatus’ living history lectures where he dresses up as such characters as Thomas Paine, William Penn, and a confederate soldier. “When he dressed as Thomas Paine…he WAS Thomas Paine,” Swicklik recalls. “He knows so much about these historic people; he can actually ‘become’ them and give us a better understanding of that person’s point of view and environment.”

Another great teacher Swicklik favored was Lynn Grilli.

“She really gave her students a voice and embraced debate in the classroom,” he says. “Her class just emphasized the difference between high school and college. She always wanted to know your opinion on subjects.”

. . . y r o t s i h s i t s e r e

And th

8

Swicklik quickly became an active

After graduating from Bloomsburg, member of the LCCC student body. His Swicklik started substitute teaching at Central high grade point average allowed him Columbia school district and then at Berwick to join the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor school district. He was later hired to teach at society where he became the chapter’s both Central Columbia and Berwick schools in vice president. Swicklik worked five different subjects. “The task was difficult together with other active members splitting teaching each day in two schools,” he on several projects with the PTK. “Two says. “I learned a lot about time management.” of the most important projects to me In 2015, Swicklik was hired full-time at Berwick were cleaning up graffiti in downtown Middle School teaching American History.

Nanticoke and visiting Alzheimer’s

“The more effort you put into teaching, patients at a local nursing home,” he the more you get out of it,” he points out. “The says. education field is a lot of hard work, but very While enrolled full-time at LCCC, he fulfilling. When a student comes up to you and involved himself in sports, clubs and says ‘I never really had an interest in history until I organizations on campus. He played on attended your class,’ that makes all the difference the men’s basketball team and became in the world.” Swicklik tries to find the backstories an active member of the History Club. of historical figures and ways to translate past History/Social Sciences He participated in the “Honors In events and situations to those happening in

Associate professor Dr. Bill Kashatus Action” film series and his outstanding

present time. portrays William Penn “I still go back to a lot of my LCCC notebooks filled grades helped him achieve recognition on the Dean’s List and President’s List. with lectures from classes to help me develop my classes, Swicklik was named to the All-Pennsylvania Academic so the content I learned at Luzerne is invaluable,” Swicklik Team. Nominations for this award are based on outstanding states. “Education is the greatest vehicle to get to where you academic performance and service to the College and want to be in life. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my community. “It was such a great honor to travel to Harrisburg community college and the people who helped me along to receive my award and be recognized with so many talented the way. I recommend LCCC to anyone.” students from across the state,” he stated.

Swicklik graduated ‘Cum Laude’ with an Associate in Science degree in Education in 2011. He was named as recipient of LCCC’s Outstanding Graduate Award at Commencement.

“I knew as soon as I started college I wanted to hit the ground running and fully dedicate myself to build my resume as big as I could get it,” he pointed out. “Especially looking at a career in social studies where there is a good bit of competition, you want to be able to stick out from the pack.”

After graduating from LCCC, he continued his education at Bloomsburg University. “A misconception that some might have is that if you attend a community college and transfer to a four-year college you would be somehow behind the eight ball, and I feel that is very wrong,” Swicklik states. “I did not feel behind in any way. A lot of those students in their 100 level classes are sitting in these large stadium rooms with

hundreds of other students and don’t really

get to know their instructors like I was

able to do at LCCC. I received a

great college experience because I was

able to experience two different colleges.”

Stephen Swicklik, ’11 poses in his cap and gown at LCCC’s 2011 Commencement

9

A

n on-air personality and promotions director at Rock 107, Mark Hoover ’99 is the embodiment of the radio station. “I am the guy who works longer hours than practically anyone else at Rock 107,” he states. “I put more events together during any given month than most people can even fathom attending in a year.”

In addition to hosting the on-air afternoon shift from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., six days a week on Rock 107, Hoover is also the station’s Promotions Director.

“I handle a lot of event planning,” he says. “Just recently, the station participated in the cardboard derby at Montage Mountain and floats in the St. Patrick’s Day parades in Scranton, Carbondale, Pittston, and WilkesBarre. I created sales and marketing kits, started working on Rock 107’s 38th Birthday Bash, booked Warrant to play, designed the tickets, wrote the press releases, hired the sound company, rented space at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, and scheduled events to give out tickets.”

Other tasks Hoover manages include contests, concert announcements, website maintenance, and even billboard sales. “I definitely stay busy.”

Being a radio personality and promotions person wasn’t Hoover’s first ambition. “I wanted to be a chef,” he says. “I was a dishwasher at a local restaurant and became

10

Hard Work and Hard

Rock

fascinated by the working environment of the cooks there.” Hoover had been taking some basic classes through Luzerne County Community College at a satellite location in Pittston. “I looked at LCCC’s Culinary Arts program because it is so well regarded in the area.”

However, Hoover’s education and career path became altered after a walkthrough of Luzerne’s Technology Center. A music lover for much of his life, Hoover happened to walking past LCCC’s student radio station WSFX. He saw a sign in the station’s window that read ‘Looking for radio disc jockeys. You do not need to be a broadcast major. See Ron Reino.’ Hoover immediately found Reino and landed an on-air shift on Saturday nights at the College. “I was always into music, I spent all my money and hours at Joe Nardone’s Gallery of Sound. I was a metal head as a kid with Guns & Roses and Metallica posters all over my walls.”

Hoover never wound up going into the Culinary Arts program, but kept taking more and more broadcast classes. “The faculty gave you a great understanding of the broadcasting business,” he says proudly. Some of the faculty Hoover took classes with in the late 1990s included Ron Reino, John Monick, Tom McHugh, Andy Petonak, Ed Ackerman and Kathy Bozinski. “I run the internship program here at the station, and I see so many students from other colleges who have

Much of the audience Hoover attracts are also interested in outdoor activities and topics which he brings up. He often also speaks highly of his military background.

Hoover still enjoys his classic rock CD collection with bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Black Sabbath, Motley Crue, Genesis, and his favorite band of all time, Guns N Roses.

For students wanting to enter this field, Hoover tells them to get their education and get on-air as much as possible. “Get as much experience as you can and learn not just about radio, but also web design, video, and social media,” Hoover says. “These are all part of the radio business now.” Finally, Hoover says to bring your own personality to the airwaves. “Everyone has their own personality and style that works for them. Just be yourself.”

Hoover with rock legend Joan Jett

never stepped foot in their school’s radio station,” Hoover mentions. “As soon as we began at Luzerne we got to touch the equipment and boards and be on-air. We were hands-on from Day 1.” Hoover says the radio station and TV studio were his hangouts throughout college. “I learned everything from editing and producing commercials, how the radio business works, and a lot about video,” he says.

“Everything in radio now has a video component to it.”

Reino encouraged Hoover to apply to Shamrock Communications in 1998. The station hired Hoover to run the sound board for Yankees games on its WEJL station. Its sister station, Rock 107 aired 24 hours, seven days a week.

“The night guy called off sick and my manager came to me and said we can’t find anyone to do the midnight to six shift,” Hoover recalls. “He asked if I wanted to take the shift and I said ‘yes.’ I was already a DJ at LCCC’s radio station and knew what to do.” Hoover went from one studio to the other studio. “I was a little nervous just before I went in,” he admits. “It was when the DJ ahead of me told me not to be nervous, there’s only 100,000 people listening that the butterflies in my stomach really started to dance.”

Hoover made it through his overnight on-air shift. “That made the program director happy and he started giving me more and more on-air shifts,” Hoover says. “Before you knew it, my younger years were shot because everyone would be going out to the bars and I would have to decline so I can work the overnight radio shift.”

Hoover soon earned a full-time position as the promotion assistant. Not long after that the promotion director left and Hoover took over that role. He also had to pick up more on-air shifts eventually landing the afternoon shift on Rock 107 Monday through Saturday.

As far as outside the work place, free time doesn’t come along much for Hoover. “I love the outdoors and enjoy camping, hunting and ATV riding.”

11

Higher Education Leads to

High Seas for this

12

ALUMnus

C

arlos Alcantara ’12 stands on the upper deck of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s “Symphony of the Seas,” and admires the vast technical marvel as it transverses the Atlantic Ocean. Alcantara and his family are aboard the company’s newest cruise liner as the ship heads to its destination in Spain. But this isn’t just a family vacation for Alcantara. He’s actually on the job, learning about all the amenities and details of the ship as he heads to a global sales summit in Spain.

“I am allowed to bring my family with me and get to know the ship and interact with the activities and events as we travel,” Alcantara says. “The ship can hold 6,680 passengers and nearly 3,000 crew members. The numbers are mind-blowing and the events and activities on the ship are amazing. There is a lot of fun aspects of this job – but a lot of work is involved also.”

Alcantara is a strategic account manager for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “I have a $10 million goal this year that I have to attain,” Alcantara states. “I handle the eastern region of Pennsylvania and I’m responsible for growing those numbers. As the strategic account manager for Royal Caribbean, you are the face of the company, representing the cruise line in the area.” Alcantara is also acting as the business development and district manager and provides leadership to travel agencies and guiding them in what they need to do to grow the business. He is responsible for relationship management, sourcing, growing and maintaining travel agency annual sales.

“That does require a lot of driving around,” he says. “My car is my office, complete with my laptop and phone. I stay overnight occasionally. I provide ship tours for travel agents and give a lot of presentations at consumer shows.”

A consumer event for Royal Caribbean could be a booking show or informational show. These are shows designed for those new to cruises or for people who want to learn about a new ship.

Alcantara handles a great deal of travel agent events.

“I make sure they have all the promotional items they need, whether it’s brochures and flyers,” he points out. “I will also help agents set up the events with potential travelers so they are aware of all that Royal Caribbean provides.”

Alcantara immigrated to Pennsylvania from Peru with his mother 17 years ago when he was 17 years old. He did not know the English language at the time, but now speaks three fluently – German, Spanish and English.

He worked for awhile after graduating from Hazleton High School and started at LCCC when he was 19. “I took three semesters there at first, hoping to go into international business, then not being really mature yet and wanting to experience life right away, I left and worked multiple jobs in factories, manufacturing plants, and restaurants in the area,” he says. After working for 10 years in various places, Alcantara wound up at a call center. “But I had difficulty making a good salary as a bilingual customer service rep and wanted to go farther.”

