Meet the Class of 2013: Hilda Hynes, Communications

by Kelly Cox

Hilda Hynes addresses fellow graduates during her Commencement speech. Photo by John Welsh

When Montgomery County Community College student Hilda Hynes, of Barto, was 14 years old, she did a psychic’s laundry for a free tarot card reading.

“I was not a kid that loved school, but I did love to write,” Hynes confessed.  “The psychic told me I would write one day and I thought sure, okay. She was right!”

And yet the process of fulfilling her foretold destiny has not always been an easy path for Hynes.  She has had a difficult, incredible, and inspiring journey to become the  student that she is today, one who has flourished in her studies and in campus involvement.

“When I came to MCCC I was a non-traditional student.  Married at the age of 16, I had spent 12 years homemaking and raising children.  When my husband took his life in 2008, he left me to raise three children, ages 11, six and two,” Hynes confided.  “I had no education and my life had been rocked to its very foundation.”

Moving back to Montgomery County from Florida to raise her children in February of 2010, Hynes found that starting over involved a certain amount of faith in the presence of uncertainty as she prepared to begin classes that fall.

“I moved home from Florida to raise my kids in an environment and community I felt would help me raise strong, self-sufficient adults,” Hynes said.  “As I walked through the doors of the West Campus at 30 years old, I was terrified, I had no idea where the path was taking me and I questioned if I would be successful.”

However Hynes quickly found a place for herself at the College, as well as passion in her studies.

“The community of faculty, staff, and students welcomed me with open arms and it wasn’t long before I felt right at home,” Hynes shared.  “Starting out as a Liberal Arts major, not sure of my goals, it took only a semester before I found my passion for communications and changed my major.”

For Hynes, writing had been a comfort as far back as her childhood psychic experience.

“Writing for me is therapeutic,” Hynes said.  “Through writing and developing characters I can be anybody I can dream of.  I like to write about brave women, it helps me to be brave when I am having weak moments.”

After thriving in her communications classes, Hynes decided to take her writing beyond the classroom and found time to write for a local newspaper, eventually being asked to write freelance for The Boyertown Times.

“It is amazing to see your name in the byline and have people say they have read and liked your work,” Hynes said.

Hynes worked hard, balancing school and outside obligations while still prioritizing her family.  Her hard work in the classroom paid off when she earned a spot on the dean’s list and was welcomed into in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honors society.  This past semester Hynes not only kept up her academic standing, but also took on the role of vice president for the West Campus chapter of PTK.

Outside of PTK, Hynes has given back to the College while participating in the Communicating Arts Production Group (CAPG), producing the end of the semester film screening.  In an effort to share her enthusiasm with other students, Hynes works as a peer mentor at the West Campus. Yet, no matter how busy Hynes gets, she always jumps at the chance to share her time, energy, and brilliance with the rest of the College community.

“I am starting to dream of a career with Montco helping others succeed in the same way everyone at Montco helped me,” Hynes admitted.  “I feel truly blessed having had the privilege of attending MCCC and I look forward to moving on to a four year to earn my bachelors degree.  Truth be told though, no matter where I’ll go, I will always hang my heart in Montco halls.  Montco helped to rebuild me and make me the woman I am.  For that I will always be a Montco Mustang!”

Open House Slated at University Center in Pottstown

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

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

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

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

Students Head to Bucknell University on Scholarship

by Diane VanDyke

Nine Montgomery County Community College students soon will be attending Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., through the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program.

Six of the students—Lydia Crush, North Wales; Brian Hipwell, Cheltenham; Mallory Murphy, West Lawn; David Reedel, Roslyn; Eun Shim, Horsham; and Ken Stephon, Doylestown—will participate in Bucknell’s Summer 2013 Residency Program.

During the summer program, the students enroll in two courses and work with student and faculty mentors for six weeks. The program is free for the students and includes tuition, room and board and books. Participating students then have the opportunity to apply to Bucknell in 2014, and if accepted, they will transfer to the university with junior status on full-tuition scholarships.

Three of the students who participated in last year’s summer program— Abu Chowdhury, Hatfield; Abigail Galloway, Pottstown; and Michael Guarini, Plymouth Meeting —were selected to attend the university in the fall as juniors with full-tuition scholarships from Bucknell.

Initially funded by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program enables high-achieving, low-income community college students to complete their undergraduate education at the university. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s scholarship programs are designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard, demonstrate a strong will to succeed, and have financial need.

During the scholarship reception on May 21, alumna Kristi Lynn Grandy spoke about how the program enabled her to reach her goals. After earning her associate’s degree at Montgomery County Community College, she transferred to Bucknell on full-tuition scholarship and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Geology and an Earth science teaching certification.  Grandy was part of the first cohort to complete the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program.

Montgomery County Community College has participated in Bucknell’s Community College Scholars Program since 2006. Including this year’s scholars, a total of 48 students attended the summer residency program, and, including this year’s graduates, a total of 31 students transferred to Bucknell on full-tuition scholarships.

