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

‘The Female Entrepreneur’ Talks Business on Weekly Radio Show

by Diane VanDyke

Kimberle Levin in the Montco Radio studio. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Serial entrepreneur Kimberle Levin thrives on the chaos of starting new businesses. With 10 companies under her belt, she has real-life knowledge to share.

Levin, who teaches Montgomery County Community College’s award-winning “Starting a Woman-Owned Business” program, has expanded her audience as host of a new show she created on Montco Radio, the College’s student-run Internet radio station.

“The Female Entrepreneur,” which airs on Mondays from 10-11 a.m. ET, offers straight-up advice to women hoping to launch or grow their own businesses. Tune in live at http://www.mc3.edu by clicking on the green microphone in the lower right corner of the page.

“Every week, I chat with women who have started companies, sold them or shut them down. We talk about the entire journey of  the good, the bad and the very ugly!” exclaims Levin, 49, who has a guest bookings lined up 120 days in advance. Listeners are encouraged to tweet questions during the show @KimberleLevin.

On Monday, April 29, Levin will be hosting Sandra Yancey, the CEO and founder of eWomenNetwork, one of the top online resources for connecting and promoting women and their businesses in North America. Listen live

Yancey is an award-winning entrepreneur and international business owner, as well as an ABC radio show host, author, movie producer, speaker and philanthropists. She dedicates her time to helping women achieve their goals. Additionally, she is the co-founder of MyGlow.net, an international social network for women.

“Sandra and I connected through Twitter when the show first began and then through LinkedIn.” Levin stated.  “Initially, we were going to schedule an audio interview since Sandra lives in Texas however, she was going to be on the east coast for her North American roadshow tour, so I thought it would be great to invite her to the studio. We’re thrilled she could fit time in her schedule to come to the show.” Levin added.

While some of Levin’s guests come from farther afield, others are closer to home, including MCCC students who have started their own businesses.

“It’s a terrific marketing opportunity for these female entrepreneurs,” says the Pennsauken, N.J. native.

Despite changes in U.S. society, she comments, women still have a very different journey from men when they decide to go into business. Almost all women are engaged in multitasking in their everyday lives. Starting a business adds complexity that is sometimes difficult to handle since it interrupts the family routine.

“Starting a business is not easy or everyone would be doing it,” Levin says of starting a company. “But men, if they have a support system at home — it can be easier for them. The balance of roles is different.”  Women have dreams, too.” she adds.

In her MCCC class, she finds that women often have multiple ideas for businesses that they need to winnow down to a single solid one. They also should examine whether their idea passes Levin’s test of “will the dogs eat it?”

“If the dogs are willing to eat it, what are they willing to pay for it? If they’re willing to pay for it, will they come back for more? If they come back for more, will they tell all their friends about it?  This is a simple test of can an idea become a business,” she adds.

In mulling this, some would-be entrepreneurs may find that launching one’s own company is “just not for them,” as Levin says.

Fortunately, though, that did not hold true for her. A former secretary, over the past 25 years, Levin has founded several companies, and is identified in the business world as “a serial entrepreneur.”

“I’m not afraid to jump in and launch a new venture. In my mind, it’s going to work,” she says, adding that if she can visualize a business, she can make a company out of it. Of the 10 companies she has started, only two had to be put back on the shelf.

JVC Technologies, Telcom Assistance Center, KizTri3, Teknuko and The Kimberle Levin Companies are just a few of her launchings. Today she consults and mentors entrepreneurs and business leaders across the company.

“When you’ve sat in the chair of an entrepreneur and know what they’re feeling because you’ve been there, the trust between you becomes instant,” Levin states.

Once a kid who wanted to help others by giving away her toys, Levin hopes to aid women in navigating the entrepreneurial life with its highest of highs and lowest of lows.

“I have worked in a man’s world my entire professional career and have wanted to do something for women entrepreneurs to ensure they knew the real deal to become successful,” she says. “My advice is straight-up — real world.  It’s not that difficult if you put on the uniform and show up to play the game to win.  I’m very open and honest about it.”

New JobTrakPA Programs Offer Fast-Track Training

by Diane VanDyke

Montgomery County Community College’s JobTrakPA programs provide the knowledge and skills needed for today’s cutting-edge manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology-based jobs.  Enroll today in any of the JobTrakPA programs, and within six months, you will be ready for a new career. Classes start as early as March 18.