He decided to return to Luzerne County Community College. “The college has a great reputation, was close by, and cost effective,” he says. “I was also an older student and knew the College has a renowned program geared toward returning students.” Alcantara was in his 30s when he started back at LCCC in 2008. Growing up, he was always around different cultures with different foods which piqued his interest in the hospitality field. Alcantara enrolled in LCCC’s Hospitality Management program. He credits his culinary instructors James Phillips and Sal Shandra for helping with skills in culinary and events management. In addition, his classes in business law and computer skills have helped him tremendously in the career path he chose.

As a student, Alcantara earned academic scholarships including the Edelstein Award, Chef’s Association Award and the Brian J. Hogan Memorial Scholarship. He was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and received the “Hotel & Restaurant Management Award” for outstanding performance and significant contribution to the college. In addition, Alcantara enthusiastically worked to reestablish the Hotel & Restaurant Travel Tourism Club and was elected president of the organization. He assisted at the culinary open house programs and was involved with many of the department’s fundraising events.

After graduating with his Hospitality Management degree in 2012, Alcantara looked at a career as a hotel manager.

“I worked at two hotels in Florida after college, but didn’t feel I fit in well in that occupation,” he recalls. “I couldn’t put in the time needed to work my way up in the field.

So, I went back to my roots in the call center world and found a job with Royal Caribbean.”

Alcantara quickly escalated

13

within the company, moving into business development roles to his current position.

“LCCC helped me with time management and how to prepare for an event,” Alcantara says, “like making sure I have the right equipment, facility, and internet access for a presentation. Plus, management and software classes, public speaking, the hospitality classes all helped prepare me. Hospitality is an exciting and fun program and it’s a business program. You have to have a passion for this and love doing your job.”

Two or three times a year, Alcantara travels on the various cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean line to multiple destinations including Canada, St. Martin, St. Lucia, Barbados, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and more. “I’m getting to learn about a lot of places I need to talk about in my job,” he says.

“That’s the fun part of what I do,” he chuckles.

“What’s amazing about a cruise line is that they are floating cities and therefore require every single type of

a career and education you can imagine,” Alcantara mentions.

“These ships need physicians, nurses, chefs, managers, entertainers, sales people, security officers, welders, architects, engineers, photographers, broadcast technicians, electricians, actors, lawyers, marketers, meteorologists, clergy – pretty much everyone you can imagine. The newest cruise line even has a garden that requires horticulturists to maintain it.”

Alcantara, his wife, and four-year-old daughter are living in Hazleton, which is a central base for the territory he is responsible for. He is currently working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Administration/Management through Florida International University. He stresses Luzerne County Community College is one of the strongest bases that he built that helped him achieve his current career position. “LCCC made a big difference in my life,” he says, “The teachers and school believed in me. I don’t know where I would have been if it weren’t for Luzerne.”

Carlos Alcantara visits with the culinary faculty: Jim Phillips, Kathleen Clemente, Alcantara, Sal Shandra, and David Pembleton

14

Head Start Opens Program on Campus

I

f it seems like students at Luzerne County Community College are looking younger and younger, you are correct. LCCC now has three and four-year-old children learning at the Main Campus.

Luzerne County Head Start has entered a partnership with LCCC to offer its program in renovated classrooms in Building 11.

“We’ve never had a partnership with a college before where we are the lab school for their early childhood students,” said Luzerne County Head Start Executive Director Lynn Evans Biga.

Luzerne County Head Start and LCCC officials gathered this past September for a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the new partnership. Three dozen pre-K aged children who would have been on the Head Start waiting list now have an opportunity to learn alongside some much older students.

“We feel this is a great collaboration so that our students can benefit from it and the young children on campus will have a great opportunity to be on a college campus,” says Luzerne County Community College President Thomas P. Leary. The College has been in discussion for several years about bringing a Head Start program to LCCC. “It’s great to have young children on this campus,” he says. “There’s an extra dimension to having these children here. We have always had a successful Early Childhood Education program which has just recently received national accreditation. The partnership we now have with the Head Start program creates a unique opportunity.”

Angela Roman is a second year Early Childhood Education major at LCCC. “Head Start promotes school readiness and what a great way to show them about school and education by being on a college campus.”

The newly-opened center creates a lifelong learning opportunity spanning across generations. Luzerne County Head Start recently awarded Luzerne County Community College and President Thomas Leary with the 2018 Head Start Hero Award.

Head Start children perform a song with their teachers following the ribbon cutting ceremony of their new classrooms.

15

healing comes in many forms

N

ationally Board-certified in family practice and perioperative nursing, Dr. Patricia RodriguezHudson, ’96 DNP CRNP RNFA has over 30 years of healthcare experience in the clinic as well as the operating room. RodriguezHudson is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner at the Coordinated Health Hazle Township, Pennsylvania campus as well as the founder and director of Country Heart Farm 501c3 Therapeutic Animal sanctuary.

“They may forget your name, but they never forget how you made them feel,” is one of Rodriguez-Hudson’s favorite quotes. The sentiment best describes her holistic approach to healthcare. “I work with up to 30 patients per day, ages two and up,” states Rodriguez-Hudson. “I can see the full spectrum of family practice in one day”. If you can imagine it as a diagnosis…I see it.” Her practice location offers many specialty services as well as on-site x-ray and labs.

Rodriguez-Hudson is a nurse practitioner. NPs can prescribe medication, examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment, much like physicians do. In fact,

16

nurse practitioners have what’s referred to as “full practice authority” in 20 states, meaning that they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor. Pennsylvania is currently voting on a bill to be one of these states.

“I have full prescriptive authority,” says Rodriguez-Hudson.

“I evaluate, examine and order every type of test. I am also a Registered Nurse First Assistant which allows me to be the first assistant at the table for major surgical procedures in the operating room. My patients love the fact that I see many of them for primary care and then go into surgery with them and be the first assist. I’m their familiar face and voice; I hold their hand and talk to them before the anesthesia kicks in and sometimes when they wake up.”

Rodriguez-Hudson’s practice and home are in the Hazleton area where she raised all five of her sons. She grew up in a small coal patch town in Hazle Township called Stockton #6 which consisted of 13 houses. “I didn’t have indoor plumbing until fourth grade,” she admits. Rodriguez-Hudson knew what she wanted to do for a living since she was four years old. “I put on my hat, grab my doctor’s bag and stethoscope and check everyone in the house before I would even get dressed in the morning,” she recalls. “I called myself ‘Nurse Miller’ for some reason and did my rounds on my family and pets.”

As she grew older, Rodriguez-Hudson took on health care jobs as a candy striper, then became a nurse assistant.

She earned her LPN from Hazleton Area Diploma Nursing program not long after she graduated high school.

Rodriguez-Hudson returned to pursue her RN while raising three little children. “I applied to Luzerne County Community College,” she said. “The College was close by, affordable, and it worked with my life.” Rodriguez-Hudson had never attended a college and admitted she was terrified.

She started taking one class at a time and worked her way through graduation. She continued at LCCC after graduation to obtain her Perioperative Nursing Certification.

“The perioperative certification was a great professional leg-up experience,” she shares. “You have to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you.”

The Nursing program at LCCC wasn’t a cake walk Rodriguez-Hudson admits. “LCCC’s nursing program is stringent. The professors tell realistic stories of their experiences that really show you what to expect in this field.

It’s a great profession to be in right now….so much has evolved in the Registered Nurse’s world.

Rodriguez-Hudson continued through Misericordia University’s Expressway program and earned her Bachelor’s Degree, then finished her Master’s Degree, Family Nurses Practitioner degree, and clinical doctorate as a DNP. When Rodriguez-Hudson is not in the office providing family health care, she can be found at Country Heart Farm, the 501c3 nonprofit therapeutic animal sanctuary she founded in 2016; on a medical mission trip; presenting at various national conferences; or improving her Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) skills for her horses. She has a passion for health, wellness and healing of the individual, family and community.

Country Heart Farm, Rodriguez-Hudson’s therapeutic animal sanctuary, offers equine and animal assisted growth, learning and therapy visits on and off site. The farm offers a retreat from everyday life where children, adults, and animals of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities may find peace, happiness, and healing. “We currently offer Equine Assisted Learning experiences, animal and equine assisted therapy visits using the EAGALA framework and model,” Rodriguez-Hudson points out. “Country Heart Farm also offers various recreational-based wellness programs that incorporate the great outdoors and our animals.” She says the farm includes rescue and therapy animals such as a goat, two Great Danes, American Hairless Terrier, horses, pot belly pigs, plus miniature and full-size horses.

Rodriguez-Hudson still keeps a photo of her favorite LCCC professor, Dr. Dana Charles Clark, in her office. “As a teacher, Dr. Clark had a tremendous impact on my drive to become a truly professional nurse,” she says. “LCCC was a phenomenal foundation. The College introduced me to academics and reinforced the skills I had learned so far. What we learned at LCCC in the two year associate degree program prepared me for the same state boards that students in the four-

year schools took. I refer a lot of people to Luzerne County Community College. Two of my staff members are currently enrolled in LCCC’s nursing program.”

Coordinated Health is currently building a new hospital in Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazleton where RodriguezHudson will have her own primary care suite. She also recently presented at the 2018 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Center’s annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Her topic was her original research on The Effects of Hatha Yoga on Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Related Fatigue. Her research found strong evidence that hatha yoga actually helped to reduce MS related fatigue.

“Nursing is not for the faint of heart,” she stresses. “You have to like people, It’s not a glamorous profession, but it’s very rewarding. If you really want a job in this field after passing your boards you should be able to find one.”

When not treating patients at Coordinated Health Patricia Rodriguez-Hudson can be found at the Country Heart Farm, her therapeutic animal sanctuary, offers equine and animal assisted growth, learning and therapy visits on and off-site.

