Donors Recognized For Generosity And Impact On MCCC Students‏

PHOTO: A new plaque outside of the Presidential Reading Room in the Brendlinger Library at Montgomery County Community College’s Central Campus recognizes Richard Montalbano and Deborah Cross for their contributions to the Foundation’s Futures Rising campaign. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Blue Bell, PA —Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) celebrated the naming of its Presidential Reading Room on June 13 in Blue Bell, thanks to the generosity of Richard Montalbano and Deborah Cross, of Dresher. Their generous pledge to the Student Success Endowed Scholarship as part of the MCCC Foundation’s Futures Rising campaign was commemorated with a plaque.

“The College wholeheartedly thanks Rich and Deb for their generous contribution to the Futures Rising campaign and for their commitment to the success of our students,” shared MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock. “For many of our students, a Foundation scholarship is the reason they are able to stay in school and complete their education. By supporting scholarships, Rich and Deb are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of our students.”

Montalbano is a member of MCCC’s Board of Trustees, for which he chairs the Personnel Committee. He also chaired the College’s recent Presidential search.

“I have been involved with MCCC for about a dozen years now, and I am captivated by the unique needs of the student body and the non-traditional students we serve,” said Montalbano. “We are thrilled to provide resources for the students of MCCC to bootstrap themselves into a better future.”

Montalbano has been a hospital administrator for over 40 years, most recently serving as the vice president and project executive for Einstein Healthcare Network. In that capacity, he was part of the leadership team that helped build the new Einstein greenfield hospital and campus in East Norriton.

Cross is an Adult Certified Nurse Practitioner who currently works for Abington Medical Plaza. She previously taught at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing for 17 years.

Montalbano and Cross have been involved in multiple charitable endeavors, including Impact 100, Habitat for Humanity and healthcare mission trips to Haiti.

Futures Rising, the MCCC Foundation’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, exceeded its $9 million goal to raise a total of $10,526,000 over two years. In addition to establishing 82 new student scholarships, the campaign provided support for key student success initiatives and arts programming, among other areas of need.

To learn more giving opportunities at MCCC, visit http://www.mc3.edu/giving.

Dr. James Linksz To Serve As Interim Montgomery County Community College President

April 27, 2015, Blue Bell/Pottstown/Lansdale, Pa.— Montgomery County Community College’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. James J. Linksz has agreed to serve as interim president for Montgomery County Community College (MCCC).

Dr. Linksz had a successful career at Bucks County Community College, where he served for more than 20 years as the institution’s president from 1992-2012. Following his retirement in 2012, Dr. Linksz briefly served as interim CEO of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges.

“It is a tremendous accomplishment that the College was able to secure a former community college president to serve during our nationwide search for a new college president,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Michael J. D’Aniello.

Current MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout was tapped to serve as the President and CEO of Achieving the Dream, Inc., which works to increase access and improve success at more than 200 member community colleges that serve more than four million community college students nationally.

Board Personnel Committee Chair Richard Montalbano was extremely pleased to secure a highly-respected and experienced community college president from Pennsylvania.

“This will allow the College to advance its goals and mission of increased access and improved student success,” said Montalbano. “We expect Dr. Linksz to be proactive in continuing the goals established by Dr. Stout. He will certainly not be a placeholder.”

Dr. Linksz will spend June in transition with Dr. Stout and will take the helm of MCCC on July 1, 2015.

“Dr. Linksz is an excellent choice. I have a high degree of respect for his work at Bucks. He was a terrific colleague. His understanding of Pennsylvania community colleges is also a significant asset for the College,” said Dr. Stout.

Dr. Linksz earned an A.B. in Art and Architecture from Dartmouth College and a master’s and doctorate in higher and adult education administration from Columbia University. He was also a W.K. Kellogg Doctoral Fellow in Community College Administration.