The College’s upcoming JobTrakPA programs include:

• Medical Billing & Coding: This program is designed for those who want to begin medical billing and coding careers and/or prepare for certification examinations. Students will learn principles of medical coding using the health industry coding manuals of CPT, ICD-9 and HCPCS. Tuition is $2,800. The course is offered at the Central Campus in Blue Bell on Saturdays from 9-3 p.m., March 30-Sept. 14, and at West Campus in Pottstown on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., March 25-Aug. 7.

• Health Information Technologist: This program consists of a sequence of three courses that will prepare students for general and health-related information technology. Students will be trained to repair, maintain, secure PCs and mobile devices and install and troubleshoot operating systems. Tuition is $2,085. The program is offered in Blue Bell from March 18- Aug. 16, Mon. and Fri., 6-10 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon. In Pottstown, the program is offered March 19-Aug. 14, 6-10 p.m., Tues., Wed. and Thurs.

• Industrial Electrical Technician: Students will gain fundamental knowledge and skills to maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical systems used in advanced manufacturing. The program will be held at North Montco Technical Career Center, Lansdale, where students will be provided with hands-on practical experience. Tuition is $950.The program will be held March 25-May 22; Mon., Tues., Wed., 3:30-7:30 p.m.

• Industrial Mechanical Technician: Students will gain fundamental knowledge and skills to maintain, troubleshoot and repair mechanical systems used in advanced manufacturing. Program will be held at North Montco Technical Career Center, Lansdale, from March 25-June 11; Mon., Tues., Wed., 3:30-7:30; Sat., 8-5 p.m. Tuition is $1,150.

• Industrial Electrical and Programmable Logic Controllers Technician: This program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills of electrical systems and programmable logic control (PLC) systems for students to maintain, troubleshoot and repair PLC systems used in advanced manufacturing. The program will be held at North Montco Technical Career Center, Lansdale, from March 25-June 19; Mon., Tues., Wed., 3:30-7:30; Saturdays, 8-5 p.m. Tuition is $1,450.  

• Warehouse and Logistics Technician: This program prepares students to be frontline material handling workers in supply chain logistics. Participants will learn about the warehouse and logistics environment, safety and quality control principles and more. The program will be held at North Montco Technical Career Center, Lansdale, from March 18-June 29; Mon. and Thurs., 6-9:30 p.m.; Sat., 8-5 p.m. Tuition is $950.

• CNC Machine Operator:  This program will provide students with the knowledge and hands-on skills to operate a Computerized Numeric Control (CNC) program for a CNC machine in a manufacturing environment. The program will be held at North Montco Technical Career Center, Lansdale, from March 26-June 15; Tues. & Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 9-4 p.m. Tuition is $1,780.

• Welding Technician: This program will teach and prepare participants to operate as an entry-level production welder in manufacturing and maintenance environments. The program will be held at North Montco Technical Career Center, Lansdale, from March 18-June 26; Mon, Thurs, Fri, 6-9:30 p.m.; Sat., 8-5 p.m. Tuition is $950.

For more specific details about the College’s JobTrakPA programs, visit www.mc3.edu/workforceDevelopment/jobtrak, email jobtrak@mc3.edu or call the JobTrakPA hotline at 215-461-1468. Job placement assistance is provided upon completion. Many of the programs prepare for and/or provide certifications upon completion.

Learn About ‘Starting a Successful Woman-Owned Business’ Program at Open House, Seminar

by Diane VanDyke

Montgomery County Community College will host an open house for its popular “Starting a Successful Woman-Owned Business” series on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 129, Parkhouse Hall, Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. For information, call 215-641-6397.

The spring installment of the “Starting a Successful Woman-Owned Business” certificate program will be held on Tuesdays from Feb. 19 to May 7 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the College’s Central Campus. The cost, including the textbook, is $495.

The 12-week certificate program is designed to encourage women to develop their business ideas into a roadmap for success. Taught by a successful woman entrepreneur, the program enables participants to get practical knowledge about what it takes to make it as a business owner while being exposed to subject-matter experts across a wide range of business topics. Participants will also go through a business planning process and will receive course certification upon successful completion of a business plan.

For women who are uncertain about whether or not they are ready to become entrepreneurs, the College will offer a seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Central Campus. The seminar, which costs $49, will help participants explore their creativity while providing advice on moving their business ideas through the process of successful business ownership.

For more information about programs offered through the College’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education division, visit www.mc3.edu/continuingeducation.