17

SELMA

In recognition of Black History Month, the Luzerne County Community College Schulman Gallery hosted a

photography exhibit, “Selma to Montgomery: A March for the Right to

Vote” from January 19 through February 21. The exhibit featured

photographs by Spider Martin, the world-renowned photo journalist who

covered the Selma to Montgomery March and the Civil Rights Movement

starting in 1965. The photographs were exhibited along with photographs of

Selma “foot soldiers” shot over the past 15 years by Jim Gavenus, LCCC

assistant professor and internationally-recognized documentary photographer.

This is the first time that photographs taken by Martin and Gavenus had been exhibited together. In addition, many of Martin’s images included in the display were exhibited for the first time. The exhibit came to 1818LCCC courtesy of The Spider Martin Civil Rights Collection and Arts Revive Cultural Arts Center in Selma, Alabama.

The exhibit also featured several items from the National Voting Rights Museum located in Selma, Alabama including shoes and other clothing worn by the foot soldiers, arrest records, photographs, newspaper and magazine articles, a billy club, a cattle prod, and handwritten notes from some of the marchers who faced brutal beatings and imprisonment during that difficult 54-mile journey. Two multi-media displays also accompanied the photographic exhibit, a looping docu-

18

to

Montgomery mentary video on the Selma march and an interactive kiosk featuring videos of the march and historical speeches of Martin Luther King and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Gavenus presented gallery talks during the opening reception and several times through the exhibit’s showing. Gavenus discussed the photos and events that led up to and occurred during the Selma march. He also spoke of the people and friends he made of the “foot soldiers” or marchers from that iconic event.

Sponsors and partners for the Selma to Montgomery exhibit at LCCC included the local chapter of the NAACP, LCCC Diversity Council, Northeast PA Diversity Education Consortium (NEPDEC), LCCC Alumni Association, Geisinger Health Foundation, LCCC Student Activities Office, Luzerne Foundation, Highmark, LCCC Foundation, and PNC Bank.

The events leading up to the Selma to Montgomery exhibit started several years ago when Gavenus was looking for a new photography project. “I wanted to shoot some images of the backroads of rural America,” he recalls. “I pulled out an atlas and my eyes wandered to Alabama. I found a small town of Smut Eye, Alabama and wondered ‘what’s life like there?’”

Gavenus found himself driving the rural roads of Alabama shooting photos and talking to local folks. As he spoke to these people, a common thread seemed to pop up during conversations, they either had been affected by or had even participated in the Selma march and the voting rights issues leading up the march.

Gavenus learned of Spider Martin’s involvement in the march and how it transformed America. He delved into the

19 19

photographer’s life work and made visits to the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama.

Gavenus met more and more people involved in the march who made the 54-mile trek. He photographed many of them and learned of their personal stories. When Gavenus travelled to Selma for its 50th anniversary of the famous march in 2015, he was able to capture the personalities and spirit of the people at the event. As dignitaries like Presidents Barrack Obama and George Bush, John Lewis, Jessie Jackson, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. were crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge at the event, a woman approached Gavenus asking him if he knew Spider Martin, remarking that he embodied the same traits and movements as Spider.

Gavenus eventually made a connection with Spider Martin’s daughter, Tracy Martin, who handles her father’s photography exhibitions. Wanting to tell the story of Selma in northeastern Pennsylvania, Gavenus and Schulman Gallery director, Wanda Riley, started the coordination of bringing together Martin’s photographs together with the portfollio Gavenus has created in connection with Selma.

“If you don’t know the name of Spider Martin he was the real deal,” Gavenus says. “There’s not many that can say they

Gavenus speaks at a gallery talk about stories behind his and Spider Martins photographs of the foot soldiers of Selma. were an influence to culture. There’s not many that can say they were an influence on our nation. Alabama Governor Wallace went as far as telling the state troopers that Spider Martin needed to be eliminated because his photographs were making such an impact on the culture, changing the ways people were thinking…That’s powerful stuff.”

Gavenus’s connection with the people whose images were displayed during exhibit is clearly seen in his photographs. “I’ve sat on the front porch or the couch with these people just talking about their lives,” Gavenus points out.

20

“They have become my friends. It is impossible to tell story of civil rights movement without talking about the violence.”

“If you are black at that time you didn’t have a right to vote and people in power understood without the right to vote you have no voice,” Gavenus says. He said the people in power understood that they could restrict voting for the black community using segregation, race, hatred, and violence. The black community realized they needed a voice to have any change and they were willing to sacrifice just about anything to get that voice.

Gavenus points out there were only two days out of the month black people were allowed to register to vote. “On those two days people came out from all over the place,” he says. “They stood in line for their chance to register. The longer you stood in that line the greater chance your employer would see you and fire you, or your chances of being beater or jailed increased.”

Once you made it to the counter, you had to take a literacy test that most people couldn’t have even passed. They were also asked questions like how many bubbles are in a bar of soap or how many stars are in the sky. They might even be asked how many jelly beans are in a jar sitting in the courtroom. They would have you recite long documents like the Declaration of Independence word for word by memory.

C.T. Vivian, who Gavenus has photographed for this exhibit, planned the initial march for voting rights. Another of Gavenus’s portraits was of Annie Lee Cooper, who while standing to register to vote, told troopers she was not afraid of them and when they came to beat her she actually punched one of the troopers in the face. She was beaten several times on the way to and while in jail.

A brave deputy freed Cooper before the chief came back from the bar had said he would be returning to kill her.

Guerline L. Laurore, Esq., President Late on the night of of the Wilkes-Barre NAACP speaks February 18, 1965, a young of the importance of voting rights African American church at the exhibit opening

deacon named Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot by an Alabama state trooper during a peaceful protest against discriminatory voter registration practices in the small town of Marion, about 30 miles outside Selma.

The Birmingham News dispatched one of its newest and youngest photographers, Spider Martin, to cover the event. On March 7, 1965, a group of 600 people, including activists Hosea Williams and John Lewis, who is now a congressman, set out from Selma to peacefully march in protest on that Sunday to Montgomery 54 miles away to the state capital building.

Spider Martin was there to chronical that event. Gavenus points to one of the photos Martin took of John Lewis that shows him with a backpack on. “Lewis will tell you that he didn’t think he would make it all the way to Montgomery and brought items like a pencil and paper and a Bible to read if he wound up in jail.”

Spider Martin’s photographs depicted the horror of what occurred that fateful day.

In order to reach Montgomery from Selma you had to cross the Edmund Pettis Bridge. The marchers didn’t get far before Alabama state troopers wielded whips, nightsticks and tear gas. Lines of protesters along the side of the road screamed threats and hateful messages to the marchers.

Martin captured the moment the marchers were met

by Trooper John Cloud and Sheriff Jim Clark. They were told they couldn’t advance and had to return back to their church. John Lewis asked if they can kneel and pray. The order was given to advance, the troopers moved forward and began beating people. John Lewis was one of the first struck, his head split open. Martin’s photos recorded the beatings, the tear gas, and the troopers on foot and on horseback. The horses would rear up so they would come down on top of people.

Gavenus points to one of Spider’s photos of Amelia Boynton. She was beaten senseless by the troopers. “The photo shows the trooper standing over her near lifeless body with the club in his hand like a prizefighter proud of what he did,” Gavenus says. “Ms. Boynton passed away at almost 104 years old just a few years ago.” Men, women, and even children were beaten with batons and other weapons and Martin’s photos captured the horror.

Another of Martin’s photo shows the troopers outside of Brown Chapel, where many of the wounded were held up. Dr. Martin Luther King started seeing some of the photos Martin had taken and seeing live video footage on a nightly news. People shocked by what they were seeing started getting in the cars and on planes to come to support the march. A couple thousand people showed up for another march on Tuesday. Over the bridge, they were met by the same people and King told the marchers to turn back.

There was an injunction to stop the march. That night another protester was beaten to death. After more negotiation, the injunction was lifted and on March 21, 1965 a few thousand people set out from Brown Chapel in Selma to go to Montgomery. They were protected by U.S. Army troops and Alabama National Guard forces that President Johnson had ordered under federal control. After walking some 12 hours a day and sleeping in fields along the way, they reached Montgomery on March 25 where the now crowd of 25,000 people met with another 25,000 of all shapes and sizes, races, religions all marching to support the people of Selma.

Martins photos captured those famous moments.

They gathered in front of the state capitol to hear King and other speakers address the crowd. “The people you see in these photographs are heroes,” Gavenus says.

Martin captured the violent march and the supported peaceful one. The troopers, the marchers, the beatings, the speakers, the survivors, the iconic buildings and structures that all played a major role in this historical event.

Luzerne County Community College also partnered with the National Parks Service: Selma to Montgomery Historic Trail to present two panel discussions with

21

foot soldiers of the civil rights movement. Each panelist will share their life experiences during those events.

In collaboration to the exhibit and Black History Month, the LCCC Student Life Office hosted “Let Freedom Sing” at the College’s Campus Center. The program featured an interactive live multimedia performance that provides a mix of archival film footage and traditional and contemporary musical performances that celebrates the freedom songs that propelled the American Civil Rights Movement. Movies and documentaries about the Selma March and the Civil Rights Movement were shown throughout February at the College’s main campus and at the off-campus centers.

LCCC Wilkes-Barre Center Buzz After 19 years at the Public Square location, the Wilkes-Barre Center is seeing some exciting growth not only in student enrollment, but with student services as well.

Since its 1999 inception the Wilkes-Barre Center, formerly referred to as the Corporate Learning Center, has served the Greater WilkesBarre Area and surrounding communities providing both day and evening credit and non credit course offerings, GED (General Education Diploma) and ESL (English as a Second Language) prep classes.

Rededicated as an educational presence in the downtown in 2014, the Wilkes-Barre Center welcomes 350 to 400 students a semester who can attain a degree in Paralegal, General Studies, and most recently Criminal Justice, at the Public Square location. Students can enroll in many general education classes that are highly transferable to academic institutions nationwide.

Recent events at the W-B Center Student Coat Distribution Program: Established in 2015, the Coats Just BeCause program collects new and gently worn fall and winter coats for students to take as needed. The Coats Just BeCause program is supported by the W-B Center staff and faculty as well as generous community donors.

