Intro to Anthropology Students Raise Funds for Charities

by Laura Maginley

Students enrolled in Lynn O’Brien’s Introduction to Anthropology course at Montgomery County Community College strategically fundraised in an assortment of virtual and physical ways to produce real dollars for local charities.  Spring 2013 was the first semester for the project after O’Brien, an Anthropology instructor, thought of ways for her students to become more civically responsible.  She wanted to have her students act instead of solely read about the poor, impoverished or politically weak.

“Since I can’t ask students to go abroad and volunteer, my alternative was to raise money here in the U.S. to help people already working abroad to make the world a better place,” she explained.  “Through this project, students spend some time researching organizations that are trying to help people outside the U.S. and learn to recognize some of the impacts that our global world has on small-scale societies.”

Each of O’Brien’s classes selected a charity and worked in smaller groups to reach the largest sum to donate to the classes’ respective charities.  These smaller groups within the courses were given full reign over their designated positions and group dynamics.

The five charities that the five courses raised money for this spring included Somaly Mam Foundation, Love 146, Aid for Africa, 4 Paws for Ability and Doctors Without Borders.  From raising awareness to money through online fundraisers, students utilized all of their resources to raise the maximum amount of cash.

The largest amount of money raised by one small group was $360 through a bake sale held in a grocery store, which was given to 4 Paws for Ability.  In total, that particular class raised $805 for 4 Paws for Ability.

Students were evaluated on their PowerPoint presentations, peer assessments and fundraising success.  For her summer course, O’Brien wants to change the fundraising portion of the course to pass or fail.

“I hope to motivate them to raise even more money, although I recognize the six-week length of the course limits them,” she said.

O’Brien wants students to learn about a variety of cultures and take away new ways of thinking.

“I want my students to be more inclusive and accepting of others, both in our own culture but also in understanding others outside of the U.S.,” she stated.

Public Notice of Upcoming CODA Accreditation Review Visit

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) regularly solicits third party comments relative to the accreditation status of the Dental Hygiene Program at Montgomery County Community College. Comments may be submitted by interested parties, such as faculty, students, program administrators, commission consultants, specialty and dental related organizations, patients and/or consumers.

The deadline for receipt of third party comments is 60 days prior to the accreditation site visit which will occur Oct. 8 and 9, 2013. Comments must pertain only to the standards for dental hygiene program or policies and procedures used in the Commission’s accreditation process. Comments must be signed. Signatures will be removed from comments prior to forwarding them to the program.

A copy of the accreditation standards and/or Commission’s policy on third party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling 1-800.621-8099, ext. 4653.

Open House Slated at University Center in Pottstown

Montgomery County Community College’s University Center will hold an Open House on Thursday, June 20 from 6-8 p.m. at 95 S. Hanover St., Pottstown.

First introduced in 2006, the University Center framework offers an entrepreneurial approach to expanding higher education opportunities for residents of Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Through partnerships with select four-year institutions, students can choose from 10 bachelor’s degrees, five master’s degrees, one graduate certificate, two doctorates and six professional development certificates.

Representatives from the College’s University Center partners will be available to share information and discuss educational pathways during the open house. Partners include Albright College, which offers programs  in Blue Bell and Pottstown; Immaculata University, which offers a Doctor of Education program in Blue Bell; and Alvernia University, Chestnut Hill College, Drexel University, Temple University and Villanova University, which offer programs in Pottstown.

To learn more about Montgomery County Community College’s University Center initiative and to see the specific programs offered by each institution, visit mc3.edu/academics/university-center.aspx.

Changes Align Computer Networking Program with Industry Trends

by Alana J. Mauger

The Montgomery County Community College Board of Trustees took action on May 20 to approve modifications to the College’s Computer Networking Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Certificate programs to better align them with industry trends.

“This is a career field with high demand in Southeast Pennsylvania so it is imperative that our graduates as well as returning information technology professionals leave here with the skills essential for career success or career upgrading,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president of Montgomery County Community College.

The demand for qualified network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow by 28 percent through 2020, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Moreover, over 90 percent of all workers in this field are employed full time, and the median industry salary is $69,160.

Previously divided into two concentrations – Network Administration and Computer Support Specialist – the revised A.A.S. program condenses the curriculum into one defined student pathway: Computer Networking. The emergence of new technologies — such as internet connectivity, cloud computing and virtual computing – has made the data-centric communications skills taught in the Network Administration concentration mandatory for all employees in the field.

