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.

College Earns ‘Bike Friendly University’ Honorable Mention Designation

by Robert Gardner

Montgomery County Community College has been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists with a Bike Friendly University (BFU)  Honorable Mention designation.

In February, the College submitted its first-ever application for recognition by the national organization’s Bicycle Friendly America (BFA) program.  The application was based on a report developed by the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association (GVF), the organization that operates the College’s award-winning Campus Shuttle.

Read the final report

The College earned recognition, in part, for its friendly treatment of bicycles and their riders.  The majority of College’s bike friendly initiatives have taken place at West Campus in Pottstown, where cyclists can find five bike racks that accommodate 24 cycles.  Students, faculty, and staff are offered no-cost use of bicycles through the Bike Pottstown Free Bike Share program, and they can access 12 “cruiser” style, single-speed bikes at the Schuylkill River Academic and Heritage Center.

The application also highlighted the College’s major achievements for bicycling over the prior two years, including the hosting of the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly (for the past seven years, in fact).  The annual fundraising event attracts thousands of cyclists and runners to the Blue Bell campus each year.  Also, the College will host rideAtaxia in Blue Bell on Sunday, October 13, 2013.

In a email dated April 16, 2013, BFA’s Communication Director Carolyn Szczepanski thanked the College for its inaugural application and delivered the news of an honorable mention.  She also stated that feedback would be offered to assist the College with its next application.

Efforts to encourage bicycling—from lower on-campus speed limits to permitting bikes within its buildings—fall within the parameters of the Climate Council’s Action Plan and, thus, reduce the institution’s carbon footprint.

While improvements will be necessary in order to achieve full Bike Friendly University status, Montgomery County Community College is pleased to earn national recognition for its promotion of the safe use of bicycles as a healthy, alternative mode of transportation.

** Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on Montgomery County Community College’s sustainability blog, Think Green.

Meet the 2013 All-PA Academic Team: Shanae Roberts

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

by Neree Aron-Sando

Photo by Sandi Yanisko

When she was a youngster, Shanae Roberts was left to care for herself and her two siblings when her mother was hospitalized.

“We were all we had. I slowly began to realize that when things are good, everyone is your friend. When they are bad, you’re all alone. After my mother’s return, I vowed to never be that vulnerable again,” said the now 21-year-old Limerick woman.

Getting a degree was the means to keep her vow. “Education is the only way to secure my future and that of my siblings. Providing a safe and secure life for my siblings is my sole motivation in life,” she said.

But it wasn’t easy. Roberts enrolled in a four-year institution, but the tuition was burdensome.

“All my friends had gone off to universities and were having no problems paying for college,” she said. An uncle, who noticed that she was distracted, told her about “a great community college that was near him. So I packed my bags and moved to Limerick, where I decided to attend Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown.”

Roberts is a Business Administration major and expects to graduate in December 2013.

While she is working hard at her studies – she has been named to the Dean’s List – she also takes full advantage of extracurricular opportunities offered at Montgomery County Community College. She is Student Government Association president, a peer mentor, and a member of Doug’s Corner community service club.

“I have tried to get involved with pretty much everything I can,” Roberts said. “Montgomery County Community College is a wonderful college, filled with so many wonderful people. I have had chance to meet great friends and excellent staff.”

In Fall 2012, Roberts participated in an “Issues and Insights” Town Hall meeting, a  program intended to enhance the understanding of Democracy in the United States. “I was extremely honored to be a part of that. I was able to shed a positive light on the discussion, and it was just great,” she said.

Roberts also participated in the annual Lasagna Dinner, a fundraiser for scholarships, over the past two years. “Last year, I simply volunteered, serving lasagna.  However, this year, I was much more involved.  I was a part of doing the opening introductions, as well as, a short reading,” she said. “It was a really lovely event.”

After graduation, Roberts will transfer to a four-year university.  “I have not decided what college I want to attend, but I am narrowing down my list.” Her inclusion in the All- PA Academic Team grants her a scholarship to attend a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education college for two years, tuition free.

“Right now, I work at a nursing home, as a caregiver.  I plan to continue working there during my college career.  I enjoy working with elderly people, and my employer encourages growth, Roberts said. She takes care of residents that can no longer care for themselves – people who are vulnerable, like she once was.

“As a caregiver, I become the eyes, ears, hands, and legs for those who have lost those capabilities.”

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.

