FINANCIAL PLANNING EXECUTIVE JOINS HOOVER FINANCIAL ADVISORS

 Joseph W. Dowling

Joseph W. Dowling

Malvern, PA – Joseph W. Dowling recently joined Hoover Financial Advisors (HFA) as a financial advisor. His appointment was announced by Pete Hoover, CFP®, CEO and founder of the firm.

Prior to becoming a member of the HFA staff, Dowling operated his own business, Epiphany Wealth Partners. Before that, he was a wealth management advisor with United Capital Financial Advisors. He held similar positions with several prestigious firms, including Penn Liberty Bank Wealth Advisors and First Financial Group/Mass Mutual. He began his career as an institutional broker with Tullett Prebon in New York.

In his role as a financial advisor, he develops, manages and supports HFA client relationships. He is diligent in the research of the latest techniques, financial industry regulations as well as federal and state requirements. Dowling’s personal involvement as a business owner broadens his perception and understanding of HFA client experiences and requirements.

Dowling is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. His BA is in Regional Science. He holds Pennsylvania Property & Casualty Producer, Pennsylvania Life, Health & Annuity Producer and FINRA Series 65 licenses. The Northeast Philadelphia native currently resides in Erdenheim with his wife and five daughters.

HFA, which is headquartered on Moores Road in Malvern, was launched in 2005 by Pete Hoover, who has been an independent financial advisor for more than 30 years.  Since its inception, HFA has quadrupled in size. Staff members include certified financial planners, financial advisors, investment analysts, insurance and tax specialists, attorneys, a certified portfolio manager, and an information services manager. In 2012, HFA was selected as Small Business of the Year by Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. For more information, visit its website at petehoover.com or call 610.651.2777.

Montgomery County Community College Announces Spring 2016 Dean¹s List‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA —Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez is pleased to announce the spring 2016 Dean’s List at Montgomery County Community College. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who have earned at least 12 cumulative credits at the College and who have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher.

Dean’s List honorees are listed by area of residence.

Abington: Dustyn Collins, Kevin Cruz, Piero Dattoli, Kelly Durphy, Joseph Ganiszewski, Eugene Hong, Justyna Kowalczuk, Adam Lin, Hudson Marsh, Kelly McCoog, Bonnie McDevitt, Gretchen Sinclair, Victoria Steets, Claire Tinsman

Alburtis: Rachel Delp

Ambler: Daniel Asper, Michael Chrzanowski, Julia Ciliberto, Bradley Collings, Caroline Coloracci, Gianna D’Ambruoso, Brian Dukart, Allison Fitzpatrick, Matthew Halligan, Evelyn Hammond, Gabriella Hartzell, Kurt Herbine, Erica Hutchinson, Shannon Imhof-Clark, Evelin James, Akhil Kulkarni, Richard Lavrence-Mrvar, Collin Maurtua, Patrick Mergenthaler, Sarah Milstein, Megan Moyer, Melody Rolon, Eric Rubenstein, Keith Sims, Thomas Stewart, Elisabeth Tumolo, David Vigano, Sarah Wade, Brianna Zera, Amanda Zhou

Ardmore: Richard Gallagher

Audubon: Robert Betton, Erin Emery, Jenny Firn

Bala Cynwyd: Tzivya Green

Barto: Jennifer Long, Kristin Springman

Bechtelsville: Joseph Hartline, Corey Pettine, Shelby Rubright

Birchrunville: Keenan McCormick

Birdsboro: Kaitlin Eichenberg

Blue Bell: Jenna Brownlowe, Sarah Carminati, Alexander Cheikin, Emily Didomenico, Katelynn Gold, Stefanie Herbert, Joseph Moreira, Robert Nolan, Hollie Roberts, Xandria Schaeffer, Aram Vartanian, Susan Yim

Boyertown: Paris Herbst, Jonathan Johnson, Morgan Lepre, Kendal Moyer, Andrew Parsons, David Rohrbach, Lauren Specht, Katelyn Wentzel

Bridgeport: Olivia Lewiski

Bryn Mawr: Robert Klein

Chalfont: Alexandra Capocasale, Eun Choi, Dahyeon Jeong, Laura Lutsenko, Thomas Noonan, Grant Smith

Cheltenham: Maliyah Howell, Timothy Wylesol

Chester Springs: Qianyan Wu

Collegeville: Laura Adams, Rebekah Bondi, Nicole Bradbury, Sean Brady, Brett Capobianco, Laura Catanese, Emily Cosmi, Nicole Dalasio, Madison Devlin, Anna Di Giovanni, Thomas Drakeford, Nicholas Duffy, Mark Dylinski, Brian Furman, April Galie, Jordan Higley, Stefani Jones, Evan Kahn, Rachel Krantz, Madison Leopold, Eric Lesinski, Geoffrey Melle, Guisette Ortega-Crespo, Ashley Parker, Brianna Patterson, Michael Reiner, Allyson Roach, Lindsay Siron, Jacqueline Smith, Gisselle Tirado, Michael Topham, Catherine Urbanski, Nicole Viola, Amanda Watson, Alexandra Whitman, Stephanie Yovish

Colmar: Jacob Weltman

Conshohocken: Michael Bokoski, Kathleen Costello, Rachel Dibenedetto, Kacie Gallagher

Douglassville: Anna Chandler, Lorenzo Giotti, Bryn Hunsberger, Alexandra Leblanc, Brooks Wisniewski

Dresher: Savannah Lambert, Dana Tascarella, Adam Wasserman

Eagleville: Daniel Buttorff, Kayla Doran, Julie Primavera, Moin Rana, Tiffany Zerbe

East Greenville: Stephen Andress, Brendan Diehl, Deanna Frederick, Heather Haby, Benjamin Hammill, Shelby Reger

East Norriton: Katherine Bampfield, Daniella Barletta, Kathleen Diferdinando, Emily King, Edward Lohmeyer, Jason Milito, Raj Rawal, Nichole Romano

Elkins Park: Danny Asmaro, Cecilia Dang, Caitlyn Deviney, Marin Harwood, Kayla Henschel, Thomas Huang, Asad Malik, Amy Malloy, Justin Morton, Katelyn Tausendfreundt, Angelo Torrecampo

Elverson: Donald Gaudi, Samantha Hyder

Erdenheim: Madeleine Birdlebough, Andrew Pultorak, Mark Vido

Flourtown: Julianna Cardamone, Michael Heffernan, Sarah Kelly, Vincent Madle

Fort Washington: Patti Dolaway, Dukki Kim, Basanti Tamang

Gilbertsville: Blanca Anoushian, Oluwatosin Bankole, Brian Bibby, Addee Grabowski, Ronald Holtz, Paul Jaworski, Kathleen McCartney, Pamela Miller, Paula Miller, Bridget Rapp, Claudia Savory, Alex Siwik, Marlee Snyder, Mikayla Sobjak, Taylor Stubblebine, Joshua Urbach, Charles Vitabile

Gladwyne: Holly Horton

Glenside: Alyssa Bauer, Stacey Bryan, Caroline Ciocca, Elisabeth Cripps, Anita Gallagher, Marc Grandinetti, Karis Herzer, Harry Kim, Devon Kluver, Brooks Mormando, Regina Newlin, Jacob Ross

Green Lane: Joshua Beck, Marlene Cooper, Zach Diehl, Emalene Sylvester

Harleysville: Katalin Abraham, Lane Alderfer, Christine Campbell, Alexa Capeci, Dimitri Coachi, Matthew Covel, Jocelyn Cribbs, Michael Fewer, Emily Gordon, Grace Guntz, Faith Guntz, Lauren Hinkle, Madison Messina, Chris Murphy, Eric Reed, Madalyn Reed, Edbert Ruliff, Brianna Vandegrift, Lee Wilcox, Kevin Wood, Michael Zawacki

Hatboro: Natalie Camacho, Joseph Cannella, Paul Conover, Kelsey Holm, Jennifer Jacker, Prerna Pathak, Sean Plizak, Adam Resnick, William Roeger, Louis Sgro

Hatfield: Eric Albaugh, Colleen Andris, Sandra Beitler, Heather Buchhalter, Megan Fricker, Brandon Gilrain, Rebecca Hanson, Daniel Hedge, Allison Himes, Scott Keffer, Sarah Kling, Lauren Lee, Denise Lied, Nicole Miles, Lyn-Lynh Nguyen, Goralben Patel, Victoria Reeser, Emily Seiler, Janeel Solanki, Metal Solanki, Kelly Tran, Connor Wallis

Horsham: Stefanie Barszowski, Julia Besu-Mcleish, Christopher Bowie, Sarah Hucaluk, Casey Johnston, Kristal Jusino, Sieun Lee, Danielle Lybrand, Kristen Mayo, Bernadette McGirr, Aaron Murphy, Heather Pringle, Victoria Rivers, Nicholas Robinson, Avery Romanoli, Woo Young Song, Daniel Yeager

Huntingdon Valley: Sean Burke, Sarah Ciambrano, Deena Derenzis, Shelby Odhner, Adam Peled, Julie Schilling,Timothy Terrizzi

Jeffersonville: Nicolas Soldano

Jenkintown: David Castner, Min Chang, Courtney Colkett-Harvey, Eleni Driza, Madeline Firth, Moeunsaem Jung, Mabinty Kamara, Casey Kasitz, Jinman Li

King of Prussia: Adejoke Agboola, Shaya Edelman, Spencer Edelman, Stephen Ferguson, Abigail Green, Kyle Gutkowski, Angelika Mari Morelos, Angelika Mae Morelos, Bao Nguyen, Louise Norman, Fiona Palladino, Courtney Rehm, Linda Sobeck, Cameron Speak, Alex Wise