Additionally, students in the revised A.A.S. program will complete a new capstone experience, CIS 257: Network Planning, Project Management and Implementation, during which they will plan, design and implement network components of a Microsoft Server-based project. The capstone will combine skills that were previously taught in two separate courses, reducing the overall credits required for the degree from 63 to 60.

Students who graduate with an A.A.S. in Computer Networking are prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as entry-level network engineers, administrators and computer support technicians. They are also prepared to take industry certification exams, such as A+, Network+, Microsoft MCP, Microsoft MTA, Security+ and Cisco CCNA.

Revisions to the College’s Computer Networking Certificate assure that it aligns with the A.A.S. degree in a stackable format that enables completers to easily transition into the degree program if they choose. The revised certificate also takes students through the entire Cisco training sequence to better prepare them to sit for the Cisco CCNA certification.

For more information about Computer Networking and Computer Science programs at MCCC, visit mc3.edu/academics.

Alvernia University Joins University Center, Offers Nursing, Health Care Science Programs in Pottstown

by Alana J. Mauger

Alvernia University has joined Montgomery County Community College’s University Center initiative, becoming the first partner to offer nursing and health care science degree programs.

At the College’s University Center in Pottstown, Alvernia will offer its RN to BSN Completion Program, as well as its Bachelor of Science in Health Care Science and Master of Science in Nursing programs.

“Through our discussions with community health care leaders, such as Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, we recognized the need for a partnership of this kind,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president. “As a sector, medical professions are growing in the tri-county region, and together, Montgomery County Community College and Alvernia University can help health care professionals at all levels to plan and advance their career pathways.”

“Our partnership will allow Montgomery County Community College students and area residents to pursue their interest in these programs with all the convenience that comes from accessing a great education close to home,” said Alvernia President Thomas F. Flynn. “We hope it will also prove to be a valuable resource for local nurses who are seeking to attain their BSN degree.”

First introduced in 2006, the University Center framework offers an entrepreneurial approach to expanding higher education opportunities for residents of Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Through partnerships with select four-year institutions, students can now choose from 10 bachelor’s degrees, five master’s degrees, one graduate certificate, two doctorates and six professional development certificates.

“The University Center framework builds crucial pathways by which our students, faculty, staff and the community at large can conveniently pursue advanced degrees from our outstanding partner colleges and universities,” said Dr. Stout. “Montgomery County Community College and Alvernia University have a long-standing dual admissions transfer agreement, and we’re pleased to build on that partnership to bring high-demand health care programs to our campus.”

Alvernia University joins six existing University Center partners — Albright College, which offers programs at MCCC’s campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown; Immaculata University, which offers an Doctor of Education program at the College’s Central Campus in Blue Bell; and Chestnut Hill College, Drexel University, Temple University and Villanova University, which offer programs at the College’s West Campus in Pottstown.

“The University Center is part of our overall effort to expand the way our students think about transferring and what they are capable of achieving,” said Dr. Stout. “Partnerships, like the one with Alvernia, are so important in higher education, and they show a great deal of entrepreneurship.”

To learn more about the College’s University Center initiative, visit mc3.edu/academics/university-center.aspx.

To learn more about Alvernia University, visit alvernia.edu.

Pictured at the signing are (seated, from left) Dr. Karen A. Stout, president, MCCC; Dr. Shirley Williams, provost, Alvernia; Dr. Steady Moono, vice president of West Campus; and John McCloskey, vice president for Enrollment Management, Alvernia. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

 

The Latest From the Library…

by Mary Lou Neighbor, AV Librarian/Assistant Professor

Oscar Winners Now in the AV Library Collection!

Now that the spring semester is over, please plan some leisure time to come and check out the films that were recognized at the 2013 Academy Awards as being among the best in cinema for the past year.  Nominated and Oscar-winning films are:

Anna Karenina – innovative re-telling of the Tolstoy classic. – (DRA ANN)

Argo – based on the real life rescue of American embassy workers during the Iran Hostage crisis – won the Academy Award for Best Picture. –  (DRA ARG)

Beasts of the Southern Wild – dreamlike film in which 6-year-old, Hushpuppy, attempts to help her father in an isolated bayou community. –  (DRA BEA)

Brave – animated film about brave Scottish Princess Merida. Won the Academy Award for best animated film.  (CHI BRA)

5 Broken Cameras – a deeply personal, first-hand documentary about non-violent resistance in Bil’in, a West Bank village threatened by encroaching Israeli settlements.   (DS119.76 .F58)

