Earlier this month, the new cafe located in the Brendlinger Library — an already popular gathering spot for students, faculty and staff at Montgomery County Community College’s Central Campus in Blue Bell — was officially named “Books & Bytes” during a lunch-time celebration.
Books & Bytes was selected from 214 entries made by 90 different people during a naming contest that was open to students, faculty and staff. A naming committee — comprised of student Ariel Mookherji along with Dr. Aaron Shatzman, Dr. Lawrence Backland, Lynn Rothman, Mary Beth Parkinson, and Sharon Connolly — narrowed down the 214 entries to its top 13, and ultimately, the name Books & Bytes was selected.
West Campus Library Manager Margaret Forbes received a $250 CulinArt meal card to submitting the winning name.
Contest winner Margaret Forbes helps College President Dr. Karen A. Stout and members of the naming committee unveil in the new name and logo. Photo by Sandi Yanisko
On Oct. 4, State and County officials joined College Trustees, President, faculty, staff and students to re-dedicate College Hall at Montgomery County Community College’s Central Campus in Blue Bell. The recent renovations further strengthening the impact of the College’s student support services, strategically uniting them through the building’s design and features.
Unveiling the new College Hall re-dedication plaque. Pictured (from left) Trustee Chairman Michael D’Aniello, SGA President Abu Chowdhury, Commissioner Vice Chair Leslie Richards, Commissioner Chair Josh Shapiro, Commissioner Bruce Castor, Senator John Rafferty, Trustee Geoff Brandon, President Dr. Karen A. Stout, Trustee Susan Arnhold, Former Trustee Chairman Mike Bitner, and Executive Director of Enrollment Services Cindy Haney. Photo by Sandi Yanisko
Key areas include:
Student Success Center – Advising, Counseling, Career Services, Testing, Veterans Affairs, Disability Services Center
Enrollment Services – Integrated, one-stop services to assist student with admissions, registration and financial Aid
Brendlinger Library – College Archives, Tutorial Services, Grant Center, Computer Laboratories
Student Leadership & Involvement – Student clubs and organizations, student recreation areas
Administrative Offices – Human Resources, Finance & Administration, Public Safety, Health & Wellness
Tutorial Services – formerly the Learning Assistance Lab, this new and improved space provides free customized academic assistance based on their learning styles.
The recent renovations include high tech meeting rooms with smart technology. The new, modernized library includes a Presidential Library Reading Room, an internet café, a children’s reading space and housing for the Betzwood Silent Film special collection.
The 125,313 square foot-facility is designed in alignment with the College’s Sustainability Initiative. Renewable materials were used throughout the project, and 100% of demolished materials were recycled. In addition, controlled lighting, water reduction, and other energy efficiencies were implanted to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. The College plans to seek LEED certification for the facility in the near future.
The $24.8 million renovation project designed by the architectural firm of Fletcher Thompson was funded through a combination of public support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the County of Montgomery.
Click below to watch a full video of the re-dedication ceremony.
Montgomery County Community College celebrated the opening of its new University Center on Aug. 21, expanding its West Campus to the “former AAA East Penn building” at 95 South Hanover St., and building on its vision to create a thriving urban campus in downtown Pottstown. Click here to watch the full video.
First introduced in 2006, the University Center offers an entrepreneurial approach to expanding higher education opportunities for residents of the Tri-County region. Through partnerships with four-year institutions – Albright College, Chestnut Hill College, Temple University and Villanova University – students can choose from eight bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and one graduate certificate.
During the event, College President Dr. Karen A. Stout addressed the importance of expanding access to higher education opportunities for the region.
“Before we introduced the innovative University Center model, our graduates had to travel to the greater Reading and Philadelphia areas to continue their education in baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. However, for many of our students and community members in the Tri-County region, this commute simply isn’t possible,” she said. “Therefore, the University Center becomes more than a place where our partner institutions lease space to teach their classes on our campus. It becomes part of a much larger pipeline in terms of building student access to higher education.”
Charles Roberts, alumnus of both Montgomery County Community College and Albright College, shared his personal educational journey through the University Center.
“I cannot begin to tell you where I would be without having the University Center. I was able me to attend class as a working adult and as someone who could not attend class the traditional college way. I may never have attempted a bachelor’s program unless the University Center existed,” said Roberts, who has since earned a master’s degree from Gwynedd-Mercy College and who works in the College’s Enrollment Services department.