Lafayette Hill: Michael Fitzpatrick, Chad Stante

Landsdale: Fatemah Najafali

Lansdale: Philip Ahn, Anthony Buonpastore, Lisa Cahill, Hannah Campbell, Rebecca Carpenter, Perez Cho, Meet Chovatia, Marisa Christensen, Alanis Ciccitto, Elaine Daubney, Alison Deitsch, Grace Detweiler, Joseph Difeo, Jonathan Dimascio, Alexander Durso, Jessica Evans, Kelly Franklin, Kevin Franklin, Alex Gabriel, Rachael Grallnick, Regina Guzman, Arjina Islam, Jae Jang, Brendan Jaquay, Zainab Joda, Yoon Kang, Daniel Kappler, Kathleen Kearns, Jaron Kicinski, Chang Yong Kim, Mason Koch, Aaron Laroche, Alex Larosa, Amanda Lashkevich, Jacqueline Lepre, Xinjian Li, Jessika Loburak, Brooke MacKey, Courtney Mangano, Michael McLaughlin, Konstantina Merianou, Aviera Mitchell, John Ockershausen, Alyssa Okarski, Greg Olsen, Stephen Pacello, Elizabeth Patchell, Mudra Patel, Micah Phillips, Ariane Poulin, Valerie Pry, Lauren Quigley, Dylan Rainone, Philip Rakszawski, Tara Reinmiller, Mikaela Rottina, Kristen Saul, Natasha Scott, Jeet Shah, Devanshi Shah, Kevin Shin, Gina Stella, Adam Thacker, Julianna Tresca, Joshua Varga, Suna Won, Liting Zou

Laverock: Richard Peyton

Lederach: Megan Kirby

Limerick: Kyle Allebach

Lower Gwynedd: Samantha Schafer

Maple Glen: Kevin Nesbitt

Merion Station: Catherine Schaper

Montgomeryville: Elizabeth Flagler

Norristown: Nicodemus Andanje, Susan Anderson, Korinne Bryan, Jessica Christman, Caitlin Collis, Jaquelin Cruz-Jordan, Megan Dempsey, Chante Forde, Vanessa Fosco, Emma Hagel, Ryan Hamilton, Alison Henning, Dana Hume, Michael John Jazul, Gilbert Martinelli, Jacori McEachnie, Felicia Milano, Wilfredo Montijo, Daija Moore-Evans, Elizabeth Palesano, Tara Rivers, Alondra Santos-Castillo, Ryan Sene, Gabrielle Smith, Joanna Thompson, Cristobal Vega, Caitlyn Verdin Soriano, Dmitry Vereykin, Christopher Waters, Laurie Whiteley, Jessica Whittle

North Wales: Gabrielle Altomare, Krupa Bhatt, Marissa Boorse, Chialing Chang, Michael Checkowski, Timothy Cooper, Cole Davis, Derrick Dell, Himani Devabhaktuni, Jenna Dickinson, Alicia Eglin, Jessica Fulford, Brianna Gaul, Michael Godown, Kyle Greenwood, Harry Lee, Keyur Patel, Dhavalkumar Patel, Brooke Pulli, Yoomin Sun, Fiamma Tulli, Can Uslu

Oley: Aidan Meacham

Oreland: Cassandra Davis, Nina Grimes, Alexander McDermott, Ryan Meinke, Sara Violi, Tenzin Wangyal

Palm: Chad Butler

Penn Valley: Erica Santos, Alexander Shetzen

Pennsburg: Chad Petipren, Elizabeth Rinehart, Katarzyna Sitko, Olivia Spilman, Tyler Whittaker, Andrew Zambanini

Perkasie: Crystal Serrano

Perkiomenville: Chelsea Faulkner, Leigha Hughes, Charlotte Moore, Julianne Nacarelli, Christie Schwengler, Brandon Taylor, Elizabeth Tcheiguine, Travis Wetzel

Philadelphia: Valeriya Achkin, Stephanie Collazo, Amber Dolison, Carly Handley, Tonetta Henry, Dina Jean, Crystal Joung, Kelsey Marshall, Maria Martinez, Jacqulyn Newlin, Ngan Phan, Chayse Rosciolo, James Shattuck, Quinten Staton, Phallon Summerville

Phoenixville: Daniel Berger, Kevin Colbert, Shannon Horgan, Monica Hritz, Victoria Jennings, Michael Jones, Arsh Patel, Tyler Snowden, Sarah Wochele

Plymouth Meeting: Kyle Bone, Michael Cairns, Rebecca Carbo, Victor Cardone, Ashlie Conboy, Nicholas DiSanto, Patriot Fazliu, Casey Gleba, Jovita Lopez, Kayla Magliocco, Olivia Mailey, Jonathan Marinelli, Timothy McClure, Autumn McClure, Cristian Neagoe, Caroline Rogers, Juman Safi, Rachel Viola, Sarah Viola, Emily Witek

Pottstown: Elaine Allen, Cloe Barbish, Emily Bohn, Thomas Braun, Colleen Canfield, John Chrin, Seth Conbeer, Zachary Davis, Emily Davis, Anastasia Davis, Martin Dobbs, Samantha Faust, Marita Franz, Grant Gaugler, Angelica Glaeser, Tommee Gordon, Casey Hand, Elizabeth Harley, Indya Harris, Evan Hillen, Kirill Hofer, Mekhi Jackson, William Kabrich, Angela Kenney, Hans Konarkowski, Dung Le, Tyesha Lewis, Brian Lightcap, Jasmine Maldonado, Jordan Markoski, Deanna Miller, Andrea Moses, Jaclyn Murphy, Anthony Oglesby, Houda Ozdemir, Paul Parrish, Jonathan Pavlick, Colleen Phillips, Shelby Poston, Kaylyn Richards, Brandon Ruppe-Schlau, Hattie Sandberg, Jonece Sergent, Samantha Shovelton, Alexis Showers, Sara Shultz, Jeffrey Smith, Charlotte Stone, Angelica Stone, Anna Taylor, Allysha Towson, Jeffrey Vontor, James Walmsley, Daniel Walters, Kari Yaculak, Ronni Yerk

Red Hill: Justine Gavis, Mary Heebner, Joseph Hinz

Rehrersburg: Terrence Glenn

Roslyn: Michael Ferry, Daniel Fisher, Joseph Flint, Ruth Myers, Ke’ana Robinson

Royersford: Antoinette Breccia, Lori Buuck, Daniel Dougherty, Sophie Garro, Jennifer Grablewski, Steven Landis, Emily Maxwell, Frank McGuigan, Kyle Richter, Olivia Rodenbaugh, Isabella Rotta, Kyle Surbrook, Kayla Velasquez, Jordan Wheaton

Rydal: Sunisa Naksiri

Salford: John-Curtis Quattrini

Sanatoga: Devon Kling, Ariana Niemann

Schwenksville: Erin Bullock, Daniela Casalinuovo, Alyson Consalvo, Jacob Hennessey, Joseph Homan, Kara Hoover, Christian Houser, Ryan Kasiarz, Kevin Keohane, Blaine Kleiner, Heidi Liebenberg, Conrad Maffin, Colin Murphy, Jessica Pupillo, Rachel Robinson, Corey Stenger, Kathryn Warren

Sinking Spring: Katherine Soto

Souderton: Diana Brunk, Alison Giles, Brett Hale, Catharine Hay, Hyeonjoo Min, Kyle Mondesir, Daulton Rittenhouse, Ruth Rowland, Karissa Shisler, Josiah Souder, Wai Tang, Frank VanDerBogart-Maiorana, Benjamin Walmsley, Nathaniel Walmsley

Southampton: Francis Ludovici

Spring City: Erik Aschendorf, Christopher Parker-Bednarczyk

Stowe: Gabrielle Davidheiser, Abagail Hudock, Troy Lutcavage

Telford: Carina Brown, Jimmy Bui, Samuel Crino, Katherine Derstine, Kara Gaburon, Lakshmiee Gosine, Melanie Hagen, Danielle Halteman, Jillian Hartman, Stefan Hofmeister, David Hollinger, Claire Horrocks, Emily Kuykendall, Lawrence Loughery, Marissa Medycki, Colin Moyer, Preston Moyer

Trappe: Jose Catalan

Trooper: Dominic Coppa

Upper Darby: Ariel Dayan

Upper Gwynedd: Nancy Henggeler

Villanova: James Mearns

Warminster: Margaret West

Warrington: Ngan Do

Wayne: Kira Miller

West Norriton: Madelynn Lund

West Point: Andrew McNaney, Amber Shank

Willow Grove: Natalie Berger, Jessica Delucca, Tamyia Edmonds, Benjamin Fox, Rachel Goldenberg, Elizabeth Laemmle, Ji Soo Lee, Melissa McCann, Michelle Paripsky, Samantha Smith, Kaitlin Taylor, Jingxu Zhu

Wyncote: Ronald Kreines, Marielle Silberman

Wyndmoor: Christine Fariss

Wynnewood: Rivka Gross

Wyomissing: Steven Moya

Yardley: Ramon Peart

Last Call For A Free PPA Grant Workshop!‏

Calling all artists, community groups and arts organizations of the Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties!Applications are now being accepted for the Pennsylvania Partners of the Arts (PPA) Project Stream Grant. The deadline for all applications is June 20, 2016.

To encourage participation in the application process, The Lehigh Valley Arts Council has offered FREE grant writing workshops throughout the month of May – 5/12, 5/14 and 5/24only one workshop opportunity remains!

FINAL WORKSHOP
May 24, 2016 | 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Touchstone Theatre; 321 E. Fourth Street, Bethlehem, PA

New and returning applicants have found these sessions critical to their success in meeting the demands of a compelling, competitive proposal. Applicants will have the opportunity to review PCA’s eligibility rules; detailed criteria, narrative and budget requirements; and digital work samples that make a successful application.

The PPA Project Stream Grant awards up to $2,500 to eligible individuals, community groups, and non-profit organizations to conduct arts projects which have a significant public component. The grant application and award process is locally administered by the Lehigh Valley Arts Council staff, who then convene advisory panels from the local cultural community to review the applications according to PCA guidelines.

Registration for the final Project Stream grant writing workshops is recommended but not required. To register, please email the Lehigh Valley Arts Council’s new PPA Coordinator Zach Kleemeyer at PPA@LVArtsCouncil.org.

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The Lehigh Valley Arts Council’s mission is to promote the arts; to encourage and support artists and their development; to assist arts organizations; and to facilitate communication and cooperation among artists, arts organizations, and the community. www.LVArtsCouncil.org

$10,000 Arts Scholarship To Be Awarded

POTTSTOWN, PA – The 2016 Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship for the Arts is a $10,000 scholarship designed to financially assist a local high school senior from Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Owen J. Roberts or The Hill School in obtaining a degree from accredited academic institutions of higher learning for study in the arts. ArtFusion 19464 is proud to partner for the fifth year with the Foundation to present this scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded based on two criteria:  artistic performance as displayed at the Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship Art Exhibit at ArtFusion 19464, and an essay on why the applicant wants to continue their education in the arts.  The applicant’s intended field of study must include a major or a minor in an arts-related field.

