aspire spring/summer 2011

Go behind the scenes with our NEW degree offerings in computer game and simulation development

Joe Volk: 40 years and still making a difference

Perspectives from LCCC student workers

Spring | Summer 2011

AspireThe Lehigh Carbon Community College Magazine

Aspire SS11-revise.qxp6 6/16/11 3:21 PM

Dear LCCC friend,

If you haven’t been on campus in awhile, I’d like to personally welcomeyou back to see the transformation.We opened the doors to the CommunityServices Center in the fall and have re-opened the doors to our new andimproved Berrier Hall, which nowhouses a wellness and recreation center for LCCC work-study students,faculty and staff use. Enjoy the photos and story about Berrier Hallwithin this issue of Aspire. This issuealso introduces you to our newest program—Computer Game andSimulation Development and personifiesthe great work of our faculty and staff.

You will also learn firsthand about our students workers and what theirexperiences meant to them in theirtime at LCCC.

LCCC celebrated its 44th Commencementon May 18, 2011 and more than 550students graduated with an associate’sdegree. LCCC continues to be thestarting place for thousands in ourcommunity and we want every stepalong the way to be a step toward the road of success. We always lookforward to seeing our students back on campus so we can share in theirsuccess, however they have defined it.

Please enjoy this issue of Aspire, read our heartwarming stories andsee firsthand how our students continue “Starting here and goingeverywhere.”

With warm regards,

Donald W. Snyder | President, LCCC

LCCC Mission Responding to the community by providing affordable,accessible, and high-quality education

LCCC Vision National prominence and academic excellence as a comprehensive community college

Aspire SS11-revise.qxp6 6/16/11 3:21 PM

cover Jennifer Villa is an honors student at LCCC. See her perspective as a student worker on Page 23.

above The interest in games and thegaming industry is very high among LCCC students. And the College houses a state-of-the-art Mac lab.

1

2 Go behind the scenes

6 LCCC has your personal interest covered

10 40 Years and still making a difference...

12 Keeping the LCCC community healthy

14 Staff giving back20 Student Section:

student workers of lccc

24 Focus on Faculty

27 Alumni Profile

28 Alumni News

29 LCCC Events + Community Leadership

Executive Staff

PresidentDonald W. Snyder, J.D., L.L.M.

Vice President for Administrative Servicesand Workforce/Community DevelopmentAnn D. Bieber

Vice President for Finance andFacilities/Controller Larry W. Ross

Vice President of Academic Services and Student Development Thomas C. Leamer

Aspire StaffEditor | Associate Dean of InstitutionalAdvancementHeather L. Kuhns

Associate Editor | Director of Marketingand PublicationsPaula Hannam

Designer & Production CoordinationJennifer B. Burns

PhotographerTheo Anderson

LCCC PhotographerJustin Brosious

Aspire

Spring | Summer 2011

Aspire: The Lehigh Carbon Community CollegeMagazine is an official publication of LCCC and is published twice yearly. It is distributed free to alumni,friends, faculty, and staff. Copyright © 2011 by LehighCarbon Community College (LCCC). Photographs and artwork copyright by their respective creators or by LCCC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reused or republished in any formwithout express written permission. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion,ancestry, national origin, age, disabilities, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices as required by applicable laws and regulations.

For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures or for information regarding services, activities,and facilities that are accessible to and useable by persons with disabilities, contact the Office of HumanResources. Students may contact the Office of DisabilitySupport Services, LCCC, 4525 Education Park Drive,Schnecksville, PA 18078-2598, 610-799-2121.

Aspire SS11-revise.qxp6 6/16/11 3:21 PM Page 1

Jump over virtual obstacles. Slay the dragons. Race your

super-charged car on a challenging track. Test out your beach

volleyball skills. Build an app for your phone that does just about

anything. There are so many options in the digital game and

application world. Have you ever wondered what goes into

creating these games? Now you can go behind the scenes of this

field with new programs at Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Starting in the fall of 2011, LCCC will be offering Associate Degrees in ComputerGame and Simulation Development. The programs, which have been funded by a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE)grant, will be offered in two different tracks—digital arts and programming—preparing students to work in this up and coming field or transfer to a four-yearuniversity or college. LCCC is only one of nine colleges or universities inPennsylvania to offer a program in this discipline, and is the only 2-year school in the area offering these degrees. LCCC has created an advisory board, comprised of business leaders, local college and university representatives, as well as members of the game industry, to ensure its programs are meeting the needs of the workforce.

The programs in computer game and simulation development came to fruitionafter years of planning and through a National Science Foundation Grant (NSF). Mary Rasley, professor of computer information systems, and Steven Weitz,instructor of media arts, worked with Linda Mesics, LCCC’s director of academic grants, to develop a plan that would allow them to merge the disciplines into meaningful course collaborations that would mimic team interactions in the workforce. According to Weitz, the uniqueness of LCCC’s programs helped get the NSF grant. “Our degree will be distinct, in that it blends computer science and digital arts,” says Weitz.

Most colleges that offer computer game design or development programs of study focus on only digital arts or programming, but not both. While this mayprepare graduates for their dedicated career choice, it does not prepare them forthe work experiences they will have in the Computer Game Industry, in whichthey are continually interacting with team members of a different discipline. “Our programs differ from some of the other colleges,” continues Weitz. “Thefirst year of study is the same whether the student is pursuing digital arts or programming. Even though classes differ between the two tracks in the secondyear, giving students focused education in their area of choice, the collaborationcontinues through those second-year courses. Beginning with courses in the second semester of the first year, learning communities exist to incorporate a great deal of collaboration. This is an approach that has received very favorablefeedback, and we are looking forward to putting it into practice.”

continued page 4

Aspire Spring | Summer 2011 2

Go behind the scenes

top Steven Weitz is

one of the team

members who worked

tirelessly developing

the courses to mimic

team interactions in

the workforce.

bottom left Student

collaboration plays

a key role in the

new degree programs

and has received

favorable feedback.

bottom right Mary

Rasley has been

instrumental in steering

LCCC’s program

in a direction where

curricula will match

both local, as well as

overall computer game

industry needs.


3



The NSF grant also includes provisions for a mentoring program. Rasley andWeitz plan to involve peer and professional mentors with students enrolled in the programs of study to aid in student retention and recruitment of women (a traditionally underrepresented population in computer game development, as well as computer science as a whole). In addition to developing the new programs of study at LCCC, the NSF grant allows Rasley and Weitz to offer sessions in the summer which include high school teacher workshops along withgame camps for middle school children. These are both aimed at demonstratinggame-creation concepts for educational purposes. The high school teacher workshops help to prepare teachers, as experts in education, to become educational game designers. The middle school children’s camps seek to educatethe children about careers in game design and development and engage them as they create their own computer-based games. Rasley and Weitz were recentlyawarded a Google: Computer Science for High School (CS4HS) grant they titled“Edugaming” to allow additional high school teachers to participate in the summer workshops.

Bringing in the experts“We have reached out beyond the Lehigh Valley to leaders in the computer gameindustry to seek their advice. Our goal was to form a regional advisory panel for local colleges so that everyone could benefit from the knowledge and advice ofthe experts. We have succeeded beyond our hopes and now regularly collaboratewith companies in California. We plan to continue to add to our board as wemake new contacts,” says Rasley. “The advisory board is very excited and themembers have been with us every step of the way to be sure our graduates meet the needs they anticipate in their organizations.” The advisory board, addsRasley, has been instrumental in steering LCCC’s program in a direction wherethe curricula will match both local, as well as overall computer game industryneeds. “The curricula is strategically designed so that what the students learn will not only meet the needs of the computer game industry, but will also betransferable to programming and digital arts careers in general, as well as furtherdegrees, if so desired. One of our goals was to help students prepare to havecareer options regardless of changes in the economy. We built college transfer,entrepreneurship, and direct employment into the options for our students,” says Rasley.