Dr. Lex O. McMillan III, president of Albright College in Reading, spoke about the longstanding relationship with Montgomery County Community College, describing it as a “thriving, healthy partnership.”
“Montgomery County Community College has the largest onsite degree completion programs of our satellite campuses,” he told the roomful of attendees. “In the 2011-12 year, 6,135 credits were transferred from MCCC, and 130 Albright students are enrolled in the degree completion program [at the University Center].”
The University Center project is made possible through a public-private partnership and lease agreement with Vesper Property Group, the building’s owner and developer. The new 10,500 square foot facility includes six classrooms with smart and videoconference technology, a student lounge and reception area. The entire facility is secured through electronic card access, and a front desk concierge is available to greet students and answer questions.
In addition to creating a new home and identity for the University Center, the new facility frees up existing classroom space at North and South halls – space that is greatly needed to accommodate an unprecedented 60 percent enrollment growth at the West Campus over the past five years.
Dr. Karen A. Stout (center) cuts the ribbon for the new University Center facility. She is joined by (from left) University Center alumnus Charles Roberts; Representative Marcy Toepel; Board of Trustees Chairman Michael D’Aniello; Albright College President Dr. Lex O. McMillan III; Senator John Rafferty; Representative Tom Quigley; Montgomery County Commissioner Vice Chairman Leslie Richards; and West Campus Vice President Dr. Steady Moono. Photo by Sara Brams-Miller
Montgomery County Community College hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new Culinary Arts Institute, located at the Towamencin Town Square complex, on March 23.
“The creation of the Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College will position us as the region’s premiere education resource for future culinary and pastry arts professionals,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, College president.
Slated to open in 2013, the 15,000 square-foot facility will feature four state-of-the-art kitchens and equipment, three SMART classrooms, a retail shop for coffee and baked goods, and a first floor patio for dining and grilling. The site can be conveniently accessed from the Blue Route (I-476) corridor and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
“With food being such a central part of our lives, it is incredibly appropriate that a community college provide programs for careers in the culinary arts,” said guest State Rep. Kate Harper. “Located near the turnpike in an emerging town center with potential area employers—this is the best of all possible worlds.”
State Senator Bob Mensch, who also spoke at the ceremony, praised the College, developer Philadelphia Suburban Development Corporation (PSDC) and Towamencin Township officials for their ingenuity in making the Institute possible through this public-private partnership.
Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro additionally complemented the College for developing “new and innovative ways of teaching students.”
“For the fraction of the price, students can come here and get an unbelievable education in the culinary arts,” he said. “The College is a model of efficiency, creativity and thinking out of the box.”
Chef Christopher Allen Tanner will be leading the programs as the new Director of the Culinary Arts Institute. He previously worked as a chef instructor at Schenectady County Community College in New York, where he redeveloped the program’s curriculum. In 2011, he was named the American Culinary Federation’s Chef Educator of the Year for the Capital District-Central New York region and in 2010 he earned the organization’s Chef of the Year distinction.
The Culinary Arts curriculum emphasizes hands-on, lab-based learning in a professional kitchen setting, balanced with academic courses and cooperative internship training. Aligned with best practices in culinary education, the on-site program director, career coach and academic advisors will work directly with students from start to finish – from application through graduation to employment – to support their success.
Students will be able to select from a wide range of programing options that best meet their professional goals. Associate in Applied Science degree-seeking students can concentrate in Professional Culinary Arts or Professional Baking and Pastry Arts within the curriculum, and a one-year certificate program is also offered.
The National Restaurant Association anticipates significant industry growth through 2021, resulting in 28,200 new culinary jobs in Pennsylvania and 1.4 million new jobs nationwide. The Institute will have the capacity to enroll up 350 students over the next five years.
The Institute will also support variety of non-credit courses for the culinary enthusiast and professional development. Examples include basic catering, cooking technology, meeting and event planning, professional bartending, culinary occupational ESL, and ServSafe certification instruction in both English and Spanish.
To learn more about The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College visit www.mc3.edu/culinaryor contact Culinary Arts Director Christopher Allen Tanner at ctanner@mc3.edu.
Montgomery County Community College will host a ceremonial ground breaking for its brand new Culinary Arts Institute, located at the Towamencin Town Square complex, on Friday, March 23.
“The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College is just one example of the many high demand programs and certifications the College offers as part of our commitment to enhance workforce development opportunities and to promote the economic advancement of the County,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president.
