communiquĂŠ A n u p d at e f o r f a m i ly & f r i e n d s o f r e a d i n g a r e a c o m m u n i t y c o l l e g e
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In this Issue 4 5 6 12 14 16
Meet a Student… Neil Hassler Dr. Vaughn Welcomes Chance to Make an Impact Celebrating 40 years of the Community’s College Miller Center for the Arts: Five Years in Review Miller Center for the Arts Fifth Anniversary Season Celebration of Education On Our Cover RACC turns 40! Northmont location.
4 Dear friends, Try to imagine an economically healthy Berks County with a vibrant workforce or picture the City of Reading on its way back to full recovery. Now think about the likelihood of either scenario happening without our dynamic, responsive community college providing a comprehensive range of affordable educational and job training opportunities for our area residents. It’s simply inconceivable! This fall RACC, The Community’s College, turns 40 years old. In its early days there was a struggle to gain initial sponsorship by the Reading School District. Then in 1991 the College transitioned to County sponsorship based on a proven track record of meeting the community’s ongoing educational need. Today RACC is a vibrant presence with seven fully occupied buildings and an additional undeveloped 5.7 acres on our southern perimeter. Additionally, our Career Training Center occupies the 4th floor of the Gateway Building at Second and Penn streets. The development of our lovely riverside campus to accommodate growing enrollment was due to our welldeserved regional reputation for academic quality and student-centered approaches to learning. RACC is still the best buy for individuals planning to transfer credits, which are accepted toward Bachelor’s degrees at many public and private higher education institutions. In today’s world, RACC’s career preparation programs including short-term occupational training in addition to the Schmidt Training and Technology 2
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Center’s sophisticated instruction supporting advanced manufacturing, the technology industry, mass distributors and companies of all sizes are more important than ever. RACC’s newest facility, the beautiful Miller Center for the Arts, is beginning only its 5th season this fall but has already welcomed 65,000 patrons and become a key partner with other arts organizations. Of particular importance is the abundance of programming that introduces youth to the performing arts. We are proud to be an institution that promotes both intellect and culture. The convergence of both enriches the lives of individuals and our community. By the end of this academic year, nearly 200,000 individuals will have been RACC students in an array of instructional offerings. When I am out in the community, I hear personal stories from people of all ages and varied backgrounds that their RACC experience helped them improve the quality of their lives and make their career goals possible. These personal testimonials are frequently accompanied by a heartfelt “thank you” which I proudly accept on behalf of all my current colleagues and those who came before us. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACC. Let us take a welldeserved bow, and at the same time we use this milestone to rededicate our College to being The Right Choice for many to begin their education and career journeys.
communiqué Reading Area Community College 10 South 2nd Street P.O. Box 1706 Reading, PA 19603 www.racc.edu
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President Dr. Anna D. Weitz Editor Melissa Kushner Contributors Alison M. Wenger, Caehlin Bell, Cathy Stephen Design Liz Berdow Photography Secoges Photographics, Alison Wenger and Archives Reading Area Community College is an equal opportunity institution. www.facebook.com/ReadingArea CommunityCollege
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www.facebook.com/RACCalumni RACC_edu
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“I have familiarity with some things, but the electronic and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) courses – that is the future,” he said. “I thought it was better to get this experience now to market myself. It gives me a much wider field to go into.”
Meet a Student… Neil Hassler Neil Hassler was working as the production supervisor for a local manufacturing company when his plant was closed and operations were transferred to Mexico. Quickly closing in on age 50, Neil knew that he was comfortable with a career based around manufacturing, but he needed to learn more. “The company started introducing schools and showing us different places where you could go,” said Neil, whose daughter Monica attends RACC. “This was the only place I knew of that offered this type of education.” Neil enrolled in RACC’s mechatronics associate degree program in August 2010 and is on pace to finish his degree next spring. Although he has more than 30 years of experience at nine different plants, Neil knows more education will make a difference. “I have familiarity with some things, but the electronic and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) courses – that is the future,” he said. “I thought it was better to get this experience now to market myself. It gives me a much wider field to go into.” Born in Lyons, Neil served several years in the military before settling back in Berks County and now resides in Topton. He was connected with Deka Batteries and asked about the pay levels of different positions in the plant. People pointed him toward the foundry. 4
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“I got the bug and discovered that I liked melting things,” he said. “I became very proficient in an industry that no longer exists.” Instead of going to a job every day, Neil heads over to the Schmidt Training and Technology Center. While he jokes about how much time he spends in the labs, he appreciates the flexibility the program offers. “This program lets me move faster in areas where I’m already knowledgeable and just need a refresher so that I can move on to the things that I don’t have the knowledge of.” Neil also finds comfort in the fact that there are others at RACC who share his story. “There are a lot of us in the same situation where our jobs just disappeared,” he said. “Folks here give you a good track to follow. Rich (Fasnacht) has been a big help. Even though he’s younger than me, he’s ahead of me in the program and has been a mentor to me.” The biggest thing that surprised him about college and classes was writing. “I learned I have some natural abilities with writing,” he said. “It was not as hard as I thought it would be. Or it could just be that I’m the oldest person in the class with a lot of experience to write about.”
