RACC’s new quarterly print and digital publication ALIVE features timely news and events about RACC students, faculty, staff, programs and workforce development. Each issue of ALIVE illustrates RACC’s commitment to enhancing the educational and economic vitality of Berks County and its residents.

View the current issue of ALIVE

Reading, PA. – The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is proud to announce the appointment of Reading Area Community College President Dr. Susan D. Looney to its Commission on Student Success, effective July 1, 2019. 

The Commission on Student Success focuses on student access and success, and organizational transformation. The commission may examine subject areas which include degree completion and two-year to four-year transfer. In addition, the commission may focus on initiatives that facilitate the implementation of the 21st-Century Initiative and Implementation Guidelines, showcase cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes, and improve student success.

“It is a particularly exciting time to be appointed to the Commission on Student Success. The AACC is truly the ‘voice of America’s community colleges’ and I am honored to be selected to assist in providing advocacy, leadership, and service for community colleges. The mission of the AACC aligns closely with my personal hallmarks of access, opportunity, excellence, and hope in guiding our students to success,” says Dr. Looney.

In her 20 years as a full-time community college educator, eight as a faculty member and 12 years as a senior administrator, Dr. Looney has worked in diverse roles including: assistant to the campus director and director of corporate and community programs at Delaware Technical Community College, and interim assistant vice president of academic affairs, arts and sciences at Colorado Mountain College. Dr. Looney was named dean of instruction at Reading Area Community College in 2014 and named senior vice president of academic affairs/provost at RACC in 2015. She became the 6th president of RACC in July of 2018.

After completing her AA at Brookdale Community College, Dr. Looney went on to earn her BS and MBA in business administration from Monmouth University, JD from Widener University School of Law, and ultimately an Ed.D. in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Reading, PA. – The Reading Hospital Board of Trustees is proud to announce the appointment of Reading Area Community College President Dr. Susan D. Looney to its board effective June 1, 2019. 

The Reading Hospital Board of Trustees includes representatives from leading Berks County businesses, and academic and medical institutions. 

“We are very excited to have Dr. Looney join the Reading Hospital Board of Trustees. Dr. Looney brings a strong background in academics, research, and leadership – which is a great complement to our board,” says William M. Jennings, President and Chief Executive Officer, Reading Hospital. “It is especially significant to have Dr. Looney join us as we continue to partner with academic institutions, like Reading Area Community College, in our commitment to Advancing Health and Transforming Lives.”

In her 20 years as a full-time community college educator, eight as a faculty member and 12 years as a senior administrator, Dr. Looney has worked in diverse roles including: assistant to the campus director and director of corporate and community programs at Delaware Technical Community College, and interim assistant vice president of academic affairs, arts and sciences at Colorado Mountain College. Dr. Looney was named dean of instruction at Reading Area Community College in 2014 and named senior vice president of academic affairs/provost at RACC in 2015.

After completing her AA at Brookdale Community College, Dr. Looney went on to earn her BS and MBA in business administration from Monmouth University, JD from Widener University School of Law, and ultimately an Ed.D. in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

“It is a particularly exciting time to be appointed to the Reading Hospital board of trustees. The hospital continues to advance the healthcare industry in our area, and I look forward to working with the leadership team as the organization sets its sights on the future,” says Dr. Looney.

Reading Health is committed to advancing health and transforming lives in the communities they serve. Their system includes more than 1,000 physician and healthcare providers delivering both primary and specialty care.

Reading, PA –The Career Services Office at Reading Area Community College is pleased to announce our Job Fair 2019, which will be held on Wednesday, April 10th, 2019, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The event is open to all students and graduates of RACC, and job seekers from the general public are welcome to attend as well. The event will be held in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center on RACC’s campus.

“We are expecting 51 employers,” says Jen Gittings-Dalton, Career Development Specialist at RACC. “We have employers hiring students from most majors, and in multiple career areas. They are offering full-time, part-time, and internship positions. We encourage all types of job-seekers to attend.” 

Job seekers are encouraged to dress appropriately for interviewing and to bring multiple copies of their resume, if they have one. RACC students may create or improve their resumes by visiting the RACC Career Center, and also get help with interviewing and job search skills and any career-related questions. The Career Center is located in room B-220, Berks Hall; students may drop by during office hours or make an appointment by calling 610-607-6246.
RACC partners with many local employers in hiring and services.

RACC’s annual Job Fair has been held at RACC for many years, with positive reviews from both attendees and employers. “We are proud of our students,” said Gittings-Dalton, “and we are proud of our community.  The people of Berks County are well-known for their hard work and loyalty, and RACC interns, students, and graduates add talent and skills to that foundation.”

For more information, contact Pat Edgar at 607-6246.

Reading, PA-Judith Croteau a student at Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been named a 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship.

After relocating to Reading from Las Vegas Nevada, Croteau has received her Associate of Science in business management, Associate of Arts transfer in business administration, and plans to graduate with an Associate of Science in accounting from RACC in May, 2019.

"My goal is to return to RACC and teach. A very special thank you to my RACC Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Advisors Dr. Danelle Bower, and Dr. Donna Singleton; and Coca Cola. This scholarship is one more step on my path to a bachelor's degree and then a master's degree. My next stop is Kutztown University. I am incredibly blessed and excited," says Judith.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges," said Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals."

"I am very proud of the hard work Judith applies toward achieving her goals," says Dr. Susan Looney, president of Reading Area Community College. "She is a shining example of the positive results enabled through RACC's ongoing commitment to access, opportunity, excellence, and hope."

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa's annual convention, PTK Catalyst, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.

To learn more about developing leadership potential through participation in Phi Theta Kappa programs at RACC, contact Danelle Bower at 610.372.4721.