“In life, simply being smart can only take you but so far. However, using your intellect to benefit not only yourself but your society as well will take you to unimaginable levels,” Roberts said. “In my opinion, the All USA Academic Team acknowledges that and helps you in the process. By allowing me to go to college tuition free, I will be able to focus my energy on different activities that will benefit others, like volunteering. Being in college means the world to me, if I couldn’t go because of tuition expense, I would be devastated.”

Meet the 2013 All-PA Academic Team: Jessica Lowenstein

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

by Neree Aron-Sando

Photo by Sandi Yanisko

The world beckoned to Jessica Lowenstein, 19, of Abington, when she was a girl coping with family tension. Travel, she said, gave her a sense of herself, of independence, and of escape.

“I was accepted to a school in London as a freshman and really wanted to go,” Lowenstein said. But the tuition was expensive, and she considered taking out “enormous sums of money in loans” to pay for school.

“I toyed with taking a gap year and working, but I knew I would never be able to earn enough without a degree. Then I found out about the Honors Program at Montgomery County Community College, that offers small seminar-style classes, an honors club, and a full tuition scholarship.”

Lowenstein is pursuing an associate’s degree in Liberal Studies and a certificate in International Studies at Montgomery County Community College, and expects to graduate in May.

It turned out that close-to-home higher education is helping her to gain the credentials she needs to travel the world.

“My most significant community college endeavor is just beginning,” she wrote in her scholarship application. “As part of my international certificate program, I am doing an independent study on Israeli Foreign Relations and the U.S.”

The research phase consists of research and readings on the Arab minority in Israel, the formation of the State of Israel, the Palestinian Territories, history of the Middle East, history of the religious city of Jerusalem, Israeli foreign policy, and the U.S. involvement with Israel.

“In the future, I would like to work for the U.S. government or a non-govermental organization such as the United Nations, in a job that will allow me to help people and to travel and get to meet and understand them.”

After graduation, Lowenstein plans to transfer to a four-year institution; she has applied to Dickinson, Penn, Columbia, and American University, as well as to West Chester and Bloomsburg. There, she intends to pursue a baccalaureate degree in International Relations or Middle Eastern Studies.

Lowenstein is heavily involved in the Honors Club at the College. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and attends Adventure Club and Environmental Club meetings/activities when possible.

“The Honors Program scholarship made all the difference in my decision to attend Montgomery County Community College. I probably would have taken a year or two off from my education had I not been given this scholarship. The scholarship covers the full cost of my tuition and a Pell grant helps me to cover expenses such as food, books, and gas,” she said.

The All-PA Academic Team is an award for students nominated by their community colleges.

“I think it’s also really great that community college students have an opportunity to get this kind of recognition and award. I feel that the public has a really negative image of most community college students,” she said.

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.

Integrated Enrollment Services Earns College’s ‘Innovation of the Year’ Award

by Diane VanDyke

Each year, Montgomery County Community College recognizes one outstanding program or project for its Innovation of the Year award. The projects are evaluated against criteria established by the League for Innovation in the Community College—an international organization committed to improving community colleges through innovation. Award criteria include quality, efficiency, cost effectiveness, replication, creativity and timeliness. 

The College’s 2013 Innovation of the Year was awarded to Integrated Enrollment Services (IES) for its overall contribution to improving student access and success.

Launched in August 2011, IES provides an efficient, high-quality service experience for both students and staff. The new department combines the functions of several areas—Admissions, Registration and Financial Aid/Payment, as well as the procurement of photo identification cards and parking stickers—into one convenient, streamlined system. Enrollment services assistants are cross-trained to provide a one-stop experience for students who are enrolling at the College. Specialists also are available for additional assistance with complex situations.

Features of the IES center include a line management system with clear visual and auditory queuing; overhead displays for specific functions during peak processing; front-facing monitors to allow students to view online tools and resources; and display monitors that relay pertinent information to students waiting in line.

Award recipients include Executive Director of Enrollment Services Cindy Haney; Assistant Controller of Student Services and Financial Reporting Kelly Sharkey; Director of Student Assistance Centers Barbara LeFevre; Enrollment Services Assistant Joshua Whitworth; Executive Director of Technical Services Joe Mancini; Associate Director of Financial Aid Douglas Vore; Assistant Director of Admissions Events/Special Admission Programs Carolyn White; Director of College Services George Shal; Director of Records and Registration Registrar Cynthia McCabe; Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at West Campus Kathleen Emery; Senior Network Engineer Gregg Heimer; Student Accounting and Enrollment Services Supervisor at West Campus Nina Geisler; Multimedia Specialist Frank Leib; and Part-Time Information Technology Assistant Andrew Rosner.