Dr. Vaughn Welcomes Chance to Make an Impact Dr. Robert R. Vaughn, the College’s new Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development/Community Education, was surrounded by educators growing up. It was never a matter of if he would follow the family footsteps, but where those steps would lead. “My family was always in education, and I realized that what I really enjoyed was teaching adults,” said Vaughn, who taught business management courses for 16 years before concentrating on college administration. Prior to his arrival at RACC, he had spent 12 years as the Regional Director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. There were several factors that attracted Dr. Vaughn to the position at RACC, including closer proximity to his mother who still lives in Newark, New Jersey where he grew up. Also, his sister was teaching at Kutztown University until recently accepting a job at another institution. “I was looking for an opportunity that would
allow me more decisionmaking input into the continuing education career field and the opportunity to make changes,” he said. “In addition, the economic and workforce development challenges in the Reading area seemed exciting. “I also think the City of Reading is poised for economic change. It will be interesting to see where we go as a region, to re-invent ourselves, what type of industries we are going to bring into the region, and the strategic plans to be implemented as we move forward,” he added. In his role at RACC, Dr. Vaughn will be responsible for coordinating and evaluating community literacy and health care programs offered in Schuylkill Hall, as well as short-term programs in the Gateway Center for Career Training. He will also oversee business and industry training conducted in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center. Dr. Vaughn said the most rewarding aspect of working in community education is the end result, whether it is a formal graduation or completion of a training program.
“I always like to have an event to celebrate student accomplishments. I enjoy helping people meet their goals. You see them at the beginning and then witness how hard they work to get to the end.” Another critical part of his position is business community involvement and participation in civic organizations. Dr. Vaughn admits right now he is in the “listening and learning phase” as he hears more about Reading, its economic development history and the plan for the future. One thing Dr. Vaughn has quickly realized is the potential for the Greater Reading area that offers downtown urban life, suburban and even countryside living, all in close proximity. He is also impressed by RACC’s campus with its riverfront view. As he settles into his new home, Dr. Vaughn looks ahead to what could be for the College “I see plenty of areas where we can grow in the future and help meet the needs of this community.”
“…I enjoy helping people meet their goals. You see them at the beginning and then witness how hard they work to get to the end.”
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Celebrating 40 years of the Community’s College
Interaction with the Community
RACC has increasingly concentrated on providing our citizens with the skills we need to attract, retain and
kept the College alive, but it allowed it to continue
I think the College’s proudest achievement was when the County Commissioners approved the assumption of sponsorship. That action not only to expand where needed to become an important
grow industry and which they need to be productive and upwardly mobile for themselves and their families.
educational partner of Berks County.
– Ed McCann, COO, Berks County Workforce Investment Board
– Connie Archey, Trustee of 30 years
RACC is already a key partner in the growth of our community by providing quality education in our region. It is my vision that more young adults, as well as adults, reach out to the educational opportunities that RACC has to offer for personal improvement. – Zylkia Rivera, Trustee
The College has maintained a firm belief that it has the responsibility to contribute to the growth of the community at large. In fact, RACC’s Mechatronics Program is one of just a few in the entire country, and is an absolute gem in terms of working with not only area businesses, but also in assisting to attract new businesses to the Greater Reading region. – Jon Scott, President and CEO, Berks Economic Partnership
1971
The State Board of Education approved the application permitting the Reading School District to sponsor Reading Area Community College in January 1971. Classes were held for the first time on October 13 with an enrollment of 265 students.
