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Reading, PA — April 21, 2026 — Reading Area Community College (RACC) proudly marked the 20th Anniversary of the Schmidt Training and Technology Center (STTC) with a landmark evening celebrating innovation, workforce development, and the future of manufacturing. The event, part of the prestigious Schmidt Innovation Series, welcomed internationally recognized entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec as keynote speaker.

The evening honored the extraordinary legacy of Rolf Schmidt, whose vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped shape Berks County’s manufacturing landscape and RACC’s enduring mission. Arriving in America in 1957 with just $12 and a dream, Schmidt went on to build multiple successful companies and became a driving force behind workforce innovation in the region.

“Rolf Schmidt’s story is the embodiment of what we believe at RACC — that innovation, resilience, and opportunity can transform lives and entire communities,” said Tony DeMarco, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC and the Miller Center for the Arts. “Tonight is not just a celebration of the past 20 years — it is a declaration of where we are going. We are building the workforce of the future, right here in Berks County.”

The Schmidt Training and Technology Center has spent two decades delivering highly customized, industry-driven training programs that directly support regional manufacturers. With 90% of its students being incumbent workers sponsored by their employers, STTC has become a cornerstone of economic development—helping companies remain competitive while advancing careers across the region. 

“RACC is deeply proud to serve as a catalyst for opportunity, innovation, and workforce development in Berks County,” said Dr. Susan Looney, President of Reading Area Community College. “The Schmidt Training and Technology Center represents the very best of what we do—partnering with industry, empowering students, and preparing our community for the jobs of today and tomorrow. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on expanding access, strengthening our partnerships, and ensuring that every student has a pathway to success.”

Manufacturing continues to serve as the backbone of Berks County’s economy, accounting for approximately 20% of both GDP and local employment. Through flexible, hands-on training programs and strong partnerships with more than 175 companies, STTC provides practical solutions that address workforce shortages and evolving industry demands. 

The event also highlighted RACC’s broader institutional success, including rising enrollment, national recognition for student achievement, and continued investment in student opportunity. Most notably, the college announced a transformational $1 million endowment gift supporting the Reading High School to RACC Opportunity Scholarship Program—further expanding access to higher education and workforce pathways. 

A dynamic program brought together students, business leaders, and innovators, including a live “Berks County Shark Tank” competition featuring local industry executives and aspiring student entrepreneurs. The event underscored RACC’s commitment to bridging education and real-world opportunity.

The evening culminated with keynote speaker Robert Herjavec, whose own journey—from immigrating with his family and overcoming adversity to building a $200 million technology enterprise—mirrored the entrepreneurial spirit of Rolf Schmidt. Herjavec shared insights on innovation, cybersecurity, and the rapidly evolving future of manufacturing, inspiring attendees to embrace change and opportunity.

“Robert Herjavec represents the next chapter of the Schmidt Innovation Series,” DeMarco added. “His story, like Rolf’s, reminds us that the future belongs to those who are willing to take risks, adapt, and lead. That is exactly what we are preparing our students and our region to do.”

As RACC celebrates this milestone, the college reaffirms its role as a critical driver of economic growth, talent development, and innovation in Berks County and beyond.

About Reading Area Community College
Reading Area Community College serves more than 8,500 students annually and is a leading provider of academic, technical, and workforce training programs in Berks County. With a strong focus on student success and community impact, RACC prepares graduates to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce.

David Hessen
Director of Marketing & Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu

READING, PA – Reading Area Community College proudly announces that its president, Dr. Susan Looney, has been recognized on the national level as the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) CEO of the Year. The award was announced Monday, April 14, during the AACC Annual Convention held in Seattle Washington. 

AACC is the primary advocacy organization for community colleges nationally. Representing nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions and more than 12 million students, the AACC works to support and advance the nation's community colleges.

This accolade celebrates Dr. Looney’s exceptional leadership and her profound impact on expanding educational opportunities and enhancing student success at RACC and throughout the broader community.  

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the AACC CEO of the Year. This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, but it truly belongs to the entire RACC community. I am privileged to do this work alongside the most dedicated and talented faculty and staff I have ever known,” says Dr. Looney.

The CEO of the Year award recognizes strong leadership through active engagement in shared governance; commitment to leadership development across the college; successful implementation of student success initiatives; effective advocacy at local and state levels; participation in statewide and national conversations on community college issues; service on relevant boards; demonstrated resilience; and prior recognition for effective leadership.

Susan Looney was a high school dropout who later attended community college. At the ceremony, she was honored for leading transformative work at RACC, which has more than quadrupled the graduation rate in eight years. 

Dr. Looney’s dedicated leadership and effective advocacy at both the local and state levels have been pivotal in securing millions in vital public and private funding since becoming president in 2018. These resources have been transformative, enabling a substantial expansion of RACC’s career and technical education programs.