Flight   – Denzel Washington plays a masterful airline pilot who lands a damaged plane while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. (DRA FLI)

Frankenweenie  – A Tim Burton animated film in which young Victor conducts a science experiment that will bring his dog, Sparky, back to life. (NC1765 .F73)

Hitchcock – Biopic about Alfred Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) and his wife, Alma (Helen Mirren), set during the filming of Psycho.  (DRA HIT)

The Hobbit – The prequel to Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. (DRA HAB)

How to Survive a Plague - The story of the brave young men and women who successfully reversed the tide of an epidemic, demanded the attention of a fearful nation, and stopped AIDS from becoming a death sentence. (RA643.8 .H697)

Life of Pi – Motion picture based on the popular book filmed with extraordinary special effects. (DRA LIF)

Lincoln – Daniel Day-Lewis won the Academy Award for Best Actor in his portrayal of Lincoln.  (DRA LIN)

The Master – In post-World War II America, a naval veteran arrives home unsettled and uncertain of his future, until he is tantalized by a cult known as The Cause and its charismatic leader, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman . (DRA MAS)

Les Miserables – filmed version of the classic musical.  Actress, Anne Hathaway, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. (MUS MIS)

ParaNorman – An animated feature in which Norman, a misunderstood boy, must use his special powers to save his town from a centuries-old curse.  (CHI PAR)

The Pirates:  Band of Misfits! - After years of humiliation and failed attempts to win the Pirate of the Year Award, Pirate Captain and his oddball crew go on a race to pillage the most booty in this animated feature film.  (CHI PIR)

A Royal Affair – This Danish language film was nominated for Best Foreign Film.  The story centers on the romantic triangle of the insane Danish King Christian VII; the royal physician, Struensee, who is a man of enlightenment and idealism; and the young but strong Queen Caroline Mathilda that leads to a revolution which changes the entire nation of Denmark. (FOR ROY)

Searching for Sugarman – Academy Award winning documentary about Sixto Rodriguez, a Detroit folksinger who had a short-lived recording career in the 1970s. Unknown to him, his musical story continued in South Africa where he became a pop music icon. Long rumored there to be dead, two fans, record store owner, Stephen Segerman, and journalist, Craig Bartholomew-Strydom, decided to seek out the truth of his fate. (ML420 .R637 S43)

The Sessions – Paralyzed and confined to an iron lung since childhood, poet-journalist Mark O’Brien has overcome adversity time and time again. But now, at age 38, he faces his toughest challenge yet: losing his virginity. Helen Hunt was nominated for best actress in her role as the therapist.   (DRA SES)

Skyfall – The latest James Bond film, which was nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Original Song.  (ACT SKY)

War Witch – French language film which is a brutal yet poetic snapshot of life as one of Africa’s child soldiers, following a young girl who is kidnapped from her village by a group of rebel fighters.   (FOR WAR)

Wreck it Ralph – Ralph, who plays the bad guy in his popular video game, wants to prove that he is a true hero in this animated action film.   (CHI WRE)

Zero Dark Thirty – Chronicles the decade-long search for Osama bin Laden following the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of Navy SEAL Team 6.  (DRA ZER)

We will also be adding to the collection when they are available:  Django Unchained, Silver Linings Playbook, The Impossible, Amour (best foreign language film), No (foreign language film from Chile) and the Israeli documentary, The Gatekeepers.

College Signs Dual Admissions Transfer Agreement with Lehigh University

by Alana J. Mauger

Montgomery County Community College entered in to its 26th dual admissions transfer agreement on April 30, when college officials gathered for a signing ceremony at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. The agreement encourages and facilitates the transfer of MCCC graduates to Lehigh to complete their baccalaureate degrees.

Under the agreement, MCCC students who graduate with Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.), Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.) degrees and have a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) are eligible to transfer to Lehigh, given they meet specific program criteria and admissions requirements.

“We’ve been on a journey at Montgomery County Community College to provide as many transfer opportunities for our students as we possibly can,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president. “That includes targeting selective universities so that we stretch our students’ thinking when they enter a community college and look beyond what they ever thought was possible.”

Higher education policy makers, institutions and private businesses are increasingly working together to provide more education options, streamlined systems, and better career preparation.

“We’re very proud and happy to be here today to celebrate this agreement and look forward to the future,” said Dr. Alice P. Gast, president, Lehigh.  “With over 8 million students in community colleges around the country, there is certainly a tremendous pool of talent that we need to make sure have the right opportunities and the right path forward.”

