Anniversary Event Honors 50 Exceptional Alumni, Launches $9 Million Fundraising Campaign

by Diane VanDyke

In celebration of its 50-year milestone, Montgomery County Community College honored 50 exceptional alumni and launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise $9 million for student scholarships during a special award ceremony on Nov. 14.

View the Event Program

“Our alumni are a reflection of the excellent work of our dedicated faculty and the high quality of our programs,” said President Dr. Karen A. Stout. “Many of our alumni have taken non-traditional paths to their careers, but each of them is an inspirational success story that exemplifies persistence and determination. The vast majority of them choose to live and work in Montgomery County, and they advance our regional economy as visionary leaders, innovators and creative decision makers in the workforce.”

Since 1964, Montgomery County Community College has opened the doors of education to students from all walks and stages of life andsupported them on a path to success and achievement. More than 55,000 of the College’s alumni have gone on to higher education and/or pursued careers in a variety of professions from attorney to artist, cardio perfusionist, business leader, architect, judge, Major League umpire and others.

One of the many notable alumni is Board of Trustees Chair Michael D’Aniello (1976), an attorney with law offices in Norristown. “The College gave me an opportunity I otherwise wouldn’t have had,” says D’Aniello, who has served on the Board since 2001 and as Board Chair since 2011. “The reason I’m here is to give back by supporting the College’s students.  MCCC is an incredible asset to our community.”

To ensure that future students continue to have these opportunities, Montgomery County Community College set the bar high with a goal of $9 million for its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign for student scholarships. The campaign has been in a “quiet” fundraising phase for the first 18 months, during which time the College’s Foundation Board and Futures Rising Campaign committees raised $6 million.

Montgomery County Community College’s Foundation announced its comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise $9 million for student scholarships. MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout and (from left) student Jeremiah Garcia, alumnus Antonio Marrero, student Theresa Dech and student Trudy Jefferson share the moment on stage during the announcement that $6 million has been raised during the first phase of the campaign. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

“The scholarships created through this campaign address critical funding gaps that our students cannot fill by themselves,” said Stout to a full auditorium of more than 350 attendees. “Almost 90 percent of our students are already working, and 60 percent are supporting families. Scholarships created through this campaign can open doors for 500 additional students every year.”

Scholarships provided the entryway for many of the College’s alumni, including science teacher Peter Grove (1974), whose life was transformed when he earned his associate’s degree  on a full scholarship. He then transferred to the University of Pennsylvania for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and has taught science classes for 27 years, transforming the lives of his students at Friends’ Central Lower School in Wynnewood.

As part of the anniversary program, the College presented the President’s Award to the Pennsylvania legislative delegation and Montgomery County Commissioners, whose actions honor the spirit of the Community College Act and support the belief that the College serves as a vital stepping stone to economic well-being. Their support has enabled the development of state-of-the art facilities at two campuses, the Culinary Arts Institute, a Municipal Police Academy and the University Center, where students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees with seven regional colleges and universities.

With these facilities and a future Health Sciences Center renovation, Montgomery County Community College provides high-quality education in relevant programs that paves the way for transfer to four-year institutions or employment as dental hygienists, nurses, police officers, radiologists and other high-demand professional careers. Today, many students choose Montgomery County Community College as a way to minimize student loan debt, as they earn their baccalaureate degrees.

For Pennsylvania State Rep. Mike Vereb (1986), the College allowed him to follow his passion for law enforcement. “MCCC helped me to get an affordable education and my first job as a police officer,” says one of the youngest members to be elected to the Pennsylvania House leadership. “MCCC is economical, convenient and second to none academically.”

While some students know their direction, others find it during their College experience, as was the case for Fulbright Scholar Michael Pflueger (2007), who recently completed a year teaching in Durban, South Africa, as part of the federal program. According to Pflueger, “MCCC was where I got the vision of what I wanted to do. It’s where I found my focus.”