The 2016 applicants are: Leila Atoo (Pottstown), Aslan Berbaum (Pottsgrove), Bryan James Collins (Pottsgrove), Zachary Eric Foreman (Owen J. Roberts), Alexandria Gallion (Pottsgrove), and Madison Schaeffer (Owen J. Roberts).

The scholarship will be awarded at a ceremony at ArtFusion 19464 on Saturday, May 21 at 1pm. The ceremony is open to the public. The candidates’ artwork, along with artwork by other local high school students, will be on display in the ArtFusion main gallery until June 4.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am-5 pm and Saturday 10 am-3 pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Music For People Satellite Improvisation Camp

only $89.00 both days
Saturday 6/25 (10-4pm) Through simple forms we will create music from within and develop skills in listening and playing with others. Lots of music making!

(5-9pm) Celebration The local community is invited to join us for a potluck, music making, dance and badminton playing party. You can perform Open Mic style on the stage, dance, socialize, jam in the back rooms, eat and play Badminton!

($20 Sat night only or $10. if you bring a dish)

SMASHVILLE ARTS AND BADMINTON CENTER
310 E High St. Pottstown, PA 3rd floor
Music and Well Being  Sunday 6/26 10-1pm

Improvisation skills utilized with Soundhealing techniques exploring: voice, instruments, Tibetan bowls and a Sound bed.
Healing Arts Studio 
125 Prospect St. Phoenixville, PA. ($40. Sunday only )

Community Is invited To Mobile Job Lab And Open House At MCCC’s University Center – June 6‏

Pottstown, PA —Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) University Center, in partnership with its Career Services and the TriCounty Community Network (TCN), will be hosting a Mobile Job Lab and Open House on Monday, June 6, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the University Center, Room 118, 95 S. Hanover Street, Pottstown. The Mobile Job Lab and Open House are open to the community as well as MCCC students.

At the Mobile Job Lab, MCCC’s Career Services representatives and volunteers from TCN will assist participants with searching for jobs, writing resumes and using LinkedIn to create career profiles and broaden their networks. The services are free, and walk-ins are welcome.

During the Open House, visitors can meet with representatives from the University Center’s partners—Albright College, Cabrini College, Chestnut Hill College, Immaculata University and Temple University—to learn about their programs and available degrees and certificates. MCCC representatives also will be on hand to provide information about the Virtual Campus and admission process.

MCCC’s University Center will be hosting future Mobile Job Labs on June 6, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.

For more information about the University Center, visit http://www.mc3.edu/university-center.

For updates, like and follow the University Center on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/UniversityCenterMC3.

MCCC Celebrates Student Success At 2016 Commencement Ceremony

PROCESSION: Associate Professor of Sociology Lee Wood leads to the procession of graduates at Montgomery County Community College’s 49th Commencement ceremony. Photo by John Welsh

PROCESSION: Associate Professor of Sociology Lee Wood leads to the procession of graduates at Montgomery County Community College’s 49th Commencement ceremony. Photo by John Welsh

Blue Bell, PA —Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) celebrated the success of 1,555 graduates during its 2016 Commencement ceremony on May 19 in Blue Bell.

Ranging in age from 18-70, from 11 countries throughout the world, graduating with 1,597 degrees and certificates in more than 30 areas of study—the class of 2016 reflects the diversity of MCCC’s student body.

Among the members of the class of 2016 are 34 military veterans, 17 international students, 32 student athletes, 294 members of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, 30 graduates from MCCC’s Culinary Arts Institute, 62 graduates from the MCCC Municipal Police Academy, and 45 Virtual Campus students who completed their degrees entirely online. In addition, 133 graduates started their education as dual enrollment students from 30 different high schools.

“You are a remarkably diverse, committed group of students. All of you share an unquenchable determination and hunger for learning,” MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock told the graduates during his welcome.

Dr. Pollock also shared a statistic of which he is particularly proud.

“This year, our student body, including many graduates here tonight, logged over 20,000 hours of community service, making a difference on our campuses and in the community,” he said. “Don’t ever lose your drive to improve the world. You will make a difference.”

The theme of opening doors and seizing opportunities carried throughout the evening’s speeches.

“Tonight, I will share three important lessons with you: look for opportunity in every situation; don’t give up; and make a difference,” said PECO President and CEO Craig L. Adams, who provided the keynote address. “There is always a way.”

Adams shared his own educational journey, which, like MCCC’s graduates, started at a community college.

“When I was young, I didn’t think I’d have the change to go to college—but there was a way,” he said. “You will encounter many barriers. Don’t let then stop you from doing what you want to do.”

JACQUELINE RAMOS: Jacqueline Ramos, Hatfield, provided the student address at Montgomery County Community College’s 49th Commencement ceremony on May 19, 2016. She graduated with an A.A.S. in Baking and Pastry Arts and a Certificate in Culinary Arts. Photo by John Welsh

JACQUELINE RAMOS: Jacqueline Ramos, Hatfield, provided the student address at Montgomery County Community College’s 49th Commencement ceremony on May 19, 2016. She graduated with an A.A.S. in Baking and Pastry Arts and a Certificate in Culinary Arts. Photo by John Welsh

A highlight of the evening was the student address, given by 2016 MCCC Culinary Arts Institute graduate Jacqueline Ramos, of Hatfield.

Ramos passionately shared her experiences as a student, drawing laughter when she recalled Lecturer and Chef Julia Quay creating a ServSafe version of Justin Timberlake’s song “Suit and Tie” to teach the students about foodborne illnesses.

“Never did I feel such a part of my school as I do here. Thanks to Montco and the Culinary Arts Institute, I became part of a family,” she said.

Ramos, who graduated with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) in Baking and Pastry Arts and a Certificate in Culinary Arts, also encouraged graduates to be open to new opportunities.

“Regardless of why we enrolled in that first class at Montgomery County Community College, we opened a door! I encourage you to walk through [that door] ready to conquer the world!” she said. “Be open to opportunities and take advantage of them when they come to you. They will open even more doors and new adventures.”

In addition to serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez presented several awards for teaching excellence to MCCC faculty based on nominations by their colleagues and students.

The late Dr. Lee Bender, who passed away recently after serving MCCC for 48 years as a Professor of Economics and Dean of Business and Computer Science, was posthumously honored with the Pearlstine Award for Teaching Excellence, presented bi-annually to a full-time faculty member.

“Dr. Bender’s unparalleled 48-year tenure at the College, coupled with his commitment to lifelong learning, academic excellence and student success, were cited as clear reasons for his nomination for this award—or as one nominator called it, ‘the College’s first lifetime achievement award for excellence in teaching and excellence in administration.”

Bender’s wife, Carol Shilling, accepted the award on his behalf.

Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards, sponsored by Barnes & Noble and presented for only the second time, were awarded to Senior Psychology Lecturer Mary Brenna Burch and Senior Biology Lecturer Ricardo Lopez.

Following the conferring of degrees, Dr. Bastecki-Perez ended the evening with words of inspiration to the class of 2016.

“Ghandhi is famously quote as saying, ‘You must be the change you want to see in the world.’ Graduates, each one of you has taken a step toward being that change by investing in your education and in your future. Your vision, hard work, and perseverance will serve as an example for generations to come. I wish each and every one of you a bright future filled with happiness and success. Congratulations to the class of 2016!”

2016 Montgomery County Community College Graduates

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — A total of 1,555 students graduated from Montgomery County Community College with 1,597 associate’s degrees and certificates during the 49th Commencement ceremony on May 19 at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

The 2016 graduates are listed by area of residence.

Abington: Janet Askin, Cody Bane, Cory Bane, Kyle Becker, Dustyn Collins, Kevin Cruz, Samantha Dowdy, Leslie Foster, Taylor Gordon, Tyler Hasse, Monica Keister, Brian Kelly, Andrew Leeds, Katrina Lundy, Kelly McCoog, Linh Nguyen, Abriana Outen, Gene Ruzzi, Rebecca Sargent, Gretchen Sinclair, April Steed, Benjamin Swanger

Ambler: Lois Ajiboye, Ori Ajiboye, Joanna Bak, Kristine Baldwin, Gina Beasley, Doris Brooke, Latisha Burnett, Christopher Calvano, Bradley Collings, Anna Collins, Stephanie Craveiro, Sylvia Donnelly, Ashley Harris, Kristen Holzherr, Jessica Hoyt, Lisa Leadbeater, Brian Maggio, Zarina Makhatdinova, Frank Mansfield, Sarah Milstein, Keith Muli, Patrick Murphy, Martina Oborna, Andrew Phelan, Carlo Pipitone, Raedeia Roberts, Robert Roche, Nicholas Tylawsky, Eileen Williams, Emily Zalitchi, Amanda Zhou

Ardmore: Quinlyn Campbell, Souleymane Kantako, Gabriel Pressman, John Timmons

Ardsley: Samantha Goerlich, Amanda Kida, Emma Morris, Sarah Wilson

Audubon: Nicole Betton, Robert Bradley, Matthew Civitello, Melissa Cougle, Jessica Culligan, Maanjot Gill, Andrew Heck, Justin Mingle

Bala Cynwyd: Mary Jessica Bloguszewski, Chuny Gyaltsen, Angelica Hunter, Noah Kosherick, Catherine Morroney, Denise Parker, Daniel Real, Nahid Rooshenas, Tiffany Weeks

Ballwin, Missouri: Yanhui Li

Bally: Brittany Dechert

Barto: Matthew Coldsmith, Zachary Kabinoff, Nicole Moyer, Samantha Springman

Bechtelsville: Amber Engle, Joseph Hartline, Corey Pettine, Ashley Rutter

Bensalem: Alexandria French, Rochel Simon

Berwyn: Eva Hozinez

Birchrunville: Keenan McCormick

Birdsboro: Samantha Bergeman, Erika Blaszczyk, Yeukai Everingham, Judy Hoffmeister, Stephen Scholes

Blandon: Daniel Minto

Blue Bell: Lauren Basile, Hannah Bogedain, Timothy Brown, Leland Brown, Ashley Connison, Brianna Cravero, Quinn Demarco, Emily Didomenico, Herbert Edgerson, Katelynn Gold, Eun Kyoung Han, Joseph Hanlon, Andrew Herbert, Shana Hill, Jill Hoffman, John Hong, Joshua Julien, Nicholas Lantonio, Victoria Martorana, Andrew Min, Roman Montijo, Samantha Payne, Hailey Reinbold, Hollie Roberts, Kevin Taylor, Troy Thurston, Karen Williams