Other projects nominated for the College’s 2013 Innovation of the Year at the College included: STEM Forge-Based, Open-Source Drone Project; the Mustang’s Academic Suite; the Student Support and Referral Team; Nursing Program Reaccreditation via SharePoint; West Campus Public Safety Segway Initiative; and Revised Student Activity Fee Allocation Process.

As recipient of the College’s award, Integrated Enrollment Services was forwarded to the League for Innovation in the Community College for national recognition in a program that is designed to showcase innovation at America’s community colleges.

Innovation of the Year award recipients with President Dr. Karen A. Stout and Board of Trustees Chairman Michael D’Aniello and Vice Chairman Andrew Cantor. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Meet the 2013 All-PA Academic Team: Nicole Holland

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

by Neree Aron-Sando

Nicole Holland – Photo by Sandi Yanisko

All-PA Academic Team member Nicole Holland, 25, of Pottstown, has managed to do it all: balance caring for her family, including a 5-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum, with carrying a heavy academic load and strong extracurricular activities at Montgomery County Community College.

“The last five years have been a struggle for my family, but I have been able to keep a positive outlook on everything despite it,” Holland said. “I was able to go back to community college last year because my son started preschool, so I went to school when he went.”

In addition to maintaining a 3.62 grade point average in pursuit of a degree in accounting in May 2013, Holland serves as Student Government West Campus treasurer and vice president of Phi Theta Kappa.

“My most significant endeavor would have to be being Student Government treasurer,” Holland said. “We raised awareness for anti-bullying month and raised close to $300 for it. As treasurer, I also lead the budget meetings and decide what clubs can get funded to do different events. I make sure everything is on budget and that everything runs smoothly with my other Student Government officers. I also have an active role in helping my community college reach out to other students.”

Being vice president of PTK has benefitted Holland’s life, both personally and as a member of the larger community.

For example, Phi Theta Kappa members did a river cleanup and adopted a family at Christmas to raise money for gifts. “I helped with the induction ceremony as well,” she said. “By being a part of Phi Theta Kappa, I have been able to meet interesting people and help my community at the same time. We collected blankets for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Being a part of Phi Theta Kappa has impacted my life because I am able to help other people in need and take a leadership position.”

Grants and scholarships enabled Holland to attend college. She is a Pell grant recipient, as well as a recipient of the Motz Wealth Management Prosperity Scholarship and an Andrew Bender Scholarship through the College’s Foundation.

“Community colleges provide excellent opportunities to a vast number of people who wouldn’t be able to attend school otherwise. If my community college wasn’t in town, I wouldn’t be able to afford to go to school and I wouldn’t have been able to participate in the activities I have.”

“I plan on attending Albright’s Accounting program at night at [MCCC's] University Center [in Pottstown], and I would like to find a job while doing that,” Holland said. Ultimately, she intends to work toward a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting/Business and a career as an accountant.

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.

Employees Certified in CPR

by Grace Spena, Director of Health & Wellness Initiatives

During the fall semester, the College, once again, made available certification classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for employees at both campuses at no cost.

According to Grace Spena, Director of Health & Wellness Initiatives, 17 employees, representing all areas of the College, took advantage of this on campus opportunity to learn skills that could prove to be life-saving when least expected. This employee training program, initiated in spring 2009, has certified over 85 employees to date.

The classes were taught by Joseph Ritvalsky, ESW faculty member and an American Heart Association CPR Instructor.  The certification is valid for two years.

Those most recently certified include Adam Meacham, Ann Minnick, Annika Hegamin, Austin Hall, Ayisha Sereni, Charles Scandone, Eddi Jo Almo, Joyce Belitz, Karen Stout, Michelle Donovan, Misti Volpe, Nicole Weising, Regina Kline, Samuel Coleman IV, Steady Moono, Thomas Moyer, and Wanda Brown.

Spena noted that classes will be offered again during the Spring semester. Those employees who are not currently certified and interested in learning these skills, as well as those employees who need to be recertified, should look for future announcements on the College Faculty/Staff Portal.

For more information, contact Grace Spena at gspena@mc3.edu.

Notes & Accolades

Culinary Arts Institute Pastry Arts Instructor Chad Durkin is a contestant on The Learning Channel’s “Next Great Baker” program. You can catch the show on Mondays at 9 p.m.