For Nicola Manning-Davenport (2007), Montgomery County Community College was the place where she turned her life around. Starting as a single mom, she enrolled in a computer class, and then persisted until she earned her associate’s degree and a full scholarship to Bucknell University, as part of Bucknell’s Community College Scholars Program. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Economics, she was hired as a Pennsylvania Information Management System Client Support Specialist at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. Now, after completing her master’s degree, she is thinking about pursuing her doctorate. “I was nurtured at MCCC, and it’s where I became a lifelong learner,” she says.

Every year, the College offers these opportunities and more to the 25,000 students enrolled in its degree and certificate programs. However, last year students’ unmet needs added up to almost $24 million and resulted in oppressive loans or as a complete barrier to enrollment.

“Montgomery County Community College serves as a vital gateway to opportunity and success,” Stout said. “Through private philanthropic investment, we can ensure the gateway remains accessible for all students today and for future generations. Investing in an MCCC education is life-transforming for students, their families, our community and the region.”

For more information about the College’s 50th  anniversary, visit mc3.edu/50.

Montgomery County Community College’s Fabulous 50 alumni. Photo by Anita Jerva

Run For a Good Cause; Register Today for Mustangs 5K

by Bob Kent, Mustangs Athletics

Mark your calendars and register now for The 2014 Mustang 5K Run Strides for Student-Athletes and Fitness Walk on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Mustang Fund which provides additional financial support for our deserving and talented student-athletes.

Hosted by the Montgomery County Community College Athletic Department and Exercise Science and Wellness students, the event will take place on the grounds of our beautiful Central Campus at 340 DeKalb Pike, in Blue Bell. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m., and the race/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. The course consists of flat pathways around the College’s beautiful Central Campus.

But this is no ordinary 5K Run. It’s a celebration, as this year’s 60’s theme will help to celebrate the College’s 50th Anniversary. Join us for a 5K Run that includes 60’s music and games. After the Race you will enjoy trivia, giveaways, and prizes, including “trophies” for the best costume. Come dressed to represent your favorite time in the 60’s.

The Mustang 5K is chip timed by Run the Day for the serious runner but is also tailored to suit runners of all levels. Note, you are not required to wear a costume; but it will add some fun and excitement to the day.

Register now! Entry fees are $25 for general registrants, $15 for students and $5 for children, 12 years and younger. Entry fees increase for walk-up registrations on Nov. 1. As an incentive, t-shirts are guaranteed to the first 200 registrants or runners registered by Oct. 17.

Sponsorship opportunities are available through Oct. 17. Sponsors’ names and/or corporate logos will be prominently displayed on race materials. Anyone interested in sponsorship or even donating items for the event should click here for more info.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place overall male and female winners. Awards will also be presented to the top runners in several categories, including male/female age groups.

Join the 2014 Mustang 5K Run Strides for Student-Athletes and Fitness Walk and help to celebrate the College’s 50th Anniversary while raising funds for our student-athletes!

Register Online, or click for a Mail-In registration form.

Starting line at last year’s Strides for Scholarships 5K. This year’s Mustangs 5K benefits student-athletes. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Gateway to College Receives $10,000 Grant from PECO

by Diane VanDyke

Montgomery County Community College received a $10,000 PECO grant on Sept. 3 to support the College’s Gateway to College program. The funds will be used for textbooks, transportation, meal subsidies and other costs not covered by the program.

Gateway to College is a national initiative that helps students who have dropped out of high school or are not on track to graduate to earn a diploma and college credits. In November 2012, MCCC was one of only 43 colleges in the country and only the second college in Pennsylvania selected to participate in the Gateway to College National Network. In September 2013, the College launched the program, which is held at the college’s Central Campus in Blue Bell and West Campus in Pottstown.

“Montgomery County Community College is committed to helping students succeed, and the Gateway to College program provides students with a supportive environment where they can complete their high school requirements, graduate and attain their post-secondary credential,” said College President Dr. Karen A. Stout. “We appreciate PECO’s generous investment and ongoing support of our work and our students.”

In its inaugural year, the Gateway program had 50 participants and 11 graduates. This year, 55 students are enrolled, including returning and new students. Eighteen school districts and the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board partner with MCCC and refer students for the program.

