READING PA - The Neag Foundation has made a seven-figure gift to officially name the Carole Neag Nursing Center at the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion on the Reading Area Community College (RACC) campus. “Carole was passionate about the nursing field, having worked as both a maternity and emergency room nurse for thirty years. The Neag Foundation is thrilled that the Carole Neag Nursing Center will be the home of RACC nursing students who are following in her footsteps and providing compassionate healthcare services to a community that she loved,” says Neag Foundation Board Chair, Sally Renzulli.

Funding from the Neag Foundation will be directed to state-of-the art equipment within the facility, including mannequins that simulate nursing situations, intensive care simulations, and a maternity suite mannequin that replicates human birth.

“We are honored that the Neag Foundation would allow us to properly recognize one of the most important benefactors in the college’s history, Carole Neag, in our nursing center where hundreds of Berks County nursing students will be trained. Carole recognized that the vast majority of RACC nursing students stay here in Berks County upon graduation. She understood that our RACC students will be the healthcare providers caring for patients in our region for generations to come,” says Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC Anthony DeMarco.

 “Carole loved our nursing students. On her last visit to campus Carole joined a group of nursing students studying for their state licensing tests. She joined the students in answering questions that would be on the test. Remarkably, Carole knew each answer. There was a powerful moment of intergenerational connectivity between Carole and the students that speaks to the special vocation of nursing,” says RACC President Dr. Susan Looney.

The NEAG Foundation supports education, healthcare, and the arts through Ray and Carol Neag’s visionary philanthropy. Reading Among their many educational and charitable donations, they are well-known in Berks County for their contributions to Carole Neag Nursing Scholarship Program at RACC and the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Museum and the Ray and Carole Neag Medical Center at the Caron Treatment Center.

READING PA - Reading Area Community College celebrated their largest graduating class in almost a decade, as over 500 students earned their degree or certificate during a ceremony on Friday, May 3 at Santander Arena in Reading.

“It is always a privilege and a joy to see so many graduates persevere and take this step toward great success in the years ahead,” said RACC President Dr. Susan Looney. “Our students and graduates continue to inspire me every day, and will continue to make the RACC family of faculty, staff, students and alumni very proud.”

The student speaker at the ceremony was Mara Nagle. Mara was selected for a Presidential Scholarship in 2022, and was chosen as the Sonia Briskin Honors Scholar in 2024. She will be continuing her education at Albright College to purse her Bachelor’s in Arts Administration and Business Administration.

Also during the ceremony, Looney presented RACC’s President’s Award to Dr. Jerry Marcus. Dr, Marcus has been a vital long-time supporter of Reading Area Community College, serving on the Foundation for RACC. In addition, he has served for many years as the Medical Director for the medical laboratory program, providing leadership and mentorship for aspiring health care professionals in this critical area. He also played a key role in modernizing and updating laboratory facilities at RACC, endowing chemistry and physics lab spaces. Most recently, Jerry donated funds to begin a program to help provide food for students in need, which led to RACC’s food pantry.

READING PA - Reading Area Community College (RACC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Suzanne Wenderoth to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Wenderoth serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Tower Health and Reading Hospital, and Professor of Clinical Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine. She also serves the community as a practicing Board Certified Internal Medicine physician and medical student and resident educator in West Reading.

"The Reading Area Community College Board of Trustees continues to build a powerful board befitting the largest institution of higher education in Berks County," says RACC Board of Trustees Chair Gary Rightmire. "We are thrilled to bring on such influential leaders who will advocate for our college.”

Dr Wenderoth joined the Reading Hospital medical staff in 2012, after completing medical school at Cornell University College of Medicine followed by residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital and serving as Faculty in the Academic Internal Medicine Practice at Cornell. At Tower Health-Reading Hospital, she has held a number of leadership positions, including: CEO, Physician Enterprise and Chief Clinical Officer, Tower Health Medical Group, as well as Medical Director, Internal Medicine Residency Practice.

Dr Wenderoth is passionate about delivering high quality, patient centered care to the community, and preparing the next generation of students to join the ranks of health care.

READING PA - The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC) is proud to honor the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, a remarkable group of community college students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated a commitment to their colleges and communities.

The 2024 awardees include two Reading Area Community College outstanding transfer scholars. Transfer students must have completed at least 36 credits at a community college and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher to be considered for these awards. Workforce students must have a minimum of 12 college-level credit hours at a community college and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

The two Reading Area Community College scholarship winners are Ms. Anisa Reinstrom and Ms.Yessenia Rivera.

Anisa Reinstrom is majoring in Business Administration Transfer and her career goal is to be in a management position. She is the Treasurer of our Phi Theta Kappa Chapter, involved with the Advantage Program and is a work study student in Career Services. Anisa is a volunteer with the Adopt-a-Block program both on campus and in her neighborhood. She is also on both the President’s and the Dean’s List. Anisa will be transferring to Kutztown University to complete her Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Yessenia Rivera is majoring in Social Work and her career goal is to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work and facilitate Women’s Empowerment programs. Yessenia is the Vice President for our Phi Theta Kappa Chapter and involved with the Advantage Program. Yessenia spearheaded this year’s College Project, Educational Curiosity, a program in which RACC’s President, staff and PTK members shared their educational journeys with residents at Opportunity House in order to introduce them to the possibilities of continued education. She is also on both the President’s and the Dean’s List. Yessenia will be transferring to Kutztown University to complete her Bachelors of Social Work.

