Reading, PA, May 10, 2021 – The need for cybersecurity professionals has increased dramatically as computers and mobile devices have become essential in our personal and professional lives. Dr. Susan D. Looney, president of Reading Area Community College (RACC) and the RACC administration recognized the need to establish a Cybersecurity Program, which has quickly become very popular for students with technical skills and an intuitive understanding of computer systems. 

RACC Cybersecurity faculty member, Michael Hoehl, noticed a trend among the students who had completed the ten course Cybersecurity Program. Some students needed financial assistance with costs to obtain the official certification. Hoehl also happens to be the director of Cybersecurity at Carpenter Technology. Hoehl connected with Linda Bell, associate dean of the Business Division and Tony DeMarco, executive director of the Foundation for Reading Area Community College. Michael’s concept was to appeal to Carpenter Technology’s leadership team for a gift to cover the testing costs for the students who completed RACC’s Cybersecurity curriculum. 

The Carpenter Technology Cybersecurity Program has awarded 14 students the funding to cover the costs of their official certification test. Linda Bell has also arranged for each of these students to have access to a test preparation workshop in advance of the rigorous test as part of the Carpenter Technology award. 

“We have cleared certain monetary obstacles for these talented individuals to achieve certification and find the career of their dreams in the many cybersecurity opportunities that are available in the industry,” says Hoehl. 

“One needs to simply read the news to realize the vulnerability that exists,” says Dr. Looney. “We know regionally as well as nationally, there is a need for qualified cybersecurity professionals. Our program provides a comprehensive cybersecurity education, preparing graduates for advanced technical and management positions in cybersecurity, she continues. We are grateful to Carpenter Technology for their generous contributions that provide direct assistance for these students and for recognizing the importance of developing the next generation of professionals in this critical field.”

To learn more about the Cybersecurity Program at Reading Area Community College, contact Linda Bell at 610.607.5168.

Reading, PA, Friday, May 7, 2021 – Reading Area Community College celebrated its 49th Commencement on Friday, May 7 at Santander Arena. Approximately 800 students graduated from their degree, certificate or diploma programs this year.

Carolína Hidalgo-Ahmed was this year’s student speaker. She was born in San Francisco de Macorís, República Dominicana. At the age of four, she immigrated to the United States with her mother to join her father, who had immigrated to the US a few years earlier. She grew up in the boroughs of New York City, first on the Lower East Side and later Washington Heights, a community known for its rich Dominican diaspora culture. She will continue her education at Millersville University to earn her Bachelor in Social Work (BSW). Carolina is currently working on starting a non-profit organization, PÉCAN The HONE Initiative, which focuses on hands-on nutrition education for children who qualify for free or reduced lunch in Berks County.

RACC President, Dr. Susan D. Looney presented this year’s President’s Award to Berks County entrepreneur, business mogul and philanthropist Rolf Schmidt. Schmidt immigrated to the United States in 1957. His subsequent years in America were filled with business and personal success, which extended beyond the conventional boundaries of those measured by the typical American dream. Rolf’s commitment to educational excellence culminated in the establishment of the Schmidt Training and Technology Center. The center was named in his honor and opened in the spring of 2006. Rolf has been a leader of the Board of the Foundation for Reading Area Community College for thirty years. Rolf’s service to the Foundation started in 1991 and Rolf’s remarkable philanthropy to RACC is only part of his importance as one of the greatest figures in the history of the college.

“This year, especially, it is a privilege and a joy to see so many graduates persevere and take this step toward great success in the years ahead. 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,” Looney stated.

Reading, PA, Monday, May 10, 2021 – Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been awarded $300,000 from the NEAG Foundation to support nursing student scholarships.

Over the next two years, the award will be used to fund scholarships to students enrolled in the nursing (RN) and practical nursing (LPN) programs in the most impactful way possible.

“Ray and Carole Neag are among the most significant leaders in the history of Reading Area Community College. This remarkable gift from the Neag Foundation continues that incredible legacy,” says Anthony DeMarco, executive director of the Foundation for RACC. “Carole Neag has always been a passionate advocate for nurses, having personally served for years as an emergency and maternity nurse during her career. This grant will allow dozens of those students who aspire to a career in nursing to achieve their academic dreams.”