“Education is invaluable, and we know how important it is to help students develop skills that prepare them for future success,” said Mike Innocenzo, senior vice president and COO, PECO. “PECO has been a proud partner of Montgomery County Community College since 2005, and this is one of many programs we have supported to help improve access to higher education for local high school students.”

For Upper Moreland High School student William Dobnak, the Gateway program gave him a second chance to achieve his true potential.

“I was failing my classes in high school,” Dobnak told the incoming Gateway students at orientation. “I barely passed my sophomore year and was at risk for failing my junior year when my school counselor told me about Gateway. Being here and taking classes 8on a college campus helped my stress level and overall happiness.”

The college environment and caring professors and staff made all the difference, he said, noting that his GPA after his first term in Gateway is 4.0.

“We deeply appreciate our partners—the school districts, Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board and PECO—and their investment in this program,” said Dr. Stout. “Programs like Gateway to College not only transform lives but create a ripple effect of positive benefits for the community and local and state economies, too.”

For more information about Gateway to College, contact Director Keima Sheriff at ksheriff@mc3.edu.

From left, PECO Senior Vice President and COO Michael Innocenzo, Director of Gateway to College Program Keima Sheriff, student William Dobnak and College President Dr. Karen A. Stout. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Olivet Boys and Girls Club Donates $15,000 for Student Scholarships

by Diane VanDyke

The non-profit organization, the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County, recently presented a $15,000 check to the Montgomery County Community College Foundation for student scholarships. The Foundation is adding an additional $5,000 to the scholarship program.

The combined scholarship funds of $20,000 will enable youth at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club’s Richard J. Ricketts Center in Pottstown to enroll and take classes at Montgomery County Community College. Currently, three students are receiving the scholarship funds and eight additional students have applied. The scholarships are used to cover the remaining costs of tuition and books not covered by federal Pell or other grants.

“We have overlapping missions to bring deserving students through the higher education pipeline and have them graduate without debt,” said College President Dr. Karen A. Stout at the check presentation.

“We are excited for the future of these young people. Thank you for this partnership,” said Dr. James Smith, Interim CEO for Olivet. “We will continue to find funding sources to provide scholarships to help level the playing field.”

The Olivet Boys & Girls Club has been serving the youth of Reading, Berks County and beyond since 1898 when it was started by William McCormick. Olivet is a chartered member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It incorporates many of the national organization’s youth programs into the local branches, including at the Richard J. Ricketts Center, 640 Beech Street, Pottstown, which is under the direction of Janice Burgess, the club director.

The College has had a growing relationship with the Olivet Boys and Girls Club at the Ricketts Center. For the past three years, students and staff of the College have volunteered to help at the Center on Martin Luther King Day of Service. Additionally, students have volunteered on their own to help at the Center.

Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County presented a $15,000 check to the Montgomery County Community College Foundation on April 30 for student scholarships. The Foundation is adding an additional $5,000 to the scholarship program. From left, College President Dr. Karen A. Stout, Olivet Interim CEO Dr. James Smith, Vice President of West Campus Steady Moono, Ricketts Center Club Director Janice Burgess and Olivet Development Director Camille Stock. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Register Now For 10th Annual Leading Women Symposium and Golf Experience

by Diane VanDyke

Keynote Speaker Nance K. Dicciani, chemical engineer and business leader.

Golf is often known as the business world’s game—a time for networking and negotiating. To help get more women involved in this game and to raise funds student scholarships and programs, the Montgomery County Community College Foundation annually hosts the Leading Women Symposium and Golf Experience. Open to all women in the community, this year’s event will be held on Monday, June 2, at Talamore Country Club in Ambler. To register, visit mc3.edu/lw.

On the day of the event, registration will be held from 9:30-10 a.m. followed by the brunch symposium from 10-11:15 a.m. Golf begins at noon and will be played in an 18-hole, team scramble/best-ball format and is designed for those who have some golf experience. A reception and awards ceremony will follow at 4:30 p.m. The proceeds support scholarship, career and leadership development programs for deserving female students at the College.

Leading Women’s Award honoree Regina Lowrie, entrepreneur and business leader in the financial services and mortgage industries.

For participants who would like to learn the game of golf or improve their skills, a Learner’s Program is available as part of the event. Pros will assist with skill development through various learning stations, and golf clubs will be provided.