Interior rendering
Slated to open its doors in 2013, the Institute is positioned to be the premiere training resource for future culinary and pastry arts professional in this growing industry. The National Restaurant Association anticipates significant industry growth through 2021, resulting in 28,200 new culinary jobs in Pennsylvania and 1.4 million new jobs nationwide.
“By developing our Culinary Arts Institute, we are able to expand the College’s existing Culinary Arts program. This means we will be able to prepare a greater number of students for careers in an industry that has viable employment opportunities, both now and in the future,” said Dr. Stout. “The Institute will have the capacity to enroll up 350 students over the next five years.”
Students will be able to select from a wide range of programing options that best meet their professional goals. Associate in Applied Science degree-seeking students can concentrate in Professional Culinary Arts or Professional Baking and Pastry Arts within the curriculum, and a one-year certificate program is also offered.
The Institute’s courses and programs are designed to be flexible, with both day and evening hours, which enable returning adult students, like Joseph Jay Bullick, to pursue their dreams.
“I’ve always wanted to own my own restaurant,” said Bullick, a current Culinary Arts student who works as a day shift security officer at the Montgomery County Courthouse. “The fact that the College offers an evening program will help get me there.”
The Culinary Arts curriculum emphasizes hands-on, lab-based learning in a professional kitchen setting. Aligned with best practices in culinary education, the on-site program director, career coach and academic advisors will work directly with students from start to finish – from application through graduation to employment – to support their success.
The Institute will also support variety of non-credit courses for the culinary enthusiast and for professional development. Examples include basic catering, cooking technology, meeting and event planning, professional bartending, culinary occupational ESL, and ServSafe certification instruction in both English and Spanish.
Conveniently located in the Towamencin Town Square complex near the Lansdale exchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the 15,000 square-foot facility will feature four state-of-the-art kitchens and equipment, three smart classrooms, a retail shop for coffee and baked goods, and a first floor patio for dining and grilling.
To learn more about The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College visit www.mc3.edu/culinary or contact Culinary Arts Director Christopher Allen Tanner at ctanner@mc3.edu.
Montgomery County Community College held a celebration on Feb. 2 to mark the completion of phase two in the transformation of the former brownfield site at 140 College Drive, Pottstown, into a thriving community resource.
Through a unique partnership between MCCC and the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area (SRHA) the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center will help to support local and regional revitalization plans by serving as a hub for education, culture, recreation and conservation.
“We’re proud of the College’s unique partnership with the Schuylkill River Heritage Area – a partnership that we believe to be the first of its kind in the nation,” said President Dr. Karen A. Stout. “We’re already exploring the joint programming possibilities between our two organizations – such as non-credit courses that run the gamut from historical perspectives of the region, to lessons in kayaking and bicycle maintenance.”
The expansion supports unprecedented enrollment growth at its West Campus, which has increased by more than 60 percent over the past five years. Recently, Community College Week ranked the West Campus as 15th among the fastest growing community college campuses of similar size in the country.
The Center also advances the College’s strategic commitment to sustainability, symbolized during the celebration by cutting a green ribbon.
“The ribbon is a symbol of the sustainable nature of this project—its construction, programming and ties to the river. Inside, students will learn in high-tech classrooms, while outside the river and its surroundings will serve as a natural tool to enhance teaching and learning,” said Dr. Stout.
When completed, the Center will house College’s growing Environmental Science degree program, which will utilize outdoor learning spaces in addition to the facility’s four SMART classrooms and state-of-the-art science laboratory. It will also support expanded courses in geology, geography and geographic information systems at a time when industry demand for these skills continues to grow.
The Center will also include an Interpretative Center, facilitated by the SRHA. Here, guests can learn about the history of the Schuylkill River – from its significance in Colonial times and during the Industrial Revelation, to the more recent development of its trail systems. Interpretative Center installation will begin in March, and has been funded, to date, by the National Park Service, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The Martin Foundation, National Penn Bank, and members of the SRHA Board of Directors.
Completed in January, phase two of the project focused on renovations to the building’s deteriorating infrastructure. The building’s aged, leaking roof was replaced with an eco-friendly green roof; a new entrance and handicap-accessible ramp were constructed; and energy efficient windows were installed. Other Phase II work included updating water and sewer service and the cleaning and abatement of asbestos.
Phase one of the project was completed in March 2010 and included the decontamination and renovation of the Center’s 202-vehicle parking lot, which is currently used by the College’s students and by visitors to Riverfront Park. The lot features LED lighting and more than 130 trees, shrubs and bushes, making the area both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.