Growing interest“The interest in games and the gaming industry is very high among our students(and students in general), and having a formal degree in computer game and simulation development will show that there are viable career paths that allowstudents to continue their interest in games while still receiving a true college education,” says Weitz.

“The buzz about this program has been strong and incorporating this program to the rest of LCCC’s offerings has the potential to enhance LCCC’s existing reputation for having rigorous programs, adding a strong path for education in game creation and potentially drawing students that may have consideredgoing elsewhere. Our vision is to have this program become part of a “geographicgaming center”, with LCCC as the hub,” continues Weitz.

For more information,

contact Mary Rasley at

[email protected] or

Steven Weitz at

[email protected].

Students will be able

to choose from four

different tracks in

the computer game

and simulation

development degree.


5

bottom left Working on

body movements is a

key aspect of making

avatars more realistic.

bottom right Small

class sizes guarantee a

lot of student/teacher

interaction.

Many options to pursueThe new computer game and simulation development program offers fourtracks—two in digital arts and two in programming, giving students exposure to many different careers including game designer, game programmer, animator,user experience designer and 3-D modeler.

LCCC offers a course called “Introduction to Game Design”, which touches on some of the areas explored further in the full degrees. “The course has beenoffered for a number of semesters, and is always popular,” says Weitz. “At thebeginning of every semester, I try to gauge the students’ interest in all of myclasses. I have a high number of students interested in gaming in general, andwhen I mention these new programs, I usually get a favorable response.”

Another benefit to this type of degree, according to Rasley, is the ability to workfrom anywhere—geography doesn’t necessarily play a role. Many people areconcerned about jobs being local and think geographically about the workplace.Today, that is simply not important, says Rasley.

“Our graduates can seek employment at any location. We are hopeful that ourgraduates will consider developing their own computer game companies. Withthe marketplaces for iPhone and Android applications being so accessible to anydeveloper or artist, we believe this goal is within the reach of all our students ata very low cost,” she says. “By collaborating with our Business Enterprise Center,students can learn what they need to and become successful business owners.”

So, whether you wish to write the latest greatest phone application or be a part of the next big game fad, it’s time to get your game face on…and get started this fall. |



Some couples have said that learning to dance was a great ‘date night’ activity. Dance classes are

just one of the popular courses offered through the Personal Interest/Noncredit division of LCCC.

LCCC has your personal


7

Do you daydream about swinging your husband or wife around a dance floor or taking memorable photographs on your next trip? Is your new poodle a fussyeater? Are you ready to take your Word and Excel skills to the next level or polish your presentations at work?

Over 100 Personal Interest classes in the Noncredit division at Lehigh CarbonCommunity College are waiting to spark new interests and awaken the senses.Barbara Platt, community services coordinator at LCCC, has her finger on thepulse of the constantly changing interests in the community.

“Keeping up with the public can be a daunting task but the challenge of offeringnew classes, each semester, that both engage and delight, is a satisfying one.Nothing makes me happier than seeing enough folks register to run a new class,”says Platt, who has worked in this division for 11 years, and has seen changes inthe department since she began. “People’s interests are more sophisticated and theyare demanding more rigorous levels beyond the basic skills level.”

Inspiration for new classes comes about from a myriad of sources; anecdotal conversations, media articles about emerging trends and unsolicited course ideas from members of the community eager to share their expertise.

Latest trendsPlatt says changing demographics can contribute, as well, to new course ideas. As baby boomers age and tip the population, courses are developed to attract a group that, in few aspects, resembles older populations of the past.

“The 55+ communities are growing and they are an active, engaged, enthusiasticbunch! Physical strength and mental acuity are prized, equally. They want to feel confident emailing, Skyping, and posting and downloading photographs of their grandchildren.”

Choosing a noncredit course over a credit course is a personal choice.

“There is the time issue, the money issue, and the expectation from the instructor.Languages are a great example. A credit class will focus on grammar, reading andwriting. While a noncredit class will cover these areas to some degree, the focusis more on familiarity, conversation and, in some cases, very specific skills for theindividual in the workplace or in a travel situation,” Platt says.

Platt adds, “Personal Interest classes bring a lot of the community to the campuswho wouldn’t normally come. The exposure is wonderful and people discover a whole new world that may have been right under their nose.”

continued page 8

al interest covered



Share your expertiseInstructors of noncredit courses comefrom many walks of life. Platt looks atcredentials, but most importantly, passion,when choosing a new instructor.

“I like to see their work and hearabout their experiences,” she says.“We get such great feedback from people who have attended the coursesand I have an extensive, huge file ofpeople who have sent me their resumesin every category. The schedule is veryflexible and the instructors have a lotof freedom in customizing their classesfor their own needs. Across the board,evaluation forms, filled out by peoplewho have taken these classes, show the appreciation students have for their instructors. “Our instructors are enthusiastic, knowledgeable andaccommodating to each individual student,” she says.

Many of the instructors are also in theindustry and can cater the programs to specific needs, adds Terri Keefe,director of community services atLCCC. “Especially for the computerclasses—we offer a full range of computer classes including the basicsfor a grandparent wanting to keep up with his or her grandchildren to the business person strengthening

workplace skills.” She also adds that classes range from one-day workshops tocomprehensive certification programs.

Often times, the instructors are enjoying the noncredit courses as much as thestudents. “We have enjoyed seeing the students or ‘couples’ accomplish morethan they thought they could with even just a little bit of effort,” says KenSchaus, a ballroom dancing instructor.

Schaus adds, “Some of the couples who have completed the courses have saidthat learning to dance was a great activity for their ‘date night.’ Many have commented it was easier than they thought and a lot of fun.”

Schaus and his wife, Cheryl, own the New Tripoli dance company, “AndSuddenly I Was Dancing,” and have taught noncredit dance lessons at LCCC for the past 12 years.

And for the youngest generationWhether your child wants to be a future news anchor or a veterinarian, LCCC summer camps have you covered. Camp Central Program has offeringsfor all ages and programs June—August. For this summer, LCCC has two new partnerships—the Lehigh Valley Chapter High School for the PerformingArts School, offering a variety of performing arts classes on site at LVPA andWickline, a casting company based in Philadelphia. Wickline’s offerings includecamps in TV and film, anchoring, acting for TV and modeling. Wickline campsare held at the main campus in Schnecksville.

Terri Lubenesky, an instructor for Sports and Shorts, one of the programs offeredthrough Camp Central, enjoys the opportunity to partner with LCCC and the camp.

“Camp Central has been my favorite summer job for the past six, going on sevenyears,” she says.

“My experience with Camp Central has been positive in many ways,” she says.“I have met, played and worked with campers from various cultures and nationalities. I’ve also met (and worked with the children of) LCCC staff, faculty and students, which has been an absolute pleasure and an eye opener into our community. I aspire to be the best teacher I can be in whatever capacity or learning situation—Camp Central gives me that opportunity!”


To get more information about a personal

interest course or to share your expertise and

teach a course, please contact Barbara Platt

at [email protected].

9

During the academic year, there has been marked interest in parents asking if theirolder children can take “adult” courses—either by themselves—or with the parent.

“As school programs get slashed from school budgets, we find increasing numbersof pre-teens and teenagers taking many classes in the areas of foreign language,cooking and crafts,” says Platt.

Flexible scheduling The personal interest course schedule is built with flexibility and convenience in mind. The majority of the classes are offered on LCCC’s main campus inSchnecksville, but some are held in the Southern Lehigh, Whitehall, andCatasauqua school districts.

