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

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.

Student Veterans Thank Community for Support

by Robert Gardner

Nearly 100 people came out to VFW Post 32 in Lansdale on April 6 to join Montgomery County Community College’s Student Veterans Organization (SVO) for its inaugural Appreciation Dinner.  Friends, family and former members of the armed forces came out to show unanimous support for those who have sacrificed so much for the United States.  A brief ceremony followed a full complement of guest speakers and a catered dinner.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 32 received the first Appreciation Award for providing a safe place for all vets to gather with others with whom they share a unique bond.  Commander Frank DeSimone accepted the second award, presented to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 25 of Collegeville.

Members of Veterans Club took the opportunity to thank one of their own, recognizing club president Brent Worthington with an award that reads, “In appreciation for all your time and dedication to the Veterans Club.  Thank you for all the hard work.”  A humble Worthington accepted the plaque while redirecting praise to his fellow veterans.

“Wow, I wasn’t expecting this.”  Turning to the club, he asked, “How did you guys keep this a secret from me?”  Amid laughter, he added, “I couldn’t do this without your help.”

Worthington returned to the stage to present the final award of the night to a civilian—club advisor, Dr. Ann Marie Donohue.  An associate professor of psychology, Dr. Donohue rose the stairs to the stage with her right hand covering her heart; she took the clear, glass STAR Award and held it so she could read the inscription before speaking.

Fighting back tears, Dr. Donohue talked of bravery.  “The vets at Montco did what I was told they would never do: They took the risk of talking to a civilian.”

“Working with the veterans is one of the greatest privileges of my life,” she added.  “It was never easy, but I made a promise to myself and to these men [and women] that I will do whatever it takes to help them get back to their lives.”

“This award,” she concluded, “tells me that I kept my promise. I kept my promise.”

Dr. Donohue became interested in working with student-veterans in 2004-2005 after having a young man in her class who had served in Iraq.  Recognizing his symptoms, she asked a simple question which revealed a complex answer.

“What do people like me need to know?” she asked of his experiences.

“He told me that people said ‘don’t think about it.’  Then he asked me, ‘How can I not think about it?’ and that’s when I realized that most of us, myself included, are oblivious to the horrors of war.”

An informal Veterans Club emerged from the conversations the two had.

Beyond the presentation of awards, the evening also served to bring together veterans of several wars.  For the older servicemen, it allowed them to identify the future of organizations such and the VFW, DAV, and others.

“The turnout was great,” said Worthington.  “We did not anticipate almost one hundred people to show up. The dinner was a great success.  Some of our current veterans are getting the help they need and faster, because of the personal relationships we now have with these organizations.”

Senior Vice Commander of Post 32 Ivan Eitreimer described the decision to host the dinner as a no-brainer.

“Brent came to us, we talked about it and said Hell, yeah!” he said.  “The more veterans we get together, the better.”  Eitreimer, who served in Vietnam, spoke of this latest generation of veterans in terms of what it represents to the VFW.  “We want the young guys because we’re all getting old.  We want young blood to carry [the post] forward.”

Worthington mirrored Eitreimer’s statement.  “For most of us, and I cannot speak for all, but for most it was an excellent opportunity to give thanks to the prior-generation veterans.  They did not and have not received the thanks or gratitude we have [from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom].  The relationships we started because of this dinner,” he continued, “are growing tighter.”

Army veteran Chris Crouthamel, who fought in Iraq in 2003 and 2005, is in his first semester at Montgomery County Community College.  The engineering major expressed his appreciation for the dinner’s turnout and offered a glimpse at what’s to come for Veterans Club.

“It means a lot to me for everyone to come out and support us like this,” the club treasurer said.  “It’s going to be even better next year.”

Current MCCC student and former club president John O’Hara and his wife Dawn, both service vets, invested their time and talents into making sure the dinner guests enjoyed their meal.  The couple recently started a catering business after Dawn graduated from culinary school; they prepared and provided all of the food free of charge.

Accounting student Fred Walczak was deployed to Iraq in 2003.  He recalled step-by-step his experience as being one of hurry-up-and-wait.

“After we got to Kuwait, it was three weeks until we knew what we were doing.  Six months in, we were told we were going home in 30 days.  Fifteen days later, we were extended for 90 more days.  Then we entered Fallujah.”

“Thirteen months later,” he said, “we were at Ft. Bragg watching a PowerPoint presentation on the benefits of being a war vet.  The last thing we wanted to do was watch a PowerPoint presentation.”

According to Walczak, many returning veterans have no idea what they’re entitled to.  He now dedicates his time to a staffing firm which helps veterans identify and receive the benefits they earned through service.  He can be found in the Veteran Career Headquarters at Central Campus.

“Each vet has a unique talent.  We want to connect vets with potential employers,” he said.

Another highlight of the evening came when MCCC student and veteran Greg Meinhardt took the stage as auctioneer to raise funds for Veterans Club.  Even though the crowd laughed as he chanted, they took the bidding seriously.  The big-ticket item was a deck of cards from Operation Iraqi Freedom, which fetched the sum of $200!

While the night consisted of lighter moments such as this, the overall tone was one of brotherhood.  Many of the veterans echoed the same sentiment:  The formation and maintenance of places like the VFW, agencies like DAV, and groups like MCCC’s Student Veterans Organization are imperative.  For the brave men and women who go to distant lands and fight—who do their jobs day-in and day-out, not knowing if or when they’ll go home—being accepted and understood seems a far-off proposition. Nights like April 6, events like the Veterans Appreciation dinner, let them know they are not alone.

“We have a responsibility to understand some of what they went through for us,” said Donohue.  “Events like this, they’re not just jargon.  It’s not image management.  It’s real.”

Student veterans, led by club president Brett Worthington, speak at the dinner. Photo by Jessica Lowenstein

The Latest From the Library…

by Kevin Strunk, West Campus Reference Librarian

West Campus Library: Room to Concentrate

Student surveys taken in 2007 and 2012 revealed that the majority of students (54.7% in 2012) wanted library planners to make silent study areas a top priority. In fact, when presented with the statement “The library is a place where I can find quiet space” 138 of 166 respondents marked it as “very important.”

Balancing the needs of students who desire quiet places to study and those who want space to collaborate has long been a challenge at the West Campus Library. South Hall Lab 162 is already a designated silent area, serving the needs of computer users who prefer less background noise with their computer-aided activities. To provide a similar location for users who wish to use their own devices, or do not plan on using a computer, West Campus Library is introducing the Quiet Study room, a renovated workroom and storage area that can comfortably accommodate ten students.

Located in South Hall 164, just beyond the circulation desk, the silent study space has accessible outlets for laptops and other devices. Students can also take advantage of three-dimensional educational models, including those representing molecules and human bones.

With final exams approaching, the librarians are providing another bright, quiet place where students can focus their full attention on their projects.