Friday September 22, 2017 12:01 AM

By Keith Smoker - Reading Eagle correspondent / Muhlenberg Township, PA

The Berks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors recognized Dr. Anna D. Weitz as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Community Partner Award.

Weitz has served about 10 years as president of Reading Area Community College and has fostered relationships with area schools, colleges and organizations to improve overall education levels in the county.

Weitz recently announced that she was retiring next year.

Officials said that Weitz has supported BCIU in many ways, including being a resource for administration and staff; serving the unit and county school districts as part of the Berks County Career Pathways Alliance; and providing valuable input to create a K-12 framework focused on career pathways and facilitating postsecondary learning.

Weitz was also credited with increasing dual enrollment partnerships with 17 public and private schools in the county.

BCIU Executive Director Dr. Jill M. Hackman said that Weitz has enhanced learning opportunities for students, thus increasing the overall educational attainment level of the county, resulting in a stronger workforce.

"Berks County Intermediate Unit is truly fortunate to have such an outstanding community partner who supports the efforts of the BCIU," Hackman said.

In other business on Thursday, Hackman said that the unit has an impasse plan in case the state budget is not passed by early October.

The plan includes seeking financing, saving on transportation costs and delaying rent payments.

"We continue to be creative if the budget does not pass," she said.

Thursday September 14, 2017 12:01 AM / Written by Matt Carey / Reading, PA

The president of Reading Area Community College announced Wednesday that she will retire next year after more than a decade with the school.

Dr. Anna D. Weitz has led the school since June 1, 2007, when she became its fifth president. Her retirement will be effective June 30.

"Looking back, I am grateful to the faculty and staff, and am proud to be a part of a group so dedicated to our college and especially to our students," Weitz said in a written statement Wednesday. "Our collective focus on students and their success truly is our guidepost.

"The RACC of today embodies the power of providing opportunity for all who seek to improve their lives through education."

Weitz received a standing ovation from the college's trustees upon announcing her retirement at a meeting Wednesday night.

"You don't really know the width and breadth of the knowledge somebody has until you can sit down with them on a regular basis and discuss higher education," said Guido M. Pichini, chairman of the board. "We've been blessed to have Dr. Weitz as our president and the community has been more blessed to have Dr. Weitz as president."

During Weitz' tenure, she has overseen the opening and growth of the Miller Center for the Arts on campus, as well as the growth of the Schmidt Training & Technology Center, which has become a destination for associate degrees in advanced manufacturing.

The school also opened the Gateway Center for Career Training, which offers noncredit certificate programs.

The school signed dual-admission agreements with several schools, including Temple and St. Joseph's universities in Philadelphia, as well as Albright College, Alvernia University and Kutztown University, that allow for conditional acceptance and a smooth transfer into those schools after the successful completion of two years at RACC.

Pichini said Weitz is leaving RACC in excellent shape for future generations.

"She has absolutely changed our relationship with the community and the companies in Berks County," he said.

"I think it's time," Weitz said. "It's just a time in my life where I was ready to turn that page."

Originally from South Portland, Maine, Weitz took the helm at RACC after five years as president of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in Johnstown, Cambria County.

Weitz said Wednesday that she will continue to live in Berks County after her retirement.

Following Weitz' announcement and an executive session, the board approved a contract for $35,000, plus travel expenses and shipping costs, with the Association of Community College Trustees in Washington to conduct a search for Weitz' successor.

Weitz will serve as an ad hoc member of the search committee.