What brought you to RACC?

Thrifty parents that were looking for a good solid educational program with a reasonable price tag. As an heir to many descendants born and raised in Berks County over many centuries, I was a first-generation college student. My family was not familiar with the higher education process regarding admissions or financing options.

How did your experience at RACC shape your career path?

As the daughter of conservative parents born during the Great Depression, I was only given limited career path options - teacher, secretary, or nurse. I was accepted and ready to begin at PACE Institute in the legal secretary program. My father wanted me to get a second opinion and I'm certainly glad he did. I never looked back! The Admissions Director at RACC at the time, convinced me that having a general secretarial degree would open more doors than just in the legal environment.

Part of the secretarial program requirements were to complete an internship. I was very fortunate that my amazing, supportive Program Advisor/Professor recommended me to the Continuing Education Department at RACC to complete that requirement. Based on my performance, I was hired by the College prior to graduating, and, thus began my RACC career.

Due to various circumstances, I have held a variety of positions at the College over the last 30 years. I also completed a second Associate's Degree and went on obtain my Bachelor's Degree from Alvernia University, which opened more career opportunities.

I most recently obtained my Real Estate License and am affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and looking forward to another exciting, challenging career path.

What advice/insight would you give to current RACC students?

• Take advantage of the FREE services (Career Center, Resume Writing, Tutoring)
• Find what you ENJOY and are good at
• Align yourself with an Advisor/Professor that can be your mentor
• Don't give up!

2021 marks RACC's 50th Anniversary. What message would you like to pass on to President Looney and the RACC Community on this historic occasion?

RACC is the "Community's" College and the changes that have occurred with the growth from one single building to seven buildings, as well as the change in sponsorship from a single school district to Countywide over the previous 25 years have enabled numerous more students to become part of the campus Community.

With the collaboration with high schools for Dual Enrollment for our entering students to the four-year schools for seamless transfer out, we have anchored ourselves as a well needed resource in Berks County.

The educational spectrum has changed recently and RACC rose to the challenge and offered various options for student success during the crises. As we move into the next half-century, educating Berks County residents and beyond, I look forward to all the amazing new and exciting programs and services that RACC creates to expand and continue growing.