Student Food Pantry: Founded in 2017, the Student Food Pantry is an essential component of daily operations at the Wilkes-Barre Center. Open to all LCCC students the Student Food Pantry offers several heat and eat items for students to enjoy while at the Center. In addition weekly fresh fruit options are available as a healthy choice. The Student Food Pantry is generously supported by the staff of the Wilkes-Barre Center and many Community Partners.

Tutoring: Professional and Peer tutoring is available in all subject areas

The Wilkes-Barre Center recently opened a new Student Food Pantry. The Student Food Pantry offers a variety of heat and eat meals as well as a fresh fruit option for students to enjoy while at the Center. The Pantry was funded by several Community Partners including Classic Properties, UGI Utilities Inc., Rose Mahler/Luzerne Bank Mortgage Services, Mahler Law Firm, Dino’s Pizza Express, Center City Cafe, and the LCCC Foundation. Shown at the ribboncutting ceremony are, from left -- Carol Shedlock, Classic Properties; Rebecca Brominski, director, Wilkes-Barre Center and Educational Conference Center, LCCC; Thomas P. Leary, president, LCCC; Rose Mahler, Luzerne Bank; and Don Brominski, UGI Utilities, Inc.

22

Student Activities: Welcome Back Bash, Soup and Chili Night and Ice Cream Social to name a few activities scheduled throughout the academic year.

follow

your path

T

hose who wander along the campus might notice sets of blue footprints along its pathways. The footprints mark two new walking trails across campus recently dedicated by President Leary, trustees and members of the campus community. Funded by a grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation, the trails are the result of an idea by the LCCC Wellness Committee and the members of the Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science faculty.

The trails consist of two tracks (1/2 mile and 1 mile) through the upper and lower portions of campus. The trails are designed to encourage walking outdoors and better health for students, faculty, staff and the community. The Wellness Committee plans to add stations and signage to be placed along the trail to encourage added exercise and stretching.

23 23

Alumni Class Notes

1974 Mary Dolon

(Education) was honored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as the 2017 Outstanding Fundraising Professional during an event to mark National Philanthropy Day. Recipients of the awards are nominated for demonstrating outstanding commitment and Leadership in all aspects of philanthropy. Mary was recognized for her work as grant writer for LCCC, as an active member of AFP for many years and for her community and public service.

1984 Harold Gabriel

(Business Administration) is the head principal at James M. Coughlin High School of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. He assumed this position in November 2017 and prior to that he was an elementary principal at Heights Murray Elementary of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. Hal continued his education at King’s College, Bloomsburg University and received his superintendent letter from Edinboro University.

1987 Barbara Toczko Maculloch

(Banking) is the president of Pennsylvania Banking of Community Bank Systems Inc. a role that she began in January 2017. Prior to that she was the senior vice president and Pennsylvania market manager of Community Bank, N.A. and Community Bank Wealth Management Group

1988 Jo Piazza O’Mara

(Computer Information Systems) continued her education earning a degree in Health Care Management from King’s College. She retired from United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village campus as an Admissions Director. In her retirement, she has authored two Christian fiction books, Garden of Hope and more recently Songs in the Night. Both books are available online. She resides in Mountaintop with her husband, Pastor Ed O’Mara and they are parents of four children and 17 grandchildren.

1992 Mark Lokuta

(Respiratory Therapy) was named the Clinical Manager of the Year at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital where he is manager of respiratory services. Lokuta

24

oversees respiratory therapy, neurophysiology and the sleep lab at the Hospital. He is a registered respiratory therapist with certification in health care administration and is also a clinical respiratory care instructor for LCCC. He is a member of the National Board for Respiratory Care and the American Association for Respiratory Care. He and his wife, Michelle, have a daughter and reside in Mountaintop.

1993 John Karavis

(Business Administration) and Dr. Shelly Levulis were united in marriage in April 2018. John works for Citizen’s Bank as a relationship manager. Congratulations John & Shelly!

2000 Gene Philbin

(Food Production Management) along with his wife, Miranda, own the Peculiar Culinary Company a local catering company hosting unique pop-up supper club events and weddings. In addition they have a food truck and recently opened their first bricks and mortar restaurant, the Peculiar Slurp Shop: A Modern Ramen Joint in Scranton.

2005 Miranda Costa

(Health/Physical Education) was named as the 2017 Women’s Coach of the Year for the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. Miranda is LCCC’s Cross Country Coach and the Fitness Center Attendant. In addition, Miranda was nominated for and received the 2017 NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development) Excellence Award in recognition of her extraordinary work at LCCC.

2006 Thomas “Tommy McFly” Pavlick

(Broadcast Communications Technology) has been named as the “Best Local Radio Personality” by the Washingtonian magazine Best of 2018!

Congratulations Tommy!

Kimberly Rosentel, AIA

(Architecture Engineering Technology) was named Principal for Miller Rosentel Associates, Inc. in January 2018. She has been with Murray J Miller Architecture since 2004. In addition, Kimberly received her NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification Certificate) in October of 2010 and then later completed the Architecture Registration Exam in June of 2017 and is now a licensed architect in the state of New York. Kimberly resides in Forty Fort with her husband, Jack Rosentel, a 2001 Electrical Engineering Technology graduate, and their children.

2012

Elizabeth Baumeister

(Journalism) is the managing editor for the Times Shamrock Communications Community Newspaper Group. Liz also earned a degree in photography from LCCC in 2014.

Christina MacDowell CNM (Nursing) is a

certified nurse midwife at The Woman’s Health Center of Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers, Honesdale.

MacDowell was a member of LCCC’s first graduating class at Wayne Memorial Hospital campus. Following graduation she was a registered nurse specializing in maternity at New Beginnings, a position she held while continuing her education. She earned a BSN from Penn State University and her Masters of Science degree in nursing/nurse-midwifery from Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, KY.

2014

Neil Seltzer (Computer Systems Technology / Cyber

Security Management) was recently married to the former Vanessa Marie Ecklund. Neil is a computer systems technician at Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Company in Wilkes-Barre.

2015 Michael Walsh

(Nursing) is a registered nurse at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township. Prior to accepting this position he was an RN at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Michael lives with his wife, Tiffany, and their two children in Pittston Twp.

Faculty & Staff News Ed Ackerman (Associate Professor, Communication Arts) was awarded the Greater Pittston YMCA’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. Ed was recognized for his years of promoting the Greater Pittston Area through his “Optimist” column which has been published for 40 years in both the Dispatch and Greater Pittston Progress papers. Congratulations to Ed on this well-deserved accolade.

Mark Choman (Professor, Computer Information Systems) and Jim McAndrew (Associate Professor, Business) presented “Becoming a Connected Educator: Building your own Personal learning Network” at NISOD’s virtual conference in October 2017.

Andrea Pabon (Assistant Professor, Social Science/History) presented “Developing a trauma-informed lens in the College classroom and empowering students through building positive relationships” at the Clute Institute International Education Conference; Las Vegas, NV, in October, 2017. Professor Pabon and Daniel Gutierrez published a book entitled, “Opening the door to understanding sociology: Through knowledge, critical thinking and application.”

Jeffery Schultz (Associate Professor, Social Science/History) recently presented two historical papers. The first was in September 2017 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annopolis, MD, about the role of the sub-tender USSS Canopus (AS-9) during the 1941-1942 Philippines Campaign. In October 2017 he presented a second paper at the Northern Great Plains History Conference in Grand Forks, ND, which discussed the strange career of the destroyer USS Stewart (DD-224) during World War II serving under both the American and Japanese flags. He further presented several lectures in the “WW2@75” Series, hosted a lecture about the Darfur genocide by LCCC student from Sudan, Haleim Hassan and co-hosted a lecture about the history of Israel with Adjunct Professor Hank Hunsinger.

David Wasilewski (Associate Professor, Math/Computer Science) received credit as co-author for three new species of wild mushroom. Each species is placed in genus Amanita, and one of them has been given the name Amanita luzernensis, named after Luzerne County. The type specimen for this new species was collected by Dave Wasilewski and submitted to Dr. Rod Tulloss for study. Another collection, which Dave identified as likely representing the same species, was also submitted. The authorship for this new species is credited to “Tulloss, Kudzma, and Wasilewski”.

Linas Kudzma is a retired chemist and amateur mycologist who does DNA analysis inside his home.

Shirley Yanovich (Professor, Computer Information Systems) was presented a 2016 John & Suanne Roueche Teaching Excellence award. This award is presented by the League for Innovations, is intended to celebrate outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty and staff. In addition, Shirley recently earned a certificate from Penn State World Campus on Foundations for Teaching Online.

25

2018 events calendar Friday, August 3 Alumni Family Picnic at Knoebel’s, 5 p.m. dinner

Saturday, November 3 Fall Open House, 10 a.m. to noon, Main Campus

Monday, September 10 Alumni Association meeting, 5:30 p.m. Campus Center, 2nd floor, room 214. Open to all LCCC Graduates

Thursday, November 8 Transfer Day - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Campus Center

Saturday, September 15 Alumni Bus trip to Historic Gettysburg, $55/person

Thursday, November 8 Luzerne Regional College Fair, 6 to 8 p.m., Campus Center

Saturday, October 20 29th Annual Craft Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Main Campus

Monday, November 12 Alumni Association meeting, 5:30 p.m. Campus Center, 2nd floor, room 214. Open to all LCCC Graduates

Saturday, October 27 Alumni Bus trip to NYC, $35/person

Thursday, November 15 Trades and Technologies Information Night - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Technology Center and Trades Center

Tuesday, October 30 Scholarship Donor Dinner, The Woodlands Inn & Resort

Roman named Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year

26

For more information on these events contact the LCCC Alumni office at alumni@luzerne.edu or call 570-740-0734.

Or go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/ luzernealumni to learn more about future events.

Angela Roman, of Hanover Township, was recently named Luzerne County Community College’s Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year for 2018.

Roman, an Early Childhood Education major, is the recipient of the AllPennsylvania Academic Transfer Team Award from the statewide Phi Theta Kappa organization and the PA Commission for Community Colleges and the Outstanding Early Childhood Education Award from LCCC. She was included on the LCCC Dean’s List for the Spring, 2016, Fall 2016, and Spring 2017 semesters and on the President’s List for the Fall 2017 semester.