MCCC’s agreement with Lehigh also connects with the College’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs.

“Together we can build a pipeline for this region for the future scientists and mathematicians of Pennsylvania. It’s really important work we’re doing. I hope this agreement ends up as a roadmap for other community college dual admissions agreements,” said Dr. Stout.

The agreement is the fourth between Montgomery County Community College and a highly selective institution; other partners include Bucknell University, Bryn Mawr College, and Dickinson College. Lehigh has a similar transfer agreement with Northampton Community College, making MCCC its second community college partner.

To learn more about transfer opportunities at MCCC, visit mc3.edu/campusLife/student-resources/transfer.

Meet the 2013 All-PA Academic Team: Jessica Stewart

Editors Note: This is the last in a series of four All-Pennsylvania Academic Team student profiles. 

by Neree Aron-Sando

Photo by Sandi Yanisko

High school was too easy for Jessica Stewart.

The 19-year-old Pottstown student jumped at the chance to take college courses at Montgomery County Community College – dual enrollment – for two reasons:

“I hadn’t felt that I was being challenged enough at high school,” Stewart said. “I took honors classes and AP (Advanced Placement) classes at high school, and I still wasn’t enjoying the lack of knowledge I was receiving.” A friend of hers became a full-time College student after tenth grade. “I knew I wanted to give college courses a try when I saw how happy she was.”

The second reason was the reality check her brother provided. “My brother was accepted into the University of Pittsburgh when I finished tenth grade,” she said. “I saw how much college tuition actually cost; he had to take out several loans to be able to pay for college.

“I knew that, even though I had very good grades and was in many honors and AP classes at high school, I would not be receiving enough money from any four-year institution that I applied to after I finished high school. So, when my guidance counselor gave me the option to become dual enrolled at Montgomery County Community College, I grabbed that chance to cut down on my future debt.”

Stewart took a few courses during her junior year of high school and became a full-time student during her senior year. “In my first year as a full time College student, I became involved in the Student Government Association at the West Campus. I actually became the Senate chair only after a few short weeks after becoming a senator. From there, I began to volunteer for many activities that occurred at the West campus, such as the lasagna dinner, creating the Top Ten concern list with the previous West campus’s Student Government president, and I also attended the American Student Association of Community Colleges (ASACC) conference in Washington, D.C., that spring.”

The ASACC was the highpoint of her college career. “I met a lot of student leaders from across the nation and even my own representative of my county,” she said. As Student Government Vice President at Central campus, she will revisit the ASACC conference with seven other student leaders.

“College tuition costs and the College’s affordability were a great deal of why I decided to continue on with my educational career when I graduated from high school,” Stewart said. “Even though I do not receive financial aid from the college, it was the fact that the college offered such affordable tuition; that kept me from transferring [elsewhere] after I finished high school.”

In addition to her brother and friend who inspired her to go college without incurring crippling debt, two others provided her with motivation.

“I knew two other people who had graduated from the College after receiving the All PA Academic team scholarship, so I set my sights at doing my best to be a member of the All PA Academic Team,” Stewart said.

The dean’s list student and Phi Theta Kappa member achieved that goal, and was named to the All PA Academic Team for 2013.

“What does the All PA Academic team mean to me? Well, it gives me the freedom to pursue an educational career without the worry of having debt hanging over my head once I finish. It also gives me the choice to follow my passion in life even though I know that I won’t be the breadwinner in my future family,” Stewart said. “I have always loved writing and reading and now that I do not have to worry about paying off debts, I am able to pursue my passion to my fullest extent.”

Phi Theta Kappa, two-year college presidents, and community college state associations co-sponsor All-State Academic Team recognition programs in 32 states. Each two-year college in Pennsylvania may nominate two students per campus to the All-USA Academic Team. Nominations are based on outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community.

The College’s nominees to the All USA Academic Team are named to the All Pennsylvania Academic Team and may be awarded a scholarship that may be used at any one of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institutions.

When she graduates from Montgomery County Community College with her Liberal Arts degree in May, she intends to go on to West Chester University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in English, specializing in writing or education.

“My major is currently liberal studies because I did not know exactly where my passion laid when I began my journey at the College,” Stewart said. “When I began taking more English classes and spending more time helping my friends correct their papers, I saw that I had a real passion for helping others learn to love writing and reading as much as I do. That is why I hope to continue on with my degree and perhaps one day work at a community college helping students of all ages find their inner passion for writing and reading.”