This commitment to cultivating opportunity and growth within the college is a direct reflection of Dr. Looney’s own deeply held beliefs about the power of community colleges. Her dedication to students is not just professional, but personal. Noting her own educational background, she understands the challenges faced by many students seeking opportunity. This background has fueled her life’s work to ensure that community colleges serve as that crucial stepping stone, providing an affordable, quality, and accessible education for individuals looking for their chance to build a better future.

David Hessen
Director of Marketing & Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu

READING, PA – Tompkins Community Bank has announced a $15,000 contribution to the Foundation at Reading Area Community College through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, reinforcing the bank’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunity for students across Berks County.

The gift will support Reading Area Community College’s Dual Enrollment program, which enables high school students to earn college credits while still completing their secondary education, significantly reducing the cost and time required to earn a college degree.

A check presentation ceremony was held at the Tompkins corporate office and included Tompkins Pennsylvania President Ginger Kunkel, Reading Area Community College President Dr. Susan Looney, Tompkins Senior Vice President Peter Rowley, Tony DeMarco, Vice President and Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC, Tompkins Vice President Amy Vaughan, and Jake Horay, Manager of Donor Relations at the Foundation for RACC.

Dr. Susan Looney, President of Reading Area Community College, praised Tompkins Community Bank for its continued investment in students and families across the region.

“Through the annual EITC contributions provided by Tompkins Community Bank to the Foundation for RACC, hundreds of ambitious students have had the opportunity to begin their college education while still in high school,” said Dr. Looney. “These students and their families have collectively saved tens of thousands of dollars in future college costs because of Tompkins’ generosity and commitment to expanding access to higher education.”

Tompkins Pennsylvania President Ginger Kunkel emphasized the natural partnership between the community bank and the region’s community college.

Tony DeMarco, Vice President of RACC and Executive Director of the Foundation for RACC, noted that programs supported by the EITC initiative continue to make a meaningful difference for local families.

“We hope other business leaders will follow the example set by Tompkins Community Bank by supporting the RACC EITC Dual Enrollment program,” said DeMarco. “For many families, the cost of higher education remains one of the greatest barriers to opportunity. EITC contributions allow high school students to earn affordable college credits and create a more accessible pathway to a college degree.”

David Hessen
Director of Marketing & Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

READING PA — Vice President of College Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at Reading Area Community College, Tony DeMarco, has been named a recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Distinguished College Administrator Award. Mr. DeMarco will be recognized during PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual international convention.

The Distinguished College Administrator Award recognizes college leaders who work directly with student leaders to strengthen campus communities and expand opportunities for student success. Honorees are nominated by Phi Theta Kappa student leaders.

“We are so grateful for Tony’s active participation in the leadership development of our Phi Theta Kappa students,” says Reading Area Community College President, Dr. Susan Looney. “His passionate support has not gone unnoticed by our students. He provides an excellent example of what it means to get involved with students beyond the classroom.”

At Reading Area Community College, DeMarco has demonstrated a deep and far-reaching commitment to student success through leadership that expands ccess, builds opportunity, and strengthens institutional support systems. His work has helped ensure that financial barriers, basic needs insecurity, and limited access to resources do not stand in the way of student achievement or persistence.

“Mr. DeMarco’s leadership is grounded in a deep belief that student success requires both opportunity and infrastructure,” said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Students recognize him for the way he builds systems that support them — from scholarships and emergency assistance to facilities that expand career pathways. His work benefits students across his entire college.”

Through his leadership in college advancement and philanthropy, Mr. DeMarco has played a central role in providing the necessary resources that support student learning and engagement, wellbeing, and career readiness – both in and out of the classroom.

To be eligible for the Distinguished College Administrator Award, nominees must serve as a vice president, dean, or director at an institution with an active Phi Theta Kappa chapter, have at least three years of service in their current role, and be nominated by the student leaders of their chapter. Tony was selected from among thousands of eligible college administrators nationwide to receive this honor.

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David Hessen
Director of Marketing and Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu

“We are so grateful for Tony’s active participation in the leadership development of our Phi Theta Kappa students,” says Reading Area Community College President, Dr. Susan Looney. “His passionate support has not gone unnoticed by our students. He provides an excellent example of what it means to get involved with students beyond the classroom.”

Reading, PA - Reading Area Community College was awarded $3.6 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help fund capital projects that will improve campus life. The funding will be used to expand the student union and upgrade infrastructure.

RACC received $2.1 million for the expansion of its student union as well as $1.5 million for upgrades to its HVAC system.

“Pennsylvania’s community colleges offer affordable pathways for learners to pursue higher education, earn credentials, and enter the workforce on their own terms,” Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe said. “This funding ensures that our commonwealth’s community college campuses are safe, welcoming and state-of-the-art, creating flexible and innovative 21st century learning environments for all students.”

RACC was one of 13 community colleges that received funding through the state to renovate or build facilities. The purpose of the funding is to help fund short-term and long-term debt service projects, capital leases and cash capital projects.

David Hessen
Director of Marketing and Communications
Reading Area Community College
610.607.6212
dhessen@racc.edu