Boyertown: Matthew Ayoub, Devon Beck, Bridget Brady, Erica Churchill, Terri Coleman, Bernadette Duckwall, Grace Fennimore, Vincent Giangiulio, James Griffin, Tiffany Kreamer, Amanda Kulp, Andrew Parsons, Jessica Persons, James Raby, Sarah Royer, Megan Sassaman, Lauren Specht, Douglas Stemple, Alyssa Weil, Nicole Weising

Bridgeport: Samuel Boccella, Deanna Cantello, Olga Fazlyeva, Diane Mason, Zachary McCorkell, Mamdouh Mikhail, Nikki Ross

Brooklyn: Peter Makina

Bryn Mawr: Ekta Daswani, Ryan Richards

California: Lisa Aurelia

Chalfont: Paul Choi, Brianna Hampson, Janet Jordan, Peter Ladman, Denean Lear, Patrick Rajavong, Stephen Scafidi, Rebecca Shigo

Cheltenham: Melanie Arroyo, Dillon Campbell, Tara Cherwony, Tyler Dooley, Lindsey Fiegel, Taylor Geigert, Andrew Harcum, Briana Jackson, Timothy Judge, Cody Kauffman, Steven Kiska, Daniel Moser, Stephen Pierce, Laurell Sample, Arnette Smith, Paul Teitman, Joshua Vargha, Chenyang Zhang

Chester Springs: Karen Gratton

Chesterbrook: Joseph Haas

Clifton Heights: Shaniceka Guerra

Clifton: Edwin Betances

Coatesville: Judith McCole

Collegeville: Samuel Ahola, Joshua Alderfer, Ivan Bernabe, William Bianco, Kelly Brennan, Katelyn Brower, Max Bugay, Julie Clark, Elizabeth Cusmina, John Dang, Sean Dean, Amanda Demarco, Dustin Dimarcello, Erin Donovan, Mark Dylinski, Brian Furman, Christine Gambeski, Danieska Giron, Michele Gloser, Amanda Gorski, Lauren Grevera, Audrey Guarnaccia, Jena Hanebury, Lauren Hannon, Brandon Hoy, Jared Keisling, Melissa Kohl, Rachel Krantz, Jenna Kratz, Thomas Leahan, Eric Lesinski, Robert Lorinc, Regina MacMurtrie, Christine Majewski, George McCallion, Geoffrey Melle, Ashley Muhlenberg, Salvatore Natale, Erin Ondrejka, Brigitte Ortega, Guisette Ortega-Crespo, Ashley Parker, Shreya Patel, Ryan Pishock, Nicholas Potter, Patrick Prante, Matthew Pullett, Michael Reiner, Evan Sarvey, Kirsten Smith, Kristie Tang, Kiersten Tasker, Nicholas Vergara, Nicole Viola, Amanda Watson, Tessa Wlodarczyk

Colmar: James Karcher

Colorado Springs, Colorado: Robert Watson

Conshohocken: Joseph Albanese, Jonathan Angelilli, Victoria Barattucci, Seth Barton-Roberts, Michael Bokoski, Kelby Chen, Rachel Dibenedetto, Hannah Drennen, Kacie Gallagher, Allison Giannone, Michele Hagopian, Raina Hansen, Renee Haubert, Audrey Hogan, Andrew Hohorst, Ashley Jackson, Thomas Jones, Kyeong Kim, Caroline Lopez, Joshua Malkasian, Gregory Moore, Tracey Palummo, Leigh Ronnan, Sheila Salcedo, Angela Tammaro, Rachel Tether, Tara Travaline, Richard Vose

Coopersburg: Ann Forrestal

Croydon: Jennifer Leah-Rosa

Douglassville: Bobbianne Babb, Becki Boyer, Emily Cavanaugh, Amber Cooper, Adriana Giotti, Charles Hennessey, Donna Maden, Logan McCoy, Charles Mearhoff, Christopher Roncase, Lisa Schnovel, Nicollette Smith, Lauren Tomlinson, Richard Whitcombe, Christopher Whitney

Dover: Jeromy Pruden

Downingtown: Katherine McQuoid

Doylestown: David Anderson, Dori Brienza, Louis Isernia, Melissa Jackson, Robin Weader

Dresher: William Brown, Ryan Carr, Lindsey Glassberg, John Monaghan, Andrew Wirstiuk

Eagleville: Perla Alarcon, Thomas Bednar, Daniel Buttorff, Amanda Cooney, Joseph Dellangelo, Kayla Doran, Howard Fulmer, April Gamber, Andrew Laroche, Louis Primavera, Julie Primavera, Moin Rana, Dana Roberts, Nicholas Rosato, Devin Schlack, Bethany Smith, Tiffany Zerbe

East Greenville: Aimee Augustine, Danielle Barbacow, Cody Finn, Heather Haby, Joseph Holtje, Colin Hurrey, Brandon Levengood, Rebecca Levengood, Jasmine Martinez, Kassie Remick, Michelle Rose, Emily Theis, Michelle Williams

East Norriton: Viral Amin, Brian Condran, Kathleen Diferdinando, Angelina Diferdinando, Kristy Druding, Kathryn Hall, Edward Lohmeyer, Carolyn Malervy, Danielle Pfender, Jacqulyn Puccio, Kyle Sapovits, Joshua Taylor

East Stroudsburg: Rebecca Contino

Elkins Park: Aliyah Abraham, Erica Bennicoff, Anna Chrzanowski, Sarah Daniels, Caitlyn Deviney, Emily Grubb, Mitchell Hartman, Jesse Heath, Diane Heydt, Adam Hightower, Baofeng Huang, Sally Jimenez, Megan Ladd, Celeste Lauderdale-Smith, Ayanna Miller, Igli Nako, Dat Nguyen, Carmen Orellana, Rolene Perumal, Cynthia Rivera, Tameka Robinson, Daniel Santos, William Schwarz, Jane Shapiro, Ashley Smith, Joseph Walsh, Amy Williams, Troy Wynn

Erdenheim: Christian Morrison, Jessi Shaffer

Fleetwood: Kial Maynard

Flourtown: Jake Frye, Sarah Kelly, Kiera Mazur

Fort Washington: Jonathan Basta, Susan James

Frederick: Breanna Bolton

Fort Polk, Louisiania: Caitlin Sweeney

Galloway, New Jersey: Kyle Rokoskie

Gilbertsville: John Paul Alamares, Brian Bibby, Brenna Bobbin, Gerald Bonmer, Christopher Bradley, Donna Braner, Elizabeth Bringhurst, Alexandra Bringhurst, Kathryn Brown, Marion Bucci, Sharon Delporte, Joseph Dick, Marc Easi, Tyler Emel, Crystle Eselby, Taralee Fox, Brian Guzman, Eric Harrington, Paul Jaworski, Daniel Johnson, Zachary Long, Kristy Mahoney, Myesha McClam, Jarrod McIlvee, Lori McIlvee, Kyle Miller, Daryl Mindler, Melissa Missimer, Katlyn Mutone, Brianne Northrop, Dana Nothstein, Ricky Panicker, Zakery Russell, Jacob Salkovitz, Allison Saulinas, Kristin Sechrist, Silvia Shambo, Alex Siwik, Patience Soli-Ansu, Megan Strickland, Paige Stubblebine, Carly Watson, Joseph Williams

Glenside: Crystal Abel, Nancy Allerton, Abby Aversa, Ruth Barnard, Shania Bebee, Megan Bilbee, Leor Capunitan, Samuel Cline, Christian Coley, Simone Davis, Sebastian Derosa, Zachary Downs, Richard Eisenhauer, Jennifer Erickson, Jacqueline Evans, Timothy Frain, Victoria Fulforth, Theresa Gallagher, Grace Herzer, Michael Jamison, Kevin Junod, Katelyn Kacprowicz, Brendan Kirk, Kathleen Lordi, Samantha Lowe, Danielle Manzinger, Katie McKeegan, Monica Mohammed, Lisa Nguyen, Crystal Nieman, Stefano Notarianni, Eric Orliner, Timothy Parisi, Dianna Pax, Danielle Pearson, Kristie Pileggi, Cheri Plante, Crystal Podrost, Peter Pritz, Matthew Reilly, Jason Rodriguez, Kathryn Rohrback, Amanda Settembrino, Gabriel Shoemaker, Larissa Silva, Andrew Simko, Nathan Sims, Tammi Watson, Talia Williams

Green Lane: April Alarcon, Mark Berkenstock, Zach Diehl, Maria Drescher-Lehman, Olivetta Laporta, Emily Moyer, Robert Ziegler

Greenbelt, Maryland: Robert Ellis

Gwynedd Valley: Maureen Azeff

Harleysville: Katalin Abraham, Angie Argueta, Doug Barber, Michael Bieber, Zachary Boccella, Elizabeth Bones, Kerriann Bongard, Drew Cameron, Megan Cammarota, Christopher Chihlas, Laura Coutts, Erin Cribbs, Miranda Dorsey, Lauren Dunlap, Rachel Frick, Brianna Gerhart, Marissa Gleason, Andrew Goetz, Rida Haque, Sarah Hufnagle, Andrew Kramer, Andrew Kriebel, David Maga, Renee Marshall, Alexander McConnell, James Mohr, Joseph Murphy, Brian Nacci, Katelyn Petrille, Kimberly Ragin, Suzanne Rainear, Eric Reed, Victoria Rosato, Anthony Suppi, Esther Thompson, Danielle Tinelli, Kevin Tomczak, Karlie Vogt, Dianarose Weiler, Martha Wolgemuth, Kevin Wood, Amanda Zacharias, Gabrielle Zaro

Harrisburg: Brandi Clark

Hatboro: Duane Adler, Nickolaos Balis, Joseph Cannella, Rachael Carrullo, Morgan Connell, Kristen Donahue, Cody Fitzgerald, Courtney Galetti, Justin Gavaghan, Catherine Genn, Kelsey Graham, Jennifer Herbert, John Ilisco, Aaron Johnson, Stefanie Keenan, Kyrsten Kennedy, Stephen Kubler, Christy Lawson, Tyreek Magruder, Michael Maimone, Nicholas Malgieri, Courtney McMaster, Michael Moyer, Megan Raslovick, Lenin Romero, Jessica Russo, Leeann Schaffer, Jeff Schreiber, Kristina Swan, Rhiannon Whyte, Kristen Yeager