For the brunch symposium, the keynote speaker, Nance K. Dicciani, will be discussing her experiences as a chemical engineer and business leader. Dicciani studied chemical engineering and earned a bachelor’s degree at Villanova University in 1969, a master’s degree at the University of Virginia in 1970, and her doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977. In 1987, she earned an MBA from the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1977, Dicciani became an engineer with Air Products and Chemicals Inc., and in 1988, she was promoted to the position of director of commercial development. In 1991, Rohm and Haas hired Dicciani as business director for its Petroleum Chemicals Division. By 1999, she became the senior vice president and business group executive of Chemical Specialties and director, European Region, including Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Rohm and Haas. In November 2001, Dicciani became president and chief executive officer of Specialty Materials, strategic business group of Honeywell, where she retired in 2008.

Throughout her career, Dicciani has been recognized for her work and has received numerous awards, including the “Achievement Award” from the Society of Women Engineers. Twice Forbes magazine named Dicciani in its list of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women,” and in 2006, Chemical Business listed her as one of the “Top 40 Most Important People in the Chemical Industry.” Also in 2006, President George W. Bush appointed Dicciani to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

In addition to the keynote presentation, the Foundation will present the 2014 Leading Women’s Award to Regina Lowrie, a business leader and longtime advocate of the College. Lowrie is the founder, president and CEO of RML Investments Inc., d/b/a RML Advisors. Established in 1994, RMLInvestmentsservesthefinancialservicesindustryasanadvisorandconsultant, providing a broad range of services to assist clients with financial planning. Lowrie, a Certified Mortgage Banker, has been a leader and entrepreneur for more than 30 years in the financial services and mortgage industries.

Additionally, Lowrie has served on the College’s Board of Trustees since 2009 and was elected treasurer in 2011. She has been a member of the College’s Foundation Board of Directors since 2003, serving as chairperson of the “Courage to Create” capital campaign in support of the fine arts. In April 2014, she received the American Association for Women in Community Colleges’ Trustee of the Year Award.

For information about the Leading Women Symposium and Golf Experience, email foundation@mc3.edu or call 215-461-1139.

Students Raise $420 for West Campus Scholarship Fund

by Alana J. Mauger

Student leaders at Montgomery County Community College’s West Campus in Pottstown raised $420 during their 13th Annual Lasagna Dinner on Feb. 19.

Proceeds from the dinner benefit the West Campus Student Scholarship Fund through the College’s Foundation. The scholarship is awarded annually to a West Campus student who is engaged in community service and is in good academic standing.

The buffet meal of meat or veggie lasagna, salad, bread, dessert and beverage was served by MCCC student leaders and was available for dine-in or take-out. Between 6-7 p.m., members of MCCC’s West End Student Theatre (WEST) presented an interactive improv dating show that had diners roaring with laughter.

The West Campus Lasagna Dinner is one of MCCC’s “50 Acts of Kindness” as part of the College’s 50th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2014, MCCC students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are committed organizing 50 acts of community service – one for every year of the College’s existence. To learn more at the College’s 50th anniversary activities, visit mc3.edu/50.

To learn more about scholarship opportunities through MCCC’s Foundation, visit mc3.edu/giving.

Photos by Sandi Yanisko

Students to Host Lasagna Dinner Theater to Raise Scholarship Funds

by Alana J. Mauger

Student leaders at Montgomery County Community College’s West Campus in Pottstown will host their 13th Annual Lasagna Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 6-7 p.m.

The dinner, which includes a special presentation by the student West-End Theatre club, will be held in the South Hall Community Room, 101 College Drive. Take-out meals will be available from 3-5:45 p.m. Both dine-in and take-out options are open to the public.

The dinner includes a choice of meat or veggie lasagna, salad, bread, beverage and dessert and costs $10 for adults, $5 for children age 10 years and under, and $7 for MCCC students with a valid college ID.

All proceeds from the dinner will benefit the West Campus Student Scholarship fund through the College’s Foundation. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a West Campus student who is engaged in community service and is in good academic standing. Representatives from the Foundation will be on hand at the event to answer questions about this and other scholarship opportunities.