Phases one and two were generously funded through a combination of public and private support, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Redevelopment Capital Program, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Block Development Grants, National Penn Bank, and private contributions made to the College’s Foundation.
The College is ready to begin work on the third and final phase of the project as soon as funding becomes available. These renovations will focus on the building’s interior, including the designing and furnishing the Interpretative Center, laboratory, classrooms, offices and student spaces.
A variety of sponsorship and funding opportunities are available to help bring the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center project to fruition. To learn more, visit www.mc3.edu/giving or call the College’s Foundation at 215-641-6535.
“By investing in the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center, you are investing in the economic prosperity of our community; in the education of future scientists, geologists historians, and geographers; and in the transformative impact that nature has on thousands of children and adults for generations to come,” Dr. Stout encouraged.
Cutting the ribbon on phase II of the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center are (from left) Foundation Board Member Jack Koury, Board of Trustees Chairman Michael D’Aniello, President Dr. Karen Stout, and Senator John Rafferty. Photo by Dawn Deppi
As the 2011-12 academic year quickly approaches, students can easily find essential back-to-school services located together in the upper level of the redesigned College Hall at the Central Campus.
Entering the spacious lobby, students can register, make payments, receive financial aid and get parking stickers and ID cards at the Enrollment Services center on the left.
Straight ahead, is the Student Success Center where you will find Advising, the Testing Center, Disability Services, Veterans Affairs, Career Services and Student Affairs.
This organized, cohesive system provides all the services students need in one convenient space.
“It’s roomier and more open,” said Demier Dubois, who was registering for his business administration courses. “There is far less congestion, and the lines are moving faster.”
In the next few weeks, the Student Leadership & Involvement center, located in the lower level of College Hall, will be open and ready for the first day of classes. Here, students can get involved with campus activities by joining the Student Government Association and other student organizations and clubs.
Students enjoy the one-stop-shop design of Enrollment Services in College Hall. Photo by Diane VanDyke
Phase I of the project saw the renovation on the parking lot. The facility is pictured in the background.
As residents of Pottstown and its surrounding communities head to the Schuylkill River and its trails for recreation this summer, they will see a flurry of activity at 140 College Drive – the future home of the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center.
Montgomery County Community College is currently in phase II of the renovation that will transform the facility, commonly referred to as “the old PECO building,” into a state-of-the-art educational center. Phase II work includes improvements to the building’s infrastructure and exterior envelope, including the installation of sustainable features that will support LEED certification.
Specifically, phase II will include replacement of the building’s aged, leaking roof with an eco-friendly green roof, along with the installation of energy efficient windows. A new entrance and handicap-accessible ramp will also be created. Phase II work is slated for completion in September.
When funding becomes available, phase III work will focus on the building’s interior, including the development of classrooms, offices and student spaces. A variety of sponsorship and funding opportunities are available to help bring the proposed Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center to fruition. To learn more, visit http://www.mc3.edu/giving or call the College’s Foundation at 215-641-6535.
The completed Center will provide space for four college classrooms equipped with SMART technology, a state-of-the-art laboratory that will support the College’s Environmental Science degree program, and an interpretive center that will provide educational, historic and tourist information about the Schuylkill River Heritage Area (SRHA).
In May 2010, the College completed phase I of the project by renovating the site’s parking lot. Renovations included removing contaminated soil, installing underground drainage facilities, adding clean fill, installing a blacktop cap to protect the groundwater table, and constructing three bio-retention basins to capture stormwater runoff. Installation of LED lighting and the placement of more than 130 trees, shrubs and bushes make the lot more sustainable.
The building at 140 College Drive served the Pottstown community as an electrical generating station starting in 1911. After sitting vacant for a number of years, the building and three-acre site were purchased by the Borough of Pottstown. The College secured ownership of the site in April 2009, and enjoys a unique partnership with the SRHA, which leases office space in the building.
Faculty and staff gather in the new Parkhouse Hall atrium. Photo by John Welsh
After months of suspense, Montgomery County Community College President Dr. Karen Stout announced the name of the College’s newest café located in the atrium of the freshly renovated Parkhouse Hall.
And, the name is . . . “Park Place.”
English Professor Dr. Anne Colvin submitted the winning entry, explaining the name “is an allusion to one of the classy addresses on a Monopoly game board” and represents “a place to ‘park’ yourself while you enjoy the fare.” As the winner, she receives a $250 meal card from CulinArt Inc., the College’s food vendor.