Hatfield: Leanna Bannon, Julie Barberio, Sandra Beitler, Karan Bhatt, Heather Buchhalter, Brian Burns, Carlos Depaz, Damuli Desai, James Devericks, Matthew Evans, John Feher, Jonathan Ferguson, Jonathan Fiamoncini, Courtney Gill, Brandon Gilrain, Rebecca Goodolf, Heather Harrison, James Heim II, Melissa Huber, Kristen Huber, Jacqueline Huynh, Prabhuti Jakhar, Benjamin Kaplan, Mindy Kim, Linda Kusi, Lynne Labate, Stefan Lesher, Denise Lied, Justin Loew, Angela Loper, Karen Lopez, Cassandra MacDonald, Jennifer Maslanski, Colin McKinnon, Jenna Moyer, Alicia Osborn, Joseph Paskill, Kelly Paskill, Daisy Patel, Payal Patel, Anthony Pletscher, Diane Posavec, Pruthviraj Rabari, Jacqueline Ramos, Victoria Reeser, Shannon Riggall, Mark Romani, Angela Russak, Akli Sari, Allyx Schmidt, Sarah Shepper, Niles Thomas, Dylan Wallis, Connor Wallis, Ricardo White, Amanda Zavala

Haverford: Katelyn McCauley

Havertown: Yafa Dorfman

Henderson: Hailey Beattie

Holland: Michele Amos

Horsham: Stefanie Barszowski, Julia Besu-Mcleish, Maria Boggi, Ryan Brown, Jacqueline Caddle, Thomas Doberstein, Margaret Furlong, David Kim, Danielle Lybrand, Franklin Maiolino, Matthew Marinelli, Kristen Mayo, Douglas Moritz, Samuel Ogilvie, Joseph Palmeri, Sherrilee Pierce, Heather Pringle, Julie Reago, Kimberly Rost, Woo Young Song, Matthew Svoronos, Sam Whitall, Michaela Williams

Houston: Elizabeth Kulp

Huntingdon: Christine Brown

Huntingdon Valley: William Alexander, David Antoni, Luke Castor, Sarah Ciambrano, Chelsea Cooper, Deena Derenzis, Christine Hayward, Julianne Johnson, Jessica Joyner, Deborah Kauffman, Hwanhie Kim, Johanna Licari, Ashley Lynn, Brian Moleski, Bagena Plotnik, Julie Schilling

Jamison: Jiyoung Chun

Jeffersonville: Karen Salamone, Nicolas Soldano, Conard Tomlinson

Jenkintown: Ping Chi, Courtney Colkett-Harvey, Shannon Dougherty, Eleni Driza, Moeunsaem Jung, Jinman Li, Alistair McDonald, Maryclare Meyers, Tetyana Protsyk, Natalia Ramirez Nova, Tomasz Romanowski, Kathleen Vandegrift, Li Zhu

King of Prussia: Ana Carpio, Nicholas Cattani, Jesse Cohen, Jamie Davis, Vincent DeSanto, Joseph Dipaul, Yacine Hacene, Tasia Jones-Hall, Allison Koenig, Angelika Mari Morelos, Angelika Mae Morelos, Mike Noga, Ashley Pagnotti, Meet Patel, Karan Puri, William Robinson, Hali Romeu, Thomas Rosa, Jessica Ruben, Samir Sharif, Kevin Sicilia

Lafayette Hill: Danielle Cervone, Alexis Dougherty, Harrison Griffin, Victoria Jordan, Brian Seyler, James Smith, Chad Stante, Mikhaila Wilkins

Lansdale: Rabbil Ahmed, Rakhi Akhtar, Jasmine Baez, Katherine Beck, Mumtaz Begum, Ryan Bergman, Kevin Braun, Shanetta Brazil, Kristin Brodbeck, Shelby Brown, Heaven Brown, Dennis Capone, Justin Carr, Stephanie Chalmers, Seoyune Choe, Erica Christensen, Marisa Christensen, Joanne Coakley, Patrick Cummins, Nicholas D’Amore, Jonathan Dimascio, Angela Duff, Erin Ehinger, Ian Eisenhart, Jamie Epstein, Dillon Etze, Tyler Finacchio, Victoria Fox, Kevin Franklin, Vince Gaeta, Emily Gavin, Michael Geremia, Erika Gibson, Nahkyma Graham, Rachael Grallnick, Regina Guzman, Shawna Hall, Jeffrey Handwerk, Christopher Hartman, Alyse Hatzai, Nicholas Hirsh, Virginia Hoffman, Jennifer Ignao, Sara Javorka, Justin Joseph, Isis Kim, Yoon Kim, Mengwei Kong, Daniel Kwon, Margaret Labutis, Alex Larosa, Chunmei Li, Jessica Margulies, Tina Marrero, Jena Marron, Allison Mason, John May, Christina McCarthy, Eileen McGilloway, Audrey Mitchell, Ahmed Mostafa, Sufi Noor, Jennifer Nuss, Brian O’Donnell, Young Oh, Ibukun Olowodahunsi, Hanane Oubellil, Doreen Panico, Hee Park, Dhara Patel, Victoria Pettit, Brianna Phelps, Justine Porretti, Breanna Potts, Valerie Pry, Philip Rakszawski, Gregory Regan, Michael Reimel, Ashley Reinoso Calle, Christine Roberts, Jazmin Rodriguez, Eileen Scerati, William Schaefer, Tara Schell, Wesley Schuit, Gabrielle Scotti, Devanshi Shah, Huixin Shen, Stephanie Smith, Elizabeth Sobel, Kisu Sohn, Hui Song, Tiffany Sutcliffe, Ewa Szewczyk, Rabah Tezkratt, Mamata Tharima, Robert Vogel, Darin Wible, Chadd Williams, Jiwan Yang, Mary Zabriskie, Dongming Zhang, Yuanqi Zhang, Hong Zhu

Laverock: Annice Allen

Lederach: Terry Mullin

Levittown: Lindsay Hahn, Carolyn Schlude

Limerick: Kyle Allebach, Bethany Barbish, Alexandra Busa, Timothy Galligan, Masynn Gensler, Tiffany Granozio, Anne Groarke, David Heller, Samona Jefferson, Ijeoma Okere, Skylar Sokolowski, Rebecca Whitton

Linfield: Samuel Gutchen, Chelsea Keown

Macungie: Camilo Burgos-Pimiento, Hillary Kleinz

Malvern: Brad Nehls, Jamar West

Maple Glen: Alyssa Beisel, Nathanael Cox, Robert D’Ginto, Maura Duggan, Jack Duggan, Courtney Durham, Austin Kelly, Danielle Moulton, Yen Nhi Ngo, Felicia Segan

Merion Station: Myles Berson

Mont Clare: Gregory Beener, Sarah Robbins, Kirsten Sheplock

Montgomeryville: Jequaya Britton, Jamar Martin

Narberth: Matthew Ferguson, Brooke Starkman

Narvon: Ariella Hankins

New York, New York: Katherine Gossett

Norristown: Toni Altieri, Gabrielle Altieri, Stephanie Angelucci, Anice Austin, Babademilade Babatunde, Jeremy Bandel, Nicole Battista, Richard Bouknight, Stephen Bowsky Williams, Shaun Bradley, Anthony Bui, Amy-Lee Bulluck-Thomas, Michael Ciotti, Sandra Crooks, Aqiyla Dawson, Kristopher Doty, Brittany Dry, Leah Evanik, Matthew Faust, Amanda Felix, Kristen Felton, Stephanie Felton, Carmela Ferrizzi, Thomas Gambone, Jorge Garcia, Helga Giddens, Doi Go, Ellen Gray, Amy Gregor, Amanda Griffiths, Carly Guzzardo, Ellen Hanlon, Colin Hartwell, Brittany Hewitt, Gail Holmes, Heidi Hunsberger, Christine Hunsberger, Adam Jones, Zachery Jones, Jon Kilgannon, Hicham Laataata, Thai Lam, Ryan Lattanze, Niquita Lee, Shawn Letsididi, Loren Lomax, Danielle Malone, Tyera Martin, David Mason, Jacori McEachnie, Diahann McIntyre, Michael Melito, Efosa Minabowan, Wilfredo Montijo, Deirdre Morris, Tanya Moyer, Cameron Myers, Paige Ochs, Majirioghene Oporiopo, Elizabeth Palesano, Kinshu Patel, Stacey Perry, Louis Piraino, William Reed, Collin Reed, Lane Richardson, Ian Robinson, Wellington Rodriguez, Roxie Rogers, Christopher Santori, Davin Sao, Carolyn Savage, Casey Schramm, Brian Shells, Zoe Sirleaf, Nichole Smith, Kemi Southey-Cole, Rosa Tancredi, Matthew Thompson, Atik Vahora, Gabrielle Valitski, Francisco Valladares, Steven Valladares, Shylah Villafuerte-Gomban, Keyanna Vose, Sarina Wang, Jamie West, Robin Wilks, Marion Williams, Michele Wolfinger

North Hills: Amanda Longenberger

North Wales: Chul Ahn, Andrew Belton, Krupa Bhatt, John Bucci, Jillian Calhoun, Melanie Carson, Michelle Cha, Jaimie Coffey-Salazar, Jamie Darragh, Silvana Dell, William Fellmeth, Andrea Fitzgerald, Deanna Gordon, Nicole Harris, Alyssa Hoos, Brent Hoyer, Nicole Jones, Tyler Jushchyshyn, Sean Kennedy, Telma Kenneth, Sehee Kim, Min Kim, Justin Krauss, Robin Lane, Matthew Loggins, Garret Macrone, Christopher Markopulos, Zachary Miller, Kerry Moran, Dennis Paek, Keyur Patel, Nicole Rademan, Hyeokjae Rho, Rebecca Robinson, Devon Robinson, Dakota Rose, Karolina Rzepka, Emily Seigafuse, Justin Shaw, Vincent Sica, Emily Smith, Erynlauryn Steranko, Dolan Stimson, Flavia Sztubinski, Linda Trinh, Shaquiel Tucker, Timothy Weisbein, Eli Wrubleski, Christine Yi