$2.7 Million NSF Grant Supports Next Phase of NBC2 Initiative

by Rebecca Rhodin 

Montgomery County Community College has won an unprecedented third grant from the National Science Foundation to spur new educational programs for students entering the biomanufacturing field.

“You usually don’t get three in a row. We’re thrilled,” says Dr. Sonia Wallman, Principal Investigator for the project. “It allows us to complete what we started.”

The $2.7 million grant was received through the Northeast Biomanufacturing Center and Collaborative (NBC2), which develops classroom materials and virtual training programs for students who plan to work in the biomanufacturing industry.

Biomanufacturing is the use of living organisms to manufacture products such as biopharmaceuticals and biofuels.

Graduates from the College’s biotechnology program have gotten jobs as quality control microbiology and biochemistry technicians and as upstream and downstream processing technicians at local biomanufacturing companies, according to Dr. Margaret Bryans, who is Co-Principal Investigator for NBC2.

With associated community colleges, called “hubs,” in several states, NBC2 also coordinates professional training for community college faculty and high school teachers.

The collaborative also maintains a website as a resource for information on biomanufacturing education and companies across the nation, and for promoting partnerships between these companies and local community colleges.

The grant, from NSF’s Advanced Technological Program, is entitled “NBC2: Growing a Regional and National Bioeconomy, One Locale at a Time.”

Wallman noted that the grant will allow NBC2 to attain nonprofit status and also decrease the organization’s need to apply for more grants.

Biomanufacturing is one of the few growing areas in the U.S. manufacturing sector “with many more new products in the pipeline,” according to Bryans.

As far as employment in the industry, she notes, “the future looks bright with a growing demand for graduates with biomanufacturing skills and knowledge.

The NBC2′s materials give students relevant, hands-on skills required by the workplace. For training on a large industrial scale, it has come up with web-based training modules in which students can master bioreactor computer control systems.

“Our industry partners are excited about this since it cuts down on the training time for new hires,” Wallman says.

Locally, NBC2 works with Merck, the Janssen unit of Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer as well as Lonza Biologics and Human Genome Sciences, well-known manufacturers of biopharmaceuticals.

Its partner schools are Bucks County Community College, Mount Wachusetts Community College in Massachusetts; Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana; Alamance Community College, North Carolina; Finger Lakes Community College, New York State; and MiraCosta College, California.

Since 2005, NBC2 has received three grants toward the development of its programs, the publication of textbooks, the mentorship of programs at other community colleges around the country and a four-day professional development conference called BIOMAN, which will be held next July at MCCC.

In addition, NBC2 hubs offer one-week workshops for high school teachers. Twelve local teachers attended at workshop at MCCC in June 2012.

During Phase 1, with a $3 million NSF grant, the initiative worked to produce curricula around the 10 major biomanufacturing job areas in which students are employed with an associate’s two-year degree.

In the second phase, when it received $2.69 million, NBC2 moved into crossover industries such as biofuels, in which fuel is produced from algae and corn. NBC2 also published the first “Introduction to Biomanufacturing” textbook, authored by 15 biomanufacturing industry scientists and managers.

In the third phase, NBC2 plans to create more hands on and theoretical curricular materials for other aspects of the growing bioeconomy.

‘Bridge to Employment’ Program Preps Students to Study STEM, Health Sciences

by Diane VanDyke

Montgomery County Community College is partnering with Wissahickon High School and Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and Janssen Supply Group, LLC of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson in the Bridge to Employment (BTE) program, based in Ambler, Pa.

The BTE program encourages high school students to pursue post-secondary education and explore career options in health care and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

BTE partners hosted a kick-off event earlier this month at the College’s Central Campus in Blue Bell, providing an orientation for the 50 Wissahickon High School students who are participating in the program, and their families. The diverse group of students has demonstrated academic promise and an interest in exploring post-secondary education options.

Students in the three-year program will continue their academic studies at Wissahickon High School and participate in quarterly visits to Janssen campuses. During their visits, students will spend time with their Janssen mentors learning about such careers in pharmaceutical research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, finance, technical operations, marketing, and engineering.

For its role in the partnership, the College is providing access to dual enrollment courses, parent/student college planning workshops and financial literacy workshops. Through the dual enrollment program, students will have the opportunity to earn college credits, meet professors and learn about the expectations for successful course completion. This portion of the program will enable students to successfully transition to college, as they learn and master time management techniques, organization skills and studying strategies, among other skills.