For more information, contact the College’s Office of Student Leadership and Involvement at 610-718-1852.

The West Campus Lasagna Dinner Theater is one of the College’s “50 Acts of Kindness” as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2014, the College’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are committed organizing 50 acts of community service – one for every year of the College’s existence. To learn more at the College’s 50th anniversary activities, visit mc3.edu/50.

Mustangs Raise Scholarship Funds, Breast Cancer Awareness

by Alana J. Mauger

Montgomery County Community College’s Mustangs Women’s Basketball team is in the midst of its annual “Hoops for Hope” campaign, designed to raise breast cancer awareness and scholarship funds for students impacted by the disease.

View the ‘Hoops for Hope’ flyer

Through Feb. 8, the team is selling raffle tickets for an upcoming Philadelphia Sixers’ basketball game and is collecting monetary donations through MCCC’s Foundation. All proceeds benefit the Prayers and Poinsettias Scholarship Fund, which provides critical financial aid support to students who have been affected by breast cancer.

The raffle drawing and check presentation will take place at halftime during the Mustangs women’s basketball home game against Harrisburg Area Community College on Feb. 8. The game starts at 3 p.m. in MCCC’s Physical Education Center gymnasium, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to make a “Hoops for Hope” donation.

Donations can be made during Mustangs home games or by contacting Megan Sneeringer in MCCC’s Foundation at 215-641-6535.

“Hoops for Hope” is one of MCCC’s “50 Acts of Kindness” as part of the College’s 50th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2014, MCCC students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are committed organizing 50 acts of community service – one for every year of the College’s existence. To learn more at the College’s 50th anniversary activities, visit mc3.edu/50.

Prayers and Poinsettias is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by MCCC alumna Mary Beatty, of Barto. The organization helps families with mothers who are battling breast cancer and cannot financially support their children’s education because of medical bills and loss of employment due to their illness. To learn more, email prayersandpoinsettias@gmail.com or search for Prayers and Poinsettias on Facebook.

Innovative Partnership Brings a Drexel University Education to the College

by Alana J. Mauger

Presidents John A. Fry (Drexel) and Dr. Karen A. Stout (MCCC) signed the agreement on Jan. 8. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) and Drexel University (Drexel) have entered into a bold and innovative partnership that will build a pipeline of qualified graduates for high demand jobs in the region, especially in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and health sciences, among others.

Branded Drexel@MCCC, the program enables students to earn their associate and bachelor degrees from two premiere education institutions conveniently and affordably at MCCC’s Central Campus in Blue Bell, or online.

Unlike traditional articulation agreements, Drexel@MCCC is a fully-integrated partnership through which faculty and advisors from both institutions work together with students in dedicated learning spaces to provide a seamless education experience. The partnership extends to all areas of the institutions; libraries, facilities and students services are just a few examples.

“Montgomery County Community College and Drexel University are on the cutting edge of this emerging model for higher education that not only delivers a world class education to students, but also builds a qualified workforce to enhance the economic viability of our communities,” said MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout. “This partnership is an investment in the future: the future of our students, our institutions, and an investment in future of the greater Montgomery County region.”

“Drexel’s strategy for meeting challenges begins with expert partnerships,” said Drexel President John A. Fry. “Today’s higher education challenge is to increase access and value for all potential students, and we’re proud to partner with the experts at MCCC to do just that.  Through this partnership, we look forward to serving even more Montgomery County residents.”

Prospective students will graduate from MCCC with an associate’s degree before entering a fully aligned and integrated degree program with Drexel. This partnership not only saves participating students a significant amount of tuition money while they earn a rigorous, two-year degree, but it also enables them to complete a baccalaureate degree at a discounted rate.

Drexel@MCCC will launch in fall 2014 and will include six initial onsite programs: B.S. in Business Administration with Co-Op; B.S. in Computing and Security Technology; B.S. in Electrical Engineering with Co-Op; B.S. M.S. in Engineering Management with Co-Op; Mechanical B.S. in Engineering with Co-Op; and a hybrid B.S.N. program designed for registered nurses. In addition, A.S. to B.S. Business Administration and Criminal Justice programs will be offered fully online through a partnership between MCCC’s new Virtual Campus and Drexel University Online.