Oaks: Ashley Daywalt, Samantha Pietrewicz

Oley: Abby Faus, Lee Wagner

Oreland: Erica Bello, Daren Bolton, Miguel Cortes, Cassandra Davis, Hanna Martin, Alexander McDermott, Daniel McGlinchey, Ryan Meinke, Michelle Menardi, Robert Murphy, Emily Odom, Brittany Richter, Bailey Roussel, Ingrid Standen, Sara Violi, Devon Wilson, MacKenzie Woron

Palisades Park, New Jersey: Yeong Bang

Palm: Tori Kooker

Penllyn: Tauhirah Barnes, Roneale Obey

Penn Valley: Alexander Shetzen

Pennsburg: Nichole Adams, Douglas Brown, Megan Cisarik, Rebecca Clifford, Gabrielle Hansell, Julie Hartman, Sarah Hunsberger, Haley Johnston, Brooke Miller, Courtney Pepe, Margaretta Poku-Adjei, Nicole Ryan, William Scott, Andrew Wolf

Perkasie: Brandon Engle, Juliet Kocieda, Anthony Paul, Crystal Serrano

Perkiomenville: Carly Blythe, Gabriele Ciociola, Jordan DeVore, Chelsea Faulkner, Leigha Hughes, Nicholas Monderewicz, Audra Rose, Joyce Sweeney

Philadelphia: Tamara Ali, Faith Armstrong, Ashley Ball, David Banfield, Elizabeth Bergland, Antoinette Buchanan, Anthony Calfapietra, Christopher Calfapietra, Justin Charney, Sofia Chen Guo, Sergine Citerme, Jacinda Davis, Joshua Durkin, Karena Feng, Kelly Fogel, Sharon Fripps, Tiffinee Gentry, Domonic Gordine, Chelsie Harmer, Stephen Henry, Shianna Hicks, Barbara Ho, Nancy Horton, Aaron Jacobson, Joshua Jenkins, Rashira Johnson, Jacquelyn Johnson, Sarah Kim, Amandeep Kaur, Benita Kinsey, Ifeoluwa Laniya, Evelyn Lucas, James McAllister, Martin McCall, Paola Nussa, Corinne Otto, Robert Otto, Ngan Phan, Zachary Pownall, Vincent Price, Jacob Robertson, Jillian Rogers, Venessa Santiago, Nolan Serowatka, Dior Tate, Shariff Walker, Shaleese Wanamaker, India Williams, Max Woessner, Joseph Wooten, Katherine Wright, Yi Zhao, Ana Carolina Zuccari

Phoenixville: Alexandra Barnes, Kyle Barthel, Holly Batzel, Daniel Berger, Mohamed Eid, Laura Everett, Rebekah Fanus, Ashley Gable, Jesse Gervasi, Susan Giancola, Caroline Giardina, Efrain Govea, Monica Hritz, Jeremy Lander, Janelle Mehan, Charlsie Moore, Michael Morrow, Timothy OBrien, Cameron O’Neil, Corinna Tomline, Jill Yankelitis, Keighley Young

Plymouth Meeting: Rachael Becht, Kyle Bone, Kimberly Calhoun, Dawn Clopp, Devin Corcoran, Jai Ling Dan, Heather Davis, Michele Daywalt, Dari Decinque, Amelia Ellinger, Amy Gleba, Amanda Grau, Eric Greenly, Kristen Janfrancisco, Sandra Kulesza, Timothy McClure, Joseph Monastero, Dylan Murphy, John Myrsiades, Cristian Neagoe, Sharif Nedrick, Mark O’Neill, Sean Riley, Emily Witek

Port Saint Lucie, Florida: Connie Rawlings

Pottstown: Brenda Albrecht, Laura Ayres, Nicholas Bartelmo, Amanda Bealer, Kristy Bell, Katrina Berry, Zachariah Blaszczyk, Marissa Boerner, David Brady, Donald Brooks, Emily Brunton, Olivia Buszta, Michael Byrne, Shannon Cahill, Jessica Cartwright, Nicole Caruso, Mikayla Chippari, Walter Chrobocinski, Jacqueline Cione, Kaitlyn Clark, Brenda Coates, Maxwell Collins, Ryan Cook, Jill Cossaboon, Melissa Cox, Ryan Czekaj, Zachary Davis, Rachael Deeter, Kristen Delano, Tiffany Dilworth, Diane Dry, Liautaud Dupiche, Brian Eaton, Wyatt Erb, Josephine Faison, Melissa Famous, Devin Feeser, Christopher Feltenberger, Lori Flynn, Clifton Ford, Aaliyah Ford, Michelle Frank, Carol Freda, Aaron Garlington, Elizabeth Glaeser, Talita Godusky, Joseph Goldyn, Adam Grauch, Olga Gwinn, Trevor Hallman, Samirah Hanafi, Rachael Harpster, David Haupt, Valerie Heffline, James Hickey, Ruth Holsopple, Leif Hums, Brook Hunter, Christine Jackson, Lesley Jenkins, Meredith Jones, Brandi Kenney, Jonathan Keyser, James King, Ryan Kitchen, Ryan Kohler, Brittney Korn, Kathryn Lee, Samantha Long, Eric Macartney, Meredith Malone, Cody Marchese, Sabrina Marschner, Samantha Mascheri, Veronica McArthur, Abigail McGee, James McKeon, Justin Meade, Trevor Meade, Colleen Meyer, Matthew Milewski, Vincent Miller, Evelyn Moehring, Cassandra Moloney, Andrea Moses, Kelly Murphy, Cassandra Myers, John Naylor, Shawna Northrup, Meghan Oberholtzer, Julia Paskel, Pamela Payne, Kenneth Perry, Vicki Peters, Sorana Phal, Lindsey Phillips, Colleen Phillips, Terry Phillips, Stephen Piechota, Diane Quach, Joseph Ragusa, Elizabeth Raihl, Shelby Reed, Emily Reitmeyer, Brandon Ruppe-Schlau, Heather Schaeffer, Jonece Sergent, Sara Sheppard, Holly Shively, Sara Shultz, Mallory Simms, Charmaine Singh, Robin Sizer, Grace Sloane, Rebekah Slough, Robin Smith, Juliane Smithson, Christina Snowden, Vickie Spargur, Ashley Swanson, Jolynn Swanson, Kimberly Swanson, Ashwin Talreja, Julian Teller, Pamela Tolentino, Pasquale Torzone, Allysha Towson, Renee Vance, Katherine Vogel, Christian Walsh, Anne Wenzel, Henry White, Jason Wissler

Quakertown: Crystal Biemuller, Alec Gerhart, Gregory Koons, Agnieszka Mandosik, Nachole Menta, Andrew Rose, Anna Short

Reading: James Irwin, Solange Jacques, Brenda Jeznach, Lynnette Mauras

Red Hill: Tianna Ashbaugh, Sandy Bock, Catherine Camuso, Mary Heebner, Robert Heinrichs, Janice Kutt, Crystal Lowrey

Rockledge: Joseph Bohrer, Kenneth Morris, Ateyanna Peal, Kevin Travers, Thomas West

Roslyn: Sarah Cirone, Tyler Dittmar, Tymeka Jefferson, Heidi Jeong, Lauren Lockwood, Matthew Pompilii, Ke’ana Robinson, Justin Rollins, Kevin Rooney, Sun Woo

Rosyln: Jessica Sullivan

Royersford: Adam Baldassare, Siti Cauffman, Jean Champion, Matthew Crocker, Heather Curran, Natalie Desantis, Emily Diemer, Kathryn Frick, Stefanie Haas, Sean Heron, Phoebe Ivady, Robert Johnston, Theresa Kearney, Stephanie Kelley, Thomas Kraft, Lynn Lang, Carl Lingenfelter, Christina Luca, Eric Marble, Kelsey McDevitt, Frank McGuigan, Ronald Myers, Jessica Orner, Shreeda Patel, Randy Rahn, Enid Sacks, Dakota Schoppe, Victoria Sisonethasy, Lynne Swaren, Michele Taluc-Chance, Amy Weber, Marissa Weidner, Bruce Williams, Timothy Wilson, Rachel Young

Rydal: Casey Friedman-Dillon, Sunisa Naksiri

Salfordville: Brandon Rahmer

Sanatoga: Ethan Compton, Jordan Scarbrough, Tanner Williams

Schwenksville: Caylin Breisch, Christopher Camuso, Jennifer Ciccotosto, James Clendening, Alyson Consalvo, Erin Duvinski, Christian Flint, Matthew Gross, Andrew Henry, Kiana Keckler, John Lawrence, Carolyn Lehr, Heidi Liebenberg, Dana Likens, Debra Lockard, Jacquelyn Lutz, Conrad Maffin, Angela Malony, Patrick Mayr, Alyssa Monastero, Zachary Olecki, Marta Pecharo, Sara Pecharo, Michael Roberto, Drew Smyth, Wen Trice

Sellersville: Brittni Ruch

Silver Spring: Tuongvy Nguyen

Sinking Spring: Katherine Soto

Skippack: Steven Adoff, Debra Haasis, John Haasis, Chris Maynard, Cydney Rader

Souderton: Katherine Clymer, Nicole Curran, Jacqueline Davies, John Do, Sarah Doelp, Emma Espenlaub, Heather Freed, Heather Gehman, Alyssa Heavener, Cody Kaercher, Tracey Krupp, Myles Menardi, Daulton Rittenhouse, Jennifer Ryan, Kelsey Siegfried, Melinda Simkins, Jay Sitapara, Lavinia Soliman, Katelyn Stuart, Tammy Tran, Jason Wolff

Spring City: Roseanne Ashenfelder, Devon Berryann, Michael Griffith, Marissa Ianni, Eisha Montgomery, Jamie Moore, Kevin Nyce, Matthew Schell, James Sherid, Lonnisha Taylor

Spring House: Stefania Gomez

Stowe: Nicole Chu, Kristyn Hines, Troy Lutcavage, Casey Malloy, Allen Mendenhall, Lavonda Roberts

Summerville: Madeline Barrett

Telford: Timothy Balch, Nicole Bennett, John Bergstresser, Michelle Bruce, Lam Cao, David Childs, Vanessa Dalton, Rebecca Deeter, Kathryn Donley, Tuyet-Nhung Duong, Gregory Fisher, Emily Freed, Wilson Gonzalez, Ryan Hager, Jillian Hartman, Marisa Kampe, Kevin Latorre, Quy Le, William Lorah, William Martin, Aubrey Maxwell, Preston Moyer, Colleen Pellak, Matthew Pfister, Brooke Semmeles, Maria Serino, Jenna Smith, Jason Smith, Jaymee Tilghman, Edward Walter, James Wills, Brandy Yoder