At LCCC, Roman is vice president of scholarships for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. As a member of PTK, she served as a volunteer at the College’s annual hunger banquet and helped to organize an Autism Awareness event. She also served as a guest speaker at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Luzerne County Head Start Center location at LCCC and as a volunteer at the SkillsUSA competition which was held at the College.

In the community, she volunteers at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre and at the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) in Ashley. Prior to moving to the local area, she volunteered at the Bronx Lighthouse Charter School and worked at the school as an aide and the family coordinator. An avid theatre lover, Roman has produced and starred in many Off-Off Broadway productions, and has performed at Caroline’s Comedy Club in New York City.

Roman is the mother of three children, Xavier, Xena, and Xiomara. Upon graduation from LCCC, she will attend Wilkes University to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

Faculty & Staff

In Memoriam Sincere condolences are extended to the family and friends of alumni and members of the College family who have passed away since the last publication of The Bridge.

LCCC Graduates Douglas Agnew ‘77 (Education - Secondary) Angela Baloga ‘08 (General Studies) David Baum ‘99 (Tourism and Travel Mngt) Carolyn Belcastro ‘98 (Business Mngt Tech.)

Thomas Biglin ‘06 (Respiratory Therapy) Lesley Bommer ‘96 (Nursing) Marie Callahan ‘97 (General Studies) Rose Carroll ‘75 (Nursing) Robert Chmarney ‘72 (Architectural Eng. Tech.)

Curtis Ciculya ‘90 (Graphic Design) Shirley Cottrino ‘83 (General Studies) Debra Dodson ‘78 (Business Mngt. Tech.)

James Drag ‘94 (Culinary Arts) Jessica Ellis ‘07 (Painting Illustration) Gayle Evans ‘88 (Computer Information Systems) Jean Fretti ‘90 (Legal Assisting/Paralegal) Dianna Gardjulis ‘88 (Office Information Tech.)

Dorothy Hodle ‘75 (Nursing) Joseph Hogan ‘69 (General Studies) Geralyn Kemmerer ‘92 (Business Mngt. Tech.)

Glenn Kiernan ‘94 (Criminal Justice) Antoinette Kluck ‘87 (Accounting Tech.)

Albert Kollar Jr. ‘70 (Hotel and Restaurant Mngt.)

Joseph Krehely ‘71 (Architectural Eng. Tech.)

Barry Kresge Sr. ‘74 (General Studies) Anna Marie Lispi ‘72 (Graphic Design) Juliann Loftus ‘75 (General Studies) Robert Lukowicz ‘88 (Nursing) Jodi Maira ‘79 (Early Childhood Education) Glenys Manfre ‘74 (General Studies) Tammie Martin ‘81 (General Studies) Derek Masich ‘15 (Music Recording Tech.)

Lawrence Meier ‘74 (Architectural Eng. Tech.)

James Moran ‘75 (General Studies) David Pahl ‘78 (Business Mngt Tech.)

Gregory Policare Jr. ‘81 (Criminal Justice) Mary Osterweil Poperowitz ‘12 (Business Mngt Tech.)

Dawn Potten ‘98 (Business Mngt Tech.)

Joseph Prushinski ‘79 (General Studies) James Rainey ‘81 (Graphic Design) Judith Rominski ‘93 (Nursing) Karen Sands ‘94 (Surgical Technology) Paul Sedon ‘02 (Business Mngt Tech. /Arch. Eng. Tech.)

Arlene Shatrowskas ‘03 (Business Mngt Tech.)

Chief George Soltis ‘83 (Fire Science Tech.)

Marianne Starosta ‘71 (General Studies) Janet Smith Steele ‘86 (Office Information Tech.)

Kelly Stoss ‘08 (Education - Secondary) Anthony Strish ‘86 (Computer Information Systems) Regina Titman ‘11 (Surgical Tech.)

Joanne Wallace ‘04 (Social Science) Joann Wascalus ‘99 (Computer Systems Technology) Timothy Yarnell ‘91 (Architectural Eng. Tech.)

Donna Zabowski ‘95 (Nursing) Scarlett Ziemba ‘94 (Humanities)

Marion George Bertoni Domenic Cappellini Daniel Gusinski Christopher John Keats Rev. Robert J. Kelleher Linda Ottensman Kuboski Michael J Marcinek

Raymond McGraw James P. McGraw Jr. James J. O’Donnell Rev. Joseph Francis Orloski Hugh J. Rolf Leo S. Schuster Jr. Victoria Zajaczkowski Yarmel

Friends of the College William Davidowitz Leonard Falcone Joseph “Red” Jones

John Marcinkowski Melanie Mizenko Harold Trethaway

Retirees/ Career moves The following members of the faculty, administration, and staff have retired from the College since the last issue of The Bridge was published.

Dr. William Camp, Professor, History/Social Science, 49 years of service Dr. Dana Charles Clark, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, 29 years of service Joseph DeSanto, Professor, Engineering/Dept. Chair, Applied Technology, 47 years of service Joseph Gasper, Dean of Finance, 32 years of service Mary Ghilani, Professor, Director of Career Services, 18 years of service Brian Hart, Custodian, 38 years of service Joanne Kohler, Principal Secretary for Continuing Education, 15 years of service Donna Lepkoski, Professor, Dental Assisting, 40 years of service Carol Meyers, Security Guard, 23 years of service Anthony Wilczynski, Maintenance Foreman, 19 years of service

35 years strong The Center for Business Solutions at Luzerne County Community College is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its partnership with the Berwick Industrial Development Association (BIDA).

BIDA and LCCC joined forces in the middle 1980’s to form a very successful business partnership to develop business in the Berwick community. In addition, the College united with BIDA to open the LCCC Berwick Center in 2003 to serve area student needs. BIDA executive director Steve Phillips has worked closely with LCCC to assist with new business training and development for numerous companies and potential employers.

Shown are, from left -- Steve Phillips, executive director, BIDA; and Thomas P. Leary, president, LCCC.

27

LCCC ALUMNI & FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS

Alumni and Foundation

Honor Roll July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017 donors by giving level

Foundation Society ($50,000 or more)

Estate of Getha & Isadore Edelstein Joseph A. & Erma Paglianite

Trustees’ Circle ($20,000 - 49,999)

Fidelity Deposit Discount Bank Keyco Distributors, Inc. MotorWorld Mile One Auto Group Wyoming Valley Health & Education Foundation

President’s Club ($10,000 to $19,999)

Benco Dental Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Brown LCCC Alumni Association UGI Utilities, Inc.

Community Circle ($5,000 to $9,999)

Allied Services John & Mary Kronenburger Air Products Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Libby ‘80 & Brooke Yeager Cross Valley Federal Credit Union Patricia Bacom Geisinger Health System Katharine Bradford Foundation P&G Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Heritage Club ($2,500 to $4,999)

Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, Inc. Dr. Pramthesh DeSai Empty Bowls Committee Keystone Sanitary Landfill Martz Technologies McCarthy Tire Dr. Ishwar & Mrs. Ragini Murarka PNC Bank, NA Mr. & Mrs. Donald Williams

Founder’s Club ($1,000 - $2,499)

Joseph Amato B P O Elks No. 1138 Special Project Fund Benton Foundry, Inc. Central Susquehanna Community Foundation

28

Civitas Media Dana Charles Clark, Ed.D. Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Darryl ‘79 & Francis ‘71 Curry Davidowitz Foundation Robert Drobish Son Ae Filchak First National Community Bank Nora Jackson LCCC Faculty Association William S. Komnath Sr. Diane Lello M & T Bank Foundation Michael McVeigh ‘01 Albert B. Melone Mericle Construction, Inc. Misericordia University Barbara Montante ‘83 Moses Taylor Foundation Karen Natishan NBT Bank Sandra A. Nicholas Northeast PA Dental Hygiene Association Prudential Financial Mark Rasimas ‘91 Lisa Rowley ‘89 Howard & Paige Seeherman Talen Energy Corporation Tambur Family Foundation Susan Unvarsky ‘86

Alumni Circle ($500 to $999)

Edward & Mary Kay ‘77 Ackerman Judith Aita Allan & Virginia Brown Dr. William & Ann ‘70 Camp Choice One Community Federal Credit Union Cook’s Pharmacy of Kingston, Inc. Mary Dolon ‘74 Evans Eye Care Jeffrey Hall Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Teddi Janosov JLW Mountain Laurel Lions Club Charles Karns Frank Kowalski Peter J. Lello The Luzerne Foundation M & T Bank Mark Construction Services, Inc. Marquis Art & Frame Daniel Marriggi ‘81 Medical Oncology Associates of Wyoming Valley, P.C Steve ‘92 & Lisa ‘95 Novitski Thomas & Chris Pugh Brian Reklaitis ‘96 Paul J. Rushin Fund of The Luzerne Foundation Kathryn & William Sabol

David & Carolyn ‘95 Sawicki Leonard ‘69 & Bernadine Shimko Wilkes Univeristy Woodlands Inn & Resort Senator John Yudichak

Trailblazer Circle ($250 to $499)

Donna Ashbridge ‘76 Edward Banaszek ‘78 Bedwick Foods, Inc. Don & Rebecca ‘91 Brominski Thomas & Mary Ruth Brown Dr. Kathleen Clemente Dr. Douglas & Kathleen Coslett Ryan & Anne Cummings Carol Dean ‘90 Dr. James DeFinnis Gary Druby ‘76 Tina ‘93 & Pat ‘72 Fisher Nicholas ‘79 & Betsy Frusciante Brittany Gallagher Brian D. Gill Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn P.C. Mark ‘95 & Theresa James Kulpmont Nursing Forum Lamar Advertising LCCC Pastry Arts Club Minuteman Press - W. H. Watters, LLC Kenneth Musto Richard & Diane Nemetz Ronald Pajor ‘69 Panzitta Enterprises, Inc. Joseph Reilly ‘91 Rosana Reyes Randolph Rompola ‘82 Frank Rosenn ‘76 Sheila Saidman, Esq. & Dr. Steve Kafrissen Maureen Savner John Thomas Sedlak ‘88 Susan Spry ‘99 Mary Stchur John Stikar ‘80 John Struckus Mary Sullivan Upstate Velo Robert Walters ‘71 Lisa Yeager ‘78