“We at Reading Area Community College applaud these outstanding student scholars on their terrific academic achievements,” says Dr. Susan D. Looney, president of Reading Area Community College. “By enrolling in high-quality educational programs, these students are building a foundation for a successful career while furthering their postsecondary study.”

Pennsylvania’s community colleges partner with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities to provide scholarships to eligible All-PA Transfer Team members at PASSHE institutions, providing two years of tuition at any PASSHE school.

Students nominated to the national All-USA Community College Academic Team are automatically named to the All-State Community College Academic Teams. The programs share common eligibility criteria, which includes enrollment at a community college, a minimum 3.5 grade point average, completion of a minimum of 36 college-level credits and being on track to receive an associate or bachelor’s degree.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) successfully funded 14 Community Project Funding priorities, totaling $11,726,065, through the House Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations’ package was signed into law last weekend by President Biden. The purpose of Community Project Funding is to enable Members of Congress to allocate available federal funds to worthy, local projects in a timely manner.

While each congressional office processes Community Project Funding requests differently, all Members are required to publicly disclose their selections and sign letters certifying they have no personal financial interest in the projects. To ensure transparency for and accountability to her constituents, Houlahan goes above and beyond House guidelines by utilizing a nonpartisan board of community leaders to review applications and to make recommendations regarding project selection. Recently, Houlahan hosted a webinar for organizations interested in applying for future Community Project Funding grants. Watch the webinar here.

"I am elated that we secured over $11.7 million to fund 14 community-focused projects in our district. From Reading to Berwyn and everywhere in between, our community will benefit from stronger infrastructure, enhanced workforce opportunities, modernized resources for first responders, and more," said Houlahan. "With the help of our board of nonpartisan local leaders, we were able to advocate for projects that will positively impact our community and the region at large. I look forward to seeing these projects make a real, tangible difference in the lives of residents in Berks and Chester Counties."

In alphabetical order, Houlahan secured the following funding on behalf of local organizations:

1. $3,000,000 for Albright College, Innovation Corridor Life Science-Based Incubator – Camp Building Renovation Phase 1
"We are truly grateful that our community leaders are committed to the transformation of the City of Reading and the Albright College campus," said Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D., president and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Albright College. "With the transformation of the Camp Building, a historic factory now under the college's stewardship, we are bringing to life a vital component currently missing in Berks County: a biological, pharmaceutical and life science-based entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community incubator that will utilize the Total Experience Learning methodology to empower students and community entrepreneurs. The Albright College incubator, to be located in the 'Innovation Corridor' of Northeast Reading will serve to nurture emerging intellectual property and entrepreneurs of all ages. By fostering this entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community life science incubator, we are committed to supporting the inventors and innovators of today and tomorrow, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and solutions."
 

2. $977,573 for Ann’s Heart, Purchase of Campus – Nonprofit Hub
“The Volunteers, Board of Directors and Staff of Ann’s Heart extend their deepest gratitude to Representative Houlahan and Senator Casey for their sponsorship and unwavering support of Ann’s Heart and for securing Community Project Funding. This vital funding will not only secure a permanent home for Ann’s Heart but also for multiple other nonprofits dedicated to serving parts of Chester and Montgomery Counties,” stated Kristen McGee, Executive Director of Ann’s Heart. “With this invaluable support, Ann’s Heart has been able to secure the purchase of the campus we have diligently worked to restore. This ensures the establishment and enduring presence of a non-profit hub dedicated to delivering critical human services in our region. Through this welcoming space, we are committed to continuing our fight against housing and food insecurity, supporting mental and behavioral health, and combating the isolation of our most vulnerable community members.”

3. $500,000 for Berwyn Fire Company, EMS Station
“The Berwyn Fire Company is humbled to be awarded a $500,000 grant to assist in the construction of a new fire/EMS station that will serve the citizens, visitors and businesses of Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships. This new state of the art facility will replace an aging structure that dates back to 1929. Our volunteers and career staff look forward to working in a safe and reliable environment,” said Eamon C. Brazunas, Deputy Chief of Berwyn Fire Company.

4. $1,035,000 for Reading Area Community College, Capital Improvements and Repairs - Workforce Development
"Reading Area Community College is honored and grateful to be a recipient of this much needed funding from Congresswoman Houlahan's office,” said RACC President Dr. Susan Looney. “We will be allocating the funds to enhance the Schmidt Training and Technology Center and Kratz Hall. Improvements to these facilities will further strengthen our workforce training; continuing our commitment to building a strong Berks County workforce.”

5. $959,752 for City of Coatesville, Ash Park Master Plan Implementation - Phase 2
"We are extremely thrilled to have received this for both phase 1 and 2 of the project. This money means we're receiving money so that we can move forward and have a reliable source of funding to design the project the way that it was intended. It is a huge win for the community, and I can't express how much this will mean. I deeply appreciate the support," said James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. 