In addition to assisting students with identifying careers and higher education opportunities, the BTE program helps students develop the soft skills — stress management, self-regulation, organization, verbal and non-verbal communication, business etiquette, diplomacy and persistence — necessary to succeed.

In 1992, Johnson & Johnson established the Bridge to Employment program to help young people around the world build solid futures by introducing them to a broad array of careers in health care.  For more information the program, visit bridge2employment.org/.

: Back row, from left: Patrick McCrummen, Director, Convergence & Communication, World Wide Corporate Citizenship, Johnson & Johnson; Karen Gebhardt, Assistant Principal, Wissahickon High School; Michael Bzdak, Director of Corporate Contributions, Johnson & Johnson; Paul Mongillo, Manager, Forecasting and Analytics, Janssen; and Cheryl Mearhoff, Director of Dual Enrollment, MCCC. Front row, from left: Mark Cunningham, Director, Immunology, Strategy & Planning Janssen; Lyn Fields, Principal, Wissahickon High School; Gwen Miley, Manager, Corporate Relations, Janssen; Susan Incorvia, Director, Secondary Teaching and Learning, Wissahickon School District; and Niamh Hunt, Senior Manager, Janssen; Leslie Bluestone, Director of Major Gifts and Alumni Relations, MCCC Foundation. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Cadets Graduate From Municipal Police Academy

by Diane VanDyke

Thirty police cadets graduated from Montgomery County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy on Nov. 14 during a ceremony held at the College’s Science Center Auditorium, 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell.

The graduates of Class 1202 included Stephen Andrews (Richboro), Gregory Borgmann (Warminster), Raymond Brook (Maple Glen), Michael Choiniere (Gilbertsville), David Clouser (Quakertown), Richard Dean (Yardley), Shalako Drabinksy (Chalfont), Kevin Furman (Newtown Square), Eric Honick (Conshohocken), Jason Howell (Limerick), Erik Iochum (Abington), Joseph Jennings (Churchville), Salvatore LaMantia (Yardley), Michael Lanzafame (Philadelphia), Bryan Lukens (Whitemarsh), Scott Lukens (Plymouth Meeting), David Malischewski (Perkasie), Joseph O’Mara (Lower Gwynedd), Stephen Pimm (Ambler), Michael Pinciotti (Newtown), Benjamin Romanowicz (Bensalem), Benjamin Scott (Pennsburg), Brian Seibert (Worcester), Jennifer Smith (Abington), Kevin South (Morrisville), Rafael Stoppazzollo (Philadelphia), Michael Theiss (Tuckerton, N.J.), Michael Verrillo (Warrington), Anthony Vogel (Horsham) and Zachary Wise (Phoenixville).

Valedictorian Sgt. Stephen Pimm earned the Sgt. James R. Miller Marksmanship award, and Lt. Bryan Lukens earned the Leadership Award. Sgt. Richard Dean was awarded the Spirit of Distinction Award for his teamwork, discipline, dedication and leadership.

The ceremony started with a moment of silence in respect for fallen Plymouth Township Police Officer Bradley Fox, an alumnus of the Police Academy. A chaired draped with his jacket bearing his name was placed next to the podium during the ceremony in his memory

Guest speakers for the evening included Sgt. Ken Hawthorn of the Warrington Township Police Department and Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman also attended.

In his remarks, Hawthorn told the cadets to “be firm but be fair,” and not to dwell on mistakes.

“Remember, your patrol car has a big windshield and a small rearview mirror,” he said. “What’s in front of you is more important than what’s behind you.”

Castor reminded the cadets to “do the right thing” when the moment calls for it. “Being a police officer,” he said, “is not a profession but a calling, a calling to do the right thing for the people of the community.”

During the ceremony, the McGowan family presented the Chief John J. McGowan III Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to Orwigsburg Borough Police Officer Matthew Fogarty of Royersford.  Fogarty graduated from the Police Academy in July 2012 and also serves as an emergency medical technician.

When receiving the scholarship, Fogarty thanked the McGowan family, telling them, “Chief McGowan was the leader I dream of becoming.”

Chief McGowan started his law enforcement career in 1974 with the Lower Moreland Police Department. While working there, he graduated from the FBI National Academy and earned his master’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph’s University. After his retirement in 1992, he became the police chief and public safety director for East Norriton Township, a position he held until June 18, 2010, when he was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident.

