Dear Friends,
Try to imagine an economically healthy Berks County with a vibrant workforce or picture the City of Reading on its way back to full recovery. Now think about the likelihood of either scenario happening without our dynamic, responsive community college providing a comprehensive range of affordable educational and job training opportunities for our area residents. It's simply inconceivable!
This fall RACC, The Community's College, turns 40 years old. In its early days there was a struggle to gain initial sponsorship by the Reading School District. Then in 1991 the College transitioned to County sponsorship based on a proven track record of meeting the community's on-going educational need. Today RACC is a vibrant presence with seven fully occupied buildings and an additional undeveloped 5.7 acres on our southern perimeter. Additionally, our Career Training Center occupies the 4th floor of the Gateway Building at Second and Penn streets. The development of our lovely riverside campus to accommodate growing enrollment was due to our well-deserved regional reputation for academic quality and student-centered approaches to learning. RACC is still the best buy for individuals planning to transfer credits, which are accepted toward Bachelor's degrees at many public and private higher education institutions.
In today's world, RACC's career preparation programs including short-term occupational training in addition to the Schmidt Training and Technology Center's sophisticated instruction supporting advanced manufacturing, the technology industry, mass distributors and companies of all sizes are more important than ever.
RACC's newest facility, the beautiful Miller Center for the Arts, is beginning only its 5th season this fall but has already welcomed 65,000 patrons and become a key partner with other arts organizations. Of particular importance is the abundance of programming that introduces youth to the performing arts. We are proud to be an institution that promotes both intellect and culture. The convergence of both enriches the lives of individuals and our community.
By the end of this academic year, nearly 200,000 individuals will have been RACC students in an array of instructional offerings. When I am out in the community, I hear personal stories from people of all ages and varied backgrounds that their RACC experience helped them improve the quality of their lives and make their career goals possible. These personal testimonials are frequently accompanied by a heartfelt "thank you" which I proudly accept on behalf of all my current colleagues and those who came before us.
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACC. Let us take a well-deserved bow, and at the same time we use this milestone to rededicate our College to being The Right Choice for many to begin their education and career journey.
Dr. Anna Weitz
President