Century Circle ($100 to $249)

A & E Group, Inc. Jane Allardyce ‘98 Donald Alonzo ‘75 Charles Altmiller ‘83 Mary Ankenbrand ‘91 Paul Armbruster ‘80 Senator Lisa Baker William & Betty Jane Barrett Mia Bassham Joseph & Ana Bendick

LCCC ALUMNI & FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS Blazick Law Dr. Charles & Dr. Joan Blewitt Sandra Bogdon Deborah & Walter ‘89 Boyson John Brominski ‘69 Brucelli Advertising John J. Bryan Theresa ‘80 & Stanley ‘80 Buckley Bush Natishan Group Harold Cannon ‘85 Pauline Carmody ‘78 Jane Castora ‘85 Dr. Joanne Chipego Citizens Bank City Auto Mart Julie Cleary Mary Connell ‘84 John Conrad Christine ‘83 & John ‘84 Corgan Wally Coy Sandra Cumberland ‘05 Jonathan Cwynar David Jolley Lynn Distasio James Domzalski Cindy ‘98 & John ‘78 Dougherty Daniel Dudrick ‘70 Dorothy Dysleski ‘77 Rachel Englehart-Noss ‘07 Mary Erwine ‘86 Ousman Faal ‘97 Jeanne Farrell ‘82 FNCB Bank Robert Furedi ‘71 Mary Margaret Gates Mary Ghilani Sheila Gionfriddo ‘08 Rose Goin Joshua Granteed ‘14 Janet Grazul ‘75 GTO Enterprises LLC Thomas & Beverly Gusher Joanne Hall Marianne ‘84 & Francis Hanify

Hawk Mountain Labs Kathy ‘80 & Jack Heltzel Rozanne Hish Dennis Hlavac Dana & Kimberly ‘90 Hogan Anne Holmes Norman Honeywell ‘79 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hunter Helen Hutnick ‘17 Jean Jarrard ‘96 Kathleen Jenkins ‘96 Park Johnson ‘70 Luther Jones ‘81 William Katsak ‘79 & Kathy Kairo Katsak ‘83 Erin Keating Phil & Kimberley Kindler Deborah ‘77 & Michael ‘82 Klopotoski Heidemarie ‘92 & Mark ‘92 Kobusky Edward Kopec ‘75 Robert Kopec ‘71 Joy ‘84 & David ‘72 Kozemchak Glenn Lamson ‘86 Robert & Bonnie ‘87 Lauer Nancy Lavan ‘78 Thomas P. Leary Liberty Mutual Insurance Lisa Lindquist ‘88 Robert Linskey ‘82 William Liotta Mr. & Mrs. Michael Magistro Thomas Maheady Todd Materna ‘02 Jacqueline Matthews ‘00 Gerald Mazur ‘92 McCormick Law Firm Arthur McDermott Sharon McDermott Catherine McElroy ‘84 Betty McGrath Mr. & Mrs. Michael McGrath

Thomas McHugh ‘72 Eva Jo McNatt Medico Industries Louise Menendez ‘10 B. Richard Miller ‘86 Joanie Minor ‘01 Richard & Denise Miscavage Karen Misorek ‘71 Janine Molino ‘77 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Morgan Cheryl Moritz ‘90 Patrick Murphy ‘69 NEPA Industrial Resource Center New Horizons Computer Learning Centers Robert & Susan O’Connor Orloski’s Car Wash David & Charlene Outt Brian Overman ‘83 Debra Paradis ‘80 Pasquale’s Ristorante Dr. Deborah Vilegi Payne ‘84 Richard Pendolphia ‘74 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Perlis Jay ‘95 & Graceann Platukus Pride Mobility Products Corp.

Danita Puhl ‘84 Ellen Moss Quinn Jane ‘79 & Alan ‘79 Rogers Rolling Pines Golf Course Maureen Ryneski Geraldine Samselski ‘76 Arthur Saxe Ann Saxton Bette Saxton ‘98 Richard Schall ‘73 Susan Searfoss ‘87 Diane Shellenberger Lori Shemanski Paula Sirianni ‘80 Gary Skuba Maryann Spieth ‘78 Mr. & Mrs. Carl Stackhouse

Robert & Wilhelmina Stanley Regina Stanton ‘77 Jean R Steelman PH.D. Robert Talipan ‘76 Triangle Pharmacy Tunkhannock Tiger Wrestling Club Michaelene Vanderhoff Yvette Viercinski ‘86 Dr. Deborah Vilegi Payne ‘84 Robert West ‘73 Mr. & Mrs. Jeffry Wilt Melanie ‘76 & Frank ‘78 Wojak Shirley Yanovich JoAnne Yuhas ‘06 Beth Zukowski ‘82

Friends Circle ($1 to $99)

Elizabeth Aciukewicz ‘12 Jerome Adams ‘03 Frederick Addison ‘80 Mr. & Mrs. Keith Alleyne Darin Ambosie Elizabeth Ambrose ‘83 Christopher Amico ‘85 Mr. & Mrs. John Anderko Dorothy Andes Kristeen Andes ‘11 Dory Andrews ‘83 Barbara Andricks Audrey Angelella Susan & John Anthony Lynette Ashley ‘00 Carmen Attanasio ‘83 Patti Ayers Todd & Lisa Ayers Mr. & Mrs.Howard Baird James Balavage ‘70 Edward Baltrushes ‘89 Carol Baran ‘82 Rachael Baratta ‘10

LCCC Foundation Hosts Scholarship Donor Luncheon

The LCCC Foundation held its annual scholarship donor recognition event at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, Wilkes-Barre. More than 175 donors and their scholarship recipients attended the luncheon which offers donors an opportunity to meet the students who are assisted with tuition costs through their generous donations.

Ed Ackerman, Assistant Professor of Broadcast Communications, served as Master of Ceremonies and the main speaker was Dr. Michael Senyk, adjunct LCCC faculty member, whose family has generously supported the scholarship program at Luzerne County Community College. The Sylvia A. Senyk Memorial and Basil Senyk Memorial Scholarships, the Jacqueline Senyk Memorial Scholarship and the National Association of Purchasing Managers/Basil Senyk Memorial Endowed Scholarship were established through generosity of the Senyk Family and their commitment to LCCC. Pictured are Tiffany Gordon, Pastry Arts Management major, and recipient of the Jacqueline Senyk Memorial Endowed Scholarship, and Dr. Michael Senyk.

29

LCCC ALUMNI & FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS

Joseph Yudichak Career Pathways Scholarship Established Pennsylvania Senator, John Yudichak, has established an endowed scholarship fund at the College in honor of his father, Joseph Yudichak, and his life of service to his family, country and community. During his career, Mr. Yudichak has worked in mining, served as a Director of the Northeast Regional Equipment Center, and continues to serve his hometown of Plymouth Township as a township supervisor. The $50,000 Joseph Yudichak Career Pathway Scholarship will assist with tuition, books, and other educationrelated expenses for students with financial need who are enrolled in the Applied Technology and Skilled Trades programs. The donation was made through the Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of the Luzerne Foundation. .

Ceceil Barchik ‘85 Carol Barletta ‘80 David Barna ‘74 Kami Barr ‘03 Jean Barry Nicholas Barto ‘76 Raymond Bartosh ‘73 Marlene ‘93 & Len ‘70 Bartosiewicz John Belak ‘88 David Bell ‘78 Bell Home Home Furnishings Anthony Belletiere ‘70 Magdalen M. Benish Jean Berneski ‘85 Valerie Berzanski ‘71 Patricia Besermin ‘08 James Biehl ‘85 Douglas Bilby ‘76 Joan Blaum ‘86 Christopher Blizzard ‘71 Mary Bobeck ‘76 Elaine Bochniewicz Bonner Chevrolet David Borofski ‘69 Paul Bosco ‘77 Mr. & Mrs. William Brace Wendy Braz ‘82 Si Brenner Cynthia Brenner ‘99 Donna Broadt ‘84 Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Brooks Karen Brown Richard Brown ‘77 Noreen Brzozowski Ronald Buchanan ‘81 Thomas Burns ‘00 Amy Butchko ‘79

30

Lee Calabro ‘73 Patricia Capozucca ‘82 John Carey ‘69 Leona Castor Dr. & Mrs. Dominic Castrignanos JoAnn Chukinas ‘02 Mr. & Mrs. Al Cibello Richard Cielesz ‘80 Janet Cirko ‘86 Althea Clark ‘87 Virginia Clarke, R.N. Richard Clocker Rachel Coffee ‘02 Clark Cohee ‘02 Sharon Cohen ‘73 Frederick Coleman ‘73 Kathleen Collett Sharon Comitz ‘80 Mr. & Mrs. Ken Cook Sally Corl ‘89 Rosemarie Corsaletti ‘01 Mark Costigan ‘83 Beth Cottle ‘13 Donna Cottone ‘91 Elaine Craig Annette Craig ‘88 Chris Cryner Kristin Culver ‘90 Richard Cups ‘73 Laurie Cywinski ‘91 Roxanne Czarniecki ‘97 Mr. & Mrs. Edward Dalbo Tina Daley ‘97 Joseph Damiano ‘72 Melody Danko-Holsomback ‘09 Christopher Dawe ‘80 Nadine De Marco

Mark Dechman ‘85 Karen Delay ‘89 William Deletconich ‘72 Michael Demko ‘79 Eveline Denardi ‘90 Bertino DiGregorio ‘05 Nancy Divers ‘85 Chris Domashinski ‘90 Louis Dominick ‘71 Michael Donahue ‘87 Michelle Donato ‘81 Mary Ellen Dooley Carolyn Dorshefski ‘86 Donna Dotson ‘80 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dougherty Marjorie Douglas ‘93 Lisa Doyle ‘84 Robert Drago ‘96 Donna Dragon-Oschman ‘84 Conrad Duhoski ‘70 Candice Dutko ‘12 John Dylski Holly Evanoski ‘05 Richard Evanoski ‘00 Frank Evanosky ‘70 Nancy Evens ‘82 Larry Fabian ‘87 Duane Fall ‘95 Mal Faust ‘99 Andrew Fedorchak ‘77 Margaret Fiore Dawn Fisher ‘90 John Fisher ‘73 Elaine Flanagan ‘98 Jermaine Foster ‘13 Joan ‘77 & John ‘77 Foster Kenneth Foster ‘99 Laura Fowler ‘94