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1977
Initially students attended classes at many locations throughout Reading. In 1977, the College purchased the former Holiday Inn at Second and Penn Streets. After extensive renovations to the building, administrative offices and credit programs were moved to the present riverfront campus in the fall of 1978.
1989
In June of 1989, the College purchased the East Shore Office Building, now named Penn Hall, to serve the growing student body of almost 2,000 credit students and approximately 12,000 non-credit students.
1990
As the College grew, the resources of a single sponsoring school district became inadequate to sustain the required expansion. A fifteen-member Citizen Task Force to study the sponsorship issue was appointed by the Berks County Board of Commissioners and suggested the county assume sponsorship. At the October 4, 1990 meeting of the Berks County Board of Commissioners, they voted unanimously to sponsor Reading Area Community College effective July 1, 1991.
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Making an Impact
Becoming a Trustee has allowed me to become much more aware of the serious issues that face the College, the City of Reading and the American educational system as a whole — and to participate in crafting a plan that will take us into a successful future. – Dean Sheaffer, Chair, Board of Trustees
When I found out about all of the new and innovative programs and certificates that RACC offers its students, I wanted to be a part of it, because education is a vital part of our community. I am excited about my new leadership roles within RACC and am more excited about being a part of what it will be in the future. – Jermaine D. Edwards, Trustee and Foundation Board Member
During my 30+ years at RACC I have mainly taught students interested in a career in health care. Through continued contact with these students I know that RACC has had a positive impact on their lives and on the lives of the many patients they have helped. – Linda Waterbury, professor
Getting to know many RACC students personally, learning about the obstacles they have overcome to attend the College and seeing how important the educational experience has been to them — all of these factors have led me to stay involved with RACC. – James M. Connors, Foundation Board Member since 1994
Since 1998, RACC enrolled over 90,000 non-credit students.
1992–1996
In 1992, the College launched its first capital campaign to secure private funds for a new library. The campaign goal of $1,750,000 was exceeded and $2,739,000 was raised for the project. Those gifts enabled the college to go beyond the original basic facility and include additional educational equipment and laboratories. With the matching funds provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a $7.54 million library was opened in March of 1996.
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1996
The campus continued to grow as the Student Union Building opened in 1996 and Penn Hall and Berks Hall underwent major renovations to accommodate a growing student population. In the fall of 2002, RACC enrolled a record 3,800 credit students.
2005
In 2005 the continuing education department, now known as the division of Workforce and Economic Development/Community Education, centralized in Schuylkill Hall, which previously bordered the campus as part of the Penske Corporation.
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Culture of RACC
RACC has changed my outlook on life. The staff at RACC is very professional and at the same time recognizes the importance of working with us and giving that extra little boost to help us to learn. I just can’t thank RACC for the opportunities and renewed sense of self that I now have in me.
RACC is there for students who are hungry for an
– Todd Frizzell, Criminal Justice student
education, hungry for someone to believe in them, hungry to have the tools and resources to believe in themselves. RACC is prepared to help students who are hungry to fulfill their dream! – Paula Mazurkiewicz, Class of ’96, Adjunct Instructor
I started at RACC in the summer of 2010 and I was a little nervous returning to the classroom because of my age and the fact that my last class was 21 years ago! The moment I stepped on campus I was truly surprised with the amount of diversity. The majority of the students that are enrolled in RACC have at least one thing in common: the flexibility of getting a good education at an affordable price. – Sheila Albin, Nursing student
I would have to say the College’s greatest contribution to the community is “opportunity.” The opportunity for the stay-at-home mom who always wanted to go to college, to the high school graduate who never thought he could and did, to the dislocated worker who learned a new career, to the single parent who wanted to make their child’s life better, to the college graduate who continues to add to his educational résumé. – Peggy Wetzel, Enrollment Services
In fall of 2010, RACC enrolled over 5400 credit students.
2006
In the spring of 2006, the Schmidt Training and Technology Center (TTC) celebrated its grand opening. The project was funded by the College’s second successful capital campaign with the intent of providing training for area businesses in advanced manufacturing skills, information technology, market knowledge, executive senior leadership, business performance and workforce readiness.
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2006–2007
The year of 2006 marked another major change to the campus. In addition to the opening of the TTC, the College began construction on the Miller Center for the Arts, a 500-seat theatre, which officially opened in June of 2007.