Classes are also offered at other LCCC sites. Spanish classes are run at the Donley Center. There are multiple level classes offered so people can practice their language skills while developing their vocabulary.

“LCCC’s Spanish Society is a new class developed to meet the needs of an increasingly sophisticated group of Spanish language speakers who meet weekly to discuss various articles from the New York Times, Newsweek and other mediaoutlets,” says Platt.

For the love of cooking Wouldn’t it be nice to sample a menu before deciding on where to go for dinner?LCCC’s Great Chefs program allows you to do just that.

“Great Chefs is a much anticipated spring program where several upscale restaurantsaround the Lehigh Valley open their doors to our students for cooking demonstrations.The program is a win-win for LCCC and the restaurant,” says Platt. “When you go to a new restaurant and enjoy your meal, you share the experience withyour neighbors, friends and colleagues at work. Advertising is expensive andword-of-mouth is very effective marketing.”

The Great Chefs program offers a two-hour cooking demonstration and the guestshave the opportunity to sample the food. The course enrollment is $20 per restaurant.

“The restaurants value this opportunity to highlight their signature dishes and ourstudents enjoy the tasty samples,” says Platt. |

above Barbara Platt,

community services

coordinator at LCCC,

is always looking for

new trends in personal

interests. The noncredit

division of LCCC offers

a myriad of personal

enrichment course for

everyone’s enjoyment.



40 Years and still making a difference...

Joseph Volk has been attending Lehigh Carbon Community

College’s Board of Trustee meetings since July 2, 1970. More than

forty years later and through a completely transformed campus,

Volk’s involvement with LCCC still keeps him busier than ever.

“I have been very proud, over the years, to tell people that I am a Trustee atLCCC. I am also proud of my relationship with many of the fine administratorsand faculty,” says Volk. “Being a board member keeps me quite busy, and I enjoyevery minute of it. Attendance at board meetings each month, several committeemeetings each month, two board retreats each year—fill my schedule. I also try to attend as many special events as possible—I believe it’s important for the students attending an event, to see that a Trustee found it important to be there.And I have rarely missed a commencement ceremony.”

Volk was recently recognized for his 40 years of dedication and commitment witha conference room dedicated in his honor and proclamation from the state.

“At the November 2010 board meeting, I was taken completely by surprise withthe presentation of a board resolution honoring me for 40 years of service as aTrustee. I was even more surprised to look around and see that my wife Peg, myson Mike, my daughters Patti and JoAnn, my granddaughter Chelsea and somevery close friends, two couples, had, unbeknownst to me, snuck into the room tobe present for the event,” says Volk. “I was so honored and touched.”

A campus transformed over 40 yearsWhen Volk started with LCCC, the Administration building was the only building on campus, with the Science Technology building under construction.Today, LCCC has eight buildings in all, on the Schnecksville campus.

“I have seen and attended the opening of the Airport Site, the Carbon Center, the Donley Center and the Morgan Center. Also, I have served under all four college presidents, i.e, Founding President Dr. Berrier, Dr. Barthlow, Dr. Davis and Don Snyder,” Volk reflects on his time with the College.

Volk has enjoyed the incredible growth over the past 40 years and is very proud tohave been part of its growth. The growth will continue, but the College’s progressover the next 40 years will be heavily dependent on state and local school districtfunding. If sufficient funding is always available, LCCC will continue to grow inacceptance and stature, says Volk.

“The greatest advice I can give any student is to be very proud of your affiliationwith your college. I have become more proud in recent years because communitycolleges are becoming more and more recognized in the national dialogue on higher education,” says Volk. “Anyone who crosses the path of a community college has made a good choice.”


11

When Volk is not on LCCC’s campus,he enjoys doing “neat” things withhis wife and with their children andfamilies. He also enjoys good music,jazz pianist Keith Jarret to Bach,good food, travel and sailing.

During Volk’s time in Coopersburg,he has served as a member ofCoopersburg Borough Council foreight years, the last three years asPresident, 29 years as a member ofthe Coopersburg Zoning HearingBoard. He has also served on theBoard of Directors of Habitat forHumanity of the Lehigh Valley.

As demonstrated by his busy schedule,Volk has many loves to fill his time.So whether he and his wife are just‘enjoying their family and the wonderful things they do together’ or he is serving on the next LCCCcommittee, he does it with a smile.And his dedication to education andthe success of LCCC students makeseveryone around smile. |

“LCCC is a very good school, among the best community colleges in Pennsylvaniaand the nation. LCCC is becoming more and more accepted by four-year collegesas an excellent starting point in obtaining a four-year college education. Youshould be proud to be associated with LCCC—I know I am,” continues Volk.

In the beginning with LCCCBefore first coming to LCCC, Volk had considered, for a number of years, running for a position on the Southern Lehigh School Board, but never steppedforward to do it.

“When the opportunity presented itself to be appointed to the LCCC Board, I decided I would prefer that, because, above all, I have always considered a good education to be a valuable personal asset,” Volk says.

As a Trustee at Large, Volk is elected, not appointed to the Board, as 13 of the 15 trustees are, by their home district school board. He has been continually elected six times by a significant majority of the 117 directors of LCCC’s sponsoring school districts. He has looked forward to the start of every new year, joining in the Board’s deliberations and discussions, and perusal of the necessary local sponsor funding of the College.

Volk began his career as a draftsman and designer, teaching him to meet demanding requirements, says Volk. He attended Lafayette College at night, pursuing a Mechanical Engineering Degree while raising a family, then served as a Manager of Quality Assurance for Air Products and Chemicals for 24 years.

Contagious energy and dedicationVolk, who is a lifelong, true blue Boston Red Sox baseball and Notre Dame football and basketball fan, resides in Coopersburg. He, and his wife, Peg of nearly 55 years, have four children; son, Michael and three daughters, Patricia,JoAnn, and Kristin; and four grandchildren, Donald, Chelsea, Isabel and Chloe,ranging from one-year old to graduating from college this year.

Joe Volk, long-time

member of the LCCC

Board of Trustees, with

his wife of 55 years,

Peg. Volk was recently

honored for serving on

the Board of Trustees

for 40 years.



Keeping the LCCC community healthy


13

The main campus at Lehigh CarbonCommunity College has seen manychanges over the past year—a newbuilding, the moving of a road, toname a few. The latest renovationbrings a state-of-the-art wellness centerand gymnasium for students, staff and faculty. Berrier Hall re-opened inMay with an expanded wellness center,featuring all new fitness equipment.Also housed in the renovated BerrierHall are the Student GovernmentAssociation and athletic offices, thegame room, a new dance studio andan auxiliary gym.

The Wellness Center, formerly knownas the Fitness Center, invites all levels offitness and will be promoting nutritionand overall well-being, in addition toexercise. The center has traditionallyseen about 80 students, faculty andstaff a day and the center’s staff is hoping to see that number grow withthe new, state-of-the-art equipment.

“I think the renovation of Berrier Hallis key. There will be state-of-the-art fitness equipment, specialty clinics heldthroughout the semester covering avariety of fitness topics such as: grouptraining, time efficient workouts,exergaming, specialty classes such ashooping, and zumba,” says Jocelyn Beck,LCCC’s director of athletics. “Withathletics, student life and the fitnesscenter all housed in the same place,there is also great potential to create a true campus-wide recreation center.”

Promoting wellnessIn addition to offering wellness classes,the center will offer progressive andinspiring programs to facilitate andpromote lifelong health including avariety of wellness seminars, fitnessservices and events.