Allison Fox Mr. & Mrs. Allen Fox Jeffrey Fox ‘95 Lisa Fox ‘89 Gwen Foy ‘88 Cindy Franklin ‘94 Dorothea French ‘97 Mary Ann Gabel ‘91 Harold Gabriel ‘84 Martin Gallagher Jo Nell Garrah ‘01 Mr. & Mrs. William Gates, Jr. Theresa Gawlas Doris Gayeski ‘84 Daniel George ‘00 Joyce George ‘04 John ‘69 & Loree Gerich Mario Giancini ‘03 Martin Gieda ‘70 Marie Gill Deborah Ginocchietti ‘98 Jane Girvan ‘97 Cynthia Gocek ‘93 Barbara Godlewski ‘90 Ruth Goldsmith Janet ‘76 & William ‘79 Groblewski Susan Grohowski ‘88 Gerald Gruver ‘92 Thomas Gushaulis ‘89 Donna Gustave ‘70 John Gutkowski ‘90 Amy Gyory ‘84 Joann Hadsall ‘91 John Halliday ‘69 Donald Hanson ‘71 Susan Hanusek ‘95 Joseph Harman Kathleen Harrington ‘99

LCCC ALUMNI & FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS Fikriye Havale ‘12 Karen Havy ‘89 Dale Hazlak Janine ‘97 & Ed ‘95 Hennigan Marion Hidlay ‘83 Deborah Higgins ‘02 James Higgins ‘70 Paul Hildebrand Elaine Hobart ‘02 Diane Hogan ‘80 Michael Hogan ‘78 Alexandria Hollock ‘85 Sandra Hopkins ‘89 Judith Houtsch ‘98 Mary ‘91 & Michael ‘78 Hronich Kenneth Humiston ‘74 Frank Hummel ‘13 Tammy Ioanna ‘05 Ann & Robert ‘69 Isaacs Martha Iskra Ronald Jacobs ‘91 Renee Jakubovics ‘76 Barbara Jason ‘85 Phyllis Johnson ‘13 Mr. & Mrs. David Jones Deborah A. Jones John Jones ‘91 Ronald Jones ‘69 Maureen Jordan ‘91 Samuel Joseph Adam Jugus ‘02 Donna Kachinko ‘91 Anne Kachline ‘75 Richard Kachmar ‘81 Joseph Kane ‘75 Michelle Kaneski ‘89 Donald Kapral ‘17 Richard Karlotski ‘85 Joann Karpinski ‘83 Laura Katrenicz Mary Ann Kearny ‘82

Mary Ann Keefe ‘79 Doris Keeler ‘80 Byron Keener ‘05 Judith Keller ‘97 Kathleen Kilcourse ‘77 Nancy Killian McBride ‘92 Deborah Kirkwood ‘92 Casey Kisel ‘08 Alan Klapat Carmelita Klatch ‘91 Brenda Kline ‘88 Deborah Kline ‘90 Mark Koch ‘08 Bruno Kolodgie ‘72 Leo Kopetz ‘92 Jeanne & Carl ‘72 Kosch Kelly Kostanesky ‘99 David ‘94 & Suzanne ‘91 Kozlowski-Jarrett Jewel Kravich ‘85 M. Renee Krempasky ‘91 Gale Kresge ‘71 George & Rita Krill Linda Kuboski ‘81 Celia Kukish William Kuklewicz ‘71 Cheryl Kundrat ‘86 Beverly Kuprionas ‘79 John ‘86 & Paula ‘86 Labenski George Lacey ‘85 Bonnie Laneski Theresa Langan ‘85 Patricia Lavan ‘84 Michael Leahey ‘90 Christina ‘89 & Robert ‘94 Legath Robert Leshko ‘16 Edward Lewko ‘73 Ronald Lipinski ‘73 Michael Lizza ‘75 David Lloyd ‘74 Barry Lohman ‘70

Timothy Lorson ‘16 Deborah Luchetti ‘91 Luzerne Optical William MacCollum ‘71 Susan Macnamara ‘07 Carol Maculloch ‘94 Margo Magda ‘76 Cynthia Mahalick Deborah ‘72 & Kenneth ‘72 Malia Joan Malishchak ‘77 James Mallon ‘75 Richard Marchetti ‘70 Cathy Martinson ‘84 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Maskalis Gary Masters ‘82 Arline ‘95 & Edward ‘77 Makins Thomas Matthews ‘14 Gail Matushoneck ‘99 Marita, David & Rich Maximowicz Thomas McBrearty ‘12 Mildred McCall ‘77 Robert McCue ‘95 James McGill ‘71 Patrick McHale ‘74 Charles McKeown ‘93 Maurita Medash ‘92 Eugene Mehalshick ‘89 Greta Menard Genevieve Mihalick ‘72 Alyce Miller Cynthia Miller ‘94 Lisa Miller ‘92 Richard Miller ‘73 Stephanie Miller ‘91 Florence Mokris ‘83 Mr.& Mrs. Christopher Molesky Fran Moriarty ‘07 John Morris ‘90 James Moss ‘85 Richard Moss ‘00 Denise Moyer ‘78 John Mudrian ‘05

John Munley ‘79 Autumn Muntz ‘84 Darlene Murawski ‘06 Luciana Musto ‘00 Susan Musto ‘92 Judith Myers Patricia Naegele ‘89 Mr. & Mrs. Walter Narkoff Mario Naticchi ‘05 Brenda Navin ‘86 Louise Neely Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Newcomb Delores Newell Mr. & Mrs. Brendan Newman Krista Nice ‘95 Deborah Nichols Nancy Nicoletto ‘08 Karen Noss Mauro Notaro ‘69 Judith Novak ‘92 Kimberly Novak ‘86 Linda Novak ‘77 Mr. & Mrs. Edward Novick Karen Novick Robert Nygren ‘75 Antoine Obas ‘97 Beth O’Boyle ‘73 Alex O’Malia ‘76 James Opet ‘83 Mr. & Mrs. David Oravitz Lisa ‘96 & Frank ‘06 Owens Louis Palmeri Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Pape Bruce Partches ‘03 Nancy Patton Gertrude Pavlick Jennifer Pawlowski ‘88 Gina Pechulis ‘00 Stacey Pellegrino ‘03 Sandra Person ‘77 Patricia Peters ‘99 Joseph Pluskey ‘76

A Snapshot in Time Luzerne County Community College closed its 50th Anniversary Celebration by burying a time capsule in December at the College’s Courtyard. The time capsule was originally buried in 1992 in celebration of LCCC’s 25th Anniversary and was unearthed in October in recognition of the College’s 50th Anniversary.

The 1992 items from the time capsule were added to the College’s 50th Anniversary Art Exhibit at the Schulman Gallery. The College reburied the time capsule with the original items from 1992, as well as additional items that have been submitted by students, faculty, and staff.

The time capsule includes items from 1992 and 2017 including messages from staff, faculty, and students, copies of college publications, a Fidget Spinner, pop culture info, a 3-D printed wrench, photos, campus maps, news articles, videos, cell phones, and bookstore items. .

31

LCCC ALUMNI & FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS Marie Poplawski ‘00 Dorothy Powers Dr. Barbara Price George Price ‘88 James Price ‘83 Laura Prushinski ‘02 Richard Pshar ‘88 David Pyskoty ‘06 Joseph Quather ‘74 Ryan Quinn ‘98 Jean Ragantesi ‘81 Gloria Rawls ‘86 Marisue Rayno Blaine Readler ‘74 Jocelyn Reese Brenda Rehrig Lewis Reich ‘72 Donna Remley Mary Reynolds ‘70 Dawn Richie ‘93 Raymond Ripka ‘08 Carol Risch ‘89 Roxanne Robinson ‘92 Carol Ann Royer ‘77 Christine Rutkowski ‘80 Eve Sabol Laureen Sabol ‘88 Carol Salek ‘69 Mary Rose Salvo ‘79 Susan Sands ‘91 John Sandstrom ‘86 Nicole Saporito ‘89 Mr. & Mrs. Adolph Sappe Daniel Sarosky ‘99 Edward Sartin ‘93 William Saunders ‘84 Kevin Schlosser ‘10 Jeffrey Schultz Susan Schuster ‘78 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schwab Nancy Schwartz ‘94 Lois Scott ‘75 Gloria Sekusky ‘82 Laurie Selecky ‘08 Patricia Sentigar ‘91 John Serafin Carol Silver ‘82 Christinia Simon Marilyn Sladon ‘88 Gayle Delano Slezak Paul & Mildred Slocum Sandra Slosky ‘70 Barbara Smith ‘06 Dina Snarski Mr. & Mrs. John Snyder Joline Sobeck ‘80 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Solci James Solomon ‘10 George Soppeck ‘74 Margaret Sosnak Elaine Sozzi ‘77

Jill Spencer ‘07 Shelley Spencer ‘86 Joanne Spisak Jill Stankoski ‘99 Linda Stapert ‘77 Gail ‘80 & Christopher ‘81 Stasko Michelle Stchur ‘10 Linda Stephanik ‘87 Josephine Stephenson Michelle Steve ‘72 Cynthia Stone ‘82 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Stone Jacqueline Strzelecki ‘86 John Stubb ‘90 Mr. & Mrs. David Summa Bruce Talipan ‘84 William Taney ‘99 Joan Taylor ‘87 John Thomas ‘78 Todd Thomas ‘82 Elizabeth Tigue Times PDQ Richard Timko ‘69 Darleen Tomayko ‘10 Keep up to date with all the happenings at Karen Tomulaitis ‘82 Connie Toporcer ‘03 LCCC and keep connected with friends. LCCC Don Tran ‘77 is on multiple social media channels to provide Carl Tranell ‘84 communication in whatever way you choose.