6. $550,000 for East Fallowfield Township Police Department, Municipal complex construction
“This funding will move us closer to having a more secure police station that will provide a welcoming environment to the public and better equip our law enforcement to serve and protect our community,” said Scott Swichar, Township Manager of East Fallowfield. “We appreciate Representative Houlahan’s unwavering support and strong commitment to public safety in the community.”

7. $657,000 for FarmerJawn and Friends Foundation Fund, the FarmerJawn Barn Revitalization
"We are incredibly grateful to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her unwavering support and successful advocacy in securing a federal grant of $657,000 for FarmerJawn. This generous funding will enable us to renovate our aging barn and incorporate hydroponic facilities, allowing us to expand our mission of teaching essential agricultural skills and entrepreneurship qualities to the Chester County community. With this investment, FarmerJawn will continue to thrive as a vital contributor to the local agricultural landscape, offering innovative, sustainable solutions and opportunities for continued growth,” said Brandon Ritter, COO of FarmerJawn.

8. $500,000 for Helping Harvest, Community Kitchen
“Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is so grateful to Representative Houlahan for her support and her work securing this funding,” said Jay Worrall, Helping Harvest President. “The Helping Harvest Community Kitchen will provide heat-and-eat ready meals to low-income seniors and families throughout Berks County while providing Culinary Arts skill training to residents.  The kitchen is currently under construction, and we will be cooking by year’s end!  Thank you for helping us provide healthy, nutritious food to people in need in our community.”

9. $959,752 for Kennett Square Wastewater Treatment Plant, UV Disinfection
Mayor Matthew Fetick and Borough Council President Bob Norris jointly stated, “The Borough is grateful to our elected officials for supporting this important upgrade to our sewer infrastructure.  This funding is a vital investment and addresses a major need for the Borough’s future growth and development.  Upgrading our sewer system will not only benefit Borough residents but our neighbors in Kennett Township and New Garden.”

10. $117,000 for Phoenixville Police Department, Law Enforcement 21st Century Policing Initiative
“The Borough of Phoenixville is experiencing tremendous growth in new housing and the town’s population is on the rise. A year-round calendar of cultural events attracts countless visitors to our thriving downtown business district. Representative Chrissy Houlahan is a frequent visitor to Phoenixville and she understands the challenges associated with policing our growing community,” said Chief of Police Brian Marshall. “On behalf of the men and women of the Phoenixville Police Department, we are honored and grateful to be the recipient of the PA-06 Community Funding Project grant for equipment upgrades!  The police department will be allocating the awarded funds for the purchase of six (6) new body-worn cameras and server, a TruNarc handheld rapid drug identification device, and a portable safety camera to be used at our numerous events. The Phoenixville Police Department values Representative Houlahan’s advocacy for and involvement in our community and we will use this grant funding to make the Borough of Phoenixville safer for everyone.”

11. $1,925,000 for Reading's Oakbrook Homes Center For Early Education
"This vital federal grant will enable us to repurpose two existing buildings into a Neighborhood Services Center and Family Services Complex, allowing us to expand access to crucial services for those facing economic and food insecurity in our community. With this support, Oakbrook Homes will continue to be a beacon of hope and assistance for families in need, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all. We extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her tireless efforts in securing $1,925,000 for this project,” said Modesto Fiume, president of Opportunity House.

12. $117,000 for Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, Body Worn Camera and Taser Project
“The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department is extremely grateful for the support and funding we received from Representative Houlahan and her staff. Not only were they helpful with the grant application process, they saw immediate value in our initiative to receive funds that will ultimately improve upon transparency and accountability while executing our department’s mission to protect human life, our first and most sacred core value. The funds received will cover the majority of the purchase of AXON’s leading technology Body Worn Cameras, which are used to record all interactions we have with the public and furthermore are submitted as evidence and shared with the District Attorney’s Office for the purpose of evidence in prosecutions. The funding will also allow us to purchase the newest version of the Taser by AXON which offers a less-lethal option in situations where an intermediate weapon can preserve human life. These devices are expensive and often can not be purchased out of the allotted police department budget, so this grant funding will have a huge impact on our ability to function as a high-level, premier law enforcement agency,” said Joseph Greenwalt, Chief of Police.

13. $112,500 for The Garage Community and Youth Center, Rain Garden and Green Roof Chester County PA
"The Garage Community & Youth Center (The Garage) is honored and thrilled to be a recipient of Community Project Funding from Congresswoman Houlahan's office,” said Kristin Proto, Executive Director. “The Garage serves as a liaison between the community and our families, promoting the equity and inclusion of an underserved and marginalized population. With this essential Community Project Funding support, The Garage will continue to renovate our Avondale facility with improved stormwater management through a rain garden and  green roof as well as environmental educational opportunities that come with an outdoor classroom space. Our organization has been providing support through after-school programming for over twenty years, and with the help of the community, friends, and partners like the Sixth Congressional District, we look forward to another twenty years!"