The College pitched the “Name the Parkhouse Café” contest in January to solicit input from students, staff and faculty in naming the café. Sixty-three people submitted 153 entries. More than one person suggested “Park Place,” so the award went to the first person who submitted the name.
The committee included Student Government Vice President Joshua Schwartz, Suzanne Holloman, Lynn Rothman, Debra Hunt, Margaret Lee-Clark, Christopher Coia, Porter Bush of CulinArt and George Shal.
The ceremony highlighted the open space of the newly completed three-floor atrium, which is designed to be a gathering place for students where they can read, study and enjoy the food of Park Place. The café is scheduled to open on Aug. 31, the first day of classes for the fall semester, and the menu includes hot sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
The renovation process of Parkhouse Hall started in May 2009 and included enhancing the classroom and offices, transforming the open courtyard into an atrium, creating a Center for Entrepreneurial Studies with an incubator, enhancing the appearance of the entrances and creating a separate entrance for the Workforce Development and Continuing Education division.
The $15 million renovation project was funded through a combination of public support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Montgomery County.
Parkhouse Hall is named in honor of Russell Parkhouse, who served as a Montgomery County Commissioner from 1960-1983 and who played a key role in establishing the College.
National Penn Bank presented a $20,000 check Thursday to the Schuylkill River Heritage Area (SRHA) and Montgomery County Community College to support of the development of the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center in Pottstown.
The new center will be housed in the 140 College Drive building that currently serves as the SRHA headquarters. The building sits along the Schuylkill River Trail, and beside Riverfront Park.
The project will expand the College’s West Campus by transforming the three-acre Brownfield site into a state-of-the-art educational facility. The Center will house three classrooms equipped with SMART technology; a state-of-the-art laboratory that will support the College’s Environmental Science degree program, and a new SRHA Interpretive Center.
“Because of the generous support from donors like National Penn Bank, our ability to start phase one of the project is enhanced,” said College President Dr. Karen A. Stout. “We hope that this gift will help us to build momentum for the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center, which is important for the economic development of the Pottstown Borough and for the health of the Schuylkill River.”
Phase one of the project, anticipated to conclude by fall 2011, includes renovating the infrastructure of the currently unused portion of the building and developing the Interpretive Center in what is currently being used as the SRHA’s conference room.
“The Interpretative Center will provide educational, historic and tourist information about the Schuylkill River Heritage Area,” said SRHA Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. “It is intended to serve as a visitors’ center for the entire Schuylkill River region, and will include interactive displays and a historical overview of the river’s role in the American, Industrial and Environmental Revolutions.”
The Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center will also allow for joint programming between the College and the SRHA, with non-credit courses that promote awareness of the river as a historical, cultural and natural resource. Such courses will run the gamut from historical perspectives of the region, to lessons in kayaking and bicycle maintenance.
“As an active member of our communities, National Penn is pleased to support this unique partnership which will allow the students of MCCC to learn more about the Schuylkill River, thus continuing their education through this innovative learning experience,” said David B. Kennedy, National Penn Group Executive.
According to Dr. Stout, the development of the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center is necessary to support new programs to allow the West Campus to grow.
“West Campus enrollment has grown by more than 16 percent since 2009 and currently stands at approximately 3,000 unduplicated credit students. Non-credit enrollment also continues to increase at the West Campus, serving approximately 2,500 community residents annually,” she said.
Previously owned by PECO Energy, the building at 140 College Drive served the Pottstown community as an electrical generating station starting in 1911. After sitting vacant for a number of years, the building and three-acre site were purchased by the Borough of Pottstown. The College secured ownership of the site in April 2009, and enjoys a partnership with the SRHA, which leases office space in the building.
Designed to be sustainable, the College will seek LEED certification for the Center and will look to incorporate a variety of sustainable adaptations, such as a green roof and geothermal energy sources, that can serve as both a tool for teaching and learning and as an energy and cost-savings alternative.
A variety of sponsorship and funding opportunities are available to help bring the proposed Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center to fruition. To learn more, visit www.mc3.edu/giving or call the College’s Foundation at 215-641-6535.
Pictured (from left) SRHA Executive Director Kurt Zwikl; National Penn Group Executive Vice President David B. Kennedy; National Penn Senior Vice President, Director of Commerce Banking, Central Region Barbara H. Pattison; National Penn Senior Vice President, Director of Retail Banking James P. Ferry; College President Dr. Karen A. Stout. Photo by Dawn Deppi