Gary Travinski ‘74 Explore videos, student work, upcoming events, Debbie Tressa ‘80 new classes, and faculty news through the Amy ‘95 & Kevin ‘95 Troy Richard Uhing ‘72 power of social media. Go to LCCC’s website: Jennie Valick-Kopacz ‘74 www.luzerne.edu and click on the social meLinda VanGorder ‘97 dia icons to join in. You can also search for our Teresa Verheyen ‘88 LCCC alumni group on Facebook. See you Ronald Viglone ‘69 Lucia Villacrusis online!

Terry ‘00 & Rober ‘90 Vosik Mary Waclawski ‘06 Denise Wagner ‘13 Frank Walton ‘96 Kathleen Warren ‘88 Dean Welch ‘71 Karin Wellings ‘98 Christopher White ‘77 Robert Whitmire ‘84 Jean Wiernusz ‘99 Norma Wildoner ‘94 Jean Williams ‘88 Robert Williams ‘83 Jean Witinski ‘80 Betty Wojcik ‘71 Sean Younker ‘96 Annmarie Zaffuto ‘85 Alumni Association Elects New Officers Joseph Zamulinsky ‘74 Chester Zaremba ‘79 The LCCC Alumni Association sponsors a variety of activities throughGail Zaykoski ‘86 out the year to support the College and its students meets regularly at Mr. & Mrs. John Zimich the College’s campus in Nanticoke. The Association plans events to raise Bonnie ‘74 & Gary ‘77 Zisko Christine Zuber ‘94 funds for student scholarships, educational equipment, and other areas David Zurek ‘83 of need at the College.

Get Social With LCCC on

Facebook, Instagram Flickr, YouTube, Google+, Pinterest, SnapChat, Tumblr, and Twitter!

+ deceased

32

Shown are the new Alumni Association officers, from left -- Susan Gilroy-King ‘10, secretary; Patricia Beserman ‘08, president; Holly Evanoski ‘05, vice president; and Ann Marie Schraeder ‘79, treasurer.

B

orn in 1936, graduated from high school 65 years ago, holds four college degrees, and is now a graduate of Luzerne County Community College, Ted Geffert ‘18 is the epitome of a lifelong learner. At age 82, Geffert is the oldest person to graduate from LCCC. He walked across the stage with the Class of 2018 this May earning an associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems.

Geffert grew up in Wilkes-Barre Township at a time when horse and buggies still made deliveries. After graduating high school in 1953, he worked in a shoe factory. Shortly after, he joined the United States Infantry for two years. When he came out of the service, he wanted to break from a life of poverty.

“I didn’t want to go back to the shoe factory and wanted a better life,” Geffert says. “Education provides that opportunity.”

So he attended King’s College in 1960, majoring in Mathematics, then continued to earn degrees from Marywood University and College of William & Mary. Geffert pursued a career as an educator, first as a math teacher at Kingston High School, then he went to Crestwood High School.

Geffert eventually became a principal at Crestwood High School and Rice Ted Geffert ‘18 Elementary School and later served as Crestwood superintendent in 1999. “When I was at Crestwood, our scores were the best in Luzerne County,” Geffert boasts.

“I started computer programs in the elementary schools and made a lot of physical improvements in the Crestwood schools as superintendent.”

Geffert started taking classes at Luzerne County Community College when the campus first moved to Nanticoke in 1974.

“In order to update my certification in teaching, I took classes offered at LCCC. I used my GI Bill to continue to take classes at Luzerne for enrichment and kept taking classes for long periods of time.” Geffert says he would set goals for himself and went after the education he needed to achieve those goals.

After Geffert retired in 2004, his wife Joan wanted him to help her with her school busing business, Rinehimer Bus Lines Inc. “So, I started driving buses for her while at the same time I started to take computer classes here,” he says. “I used my computer skills to also work in the office.”

Geffert says his math background sparked his interest in computers. “Trying some of the early computer languages and the newer coding showed me the power of computers,” he states. “Being alive in the modern world, I felt it was important to understand what is happening with computers and how data is transmitted and what computers are able to do,” Geffert points out. He feels all teachers should take computer programming courses to use the technology to create educational opportunities for their students. “How can you create and develop large budgets without knowledge of computer applications?”

LifeLong Learner

Geffert walks across the stage after receiving his diploma at LCCC’s 50th Commencement in May For Shirley Yanovich, department chair and professor for the CIS program, Ted was an exceptional student. “Ted is always interested in learning, always asking questions, and very diligent with his classwork,” she says. “He’s a very hard worker.

Ted was taking six to nine credits at a time and I encouraged him to continue to take classes. I noticed he was close to earning a degree in Computer Information Systems.”

Geffert is very interested in new technology. He started with the very early forms of computer programming with Fortran, and is now skilled with the most modern computer languages available.

“I felt that in my retirement years I just wanted to keep my mind exercised,” Geffert says. “If you don’t exercise your brain, it will deteriorate like your body would without exercise.”

Geffert and his wife Joan live in Fairview Twp. He has three children and seven grandchildren. His son works in the computer security field and Geffert says he plans to keep learning when he takes cyber security classes at LCCC this fall.

“These are some of the great things I have learned at this school,” Geffert states. “That’s why I keep coming. If you apply yourself and try, there are opportunities in life to achieve.”

33

LCCC ALUMNI & FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS Matching Gifts

Many community-minded organizations match the gifts their employees give to non-profit and community organizations. Financial support was received during the past fiscal year (7/1/16-6/30/17) by the following organizations.

Entergy GE Foundation The P&G Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Pfizer Ratheon

In-Kind Gifts

The College receives “In-kind” support (contributions of equipment, services, supplies, or other non-cash gifts) from philanthropicminded companies to support our student programs. In-kind support was received during the past fiscal year from the following individuals and organizations.

In Kind Donors

AC Fitness Art N Vino Asian Café Benny Brewing Co. Berwick Industrial Development Authority Blue Ridge Trail Golf Course Rebecca Brominski ‘91 Canteen Vending Chuck’s Main Street Diner JoAnn Chukinas ‘02 Crown Chicken

What’s

Sandra Cumberland ‘05 Carol Dean ‘90 Domino’s Pizza The Dough Company Dundee Gardens Lori Earley ‘13 Bob Evans Restaurant FM Kirby Center Geisinger Medical Center Genetti Hotel & Conference Center Gerrity’s Supermarket Gertrude Hawk Chocolates Grotto Pizza Guard Insurance Group Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn - East Mountain Anne Holmes Januzzi’s Pizza Karen Kollar ‘81 LAMAR Advertising Co. LaNapoli Pizzaria Bonnie Brennan Lauer ‘87 LCCC Alumni Association LCCC Bookstore LCCC Continuing Education LCCC Student Activities Liberty Mutual Insurance Long Horn Steakhouse Marquis Art & Frame Middleswarth Chips Moe’s Southwest Grill Mohegan Sun Arena Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs New Horizon Olive Garden

YOU

NEW ith w

Larry O’Malia’s Greenhouse Alice Pawlowski Pepsi Bottling Company Pizza Perfect Luann Russin ‘17 Sam’s Club Sanitary Bakery David Sawicki Scranton /WB Railriders Thai Thai UGI Utilities WBS Penguins Weis Markets Wise Potato Chips WKRZ Woodlands New York Yankees Brooke & Libby ‘80 Yeager

The Foundation and Alumni Offices have made every effort to make the information contained within this publication accurate. Should you observe any discrepancy or error, we ask that you contact us at 570-740-0735.

The Bridge is our way of keeping you up-to-date. This is your way to keep us up-to-date. Let us know about changes in your career, family, or place of residence (attach additional sheet if necessary). We may publish your news in an upcoming issue. You may include a recent photo of yourself, too. Thank you!

Name______________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________ State______________Zip _________ Year of graduation/program ____________________________________________________ Phone (day)____________Phone (evening)____________E-mail_______________________ Spouse’s name_______________________________________________________________ Names, birth years of children __________________________________________________ Post LCCC education__________________________________________________________ Program & completion date ____________________________________________________ Name & address of employer __________________________________________________ Present position and job responsibilities ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Recent accomplishments/points of interest _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

34

Return completed form to: Luzerne County Community College Alumni Office, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke, Pa 18634. Or e-mail your information to: alumni@luzerne.edu

S/18

Gift

Your

is

Important

Give a gift to LCCC online at luzerne.edu/give Heartfelt thanks go out to our alumni, friends and community businesses, faculty and staff who have made gifts to LCCC. Thanks to your philanthropy, LCCC continues to make life better for current and future students by providing scholarships, financial aid, books, technology and other necessities. Nothing touches the lives of LCCC students as much as the Annual Fund.

Benefits to You

Charitable gifts are generally exempt from taxation for those who itemize deductions on their tax returns. The higher your tax rate, the more you can save when you make a donation to the College.

Gifts of appreciated property (stocks, bonds or mutual funds), held for longer than one year, allow you to bypass capital gains tax normally due when you sell the assets and provide you a charitable income tax deduction that reduces the cost of your gift.

Matching gifts allow you to double, or possibly triple, your gift at no additional cost to you, and are credited in full toward leadership gift club membership. Contact your human resource office to see if you work for a matching gift company.

Alumni participation is also one of the criteria used to leverage gifts from private and public foundations as well as corporations. Any gift of any size publicly demonstrates your pride and helps the College continue its tradition of excellence.

How You Can Help

Several gift options are available to you for making a financial contribution to LCCC. They include: a pledge, an outright contribution by cash, check or charge (Mastercard, Visa or Discover), securities (stocks, bonds or mutual funds) and a planned gift (bequest and charitable trust arrangement) through the Heritage Society. For more information, or to make a gift, contact the Alumni Office at (800) 377-LCCC, ext. 7734 or at 570-740-0734.

35

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4 Wilkes-Barre, PA

Office of Alumni Relations 1333 S. Prospect Street Nanticoke, Pa 18634-3899

Address Service Requested

A look back...

The Class of 2018 marks the 50th graduating class since the College’s inception. LCCC’s recent commencement featured an extra celebratory flair with a video tribute to the College’s 50 years and finishing with a confetti cascade for the new grads. Below is LCCC’s first commencement in 1969 at the Irem Temple in Wilkes-Barre.