“In addition to promoting fitness, we want to facilitate healthy living and lifestyles,” says Beck. “Through

leadership, collaboration and teamwork,we will develop a fun and supportiveenvironment filled with a wealth ofoptions through which students, faculty,and staff can empower their mind andspirit while nurturing their physicalself. The Wellness Center will inspireour campus community to make acommitment to health and well beingthrough personalized attention and services designed to foster participationin regular physical activity.”

The summer hours of the new fitnesscenter are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday–Friday. Regular hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,Monday–Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday will resume with thestart of fall classes. Please contactMarge Beahm, recreation center coordinator at [email protected] orJocelyn Beck, director of athletics, [email protected] for more information. |

Photo: Justin Brosious



The staff and faculty at Lehigh Carbon Community College

bring diverse backgrounds, knowledge and experiences to the

College. The one area they are definitely not lacking in is a

sense of community and giving back. Enjoy the heartfelt stories

shared by employees who have done missionary or other trips.

Connection to HaitiRecently returned from her third mission trip in Haiti, LCCC advisor ChrisWargo says it’s hard to come back from a mission trip and the time difference is not the adjustment. “It’s more of an emotional thing. When I’m down there (in Haiti), I am kind of numb and try and separate myself from everything goingon. Every once in a while you get bouts of tears. When I return from a trip, it ismy time to reflect.”

“I see what they don’t have and what they could have. But at the same time theyknow how to bring it together and be joyful and so hopeful for waking up thenext morning,” she says. “That’s what they have that we as Americans don’t. We surround ourselves with all these material things that we think makes ushappy but the Haitians don’t have those material things but they seem happier.”

The group Wargo goes with is a medical mission group and she serves as a pharmacy technician during her stay, working with a pharmacist.

“When you’re there, you see so much need and what you’re doing seems so little. You feel like you are hardly making an impact. We get coached about thatby thinking we need to help the person in front of us,” she says. “I feel like I’vebeen built/molded for this type of position. With my experience in counseling, I separate myself and it helps me cope with the situation.”

Wargo plans to go there every year and says she feels like she could be playing a bigger role.

During her most recent visit, Wargo worked in the triage part of the clinic wherethe nurses were taking blood pressure and assessing people who were coming in.

“My main passion is people. I love learning about people and sitting and talkingwith them,” says Wargo who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’sdegree in counseling—has always had an affinity with people. “When I am downin Haiti, I feel comfortable and at home. When I return to the US, I feel like I’vebeen ripped away from something and that’s uncomfortable to me.”

Wargo worked in mental health for a while and most of her clients were fromPhiladelphia. She says she had many clients who were inner city kids from lowersocio-economic backgrounds and that experience kind of prepared her for Haiti.

Staff giving back


15

opposite Living

conditions can be

simplistic at best,

but the villagers are

joyful and appreciative.

above Chris Wargo

has to have a period

of reflection after

she returns from her

Haiti mission trip.

When Wargo travels down to Haiti, she brings a book by Mother Theresa withher and there is a particular quote in there that resonates with her. “Jesus, in theleast of His brethren, is not only hungry for a piece of bread, but hungry for love,to be known, to be taken into account.”

“We don’t hear a lot of feedback from the local people but when we’re downthere, we have lines outside of the clinic and people are literally knocking downthe door, which is just a piece of corrugated iron,” she says. “I remember a situation before an earthquake happened where mothers and fathers were handingtheir babies over the fence because they really wanted to have their children seenby the doctor.”

There is so much need in Haiti, she says. “The situation in Haiti is so sad. All the aid that was sent to the country after the earthquake has not even been used.The most the government has done is identify homes that are condemned andneed to be demolished but there are still families living in them! Infrastructure isalso lacking. For example, there are no ambulances to take you to the hospital.”

There is a priest that they work with who has been down there for 10 years.

The clinic is currently run out of the church, but it is the group’s goal to build a separate clinic in the village.

Wargo participates in her mission trips through Our Lady of Mount Carmel inDoylestown and its sister church in Haiti is the Port au Prince Church.

“My experiences in Haiti have made me simplify my life. The level of care that I have for people has also deepened,” says Wargo, who journals her experiencesand is hoping to take a drawing class at LCCC to document her experiencesthrough artwork.

Partnering for HaitiDouble the commitment to HaitiDeb Rentler, also an advisor at LCCC, has wanted to be a missionary since she wasa teen. She finally had the opportunity to go for the first time in 2001. She enjoysgoing with and actually invited Chris Wargo into going on the missionary trip.

Rentler’s husband has been going on missionary trips since the late 90s. As aninternist, he was able to help with providing medical assistance. Rentler, who alsowanted to provide more medical assistance to the mission, decided to pursue theLPN program at LCCC and graduated from it in 2004.

“I’ve always wanted to help people who really need it and are in the situationthrough no fault of their own,” Rentler says. “I finished the LPN degree primarilybecause I wanted to help out in Haiti. It’s a useful skill at the medical clinic inPort au Prince.”

continued page 16


was severely malnourished and the family that brought her in were well dressedand well fed. She came in and just sat on my lap and didn’t say anything, I justheld her close to me,” Rentler says.

Haiti is a nation of eight million people and 300,000 are Restavecs, says Rentler.She carries a poem called “The Face of God” with her and reads it around thethird or fourth day of a trip, when she most needs the emotional strength.

Rentler recalls some of her best experiences as well.

“The one experience that I really enjoy is the deworming section because I get to see everyone. When the mothers come in with their babies, even though wespeak different languages, we still communicate with one another as mothers.Knowing that the child is receiving medicine that is really going to help them.You can see it in the mother’s eyes that she is so grateful—it is so heartwarmingand satisfying,” she says.

Rentler says she would love to go to Haiti more and would like to try differentareas, as she has only ever gone to Port au Prince.

Growing in spirit and getting connected“For me, going to Haiti is a spiritual experience and I feel a strong connectionwith God,” says Rentler. “Sometimes I have blamed God because of all thepoverty. Then I see the faith of the Haitian people and realize that God is inthem and this greatly strengthens my own faith. I do struggle with the fact thatone of the poorest nations on this earth is a two-hour flight from Miami.”

Rentler recommends a missionary trip to anyone interested in doing serviceabroad. A lot of churches do missions to foreign countries and there are somenon-secular organizations which also provide aid to third world nations.

A well-known faith-based organization is the Matthew 25 house(http://www.parishprogram.org/matthew-25-house) part of the Parrish twinning program. The Haitian arm is run by Sister Mary Finnick from Yardley, Pennsylvania.

“Everyone should do this whether you have faith or not. It becomes life changingbecause generally, people have never experienced poverty to the extent to which

Rentler went back to Haiti in 2005and used her nursing skills for the first time and it was awesome, sherecalls. Three more visits followed—in November 2009, then again after the 2010 earthquake in Marchand September.

Natural calling “The beauty of Haiti is in the people.The countryside is basically a barrenwasteland and the city of Port auPrince, a garbage dump. It’s terrible tosee that people live like that. But theyare a proud nation and they rise aboveit and they are very dignified,” saysRentler. “You see smiles everywhere.They are affectionate and warm and I think that’s part of the culture. Youfeel an instant connection with them.”

Rentler’s time in Haiti is filled with somany different experiences and memories.

“There are a lot of moments that Idon’t like to think about. One sadmoment I recall was when a youngman came to the clinic. He had been in prison unjustly after being out onthe streets. He came to the clinic afterbeing severely beaten. He was in severeheart failure and should have been in a hospital. We did pay for him to go to the hospital but he died within afew weeks,” she says. She also recallsmany sad encounters with children.Some of these children may have beenRestavecs, defined as a family with alittle more money who will take in achild from another family who doesn’thave the means to support that child.It is hoped that the richer family willsend the child to school, but manytimes they end up being a house servant to the host family, she says.