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Kudos to October Mustang Award recipients Patrick Moravec, Grant Writer, and Ayisha Sereni, Center for Entrepreneurial Studies Interim Director, for their work on writing/securing a $115,000 grant from The Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, which the College used to convert the “202 House” on its Central Campus in Blue Bell into a dedicated Veterans Resource Center.

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Kudos also to the following November Mustang Award recipients for their campus operations efforts during Hurricane Sandy: Dennis Barron, West Campus Maintenance Mechanic; Michael Billetta, Director of Operations & Capital Projects; Matt Cadwalader, West Campus Maintenance Mechanic Lead; Ryan Foster, Network Engineer; Jay Gaugler, Maintenance Mechanic; Robert Gehring, Assistant Help Desk Coordinator; Gregg  Heimer, Senior Network Engineer; Preston Hess, Coordinator User Support Services; Steve Kephart, Director of Security and Systems Administration; William Landis, West Campus Custodian; Julie Lopez, Instructional Technology Specialist; Joe Mancini, Executive Director Technical Services; Joshua Mitchell, Director of Training & User Support Services; Don Moore, West Campus User Support Engineer; Erick Robinson, Manager of Telephone Services; Bill Rosenbaum, Director of Information Technology Security; Hank Rymarowicz, West Campus Shipping Receiving Agent; Scott Saylor, West Campus Custodian; Jennifer Scales, Coordinator Help Desk; Michele Stasik, Administrative Assistant, West Campus Business Services; Jim Stasik, Director of Network Services; Dmitriy Vasilenko, Programming Clerk; John Vogt, West Campus Custodian; and Michael Zipay, West Campus Custodian.

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Several of the College’s Music faculty were invited to perform during Christmas Tours at Laurel Hill Mansion in Philadelphia over the past several weeks. They include James Angelucci (guitar); Ben Britton (saxophone); Howard Gordon (piano); Elizabeth Guerriero (violin); Hannah Horine (piano); Soh Lee (piano); Emiliano Pardo-Tristan (guitar); and Virginia Whitney (piano).

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The College’s Medical Assisting Club collected a total of 229 winter coats, which were donated to the Cluster Outreach Center in Pottstown.

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Adjunct Music Lecturer Sean Kennedy will play drums on Good Morning America live from Times Square, New York, on Dec. 21 between 7-9 a.m.

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Assistant Professor of Economics Jill Beccaris-Pescatore published three blog posts on Interest.com: Corporate Profits Hit Record Highs, So Where Are the Jobs?; There’s Really No Need For a Balanced Budget Amendment; and If I’d Listened to Wells Fargo, I’d Have Given Up On Refinancing My Home.

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The History Club toured the Titanic Exhibition at the Franklin Institute on Nov. 30, where they learned about the history and last days of the Titanic. They also hosted a presentation on the war experiences of American soldiers in Vietnam. The presenter was Don Yost, Vietnam War Veteran and Adjunct English Lecturer.

History Club at the Titanic Exhibit.

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Email your Notes & Accolades info to amauger@mc3.edu for consideration.

Diane Haar Earns National Recognition for POWER Program Leadership

by Diane VanDyke

Montgomery County Community College Associate Professor of Human Services and Psychology Diane Haar has a passion for helping people in mental health recovery succeed. In turn, their accomplishments inspire her to extend her skills and expertise beyond the classroom and to take a leading role in resource development to provide the vital programs they need.

The National Council for Resource Development recently honored Haar for her leadership and ongoing dedication in securing resources for the development of the College’s Partnership on Work Enrichment and Readiness (POWER) Program—a personalized education, career and life skills program developed to empower individuals in mental health recovery to pursue the next stages in their lives.

“Our students should not be defined by their diagnoses,” Haar said. “Each individual has his or her own special skills to be nurtured. As a society, we have made much progress with accepting people with physical challenges and alternative sexual orientation, but people with mental health issues still bear a stigma that needs to be erased.”

The POWER Program started in 2006 as a result of Haar’s concept and collaboration with the Montgomery County Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Disabilities Department, which provided a $20,000 seed grant.

“The focus of recovery at that time changed from being a daily or weekly treatment plan to a life plan, that includes education, employment and independent living,” Haar said, noting that the POWER Program provides these tools in a supportive classroom environment.

After securing this initial grant, Haar worked with the College’s Grant Development Office to identify other sources of support for the program and became involved in the grant application process.

Over the years, due to Haar’s persistent efforts, the POWER program has received multiple grants, including grants from the Patricia Kind Foundation and the van Ameringen Foundation. Additionally, Haar secured donations from the Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania and the National Alliance on Mental Illness—Pennsylvania to support the program. As the County’s Department of Behavioral Health witnessed the success of the program and opportunities for growth, it increased its support to $60,000 by 2010.