2010
The most recent addition to the College came in the fall of 2010 when RACC opened its Gateway Center for Career Training at 201 Penn Street. The Gateway Center houses non-credit certificate programs in Business Occupational Training and Medical Occupational Training that can lead to career opportunities in as little as six weeks to six months.
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Miller Center for the Arts: Five Years in Review The 2011–2012 season marks the fifth anniversary of the Miller Center for the Arts. The Center first opened its doors in June 2007 with a performance by the internationally-acclaimed Parsons Dance Company and has garnered an unrivaled reputation for presenting high-quality artists with an emphasis on audience and cultural enrichment. It has enjoyed strong support from local critics such as Susan Peña of the Reading Eagle and area funding organizations such as the Mid Atlantic Arts and Reading Musical Foundations who have recognized the Miller Center’s
Above (clockwise): Lobby of the Miller Center for the Arts, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Flying Karamazov Brothers 12
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programming prowess through grant awards that total over $50,000. The Miller Center’s programming is focused on three primary areas, starting with the arts. The venue features three different arts series: the Downtown Performing Arts, Family Sampler and Illustrated Lecture Series. Over the past five years, the Center has presented over 70 groups and guest artists through its Downtown Performing Arts and Family Sampler Series with highlights including the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ Mikado, Rioult Dance Company, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Leon Redbone and most recently, the Flying Karamazov Brothers. The Miller Center also acts as an incredible resource for Reading Area Community College’s academic departments and student
clubs. The Student Activities Board hosts its annual RACC Idols competition and Civic Leadership series here, while the Center is also the location for Practical Nursing and GED graduation ceremonies and the College’s Veterans’ Day activities. In 2010, RACC augmented its academic course offerings to include two classes in theater arts, which are offered each semester in the Center’s main performance hall. An integral part of the Miller Center has been its work with local arts organizations and artists through its Partner Program initiative. Formally created in 2010, the
Partner Program features presentations co-produced with such groups as Rainbow Theatre (No Strings Attached - 2009), the Yocum Institute for Arts Education (Sideways Stories from Wayside School - 2010), Reading Community Players (Hats, a story of the African American journey throughout history - 2011) and Berks Opera Workshop (La Boheme - 2011). Community and audience enrichment activities, such as post-performance question-and-answer sessions, acting and skill-building workshops, panel discussions and visiting artist residencies have played a key role in the Miller Center’s programming
objectives. Most recently, Ugandan musician, Samite Mulondo completed a three-day residency at the Center, where he presented programs focusing on native African folk instruments, Mountain Gorillas and the effects of dictatorships and the plight of child soldiers in Africa. Students that benefited from his residency included fourth graders at Lauer’s Park and Riverside Elementary Schools, sixth-grade students attending the Gateway School for the Performing Arts and students enrolled in the choir and Global Studies courses at Muhlenberg High School. Bill Snelling, Music Department Chair at Muhlenberg High School said, “The kids are still gushing and asking when Samite can come back to our school. It was one of the best educational experiences they have had.” In addition to these offerings, Miller Center is available for rentals by outside organizations. Over 40 community organizations have used the Miller Center to stage concerts, fundraising events,
public hearings and annual meetings. In 2008, the Obama Campaign hosted a rally led by former Senator Chris Dodd that attracted a full house. Groups who use the facility on a regular basis include the Berks Arts Council for the Annual Berks Jazz Fest, Reading Pops Orchestra, Reading Public Library for its Young Poets Competition and Berks Ballet Theater for dance performances and juried auditions. For more information on the Miller Center for the Arts, please visit www.racc. edu/MillerCenter.