Years two and three of the partnership will see Drexel@MCCC significantly expand to include even more undergraduate and graduate programs, especially in the health sciences. These will complement the opening of MCCC’s brand new Health Sciences Center in fall 2016. The Center is expected position MCCC as the regional leader in health and wellness education to be the catalyst to transform lives.

The Drexel@MCCC program builds on a growing partnership between the two institutions. Last spring, Drexel began offering doctorate, graduate and professional development programs in Pottstown and Blue Bell as part of MCCC’s University Center, a framework that enhances access to higher education opportunities through partnerships with select four-year colleges and universities. MCCC also has dual admissions transfer agreements with 29 colleges and universities, both regionally and internationally.

In addition to MCCC, Drexel has similar partnerships with Burlington County College and Delaware County Community College. Drexel has been offering degrees at South Jersey’s Burlington County College since 2006.

Waste Management Donates $5,000 to Support Gateway to College Students

by Diane VanDyke

Waste Management recently donated $5,000 through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program to Montgomery County Community College to help support the high school students participating in the College’s Gateway to College program.

The Gateway to College program was created by Portland Community College in 2000 to support students who are at risk of not completing or have disengaged from their high school education. Through the program, students complete their high school diploma requirements while simultaneously earning college credits at a community or technical college.

For Norristown students, Khary Harris and Rosemary Lux, the Gateway program has provided life-changing opportunities for them.

“I used to think there was no way I could go college,” said Harris, who wants to be an entrepreneur and own a construction business. “Gateway gave me the chance to attend college and be something other than a high-school dropout.”

Similarly, Lux says the program provides the support she needs to successfully complete her classes and focus on her dream of becoming a nurse.

“It is so rewarding to meet hard-working students like Khary and Rosemary, who are benefiting from the Gateway to College program.  Waste Management has been a corporate participant in the EITC Program since its inception, and through the program, has invested more than $9 million dollars in the future of Pennsylvania youth. We are truly pleased to be the inaugural EITC grantor to Montgomery County Community College and their Gateway to College program,” said Patty Barthel, Public Affairs, Waste Management.

Montgomery County Community College is one of 43 institutions in the country selected to participate in the Gateway to College National Network (GCNN) and received a $325,000 four-year contract from GCNN to implement the program starting in September 2013. Currently, 21 students are enrolled at each of the campuses located in Blue Bell and Pottstown.

“This generous donation from Waste Management will help students with gap expenses, including meals and other items, not covered by their school districts or the Gateway to College program,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, Montgomery County Community College president. “Your gift means a lot to our students.”

The state Department of Community and Economic Development recently approved the College’s Dual Enrollment program as an innovative educational program that is eligible to receive funding through EITC. Dual Enrollment allows students to earn both high school and college credits for successfully completing college courses. State-approved businesses are eligible for tax credits when they make donations through EITC.

“The EITC Program partners business with educational facilities to provide a quality educational opportunity for students to better prepare to enter and be a positive influence in the workplace,” said state Senator John Rafferty, who attended the check presentation.

State Rep. Mary Jo Daley also attended the presentation and praised the benefits of dual enrollment programs for students.

“Dual Enrollment programs provide great value and opportunity to students, and Montgomery County Community College’s Gateway to College Program is no different. This is a great use of EITC funds and I thank Waste Management for their generosity and support of these students,” said state Rep. Daley.

For more information about Montgomery County Community College and/or the Gateway to College program, visit mc3.edu.

Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Its subsidiaries provide collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is the largest residential recycler and also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill-gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. Customers include residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more visit wm.com.

Waste Management recently presented a $5,000 donation to Montgomery County Community College to help support students in the College’s Gateway to College program. From left,
State Senator John C. Rafferty, Jr.; Dr. Karen A. Stout, MCCC President; Khary Harris, student; Patty Barthel, Public Affairs, Waste Management; Keima Sheriff, Gateway to College Director; Rosemary Lux, student; and State Rep. Mary Jo Daley. Photo by Sandi Yanisko