“These Restavec children are generallynot taken care of. You hear stories ofabuse in these situations too—it’s verysad. One child that came into the clinic



17

it is in third world countries like Haiti,” says Rentler. “If you have an opportunityto experience a third world experience, I would highly encourage it because itwill make your life better. You will return with so many qualities—gratefulness.”

“Things need to change and we are doing our part. One beautiful Haitian face at a time.”

Lending a hand in HondurasTom Bartasavage is a jack of all trades and he was glad to put his skills to gooduse by helping a church in Honduras. Bartasavage, a plumber at LCCC, hasbeen doing such mission trips through his church, Lighthouse Church inOrwigsburg, PA.

Bartasavage has been going to Honduras for two years, while his church hasbeen traveling there for 30 years. The projects vary including pouring concretefloors in the houses and making bunk beds for the children in the village ofSanta Rita.

“We help where we can. There’s not much plumbing. For example, if there is a flushing toilet in a building, it is generally connected to a pipe that runsabout 50 feet from the building and runs out into the street,” says Bartasavage.“The conditions are abysmal. They also store water in concrete vats which isn’tvery hygienic. In the cities there is traditional plumbing, but not in the villageswe work.

“Electrical work is also dangerous—archaic.”

Most of the men work in plantations (picking bananas), but when the missiongroup comes to the village, the men gather together and help out, he adds.“Although the people have a great work ethic and work very hard, they have no money for materials so that’s mainly what the mission group provides.”

The next missionary project, which usually occurs yearly in August, is to build a little store front for a local woman who cooks for the missionaries and hoststhem. “We want her to have an opportunity to make some money for her familyand a store front to sell her goods,” says Bartasavage.

Another project on a future trip is to build a church in the village and it willserve as a worship and a recreation center. The pastor is already hired and isworking out of another facility. He runs regular worship services and prayergroups, helping out the people in the village, says Bartasavage.

Grateful for the helping hand Overall, the people are very grateful because they know you’re there to help,says Bartasavage. However, there is still a fair amount of crime and theft, so themissionary group stays at a tourist resort community that is gated with 12 footwalls. The group has a private driver and translator who knows the area and alot of people, so it is easier to get around with them.

Even with the poverty and theft being high, Bartasavage believes that the churchwill bring a lot of values to the people of the village.

continued page 18

opposite LCCC advisors

Christine Wargo and

Den Rentler enjoy

missionary trips to Haiti,

where they touch the

lives of many families

and children.

above Deb Rentler,

an advisor at LCCC,

completed the LPN

degree at LCCC

primarily to help

out in Haiti.



“If the people put their faith in Jesusand God’s work instead of relying ontheir neighbors, it will bring more valueto the people. The goal is to make thepeople a lot more self-sufficient,” saysBartasavage. “We don’t just go downthere and do the work for them. Wetry and teach them how to do thingsso they learn how to do it themselves.Our next goal is to try and teach themfarming techniques.”

A true passion about a different culture“Being in a place like Honduras really makes you appreciate being an American. You take the simplethings like waking up and taking a hot shower for granted. In Honduras,most houses don’t have showers. They generally use a bowl of water to take a sponge bath in,” Bartasavagesays. He recalls a story about when hewas there for the first time. He put hishands straight into the water sourcewhere he was and it was very obviousthat it wasn’t the right thing to do, as that water was also the water everyone used for drinking andbathing. He was supposed to take a pan and scoop out whatever waterhe needed to wash his hands.

He shares another memory from his last trip—he was walking on the street withKiki, a carpenter in Honduras who always helps out with Bartasavage’s group,and they stopped to buy a Coke. “Suddenly, this guy yells—Yo-American!Apparently he was from Mississippi and had moved to Honduras about 15 yearsago and loves it. He sells fruit on the side of the street and vows never to goback because he loves living there so much. Actually his English was pretty broken from speaking Spanish so long,” says Bartasavage. “That’s why people,myself included, do this work because it’s in their nature to help people out.”

Bartasavage adds he especially loves helping the children.

“All they want is a hug and to play,” he says. “Even though it’s really hot downthere, these kids are running around like crazy playing soccer.”

Keeping a perspective It’s about perspective for Chris Foulsham, an adjunct professor of Spanish atLehigh Carbon Community College. When he talks about his mission trips, he wants people to understand what others might take for granted.

“When we’re sitting in our living rooms or complaining about shoveling snow or the line at the grocery store, just think about what it might be like to livedown there (Nicaragua in his case) for a while. People don’t have cars—theywalk, and even then they might not have any shoes,” says Foulsham. He addsthat while living conditions aren’t shocking, it may be upsetting to the personwho has never witnessed this.

Foulsham has gone on two mission trips to Nicaragua—spring break in March2010 and previously during the summer of 2009. His mission trips are throughSt. John Anglican Church, near Philadelphia. On the summer mission, he wasinvolved in a church (Verbo) renovation project which now has various facilitiesfor the local residents.

Firsthand look In addition to the mission trips, Foulsham had other experiences which helpedwith his understanding of different cultures. He previously lived in Mexico andVenezuela and spent a little time in Costa Rica to fine-tune his language skills.


19

While in Mexico, Foulsham lived with a guest family while attending the SpanishInstitute, a language school for advanced studies.

“Even if you have experience with a different culture, it’s still a difficult situation. Youdon’t have the luxury of modern bathrooms and showers. The people eat rice andbeans, every day,” says Foulsham. “The facilities we had when we were there werevery basic. We had two women who would cook for us. We would go to the storeand buy groceries and then they would cook us our meals. The meals they madecoming out of a kitchen with a wood burning stove and two burners were amazing!”

He also recalls having to wear ear plugs because there was a lot of noise early inthe morning from the village such as barking dogs and roosters at 4 a.m.

“You realize when you’re at this village, there is no plumbing and very little electricity. There is no garbage service so everything is out in the streets. But it’spositive in a way because it’s all that they know and they don’t complain or grumble—they just get on with their lives with a smile on their faces,” saysFoulsham. “You have to be careful with the way you dress when you’re there too so you don’t look like you have money. It helps when you have the languageskills too—the people are more accepting of you.”

A whole community On Foulsham’s mission trip, he was in a village that was displaced because ofHurricane Mitch, which hit a volcano nearby and turned the one side of themountain into a huge mudslide with boulders and trees. There was also a tremendousamount of rain and everything was devastated, he says. The community occupiedland that was agricultural and people were self-sufficient, growing their own vegetables and tending their own land. But the government moved them to Santa Maria, a town where they have no land, so although they have housing,they are dependent on others for sustenance. Some of the village communityreturn to where they were uprooted from and farm again, but the government are not supporting them fiscally, he recalls.

Supporting educationWhile he was visiting, a local school director who was interested to hear that a Spanish teacher from the United States was there invited Foulsham to speak at the school.

“The system is pretty interesting,” says Foulsham. “The elementary studentsattend in the morning and the high school students attend in the afternoon.”

He remembers this experience he had at the school. As a sign of respect, the students stand whenever a teacher is in the room and they must remain standinguntil they are told to sit down. Foulsham says he wasn’t aware of this so he was talking to them for a while before he realized that the students were still standing.

“I didn’t know that at first and I was wondering why they were still standing.Then after about 10–15 minutes, the sub-director whispered in my ear that I had to tell them to sit down,” he says. “When I show my current students thesephotos and try and explain the cultural differences such as standing up as a signof respect, I think it’s difficult for them to understand or to relate.”

Bringing cultural awareness to the classroom is important to Foulsham.