In addition to his law enforcement career, McGowan was an academic instructor in the Criminal Justice program at Montgomery County Community College. He also served as past president of the Montgomery County Police Chiefs’ Association and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association and was instrumental in establishing the Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Academy Director Frank A. Williar praised Class 1202, stating that the members of this class are definitely people he would recommend to safeguard his family and the community.

Montgomery County Community College, in conjunction with the state training commission, operates the Municipal Police Academy at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus, 1175 Conshohocken Road, Conshohocken, PA 19428.

The Academy has been the training ground for approximately 3,200 cadets with a consistent graduation rate of more than 96 percent. The 800-hour curriculum allows successful students to articulate up to 15 credit hours toward an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Williar, a 1974 Police Academy graduate, was hired as the Academy Director in 2005. The Academy is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission.

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Photos by John Welsh

Veterans Day Commemorated With Opening of New Resource Center

by Alana J. Mauger

On Nov. 8, military veterans and their supporters joined Montgomery County Community College President Dr. Karen A. Stout and members of the College’s Veterans Task Force to officially open the College’s new Veterans Resource Center.

Through a $115,000 grant from The Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, the College was able to convert the “202 House” on its Central Campus in Blue Bell into a dedicated Veterans Resource Center. The facility includes rooms for meetings, classes and a community area, where students can study, relax or participate in small group programs.

Representatives from the Montgomery County Veterans Center and from Pennsylvania Career Link will also hold regular office hours for both the College’s students and the community veteran population at large.

Supporting student veterans is not new for Montgomery County Community College. The College’s veteran support services were extremely active during 1960s and 1970s as veterans were returning from the Vietnam War.

In 2006, as veterans began to return from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the College, once again, re-invigorated its veterans services and established a Veterans Support Team as part of the institution’s Student Success Initiative. Since then, the College’s student veteran enrollment has grown by close to 55 percent over the past five years, with a record number of 398 veterans enrolled this fall.

During the dedication ceremony, Dr. Stout presented members of the Veterans Support Team with the plaque designating the College as a “Military Friendly School” for the fourth consecutive year by G.I. Jobs magazine.

Numerous federal, state and local officials joined the College for the dedication ceremony, including U.S. Representatives Patrick Meehan and Chaka Fattah; Pa. Senator John Rafferty; Pa. Representatives Matthew Bradford, Tim Briggs, Larry Curry, Madeleine Dean, Thomas Murt, Marcy Toepel, and Todd Stephens; and Montgomery County Commissioners Vice Chair Leslie Richards.

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photos by Sandi Yanisko

Graduates Get Fresh Start Through GED Program

by Diane VanDyke

Yolanda Sills gave the student address during the ceremony.

The Community Room at Montgomery County Community College’s West Campus in Pottstown overflowed with family and friends who applauded as 77 students earned their General Education Diplomas (GED) during the Fall GED Graduation ceremony on Oct. 24.

President Dr. Karen A. Stout congratulated the students, praising their tenacity and determination to accomplish this goal.

“You make some of the best role models of Montgomery County Community College because you have grit,” Dr. Stout said. “Grit is one of the most important non-cognitive skills necessary to achieve success. It means using your passion to accomplish your goal, in this case your GED. But, it doesn’t end tonight with commencement. Continue your education, so you will have access to getting a job that will provide a living wage. We are proud of your grit.”

Chair of the Montgomery County Commissioners Joshua D. Shapiro echoed her sentiments.

“You are here tonight because of your determination and commitment,” he said. “You found empowerment in yourself to accomplish this and it is not going to stop tonight. You have a brighter future ahead for what you have done and what you will continue to do.”

According to GED Program Coordinator /Instructor Raymond Ricketts, 735 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 students, 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 the sense of accomplishment they need to want to continue their education, especially for the student speaker Yolanda Sills of Pottstown, a 32-year-old mother of four children, who tried three times before passing the final examination.

“Tomorrow, I will be a college student,” she said, since enrollment for the College’s Spring semester started on Oct. 25.  “I am going to pursue a Liberal Studies degree until I decide what I want to do.”

Many of the graduates will continue their education, like Paige Wasniewski, Pottstown, who will start classes at the College in January to pursue a career in sports medicine, and Nickia Ford-Oquendo, Pottstown, who is enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program. The Culinary Arts Institute is led by Director/Chef Christopher Tanner, who also served as the Keynote Speaker for the ceremony.