Since its inception, more than 270 students graduated from POWER and the transformation of their lives has been remarkable.

“I see students enter the program with little going on their lives,” Haar says. “But, as they develop skills and confidence, they are able to create resumes, interview for jobs and become employed for the first time.

“There is one student who was on disability services for 20 years when she enrolled in the POWER Program,” she continued. “After graduating from this two-credit course, she continued her education and eventually earned her bachelor’s degree and is now employed full time and no longer needs disability services at all.”

The program impacts the lives of approximately 50 students each year from the five-county Philadelphia region. Seventy percent of last year’s POWER graduates enrolled in higher education.

In addition to the POWER Program, the College provides a POWER Plus course—a weekly class that provides support and problem-solving techniques for students who are enrolled in credit courses at the College. This semester the POWER Program initiated a basic computer skills course.

Most recently in 2011, the College received a $100,000 grant from the van Ameringen Foundation to start a POWER TAY (Transitional Age Youth) program. This career and education program is specifically designed for students between the ages of 16 and 28 years, who have a diagnosable mental illness that has led to functional impairments in one or more life domains, such as education and work.

“This program focuses on providing skills earlier in life so that those students will have a higher probability of life success without bearing the stigma of a diagnosis,” Haar said.

With the growth of programs and government budget cuts, resource development becomes more challenging and more necessary.

“We need to continue these programs—they are life-changing for these individuals. With education and skills, they become independent, contributing members of the community,” Haar said.

The POWER team includes Director/Faculty Diane Haar, Program Coordinator/Advisor Lisa Barbiero Community Liaison/Advisor Lori Schreiber,  Peer Mentor Kelly Davis, Administrative Coordinator B. Dianne Johnson and Dean of Social Sciences Dr. Aaron Shatzman.

Individuals interested in the POWER TAY or POWER programs may obtain a referral from their mental health or school provider or may self-refer.  For more information, contact Community Liaison Lori Schreiber at 215-461-1151 or lschreib@mc3.edu or Program Advisor Lisa Barbiero at 215-641-6425 or lbarbier@mc3.edu.

Diane Haar receives award from CRD. Photo by Eddie Arrossi

Students Participate in National Leadership Conference

by Diane VanDyke

Four Montgomery County Community College student leaders recently attended the American Student Association of Community Colleges’ (ASACC) National Leadership, Citizenship and Advocacy Conference in Tampa, Fla.

The student representatives included Serena Dunlap, Gilbertsville, Student Government Association (SGA) Senator at Central Campus; Margaret Kanter, Boyertown, SGA Senator at West Campus; Shanae Roberts, Limerick, SGA President at West Campus; and Iris Wang, Norristown, SGA Treasurer at Central Campus.  The College’s Director of Student Leadership and Involvement Chris Coia accompanied the students.

The three-day ASACC conference focused on several aspects of leadership, including how to build a social network, develop strong communication skills and create and accomplish goals. Students attended presentations and workshops to learn how to develop these skills, as well as how to effectively use technology in communicating and networking.

“The purpose of the trip was to make us better leaders,” said Serena Dunlap, a Liberal Studies major who plans to become an art therapist. “We learned how to connect with other leaders, so we can network and help each other.”

As a SGA Senator, Dunlap plans to use her new skills to interact more with other students on campus and to listen to their opinions and ideas about the College.

In addition to participating in discussions with 150 other community colleges students from across the country, Dunlap, Kanter, Roberts and Wang earned student leader certifications in ASACC’s L.E.A.P.S. program (leadership, education, advocacy, planning and service).

“The conference really made me stop and think about my future, as well as my past and present,” Roberts said. “The highlight of my experience was having the chance to meet many different people from all walks of life. It was really cool to see how other people ran their clubs.”

The SGA leaders will have the opportunity to attend the National Student Leadership Advocacy Conference in March 2013 in Washington D.C. The conference will inform and educate students about major issues of importance to community colleges and students, including Pell grants, student loans, federal work-study funding, Perkins funding, textbook prices and student debt.

For more information about ASACC, visit www.asacc.org.

: Student Government Leaders (from left) Serena Dunlap, Shanae Roberts, Margaret Kanter and Iris Wang earned certificates for their participation in the American Student Association of Community Colleges’ National Leadership, Citizenship and Advocacy Conference in Tampa, Fla. Photo by Chris Coia