Trappe: Patricia Capizzi, Alexandra Defrangesco, Jennifer Macauley, Melissa Mantey, Brennan McCourt, Austin Moyer, Kelley Rafferty, Brooke Weber

Trevose: Michelle Daciuk

Trooper: Dominic Coppa, Fang Li, Stephanie Stefanik

Tullytown: Christine Knight

Tylersport: Heather Moyer

Villanova: James Mearns

Warminster: Othman Khamouch, Stephen Plum

Warrington: Racheal Kane, Sonia Kaur, Bonnie Miller

Wayne: John Del Collo, Audrey O’Keefe, Jordan Rosen, Erica Williams

West Chester: Amanda Fuller

West Conshohocken: Alexander Dean

West Norriton: Madelynn Lund

Willow Grove: Crespin Akakpo, Colleen Barbardo, Nicole Bartels, Sharde Braxton, Katie Chalmers, Kevin Dunn, Rebecca Flint, Dana Fornicola, Erin Goebel, Rachel Goldenberg, Joseph Gruver, Laura Hackman, Michael Haswell, Erin Houck, Denita Jenkins, Ren Kauffman, Kayla Kulp, Rosalind Lightbourne, Ayanna Logan, Tona May, Kyle McHale, Tracey Melendez, Kenneth Morris, Alicia Nicklas, Michelle Paripsky, Guadalupe Ramos, Adrienne Ray, Matthew Rickert, Joseph Rines, Yevette Rossell, Kerry Sayland, Tyler Shaller, Lauren Smith, Keo Thivarat, Margaret Thompson, Donald Tucker, Daniel Tucker, Patricia Underwood, Jennifer Walmsley, Amanda Warren, Meghan Watkins, Sarah Welch, Zachary Wiley, Robert Wiley, Mark Williams, Caitlan Winterle, Candice Yohe, Jingxu Zhu

Worcester: Kaitlyn Kapralick, James Mahoney

Wyncote: Garrett Benner, Ayana Dunlap, Holly Hughston, Joshua Kellem

Wyndmoor: Charles Diaz, Noah Doman, Dwayne Lawrence, Paul Meagher, Justin Patterson, Maura Pello

Wynnewood: Timothy Adkins, Rivka Gross, Ngan Pham, Thomas Pittman

Wyomissing: Steven Moya

Zieglerville: Elena Hazlett

MCCC Named Among ‘2016 Most Promising Places To Work In Community Colleges’‏

PPWCC_2016 copy 1Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA —Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is recognized as one of nine 2016 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges based on findings from a study conducted by the Center for Higher Education Enterprise (CHEE).

Commissioned by NISOD, a membership organization committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning and leadership at community and technical colleges, and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine, the study examines six “Promising Practices” at NISOD member institutions.

Practices include a demonstrated commitment to student success; recognition of good work; intentional focus on meeting the needs of the local community and region; institutional support for continuous improvement and innovation; and institutional and practical support of work-life balance.

 “Montgomery County Community College’s mission is grounded in a set of values that teaches us to encourage, listen, respect and treat fairly those whom we serve,” said MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock. “Our faculty and staff are at the heart of this work, and I am proud of their efforts to create a diverse and vibrant campus community that celebrates our differences. This recognition from NISOD and Diverse underscores our commitment and builds momentum for future programming and conversations.”

CHEE’s study highlights examples from winning institutions in each of the Promising Practices. A full summary of the study is available at diverseeducation.com/article/84106.

MCCC was recognized in several areas. One example is the College’s use of data to identify performance gaps and develop interventions—like a Minority Student Mentoring Initiative and Trio Upward Bound program—to help improve learning outcomes and college preparedness. Another example is professional development opportunities—such as a Faculty Diversity Fellows program for junior minority faculty and a President’s Leadership Academy for faculty and administrators—that prepare employees for leadership roles at the institution. MCCC was also highlighted for its focus on community engagement.

MCCC is one of nine institutions recognized as 2016 Most Promsing Places to Work in Community Colleges. Others include Antelope Valley College (Lancaster, California), Dyersburg State Community College (Dyersburg, Tennessee), Front Range Community College (Westminster, Colorado), Harrisburg Area Community College (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), Mountain View College (Dallas, Texas), Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (Okmulgee, Oklahoma), Seward County Community College and Area Technical School (Liberal, Kansas) and Southwest Virginia Community College (Richlands, Virginia).

About NISOD: Created in 1978, NISOD is a membership organization committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges.

 

About Diverse: Since 1984, Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine has been the nation’s premier publication covering the issues pertaining to underrepresented minorities in American higher education. Reaching more than 200,000 readers biweekly, Diverse has been recognized for its indepth news coverage, provocative commentary, insightful special reports and original research.

 

About CHEE: CHEE is an interdisciplinary research and policy center that promotes the

important role postsecondary education plays in global society, especially the vital roles

and responsibilities of public higher education. CHEE’s primary activities include research,

policy analysis and outreach that will help make higher education more accessible,

affordable, engaged and all-around excellent.

MCCC Students Inducted Into Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown PA —A total of 193 students were inducted into Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Alpha Kappa Zeta (Central Campus) and Beta Tau Lambda (West Campus) chapters of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society of two-year colleges, during the spring 2016 semester.  To be eligible for PTK membership, students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 and must have completed at least 12 credits.

The spring 2016 inductees are listed below by area of residence:

Abington: Catherine Bray, Kevin Cruz, Kimberly Garcia, Hudson Marsh

Ambler: Evelin James, Richard Lavrence-Mrvar, Megan Moyer, Melody Rolon

Ardmore: Richard Gallagher

Barto: Julie Howell

Bensalem: Megan McLaughlin

Birchrunville: Keenan McCormick

Birdsboro: Kaitlin Eichenberg

Blue Bell: Sarah Carminati, Eun Kyoung Han

Bridgeport: Sonja Kline

Chesterbrook: Joseph Haas

Collegeville: Rebekah Bondi, Emily Cosmi, Lauren Grevera, Rachel Krantz, Anna Poet, Julie Scott, Michael Topham, Catherine Urbanski, Nicole Viola, Stephanie Yovish

Douglassville: Lorenzo Giotti, Jessica Toth

Dresher: Adam Wasserman

East Greenville: Daniel Franklin, Deborah Stannard

East Norriton: Katherine Bampfield, Kristy Druding, Nichole Romano

Elkins Park: Marin Harwood, Dylan Joyce, Jeanette Nestor, Ryan Seifert, Katelyn Tausendfreundt

Erdenheim: Gabriella Vasquez

Fort Washington: Jonathan Basta, Michela Mennella

Gilbertsville: Zachary Dick, Bridget Rapp, Joshua Urbach, Charles Vitabile

Glenside: Elisabeth Cripps, Brian Gilbert, Anita Marie Kruse

Harleysville: Dimitri Coachi, Marissa Gleason, Ansley Martin, Madalyn Reed, Edbert Ruliff, Brianna Vandegrift

Hatboro: Kelsey Holm, Jennifer Jacker

Hatfield: Carlos Depaz, James Heim, Ashley Leahy, Andre Martin, Emily Seiler, Janeel Solanki, Kathryn Sovocool, Kelly Tran

Horsham: Kathleen McGrogan, Aaron Murphy, Avery Romanoli

Huntingdon Valley: Timothy Terrizzi

Jenkintown: John Collins

King of Prussia: Matthew Bickerdyke, Spencer Edelman, Laura Franco, Aastha Gurung, Bao Nguyen, Laura Persofsky, Grant Smith

Lansdale: Ian Christensen, Jonathan Dimascio, Tara Eisenhart, Mark Halberstadt, Marie McGrath, Michael McLaughlin, Ronnie Ann Moshinsky, Francheska Pauline Reyes, Mikaela Rottina, Natasha Scott, John Sprouse, Jenna Tieu, Bryana Whyte, Chaksa Williams, Jingxu Zhu, Jingxu Zhu

Mont Clare: Noah Cittadino

Montgomeryville: Elizabeth Flagler, Jake Flagler

Narberth: Lisa Mills

Norristown: Brianna Devenny, Maria Flores Chavez, Emma Hagel, Ryan Hamilton, Gilbert Martinelli, Monica McGuire, Dmitry Vereykin

North Wales: Marissa Boorse, John Bucci, Alicia Eglin, Samantha Hencken, Olivia Nowinski, Justin Soderberg

Oreland: Grace Harmer

Pedricktown, N.J.: Dena Fritz

Penn Valley: Alexander Shetzen

Pennsburg: Isabel Gandek-Gaspar, Haley Johnston, Elizabeth Rinehart, Olivia Spilman, Tyler Whittaker

Perkasie: Abigail McIntyre

Perkiomenville: Candie Brown, Alexis Elsner

Philadelphia: Elixer Lassus, James McAllister, Phallon Summerville

Phoenixville: Kevin Colbert, Jessica Jacobs, Felicia Milano, Jacqueline Pizzico

Plymouth Meeting: Rebecca Carbo, Patriot Fazliu, Julian Giorno, Rachel Viola, Sarah Viola

Pottstown: Samantha Faust, Jessica Grace, Casey Hand, Urella Harder, Jared Highlands, Seth Kramer, Jaclyn Murphy, Megan Nazaryk, Emily Nazaryk, Timothy Obrien, Pamela Oister, Paul Parrish, Jonathan Pavlick, Rachel Ricketts, Hattie Sandberg, Samantha Shovelton, Kirsten Staurowsky, Charlotte Stone, Heidi Thomas, Candace Wright, John Yorgey Jr.