Susan Looney, president of Reading Area Community College, states, “This award will immediately benefit our nursing students who are highly prepared and ready to enter the regional healthcare workforce.”

Nursing continues to be the largest profession in healthcare, with RACC educating students with clinical training at regional affiliates such as Reading Hospital Systems, Penn State Heath St. Joseph, Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation, Laurel Center Genesis HealthCare and Phoebe Berks Healthcare Center.

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 the Caron in South Heidelberg Township, the Neag Planetarium in Reading, and the Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center.

Reading Area Community College is an accredited, comprehensive, open-enrollment education institution that provides associate degree and certificate programs with ten programs offered fully online; workforce and career-focused training; transitional coursework; personal enrichment programs and public service activities. Sponsored by Berks County, the College provides affordable access to meet identified community educational needs.

Reading, PA, Tuesday, April 12, 2021 – Reading Area Community College (RACC) President, Dr. Susan D. Looney and Susquehanna University President Jonathan D. Green, signed a transfer agreement that will offer guaranteed admission to Susquehanna University for RACC associate degree graduates to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

RACC students who submit a letter of intent to enter Susquehanna prior to completing 30 transferable credit hours will have the following benefits: guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program with third-year (junior) status at Susquehanna upon completion of their Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree; eligibility for an academic scholarship from Susquehanna of up to $31,000 per year based on their RACC grade point average at the time of application; and eligibility for an additional $5,000 scholarship from Susquehanna per year if students are members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

RACC students who do not sign a letter of intent will still be eligible for an academic scholarship of up to $31,000 per year based on their RACC grade point average.

“RACC is committed to creating partnerships that encourage students to complete their associate degree before transferring,” says Dr. Looney. “Our graduates are highly valued by our college and university partners, and we are excited that Susquehanna University has committed to a seamless transfer to their bachelor’s degree programs.”

“A college education continues to be a sound investment for any individual who is preparing for a prosperous future,” says President Green. “We look forward to ensuring a smooth transition for RACC graduates who come to Susquehanna to complete their bachelor’s degree in preparation for an even brighter future.”

Reading Area Community College is an accredited, comprehensive, open-enrollment education institution that provides associate degree and certificate programs with ten programs offered fully online; workforce and career-focused training; transitional coursework; personal enrichment programs and public service activities. Sponsored by Berks County, the College provides affordable access to meet identified community educational needs.

Susquehanna, a liberal arts university, focuses on intellectual development, global competence and career success. Susquehanna offers a nationally recognized study-abroad program and more than 100 majors and minors in business, humanities, arts and sciences. Students develop critical thinking, writing, teamwork and communication skills, which, combined with internships and research opportunities, prepare them for a lifetime of personal and professional success. Small classes enable faculty members to serve as mentors, as well as teachers. Ninety-six percent of Susquehanna students are employed or in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.

Reading, PA, Friday, March 19, 2021 – Reading Area Community College will offer in-person graduation ceremonies for 2020 and 2021 graduates on Friday, May 7 in Santander Arena in Reading.

The college will be holding multiple ceremonies on that date. 

“We at RACC were determined, after having to postpone ceremonies during the height of the pandemic in 2020, to have an in-person ceremony this May if it was at all possible within health and safety protocols for our graduates and their families," says Dr. Susan D. Loony, RACC president.

Students eligible to graduate are required to register for graduation by Friday, April 16, 2021. 

"I am glad to say we found a way to make it happen, and we are thrilled that we will be able to give our graduates and their families, as well as our RACC faculty and staff, the ceremony they deserve for all the hard work they put into their education,” she continues.

CDC guidance for organizing large events and gathering will be observed. Graduates will be allowed to invite a yet to be determined number of guests to the ceremonies.

More information will be available as the commencement date gets closer on the college's commencement website.

The event will also be livestreamed for graduates and their families who may not be able to attend in-person.