“There are three things that will help you to succeed,” he told the graduates. “Mentorship, passion and opportunity.” Tanner explained how mentors enabled him to shape his passion and achieve goals throughout his career. Now, he is serving as a mentor for the students in the Culinary Arts Program.

The evening ended with final congratulations from WIB Chairman Harvey Portner, who has attended every GED ceremony since the program started.

Seventy-seven students graduated from the College’s GED program this fall. Photos by Sandi Yanisko

Office Administration Students Gain Valuable Experience with Whitpain Township

by Robert Gardner

Students in the Office Administration program at Montgomery County Community College have been gaining valuable experience through a partnership with Whitpain Township.  They, along with students from Wissahickon High School, have played a vital role in the massive scanning project undertaken by the Township.  The internship grew out of the Township’s Fall 2012 planning committee meeting; the scanning project began shortly thereafter with the help of the College’s students.

For the Township, the purpose of the project is twofold.  First, scanning the documents—which date back to 1929—reduces the amount of required physical storage space.  Second, and perhaps more importantly, the documents have become more accessible for Township business and public meetings.

For the students, the internship offers a look into the day-to-day workings of an office environment.  They learn what it takes to maintain an efficient operation, such as effective communication and completing tasks.

Terri Sullivan, Instructor and Coordinator of the Office Administration program, helps the students get started.  She turns student information, including a resume, over to Whitpain and it then becomes the students’ responsibility to follow through.

“We want [the students]to treat it as a job,” she said, adding “they’re truly thrilled with the experience they’ve gained.”

The interns complete biweekly time sheets, which are scanned and uploaded to the Blackboard Course Delivery System.  They also write a weekly journal on Blackboard, in which they detail their activities.  The students create an “e-portfolio” based upon their internship, as well as additional course and work experiences.  This, according to Sullivan, serves to bolster their hireability to potential employers.

Once the internship begins, Karen Dolga supervises the students.  As the Whitpain Township Engineering Department Administrative Assistant, she signs off on all timesheets.  She also completes two performance evaluations throughout the semester, which, according to Dolga, has been easy.

“Thanks to their hard work, information that had been boxed up and in storage is now readily accessible for anyone that needs it,” she said.  “It’s been a great bunch of students sent over [from the college].  They’re eager, willing to learn.”

So eager, in fact, that it has lead to a more permanent role for former intern Wendy Kauffmann.  She started on the scanning project as part of a team of interns in January 2012.  Though her internship ended in May, she has remained with the Township in the Code Enforcement Department.

“My experience has opened my eyes to what it’s like to work in an office environment,” she said.  “I am learning how a code enforcement office operates.”

“All of the folks at Whitpain have accepted [Montgomery County Community College students] wholeheartedly,” Sullivan said.  “They welcomed Wendy with open arms.”

“I am enjoying my experience thus far,” Kauffmann confirmed.

Recent graduates and summer interns Kasandra “Kasey” Flannigan and Greg Monte have remained with the Township.  Monte, like Kauffmann, became an employee while Flannigan has extended her internship through the end of the year.  She hopes to land a full-time position in 2013.  Psychology major Jessica Mendoza wanted to work on her English language skills while learning how an office operates.  She started with Whitpain on Aug. 31 for the fall 2012 semester.

“We welcome more students as time goes on,” said Dolga.  With a targeted completion in 2016, the scanning project will put the Township in a unique position among local communities.  “We can all be proud that Whitpain Township is more advanced and moving in the right direction.”

While the interns have gained knowledge, Whitpain Township has gained by what it will ultimately reduce.  Namely: costs.  Thanks to the scanning project, the money saved will begin to add up—from decreased paper, postage and printing costs to increased productivity.  Township offices can operate more efficiently, with less time consumed searching for documents.  Workers in the field can access the information on mobile devices rather than having to leave a site, drive to the Township complex, and locate paperwork.

For more information on the scanning project, click here (See “Scanning the Past, Moving to the Future,” page 3).

Currently, Whitpain Township does not pay student interns.  As the effects of the scanning project trickle down and funds become available, paid internships could be possible.  In the meantime, any student who is interested in and internship with Whitpain Township is encouraged to contact Sullivan at 215-461-1145 or tsulliva@mc3.edu.

Sullivan and Dolga—interviewed separately—both said of the partnership between Montgomery County Community College and Whitpain Township, “It’s a win-win situation.”