Zachery “Zach” Stackhouse graduated from Governor Mifflin High School in 2014. There, he was able to complete several dual enrollment courses through RACC for college credits, which allowed him to jumpstart his pursuit of a higher education. His mother graduated from RACC in 1989 and spoke highly of her experience, which provided her with a local and affordable education.

With his mother’s experience in mind, Zach applied for and received a RACC Presidential Scholarship.

Through this scholarship, he was awarded two years of tuition, which allowed him to focus on his studies instead of financing his education. Zach graduated from RACC in 2016 with an Associate’s Degree in Social Science.

After graduating from RACC, he continued his educational journey at Kutztown University, where he earned multiple degrees. A BA in History ('18), M.Ed. in Secondary Education ('20), and a M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education ('24). During this time, Zach discovered that higher education was the perfect career for him.

“While working as a part-time advisor in the Student Success Center at RACC, I had the opportunity to apply to and obtain a full-time position as Accessibility Services Coordinator/Academic Intervention Specialist. I have been in this position since June of 2024. I enjoy the ability to work amongst many of the wonderful faculty and staff who helped me as a student. This is a fulfilling career because I am able to help students through their educational journey where I have walked in similar shoes,” Zach says.

For many, college is the beginning of a journey—but for one alum, Reading Area Community College was not just the starting point; it became the foundation for a lifelong commitment to education, community, and giving back.

A proud graduate of RACC, Jake Horay earned Associate degrees in both Business Management and Social Work. But beyond academics, RACC sparked a deeper passion—for community engagement and philanthropy—that would influence every step that followed.

“RACC provided me with a strong foundation,” he shared. “Not only did it equip me with valuable knowledge and skills, but it also shaped my desire to serve and uplift others.”

Motivated to continue their educational journey, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Business Administration from Peirce College of Philadelphia. Along the way, he also obtained certifications in Human Resource Management and Leadership—further sharpening his tools for creating positive change.

Today, Jake proudly serve as the Manager of Annual Giving and Alumni/Donor Relations at the RACC Foundation, a role that brings his journey full circle. From student to advocate, his mission is clear: to strengthen connections between alumni, donors, and the college, ensuring future generations of RACC students receive the same opportunities that paved the way for his own success.

“RACC was more than just a college for me—it was a launching pad. Now, I have the privilege of giving back to the place that gave me so much. It’s about creating opportunities and building a legacy that lasts.”

With a passion for relationship-building and a heart rooted in service, Jake continue to make a lasting impact on the RACC community—proving that where your story begins can shape where it leads.

Alan M Patke grew up in Reading, PA and graduated from Muhlenberg High school. Alan saw Reading Area Community College as a staple in the community in which he was raised, and this gave him the courage to enroll in the college. He started at RACC in the Computer Science program and graduated with an Associate Degree in General Studies. While at RACC, Alan credits the Information Technology faculty for their support. "Marty Kelly was instrumental in providing me with the opportunity to learn and grow."
 
After graduating from RACC, Alan joined the Navy. During his service, he was injured, leading to an honorable discharge. The discharge led him in the direction toward realizing one of his life goals; helping military veterans and active duty military use the benefits they were given to develop strong financial plans to accomplish their goals.
 
"RACC gave me an opportunity to start schooling and earn money in the work study program when I was 18 and on my own. This connection to work and education has stayed with me ever since. I know I must always be striving to learn more about the work I do and the people I help. I was ultimately able to find a connection with helping others and giving back as a financial adviser."
 
After working in real estate for five years, Alan discovered he also loved to help families and young business professionals achieve their goals. By starting his own financial planning firm with Northwestern Mutual, he found his life’s work as a financial planner. This afforded him an opportunity to give back to his community and become a valuable resource to young professionals.
 
"RACC's core values exist in the hallways, classrooms and professors. I will always recommend RACC to anyone that is looking to find their path because at RACC there are people there that will guide you."

For Joshua Riojas, RACC was just the beginning of his successful journey. “My professional work experience and education all started at RACC, and the school deserves a tremendous amount of credit in how I have progressed through life professionally.”

Joshua graduated from Conrad Weiser with no immediate plans for a career. He knew a four-year college didn’t suit him, so he chose RACC for his education. “I wanted to keep costs down and since I didn’t take my SATs seriously, I considered community college as my best option.”

While at RACC, Joshua received a Foundation Scholarship which encouraged him to earn more than one degree. Joshua graduated from RACC with two Associate Degrees in Web Site Development and Computer Technology. 

One of Joshua’s instructors, Marty Kelly, who is also RACC’s webmaster, gave him an opportunity to work as a work-study in the web department. “Over the years of employment at RACC, Marty was a wonderful supervisor who made every effort to see me thrive academically and professionally. People like Marty are the reason why a student should go to RACC.” Marty not only encouraged and supported Joshua while he was at RACC, but they stayed in touch after graduation and continue to be close friends.

Joshua directly credits RACC for providing him with a pathway not only for transferring to a four-year college but also for gaining employment opportunities. “My education at RACC enabled me to acquire part-time work at the college. Plus, it was instrumental in obtaining an IT Internship at Morgan Corporation, which continued a trickle effect as I transferred to PSU.” Joshua was able to leverage his work experience at RACC to get a web internship in the Marketing and Communications Research Department at Penn State. Joshua ultimately graduated from Penn State with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Computer Science.

Joshua currently works at Cerner Corporation as a System Engineer and as an adjunct lecturer at Penn State, Harrisburg campus. Joshua’s immediate plans moving forward are to continue to explore fields within Computer Science, further his education with various IT/System Administrator certificates and focus on improving his lectures for his college classes. 

Joshua feels that RACC was a turning point for him and continues to highly recommend RACC as a starting point for anyone looking to further their education. “RACC provides many dual admission opportunities that facilitate easy transfer of credits; and the classes, instructors and work-study programs help you calculate a trajectory for your career.”

Congratulations to 2022 RACC graduate Leisha Gonzalez!

Leisha is the mother of a five-year-old and was a proud work study of the RACC campus. Her parents left formal schooling in middle school, prompting Leisha to be vigilant in pursuing a higher education. At RACC, she found a family, found talented, committed faculty and staff who encouraged her in her studies and also in her personal life. She majored in secondary education as a result of her experiences during the height of the COVID19 pandemic-when she fell in love with tutoring her younger siblings while in quarantine.

“My journey at RACC has been amazing with meeting so many wonderful people and being able to experience so many different things on and off campus. My career goal is to eventually work in the Reading School District as a teacher assistant. I hope to teach students hearts and minds as both a confidant and as an educator,” says Leisha of her career goals after RACC.