While the Jack Kent Cook Foundation provided funding for the first four years, Bucknell is committed to continuing the program, said Mark Davies, Bucknell’s Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and the liaison for the Community College Scholars Program.

Bucknell’s program extends to five community colleges:  Montgomery County Community College, Garrett College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Community College of Philadelphia and Harrisburg Area Community College.

Six Montgomery County Community College students were accepted into the Summer 2013 Residency Program as part of the Bucknell University Community College Scholars Program, which provides for tuition, room and board and books. Students Lydia Crush, Brian Hipwell, Mallory Murphy, David Reedel, Eun Shim and Ken Stephon stand with MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout (left) and Mark Davies, Bucknell’s Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and the liaison for the Community College Scholars Program (right). Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Six Montgomery County Community College students were accepted into the Summer 2013 Residency Program as part of the Bucknell University Community College Scholars Program, which provides for tuition, room and board and books. Students Lydia Crush, Brian Hipwell, Mallory Murphy, David Reedel, Eun Shim and Ken Stephon stand with MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout (left) and Mark Davies, Bucknell’s Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and the liaison for the Community College Scholars Program (right). Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Changes Align Computer Networking Program with Industry Trends

by Alana J. Mauger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Study Touts College’s Impact on Students, Economy

by Alana J. Mauger

Montgomery County Community College students will attain a 16.3 percent return on the time and money they invest in their MCCC education over the course of their lives, according results from a new economic impact study authorized by the College.

The same study also reveals that every dollar of state and local tax money invested today in the College will yield a cumulative $21.60 in benefits that accrue to all Pennsylvania residents in terms of added taxable income and avoided social costs.

These are some of the results from a study developed by Education Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI), which worked with the College to determine the tangible return on investment that an associate’s degree has for graduates and taxpayers.

“Community colleges can anecdotally point to the many ways education adds value to our communities and to society as a whole. But results of a study like this one are so important because they offer tangible evidence that we are improving the quality of life in the County and Commonwealth, not just through education, but also by being strong, economically focused and socially responsible citizens and business partners,” said College president Dr. Karen A. Stout.

For example, through the earnings of faculty and staff, combined with the College’s operating and capital expenditures, MCCC adds a net $52.6 million to the Montgomery County economy each year, according to the study. In addition, the report finds that, based on historical enrollment and credits completed by students over a 30-year period, MCCC instruction adds an estimated $309.8 million in income to the County.

Altogether, MCCC adds of an average $362.4 million in income – representing approximately 0.6 percent of the total Montgomery County budget – to the local economy each year.

MCCC students also expand Pennsylvania’s economic base through the higher incomes they earn as a result of their education – especially since an estimated 99 percent of the College’s graduates live/work in the Commonwealth. When combined with the increased productivity of businesses that employ MCCC students and graduates, an estimated $80.5 million in taxable income is added to the Pennsylvania economy each year.

Decreased social costs are another economic benefit. As students achieve higher levels of education, they are less likely to smoke, abuse alcohol, draw welfare and unemployment benefits, or commit crimes. This translates into an estimated $3 million in Pennsylvania taxpayer savings annually.

MCCC students, themselves, realize the most obvious benefit from higher education. Someone with an associate’s degree in Montgomery County earns, on average, $15,900 more per year than someone with a only a high school diploma. Also, for every dollar students invest in their MCCC education, they can expect to earn a cumulative $6 in higher future income over their careers.

The EMSI report is based on data sources that include, but are not limited to, the College’s 2011-2012 academic and financial reports; industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; earnings and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau; and a variety of studies and surveys relating education to social behavior.

Visit mc3.edu/economic-report to view an executive summary of the report, as well as a data fact sheet.

For information on EMSI, visit economicmodeling.com.

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

by Alana J. Mauger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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.

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

Learn About the College at Spring Open Houses

by Diane VanDyke

Montgomery County Community College will hold two open houses this spring to provide prospective students and the community with information about the College’s credit and non-credit programs.

The open houses are free of charge and are open to the public. For more information and to preregister, visit www.mc3.edu/openhouse or call 215-641-6551.

The Central Campus open house will take place on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Science Center, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. Check-in/registration will be held between 9:30-10 a.m.

The open house is being held in conjunction with the Montgomery County Wellness Expo from 9 a.m.-noon in the College’s Physical Education Center.

The West Campus open house will be held on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in South Hall, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Check-in/registration will be held between 9:30-10 a.m.

Both open houses will provide prospective students with information about the College’s credit and non-credit programs. The College’s Admissions staff will be on hand to answer questions about the admissions process, transfer opportunities, e-learning and financial aid, among other topics.

Representatives from the College’s award-winning faculty will also be on hand to provide details on the College’s 85 degree and certificate programs in 59 areas of study.

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