“Over the past five years, the Center has presented over 70 groups and guest artists through its Downtown Performing Arts and Family Sampler Series…” Communiqué FALL 2011
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“The Miller Center for the Arts is celebrating its fifth anniversary in style with another year of high-quality programming…”
Miller Center for the Arts Fifth Anniversary Season
At left: Collage of featured Miller Center performances. This page: H.M.S. Pinafore New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players 14
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The Miller Center for the Arts is celebrating its fifth anniversary in style with another year of high-quality programming, with return visits from favorite acts including Aquila Theatre Company, Parsons Dance Company, and the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. Partnerships with local organizations will also be a recurrent theme throughout the season with shows from the Yocum Institute for Arts Education and Berks Opera Theatre. The Center will also continue to delight audiences with its commitment to artist workshops, postshow discussions and meet-and-greet events. Fall’s highlight is the return of Parsons Dance Company for the 2011 Celebration of Education Gala. This fantastic and world-renowned company presents a breath-taking theatrical experience that combines exquisite modern dance with the amazing rock opera music of the East Village Opera Company (EVOC). The classic love story Remember Me features stellar lead vocalists from EVOC, passionate and electrifying choreography of David Parsons, beautiful new costumes by Austin Scarlett and lighting by award-winning designer Howell Binkley. The gala event will also offer an exclusive opportunity for the guests to meet the performers. The Downtown Performing Arts Series features ten diverse shows––from classic theatre to modern dance, opera to folk music. Our signature series has it all. The series opens with Aquila Theatre’s production of the Oscar Wilde classic comedy of mistaken identity, The Importance of Being Earnest. This is followed by the fourth Celebration of Folk weekend in November featuring Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter John McCutcheon and folk super-group Red Horse. In December, The Capitol Steps comedy troupe will take to the stage to perform their hilarious political skits. The new year kicks off in January with Berks Opera Theatre’s presentation of Georges Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, a classical love story set in ancient Sri Lanka, which features the classic duet Au fond du temple saint. Later in the month, the Miller Center welcomes pianist Christopher O’Riley of NPR’s popular classical music show From the Top. Ballet Hispanico brings their Latin-infused
contemporary ballet to the center in February. The fifth season will finish on a high note with performances by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGSP) and Vox Lumiere. The ever-popular NYGSP returns with a romantic comedy, H.M.S. Pinafore. The final show of the season, Metropolis, is a unique theatre performance that combines silent film and live rock music. In addition to these shows, the Miller Center focuses on children with its Family Sampler Series. Yocum Institute brings us a stage adaptation of the children’s classic The Boxcar Children, the story of the four Alden orphans and their search for home. In November, Fred Garbo Inflatable Theatre Company presents a fun, fast-paced, engaging, vaudeville-like show that’s fun for audiences of all ages. The Philadelphia-based Enchantment Theatre Company returns in January with an adaptation of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, the tale of the winsome donkey who discovers the importance of friends and family. The last show in the series is Zorro, a new play by Davey Anderson performed by the Scottish company Visible Fictions. For show details and ticket information, visit the Miller Center’s website at www.racc.edu/MillerCenter or like Miller Center on Facebook to keep up with the latest events during this exciting fifth anniversary season.
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Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Reading, PA Permit #755
10 South 2nd Street P.O. Box 1706 Reading, PA 19603 www.racc.edu
F or comments , feedback or story ideas , please email mkushner @ racc . edu or call 6 1 0 . 6 0 7 . 6 2 1 2 .
Celebration of Education The Foundation for Reading Area Community College is proud to present the return of Parsons Dance Company for its annual Celebration of Education Gala, which this year celebrates the College’s 40th Anniversary and the Miller Center’s fifth season. Their performance, Remember Me, begins at 7:30 PM in the Miller Center for the Arts and is followed by a Dessert Extravaganza complete with champagne and an open bar in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center. A live auction will also help raise funds to support the students of RACC. The renowned Parsons Dance Company presents a breathtaking theatrical experience that combines exquisite modern dance with the
amazing rock opera music of the East Village Opera Company (EVOC). The classic love story Remember Me features stellar lead vocals from EVOC and the passionate and electrifying choreography of David Parsons, beautiful new costumes by Austin Scarlett and lighting by award-winning designer Howell Binkley. For more information on Parsons, visit www.parsonsdance.org. “We look forward to the return of Parsons to help us celebrate the College’s 40 years and to showcase the wonderful success of the Miller Center after its five years,” says Michael E. Nagel,
Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC. Proceeds from this event will benefit students of RACC in honor of its 40th anniversary. Tickets are $135/person and there is a discount for tables of 10. For information on the event, visit www.racc.edu or call the Foundation Office at 610.607.6239. The Foundation for Reading Area Community College supports the development and maintenance of the facilities and programs of RACC in order to broaden educational opportunities to its students, alumni, and all residents of Berks County.
“We look forward to the return of Parsons to help us celebrate the College’s 40 years and to showcase the wonderful success of the Miller Center after it five years.”