“I remember talking to one of theESL teachers here at LCCC one timeand I was listening to a story about astudent who refused to look him inthe eye. He was pretty suspiciousbecause in our (American) culture,that is a sign of dishonesty andlying,” says Foulsham. “It wasn’tuntil later, that he realized that it wasa sign of respect not to look directlyinto the eyes of someone higher thanyour station. This story is a classicexample of a cultural difference thatmight be misunderstood.” |

opposite left Tom

Bartasavage, a plumber

at LCCC, uses his

handy skills to help

others in need.

opposite right Despite

poor living conditions,

the locals are a

tight-knit community.

above Chris Foulsham,

an adjunct at LCCC,

has had many

experiences abroad

which have opened

his eyes to different

cultures and he brings

those insights back

to his students in

the classroom.


20

I can honestly say that participating in work study at

LCCC has been a highlight of my academic endeavors.

Developing relationships with faculty, meeting new

students during orientations, and working in my major’s

department has provided me with invaluable skills that

I will use for the rest of my college and professional career.

Work study has truly enriched my college experience.

—Sarah Buonanno

Aspire Spring | Summer 2011

Honestly, when I applied for a student worker position, I just needed the money. Outside of that, I had no idea what to expect. As with any new experience,

my placement in the Institutional Advancement Office at LCCC left me feelingawkward and a bit out of place. I was a student. I had no place in the often overlooked and oftenmisunderstood business side of the school. Yet after a few weeks, the awkwardness wore off and I feltmore at home. The experience of working in the under belly of LCCC has given me invaluable insight andappreciation for what it takes to work in the professional world of higher education. Specifically, howpeople dedicate their lives so that LCCC can continually be improved. Ultimately, this is a dedication toimproving students and for that, I am eternally grateful.

—Tyler McClenithan

stud

ent w

orke

rs o

f lcc

c LCCC’s student worker program is a win-win situation for the College and the students

alike. Combining learning with part-time and flexible work experience gives students an

invaluable insight into the operations of the College. A few student workers have shared

their experiences here.

Sarah Buonanno Tyler McClenithan


Being a student worker is first of all a great opportunity to

earn money and gain experiencewhile still studying. Working in

school is convenient in the sensethat the work schedules are

customized according to one’sclass schedule. It’s also a greatopportunity for involvementand service at our campus.

I work as a Cougar Guide withthe Admissions Office which

gives me a chance to be of service to prospective students in the process of getting them admitted to our school.

—Winnie Ouma

21

Few people can truly say that they love their job. I am

proud to be one of those few. I have worked for several

other employers over the years, and none of them even

hold a candle to LCCC. The Interlibrary Loan Department

has taught me so much about the importance

of organization in the workplace, which is

crucial for my major—Business Management.

In addition to giving me vital skills for my future, LCCC also helps me with the present. It allows me to financially support myself, works around my class schedule, and has introduced me to amazing new people. Working at LCCC is such a positive life experience for me, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

—Gabrielle Raditz

continued page 22

StudentSection

Sara Newman Gabrielle Raditz Winnie Ouma

I am really grateful for the chance to connect professionally with our associate academic dean,

Dr. Michael Torrence. It is an asset to my educational career as

well as my resume. I am satisfied in knowing that the college I am

attending presents opportunities for those students willing to look.

—Sara Newman


Being a student worker, I can earn money for my college expenses while gettingahead on my schoolwork. It really helps when I’m working in the Mac lab, where I have

access to multimedia software that would otherwise be too expensive to buy for my home computer. I also enjoy helping students that come into the lab to use

those programs, and it’s a very rewarding experience!

—Natalia Faenza


posit

ive li

fe ex

perie

nces

I am very blessed to have the opportunity to be a

student worker for the Vet Tech program.

While taking inventory of the vet techfacility, I became very familiar with thelocation of the medical instruments andsupplies, which was very helpful oncewe began treating animals. Writing andmanaging the records of the animalsthat arrived for lab helped me learnpractical skills which I will be able touse once I graduate. Being a studentworker is a great way for me learn andhelps me form a closer relationship withmy instructors.

—Sarah Gehman

Janina Faunce-Holzinger Sarah GehmanNatalia Faenza

Being a student worker has been

a great opportunity for me to make

some extra money while in college.

I save money on gas because I can walk straight

from class to work; I know my hours will always

work around my classes; and I am able to take off

with relative ease to study, do homework, and

attend various clubs and activities around campus.

The best part about being a student worker is that

I never have to feel that I am missing out on the

college experience because of work.

—Janina Faunce-Holzinger


My name is David Lopez Escobales and I am a lab

assistant here in LCCC’s Engineering Department. I like

my experience working as a student worker. I receive

my instructions from my supervisor and I accomplish

what needs to get done with little supervision (which

I really like because that instills confidence in my

ability to complete the task) and if I have questions

Nada is always available to help. The work is

good too. It gives me the opportunity to

hone my skills in repairing equipment,

learning new ways to test equipment,

and organize the classrooms so that

when students come to learn, materials

are in order.

—David Lopez Escobales

23

As a student attending Lehigh Carbon Community College, both my academic and working experiences are gladly embraced by what the college offers.

I am proud to say that I feel honored as a student to be working at LCCC because it gives me the wonderful

opportunity to become more involved with the College, meet new people, and provides me a part-time job

flexible around my class schedule. I am thankful to have a position as a Lab Aide with such friendly staff!

—Laura Bieber

Working in LCCC’s Rothrock Library Interlibrary Loan is a

rewarding opportunity, for it helps conveniently assist the school and

myself in securing my future.My responsibilities include both lendingbooks from our collection to students inother schools as well as receiving books our staff or students request. This job madesearching for books a lot easier and lessoverwhelming and allowed me to see the

massive amount and variety of booksLCCC’s collection contains, pieces to which are desired by not just districts in Pennsylvania, but schoolsall throughout the United States.Working at the Rothrock Library

has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people and gain the

communication skills needed for advancementin careers to come all while helping the peopleof LCCC and other participating schools.

—Jennifer Villa

Laura Bieber David Lopez Escobales Jennifer Villa



The faculty at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) bring passion andyears of experience to the classroom. And Lisa Martini-Johnson is no exception.Martini-Johnson, faculty and the assistant director of the veterinary technicianprogram, has more than 20 years of experience in the field.

“I am able to bring real-life examples to my students—everything from performingophthalmic exams to cleaning hooves to reading blood smears and performingurinalysis,” she says.

The Vet Tech program, which was first offered in 1997, is jointly run betweenLCCC and Northampton Community College (NCC). Martini-Johnson beganworking with the program in 1999.

Pursuing her passion When Martini-Johnson was in second grade, she visited her teacher’s farm, whichhad all kinds of animals including horses. She says she knew then that she neededto do something with animals.

“As I got older, I became more passionate about it. I had my own horse andbecame competitive doing English jumping. I was very involved with the 4Horganization,” she says.

After high school, she decided then that she wanted to be a veterinary nurse. She became licensed as a Veterinary Technician, worked in practice and decidedshe wanted more. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Marywood Universityin Scranton and then her doctorate degree at Ross University, which is on theCaribbean Island of St. Kitts. Martini-Johnson’s final year of Vet School was taken at Oklahoma State University. She came back to Pennsylvania and workedat Wright Veterinary Medical Center in Bethlehem when she saw the ad for thefaculty position here at the College.

Having taught in the program since 1999, she enjoys seeing her students grow andblossom. “That is why I do this. I enjoy working with the students and helping toincrease their hands-on and critical thinking skills—both important skills that theyneed to work in a clinic when they graduate,” she says. She also adds that ClinicalPathology is her favorite course to teach and she believes her love of the subjectinspires her students. (Especially when they discover that she actually authored thechapter they study in the textbook.)