Reading: Corrine Peterson, Derek Peterson

Red Hill: Catherine Camuso

Roslyn: Emily Murphy

Royersford: Nicole Bumbarger, Philip Gardocki, Sophie Garro, Steven Landis, Tyler Lelii, Kayla Velasquez

Schwenksville: Austin Flint, Sara Pecharo, John-Curtis Quattrini

Skippack: Rebecca Dietterich

Souderton: Lianna Blankenship, Alison Evans, Brett Hale, Hyeonjoo Min, Rebekah Negley

Southampton: Volha Sachko

Spring City: Erik Aschendorf

Stowe: Gabrielle Davidheiser

Telford: Carina Brown, Samuel Crino, Katherine Derstine, Jillian Hartman, Forrest Hendricks, Stefan Hofmeister, David Hollinger, Claire Horrocks, Preston Moyer

Trappe: Victoria Esten

Warminster: Crystal Guzman

West Chester: Jamie Hutchison

West Point: Andrew McNaney

Willow Grove: Ren Kauffman, Kaitlin Taylor

Wyndmoor: Christine Fariss

Networking Event At St. Peter’s Village (Earth-Centered Business Community And Organic Food Tasting)

NLBP_LogoCDen_Logo_ColorWe cordially invite you to join us

Thursday, May 19, 2016
6:00pm – 8:00pm

Culture Den
3451 St. Peters Rd
St. Peter’s Village, PA 19470
(between the bakery and the inn)

Come network with us and learn about our vision for an earth-centered business community and enjoy some organic tastings from local sources.

The event is presented by the Natural Life Business Partnership and will feature short presentation by our hosts and Certified Healing Foods Specialists Kevin Spyker and Jessica Annunziata of Culture Den, followed by networking and merriment!

All those that attend receive a FREE pass to our member only discussion group on May 23rd“What’s Working, What Isn’t, and Why Not”

Click here to RSVP

Check in through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/596794143817911/

Can’t make that night?  No worries, this is our launch season and we are hosting free events throughout the summer all over the tri-State area.  If you’d like to host an event yourself and highlight your business learn more here.

The Natural Life Business Partnership is a national member-based professional development organization for the earth-centered business community. We represent our members as a unified voice and foster professionalism and growth while providing valuable business support, local networking opportunities and a collaborative professional community.   All programming,  development workshops, networking opportunities, master mind groups, discussion clubs, business tools and resources are included in your professional membership.  Our mission is to help you succeed!

Membership is the best investment you can make in yourself!

www.TheNaturalLife.org

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Steel River Playhouse Offering Discount Tickets And Happy Hour

Picture 577

Thursday, May 19th

5:30-7 PM

Steel River Playhouse

245 E High St.

Pottstown, PA

 

Hors D’Oeuvres Provided

Cash Bar Available

Steel River Playhouse Offering Discount Tickets to Show After Happy Hour: $26.00 for adult, $21.00 for Seniors over 65, and $14.00 for students

RSVP Required.

Please call 610.850.0181 ext. 0 to RSVP.

Free Summer Programs At ArtFusion 19464

POTTSTOWN, PA – In addition to their regular class schedule, ArtFusion is very proud to offer three free programs during their summer session of classes. All three porgrams are sponsored by The Greater Pottstown Foundation. For kids ages 8-12, Art Academy is a general arts exploration class where students work with many different mediums. Clay Academy teaches students how to create with clay. Teen Clay Academy will challenge teens 13-17 to design and create an amazing self-directed project in clay.

The application deadline for all three programs is June 3, 2016. Applications can be downloaded at artfusion19464.org/classes/scholarshipsprograms/. Interested parents can also stop by 254 E. High St. to pick up a paper copy.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis. While ArtFusion encourages everyone who is interested to apply, those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and those who have not attended a free program before will be given priority.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

MOSAIC Summer Youth Program – June 2015

MOSAIC’s summer youth program begins in June!  We are always looking for volunteers!!!! Now is the time to get your criminal and child abuse clearances!  The program is jammed-packed with more learning experiences, field trips and other great activities!  Please plan to help out!

Check our website and Facebook page often for more opportunities to get dirty, to grow and know what you eat, and to get outdoors in downtown Pottstown!

Speech Communication Students Hone Skills While Helping Others

SPC 110 studentsPottstown, PA — Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) Speech Communication students at the West Campus have taken their interpersonal team-building skills outside of the classroom as part of a variety of community service projects.

Instructor Meredith Frank began the community service projects in her Speech Communication 110 sections in the spring semester to meet the new civic engagement component of the course. Each class was broken into teams and tasked with creating a proposal for a community service project, outlining the specifics and how their team would work together to complete it.

“They started [by] figuring out how to solve a problem,” Frank said. “Then they gave a speech to persuade. Then they do the service, and then present it again.”

Some speeches were so persuasive – particularly a team leading an MCCC campus beautification project – that other students donated their time or money to help.

Devising a community service project that students are “passionate” about is key.

“Pick something that you’re really passionate about,” Frank said. “From there, find that passion and find an organization that’s either at Montco or close to it.”

Tayla Haulcy-Clark said her group focused on the environment and planted flowers around South Hall at MCCC’s West Campus. Her group also added more colorful flowers to a 9/11 memorial and spruced up plantings in a flowerbed honoring biology professor Marie Richard-Yates, who died in 2009.

“We were trying to figure out – how can we get our hands dirty and really be involved?”

Haulcy-Clark, a MCCC sophomore studying communication, said the assignment allowed her to get to know her peers better.

“It gave our whole entire class a sense of community within the class,” she said. “It kind of made us more of a family. It’s a great idea to take ourselves out of ourselves and view things differently.”

Team leader Taylor DiLanzo and her group took on a candy-selling fundraiser to benefit the Cancer Center at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. The group set up a table outside of the West End Café in South Hall, as well as at Earth Day and Spring Fling activities, raising more than $500.

While candy is admittedly “easy to sell,” said DiLanzo, a general studies student and aspiring nurse, it can be difficult to get the attention of would-be buyers.

“You have to get creative,” she said, adding that the team played music the first day and used colorful bins during other sales. “It kind of draws people’s attention.”

DiLanzo said the project has taught her how to work with different types of people. And, most importantly, “if you want to be successful, you have to put yourself out there.”

MCCC Partners With Library Of Congress To Preserve Veterans’ Stories‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — Long after their time in the military, the stories of Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) veterans will live on, inspiring and educating future generations.

That is the goal of the College’s Veterans Coordinator, Mike Brown, as well as his colleagues from the Veterans Resource Center. During the fall semester, Brown began interviewing and capturing audio recordings of student veterans as part of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center.

In all, Brown recorded the stories of 10 veterans so far. He plans to record the stories of many more of the College’s roughly 300 student veterans. Recordings will be permanently archived at the Library of Congress, where all recordings have been housed since the Veterans History Project began in 2000. Recordings are searchable online by war, military branch, the contributor’s name and various other search criteria.

“The variety of experiences from the students really has been fantastic to hear,” said Brown, an Army veteran who served in the infantry during a 1997 deployment to Bosnia. “I shared my story. Two generations from now my grandkids and great-grandkids will be able to listen to my story forever.”

The interviews, which must be a minimum of 30 minutes and generally span 45 to 90 minutes, cover the veterans’ early life, including where they are from, why they joined the military and details of their enlistment. While many who participated so far fought in combat zones, Brown said that is not required.

The College’s involvement in the nationwide effort is open to any and all veterans – even non-students.

“It’s a way to incorporate and include the community, not just the students,” he said. “We can live up to our community college name.”

One of the student veterans, for instance, interviewed his grandfather, a Korean War veteran, as well as his father, who is a Vietnam War veteran.

Sgt. William Keller, a business management student at Montgomery County Community College and an Army reservist coming up on eight years of service between the Army Reserves and the National Guard, said the recordings give the public a “more intimate” look at military life.

“I feel it’s important for veterans like myself to share their stories so other individuals have an opportunity to get a better understanding of what it’s like from our point of view instead of a social media point of view or the news,” Keller said, adding that listeners “get a chance to hear personal stories.”

Keller, who was deployed to Iraq from 2010-2011, called the experience “humbling.”

“The fact that we are given the opportunity to tell our story and that it gets preserved in the Library of Congress for eternity is a pretty honorable experience,” Keller said. “It’s not something that’s offered to every individual.”

MCCC Showcases Writing Of Developmental English Students, Celebrates Success‏

Montgomery County Community College student Hathaichanok (Peek) Chanklang is recognized for her essay “My Mother” during a Developmental English Showcase event in April. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Montgomery County Community College student Hathaichanok (Peek) Chanklang is recognized for her essay “My Mother” during a Developmental English Showcase event in April. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Blue Bell, PA — Prior to fall 2015, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) student Tyler Bend didn’t consider a career in writing. But after that semester, Bend, who says “writing’s never been my strong suit,” did an about-face.

His inclusion in a student writing showcase for developmental English classes changed his mind—and his career choice. Bend was one of 20 students in ENG 010, ENG 011 and Gateway to College courses whose work was published in a book and included on an MCCC faculty webpage. Students were recognized for their efforts and awarded a $25 gift cards to the campus bookstores.

“I really don’t care about the prize money, it’s that I’m getting noticed for a writing piece,” Bend said. “I’m just glad that I got my name publicized.”

Assistant Professor of English Thea Howey authored the student showcase idea. Howey put in the legwork for approval of a Faculty Diversity Initiative Support Grant.

From there, she enlisted help from MCCC professors teaching developmental English courses. Faculty submitted what they felt were their students’ best writings, which amounted to more than 90 pages of material.

“We took a vote. People came with their preferences,” she said. “We had very little trouble choosing what we considered to be representative essays.”

The effort, which began during the fall 2015 semester, culminated with an awards ceremony in the spring. Howey said she hopes to continue the showcase bi-annually to celebrate and inspire students.

“The students in developmental courses are usually somewhat unhappy that they’re in a developmental course. They’re not getting college credit for it, and it’s costing them money,” Howey said. “I wanted to motivate my students to excel and I wanted to affirm them in their efforts. I felt the best way to do this is to publish their work on a website and to publish their work in a booklet, something they could actually hold in their hands and show to the world.”

Dean of Arts and Humanities Michele Cuomo applauded Howey’s effort as a way to “change the conversation” about developmental students.

“Presenting work publicly is usually something that graduate students do, that seniors at a university do,” Cuomo said. “It gives the students a sense of confidence and helps them recognize that ‘yes, I do belong here.’”

Between 10 to 15 percent of MCCC students take developmental English courses each semester, according to Cuomo. Going beyond assignments, as the showcase does, is important for students’ academic development and success.

“When expectations are high, students rise to the occasion,” Cuomo said. “It’s just great teaching practice to expect a lot from students, whether or not they have yet to place at the college level.”

Student Telynn Shields, whose essay “Gender Values in Elektra” was included, agreed that the showcase helped to bring out the best in student writing.

“It inspires us to work harder than ever and to put in more time and effort into our work,” Shields said. “It really shows.”