Phi Theta Kappa, two-year college presidents, and community college state associations co-sponsor All-State Academic Team recognition programs in 32 states. Each two-year college in Pennsylvania may nominate two students per campus to the All-USA Academic Team. Nominations are based on outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community.

The College’s nominees to the All USA Academic Team are named to the All Pennsylvania Academic Team and will be awarded a scholarship that may be used at any one of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institutions.

50 Students Graduate from Accelerated GED Program

by Diane VanDyke

Family and friends filled the South Hall Community Room at Montgomery County Community College’s West Campus in Pottstown and cheered as 50 students earned their General Education Diplomas (GED) during the Spring GED Graduation ceremony on May 1.

College President Dr. Karen A. Stout congratulated the students, acknowledging their perseverance and commitment to complete this goal.

“You have a new mindset now, one that is not fixed, but in a growth mode where you want to work as hard as you can to succeed,” she told the graduates.  “You know the value of education and how it will make your life better.”

The program’s keynote speaker Hilda Hynes, Barto, traveled a similar journey as the graduates. After leaving high school at age 16, she later earned her GED. Now, she will be receiving her associate’s degree in Communications later this month at MCCC.

“I felt something when I walked across the stage to get my GED,” she said. “It was self-pride. It’s the same feeling you will have when you walk across the stage tonight. Congratulations on believing in yourself and honoring the commitment you made to you.”

According to GED Program Coordinator /Instructor Raymond Ricketts, 775 students graduated since the program started in May 2006, and the graduation rate is 88 percent. The Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) funds the program, which is free to Montgomery County residents, and is held at the College’s West Campus. The fee for out-of-county students is $100, which includes the GED test.

Graduating from the rigorous five-week program gives students a sense of accomplishment and dignity, according to GED Graduate Speaker Malinda Gilyard.

“If you can believe, you can achieve. That’s the bottom line,” Gilyard said, thanking everyone.

Many of the graduates will continue their education, like Lee Scott of Pottstown, who will start computer classes at the College in September, and Malissa Quigley of Douglassville, who wants to enroll in the Nursing program.

In concluding the ceremony, Peggy Schmidt, Executive Director of the Partnership Transportation Association of Montgomery County and Workforce Investment Board Member, told the graduates to listen to the voice from within.

“The voice that comes from inside speaks from your heart and will truly guide you on your way,” she said. “I wish you the best on your next journey.”

Spring 2013 GED class members and their supporters. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Widener University Becomes 25th Dual Admissions Transfer Partner

by Alana J. Mauger

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) and Widener University (Widener) entered into a Dual Admissions Transfer Agreement on April 29 during an official signing event at the College’s Central Campus in Blue Bell, Pa.

Under the agreement, MCCC students who graduate with Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.), Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.) degrees are eligible to transfer to Widener’s day/full-time division, as long as they also meet specific program criteria. Widener will also waive students’ application fees and will award merit-based scholarships ranging from $8,000-$16,000 based on their grade point average (GPA).

The dual admissions transfer agreement builds on nine long-standing program-to-program agreements between the two institutions. Some of these are now included under the new agreement, such as Business Administration, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Engineering Science. Others, such as Allied Health and Professional Studies, will continue to exist as program-to-program agreements. These agreements demonstrate the long history of partnership between the institutions.

“Widener University has been growing in popularity as a transfer destination for Montgomery County Community College’s students, especially over the past five years among graduates of our Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Radiography and Surgical Technology programs,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, MCCC president. “In addition Widener’s EAC-accredited Engineering curriculum is very attractive to students enrolled in the College’s recently-redesigned Engineering Science program. We are pleased to continue growing our partnership with such an excellent institution.”

“Montgomery County Community College graduates who transfer to Widener will have access to a wealth of leadership and experiential learning opportunities at one of the nation’s leading metropolitan universities,” said Widener President James T. Harris III. “The commitment of Montgomery County Community College to innovation, academic excellence and the use of technology is second to none, and we are proud to forge this partnership with such a quality institution.”

With the signing of the agreement, MCCC now has 25 dual admissions transfer agreements with four-year institutions. To learn more about transfer opportunities at MCCC, visit mc3.edu/campusLife/student-resources/transfer.

From left, seated are James T. Harris III, president; Widener; and Karen A. Stout, president, MCCC. Standing are Edwin Wright, executive director of admissions, Widener; Stephen C. Wilhite, provost and senior vice president, Widener; Victoria Bastecki-Perez, vice president of academic affairs and provost, MCCC; and Kathrine Swanson, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, MCCC. Photo by Sandi Yanisko