All of the students work on actual animals where possible. The animals are loanedout from rescue groups (The Sanctuary and Lehigh County Humane Society) sothe students are not working on animals that are actually owned by anyone.

“It’s a win-win situation,” says Martini-Johnson. “We get four animals a weekand we bathe and groom them, clean their ears, perform physical exams, removemats if needed. We perform serology tests after drawing blood to check forHeartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia in dogs and Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiencyand Heartworm in cats.

For the love of animals


25

Focus onFacultyWe vaccine for rabies and distemper if needed, then write a discharge paper that

has all of the treatments and procedures we performed on that animal as well asthe vaccines that were given. We then give that information back to the rescuegroup when we return that animal. That paperwork then goes to the person whoeventually adopts the animal.”

“The Vet Tech program also has a partnership with the Lehigh Valley Zoo—weuse their goats and their sheep—they are a little more wild than the ones from therescue group,” she says.

Pat Kline, a graduate of the Vet Tech program, works at the zoo as its onlylicensed vet tech ever since he graduated a few years ago and Martini-Johnsonenjoys having her current students work with a graduate of the program.

Expanding our reach In addition to teaching and serving as the assistant director for the Vet Tech program, she also serves as the advisor of the Veterinary Technician Club, whichruns events and promotes awareness in the community. The Club gets involvedwith fundraising events such as ‘Paws in the Park,’ and ‘Walk for Life.’ Most ofthe dollars raised gets donated back to the rescue groups or used to purchase pet first aid evacuation kits for other charity event raffle prizes. An example of adonation by the Club was to cover vet bills for a woman whose house caught onfire and her cats got burned.

The Club also makes donations to help animal organizations here and abroadincluding Heifer International or the American Veterinary Medical Foundation(AVMF) for animals that were abandoned after Hurricane Katrina and after 9-11.

Lisa Martini-Johnson,

LCCC faculty member

and assistant director

of the vet tech program,

works with a student

and explains a procedure

in the vet tech program.

continued page 26



Outside of the classroom When Martini-Johnson is not teaching,she enjoys deep sea fishing, bottomfishing and vacationing back in St. Kitts,where she also met her husband,Morvin, in addition to attending college. She also loves to ride horses,knit and read—when she has the time!

She lives in Whitehall with her husband,Morvin of 21 years and her cat, Cheetah.Yes, she only has one pet. “Cheetahwon’t allow any other animals in thehouse,” she jokes.

Martini-Johnson’s daughter, Mervisa,studied in the LCCC Honors programand is now studying business accountingat the University of Scranton.

Since the Caribbean has played suchan important role in her life—college,the birthplace of Mervisa, the placeshe met her husband and a favoritevacation spot, there is a mural on thesteps painted by Martini-Johnson thatdepicts a beach scene (with real sandin it from St. Kitts!) with the palmtrees and mountains in the backgroundas well as the catamaran, Spirit of St. Kitts. Morvin owned and operatedthe Spirit of St. Kitts, while living there.

Martini-Johnson’s philosophy on lifestems from what she learned about living in St. Kitts. One thing shelearned about living out in St. Kitts,was not to take things for granted.When she was there, she grew her own garden because the fruit or vegetable boat might not come thatweek, she says.

“Now I live each day to the fullestbecause you don’t know what the next day might bring. I try to be more

respectful and give back to peoplebecause there is always someone whois worse off than you,” she says. Andwhen she can make an animal’s day alittle brighter, she does that too.

“The biggest win-win in my eyes is theTLC we give to the animals. You neverknow whether or not they have beenabused. Many of the animals are headshy, with their tail between their legs,so I always stress to the students thatwe need to show the animals a lot ofcare, love and attention. The animalsare with the LCCC/NCC students fora day and a half and when they goback to the shelter, they seem reallyhappy, wagging their tails,” she says. |

Lisa Martini-Johnson,

assistant professor of

the vet tech program,

is pictured in front of

the mural she painted

using real sand from

St. Kitts where she met

her husband, Morvin.


27

Sometimes a complete 180 is what people need to find their true passion. This was the case for Maureen Miletics who ultimately found her passion in caring for others, but it took leaving a career she knew in geology to do so.

“I suddenly found myself as a single mother with three very young children—they were 3, 5 and 6 at the time. I had a bachelor’s degree in geology and myexperience was in oil and gas exploration,” Miletics recalls. “I had to make a decision to either go out and get a job and not be able to support my family adequately, or I could train in a new profession that I could get trained for quickly.”

“Going to LCCC changed my life. I love what I do right now and if I hadn’treceived my RN at LCCC, I wouldn’t be where I am today without going throughthat experience,” she says. “So while this was totally different than what I wasused to, and a very stressful time in my life, it was worth it knowing that I havethe career I have today.”

Making the transitionMiletics remembers when she first called LCCC and was surprised by the opportunities—starting at LCCC and then transferring to another college to complete a bachelor’s degree. She graduated from LCCC’s program in 1996, andsubsequently pursued her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Cedar Crest Collegeand her master’s degree in healthcare administration from King’s College.

The program at LCCC prepared her well for the healthcare world, she recalls. “I felt when I had finished my studies at LCCC, I was better prepared to work in apractical situation than many other people who already had a bachelor’s degree.”

In addition to numerous opportunities within healthcare, Miletics’ education,which all started with LCCC, helped her transition through many facets includinghomecare, the operating room and case management. She worked in bariatric surgery and was integrally involved in the development of a program, and servedas the director of the bariatric surgery program at Sacred Heart Hospital.Currently, she serves as the director of bariatric services at St Luke’s Hospital.

A valued education Miletics speaks very fondly of her education and says it plays a prominent role in her family values. All of her children and stepchildren are either in college orhave graduated college, with one common denominator—LCCC.

“All our children have experienced LCCC—ranging from one or two summerclasses to the first two years of their degree at LCCC,” she says. “My family has always been supportive and education is important to us.”

And now that her children are off at college or graduated, Miletics has a little morefree time for a few other passions like spending time with Rene, her husband of 14 years.She and her husband enjoy biking, kayaking, reading and going out to eat. |

AlumniProfileFrom oil and gas exploration

to taking care of others

After completing her

RN degree at LCCC,

Maureen Miletics

felt she was better

prepared to work in

a practical situation

than many other people

who already had a

bachelor’s degree.



2010 Juan Cheverez of Allentown, PA is aTechnical Support Specialist at SynchronossTechnologies.

2009 Tara Anthony of Allentown, PA is a Clerical Tech at the County of Lehigh, Office of the Public Defender.

Jonathan Haydt of Macungie, PA is a RegisteredNurse with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

2008 Debra (Kelhart) Mynar of Center Valley, PA is an Administrator at ISP Office Solutions.

Eric Smith of Schnecksville, PA is a RadioTechnician with Transcore.

2007 Christopher Moakley of Coplay, PA is a Personnel Analyst with the County of Northampton.

Robert Aaron Woodruff of Coopersburg, PAworks as a Product Engineer at Stanley Vidmar.

Gretchen (Roesler) Yerger of Slatington, PA is in Customer Service Account Management withCherry Brothers Cherrydale Farms.

2006 Gene Gross of Allentown, PA is anE.C.M. Supervisor/Clinical Technician at M.I.Products/World Wide Turbine/Keenan House.

2005 Kortney Clause of Lehighton, PA is theCareer Services Secretary at LCCC.

Roland OCampo of Lehigh Acres, FL works as a Protection Specialist at Target.

2004 Emily Forte of Bloomsburg, PA is an Area Coordinator.

2003 Harry German of Bluffton, SC is a Police Sergeant with the City of HardeevillePolice Department.

2002 Erin (Cooney) Fenstermacher of LyonStation, PA is a Donor Relations Manager atMuhlenberg College.

Rachel Doherty of Allentown, PA works at Kraft Foods.

2001 Tyson Frantz of Boston, MA is aPrincipal/Graphic Designer with Tyson FrantzDesign.

1996 Dr. Michael Hartman of Jim Thorpe, PAworks as a Nurse Anesthetist at Lehigh ValleyAnesthesia Services and Lehigh Valley HealthNetwork.

AlumniNews

LCCC Alumni Association Board of Directors Megan Billowitch (‘94)

Shannon Ciamacco (‘94) Betty George (‘73) Susan Heller (‘03 and ‘07)

Dallas Holtzer (‘73) Linda Krisko (’80) | Treasurer Fabian Moriah (’05) | Secretary

Heather Mullen (‘06) | Vice President Christina Schoemaker (‘99) | President

Calling all LCCC Alumni: Contribute to Alumni NewsIf you’d like to list an announcement in Alumni News,

suggest a story for Aspire, or mentor an LCCC student,

simply visit www.lccc.edu/alumni.

1987 Michelle (Kunkle) Stermer of Summit Hill, PA is a Registrar at Blue Mountain Health Systems – Gnaden Huetten Campus.

1985 Andrew Brusko of Whitehall, PA is a Systems Analyst with Crayola, LLC.

Peggy (Koch) Stroup of Palmerton, PA is a Director of Quality Management at Lehigh Valley Home Health Services.

1974 Elaine (Heilman) Toth of Orefield, PA is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Genesis Rehab.

If you would like to help LCCC be greener, please send an

email to [email protected], asking to receive a pdf version

of Aspire instead of a printed version. Please include your

name, address and email in your message. Thank you!


29

Tribute to long-term friend of LCCCThe Lehigh Carbon CommunityCollege Foundation continues to be blessed by the community and its generous friends. John “Sonny”Kovatch, who founded KovatchCorporation and KME Fire Apparatusin Nesquehoning was one of thosegenerous friends. A lifelong resident of Nesquehoning, Kovatch passedaway in January of this year. Referredto as a “pillar of the community” bymany, Kovatch was instrumental inproviding the land for Lehigh CarbonCommunity College’s Carbon campus.

In 1946, Kovatch opened a small autorepair shop, which ultimately grewinto the Kovatch Mobile EquipmentCorp. The partnership, which includedKovatch’s brother, Joseph, began as aone-care auto repair shop and expandedto include auto and truck dealerships,and eventually a manufacturer of fireengines and other specialty vehicles.The company, which currentlyemploys more than 750 employees,now includes divisions for police cars,fuel trucks and commercial and municipalvehicles, as well.

“My father was a true American successstory,” says John J. Kovatch III, president and chief executive officer of the Kovatch Organization. “Heloved what he did and had a passionto build a legacy that will continue to positively affect our lives for generations to come.”

Kovatch’s daughter, Kathy KovatchReaman, serves as the vice chair andsecretary of LCCC’s Foundation board. |

LCCC 2011–2012 Foundation Board of Directors Ann Bieber | Vice Secretary | Institutional

Appointee, Vice President, LCCC Lee Bond, Ashland Technologies Tony Boyle, Boyle

Construction John T. Cathers Jr. | Treasurer | Chair of Finance Committee & Compliance

Officer, FCFCU Jan Creedon, County of Lehigh Annabelle B. Creveling, LCCC Trustee

Bernard Durant, Durant Ent. (retired) Maria Esposito, Saucon Valley Country Club

Robin Flores, Allentown Symphony Association Kathy Frazier, PPL Ronald Glass,

Administrator Emeritus Andre Green, Verizon Inc. Christopher Jordan, Northstar Youth

Services Richard Kern, Wachovia Bank Kathy Kovatch Reaman | Vice Chairperson &

Secretary | Kovatch Corporation Buddy Lesavoy, Esq., Lesavoy, Butz and Seitz, LLC

David Lobach, Embassy Bank Ellen Millard-Kern | Chairperson | Office of Sen. Patrick M.

Browne Ron Neimeyer, Altronics Inc. Kent C. Newhart, Accounting and Tax Associates Inc.

Thomas Oleksa | Vice Treasurer | Liberty Savings Bank, FSB Yvette Palmer, CFO & Stuff LLC

Roger C. Reis, Lower Macungie Twsp. Commissioner Dale Roth, Architect Christina

Schoemaker, Lehigh Valley Health Network Betty Smith, Trexler-Haines, Inc. Willard Snyder,

New Tripoli Bancorp Mark Thompson, MKSD LLC

LCCC 2011–2012 Board of Trustees Joseph A. Alban, Whitehall-Coplay Robert M. Cohen,

Parkland Annabelle B. Creveling, Allentown Mathias J. Green Jr., Northern Lehigh David R.

Hunsicker, Northwestern Lehigh Matthew T. Korp, Catasauqua Audrey L. Larvey | Chair |

Palmerton Thomas F. Mantz | Secretary | Salisbury Kenneth H. Mohr Jr. | Vice Chair |

Southern Lehigh William Santore Jr., Panther Valley Randall L. Smith, Jim Thorpe Larry E.

Stern, Lehighton Ann L. Thompson | Treasurer | East Penn Michael J. Torbert, Trustee at

Large Joseph C. Volk, Trustee at Large Jerome B. Frank, Esquire, Solicitor

LCCC Events + Community Leadership

Photo: Justin Brosious

Clay Shoot is a successOn April 29th, LCCC held its 8th annual Foundation and AlumniScholarship Clay Shoot at LehighValley Sporting Clays. Six of theCollege’s students volunteered at some of the stands, mixing and mingling with some of our sponsors.Thanks to everyone who made thisevent a success! |


Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLehigh Valley, PAPermit No. 116

4525 Education Park DriveSchnecksville, PA 18078

Alumni Association Aspire to Care Event

On Saturday, April 16, 2011, the Alumni Association was hard at work cleaningthe kitchen and painting cabins at Camp Fowler, preparing them for upcomingsummer camps. Special thanks to the following individuals for helping—Christina & Chris Schoemaker, Deb Hock, Heather & Bill Mullen, MichelleMitchell and her son Josh, Donna Williams and Dallas Holtzer.

Camp Fowler is a therapeutic adventure camp, nestled in Orefield, PA. At thecamp, children from the Lehigh Valley and all of eastern Pennsylvania are able toexperience the benefits of the camping experience that might not otherwise beavailable to them. Camp Fowler is a place to heal, a place to learn, a place to grow.

This state-of-the-art therapeutic adventure camp is nestled on the banks of theJordan Creek. The 43-acre Camp Fowler includes seven cabins that can accommodatemore than 150 young people overnight, with complete handicapped accessiblebath and shower facilities for boys and girls.

If you would like to learn more about Camp Fowler please visit its website atwww.valleyyouthhouse.org/CampFowler. |

For more information on the Alumni Association and the “Aspire to Care” program, please

contact Jane Wilchak at [email protected] The LCCC Alumni Association

recently helped Camp Fowler,

located in Orefield, PA, get ready

for its upcoming season through

an Aspire to Care event.

bottom Michelle Mitchell and

her son Josh.

If you would like to help LCCC be greener, please send an email to

[email protected], asking to receive a pdf version of Aspire instead

of a printed version. Please include your name, address and email in

your message. Thank you!

Photos: Justin Brosious


aspire spring/summer 2011

Documents

lccc students

lccc workstudy students

lccc community healthy14

official publication

dear lccc friend

students workers

honors student

student development