Love and Achievement in the Air at RACC’s 53rd Annual Commencement
Latisha Kelly
June 2, 2025- Excitement buzzed through Santander Arena on Friday, May 9th, as Reading Area Community College held its 53rd Annual Commencement Ceremony, honoring the achievements of the Class of 2025. Family, friends, and faculty packed the venue, cheering as graduates walked across the stage to receive their diploma holders. There were nearly 600 graduates.
But the moment that stole the spotlight came in an unexpected twist of romance.
Just after one graduate proudly received her diploma holder, the energy in the arena shifted. A man emerged from the audience, approached the stage, and asked for the microphone. With the crowd holding its breath, he confessed his love for the graduate, speaking directly to her with emotion in his voice. Then, in a moment straight out of a movie, he got down on one knee and proposed.
The arena erupted in cheers and applause as the stunned graduate said “yes,” turning a day of academic celebration into a memory that will last a lifetime.
“This is what RACC is all about moments that change lives,” said Dr. Susan Looney, President of Reading Area Community College. “Today we celebrated not only academic success but the power of love, family, and community. Congratulations to all of our graduates you are the future, and we are so proud of you.”
The 2025 commencement ceremony marked yet another milestone in RACC’s mission to foster educational growth and opportunity in Berks County and beyond. For the hundreds of students who crossed the stage, and one very lucky couple, May 9th was truly a day to remember.
2025 Reading Area Community College Academic Awards Ceremony
Latisha Kelly
May 3, 2025 - On Tuesday, April 22nd at 3:00 PM, students gathered in the beautiful Schmidt Technology Center auditorium for RACC’s annual Academic Award Ceremony—our favorite time to cheer one another on! It’s always inspiring to see students from every corner of campus come together to celebrate outstanding scholarship, leadership, and campus spirit.
In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, our dedicated Deans and faculty chairs met over coffee (and maybe a few donuts!) to talk through nominations. They look for more than just GPA—though maintaining a high average is impressive! They also celebrate leadership roles, volunteer work, and that special spark that hints at future greatness.
We couldn’t be prouder of our student‑run newspaper, the Front Street Journal, and its talented team of writers: Noemí González (Social Work AA) As one of our FSJ writer and editors, Noemí earned an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Student Keystone Media Awards for her powerful article, “The Welcome Center Encompassing Weitz Hall’s Transformation: Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility.” Angela Caldero‑Pérez (Education: Middle & Secondary Ed. AA) also a Front Street Journal writer and editor, captured 2nd Place with her moving feature, “A Story of Survival with Kevin Hines.” Latisha Kelly (Addiction Studies/Human Services AA), our FSJ writer and business manager, has a passion for storytelling and community service that shines through every issue.
Major Academic Awards
Pennsylvania Academic Team Award was awarded jointly to Noemí and Angela for topping the charts in grades and leadership—peer tutoring, club officer roles, community volunteering… you name it, they’ve done it! The New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar was awarded to Noemí, whose stellar record and plans to study at a four‑year school next fall earned her this honor, plus a leadership spot in Phi Theta Kappa. The Coca‑Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar was awarded to Angela, whose dedication to education and literacy initiatives—tutoring local students, running campus reading programs—made her an easy choice for this national scholarship.
Division‑Level and Special Recognitions
We also celebrated excellence across all of RACC’s divisions—Business, Health Professions, STEM, Social Sciences & Human Services, and more. In Social Sciences/Human Services. A special nod to Carol A. Tapia for the Borket Library Research Award, plus Victoria A. Lapa for the Sonia M. Briskin Award (community impact and all‑star academics). Ten Honors students completed more than four advanced courses this year—an incredible feat! College President Dr. Susan Looney reminded us that “these awardees live out RACC’s mission of lifelong learning and civic responsibility.
We wrapped up with a small reception where friends, family, and faculty mingled over refreshments, swapping congratulations and future plans. As we look ahead, we know our award winners—whether transferring, entering the workforce, or diving into community projects—carry forward the values of excellence, service, and innovation that make RACC such a special place. Congratulations to every winner, and thank you for making this year’s ceremony so memorable!
A Word to Our GED Graduates: How Proud We Are of You
Latish Kelly
April 14, 2025 - Celebrating Achievement at RACC’s GED Graduation Ceremony
Reading Area Community College (RACC) is proud to celebrate the achievements of our GED graduates at this year’s GED Graduation Ceremony. This momentous occasion will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM, at the Miller Center for the Performing Arts, bringing together graduates, their families, and the RACC community to honor their dedication and perseverance.
For many students, earning a GED represents more than just passing a test—it is a symbol of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of greater opportunities. Whether graduates plan to enter the workforce, continue their education, or achieve personal goals, this event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.
More Than a Diploma—A Testament to Strength
This is not just a celebration of academic success—it is a testament to the strength, courage, and determination of every graduate in the room. Each of you has faced challenges, made sacrifices, and pushed through moments of doubt to stand on that stage. Your journey was never about how fast you arrived but about the perseverance that carried you forward. Your success proves that no obstacle is too great when met with dedication and heart. You have rewritten your story, showing that setbacks are not the end but rather the beginning of something greater.
As you step forward, remember that the possibilities ahead of you are limitless. This diploma is not just a credential—it is a key to doors you may have once thought were closed. You have already shown the world your strength; now, let that same determination guide you to new heights. Whether your next step is college, a career, or a personal ambition, believe in yourself as much as we believe in you. On May 22nd, we will not only celebrate what you have accomplished but also the incredible future that awaits you.
Join Us in Celebration
We invite family, friends, and the RACC community to come together and celebrate the hard work and achievements of our graduates. Their success is an inspiration to all, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Graduation Details & Cap and Gown Pickup
Graduates preparing to walk the stage will receive all necessary information regarding cap and gown pick-up and family tickets after completing their registration. Please use the following link to register:
📌 Register Here
Additionally, invitations for the event will be sent out soon, so graduates should check their email for further details. Admission to the ceremony is free, but graduates’ guests must have a ticket.
🔹 Eligibility: Graduation is open to anyone in Berks County who has completed their GED between May 24, 2024, and May 2, 2025.
🔹 Registration Deadline: May 2, 2025
Interested in Earning Your GED?
If you’re considering earning your GED, RACC offers a range of literacy programs and support services to help you succeed. To learn more about available classes or future graduation ceremonies, visit the Literacy Programs Information Center in Kratz Hall, 2nd Floor Reception Area, or call 610-372-4721 ext. 5322 for more information.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎓✨
Club Rush
Angela Caldero Perez
February 6, 2025—On January 23rd, Student Life hosted Club Rush in the Student Union Building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Club Rush is hosted every semester and gives students an opportunity to see what activities and clubs are active on campus.
Each club had a table, some with games and informational posters and others with fun trivia and interactive art. RACC has over a dozen active clubs on campus, with something available for every type of student. Interested in saving our planet? Join the environmental club, which hosts campus cleanups and focuses on environmental issues. Want to better your skills at online gaming? Join the largest club on campus, the Esports Club. There is truly something for everyone, so make your college years more enriching by joining a club.
If you missed this event, fret not. Follow the link below to learn more about all the clubs on campus and become active not only on campus but also in your community.
All photos taken by Jason Brown
Movie Night at The Miller Center
Angela Caldero Perez
December 10, 2024—On Tuesday, December 3rd, RACC brought our community together for a special screening of The Polar Express at the Miller Center for the Arts. This wonderfully festive event, open to all students, friends, and family, was a true celebration of our shared spirit. Students, staff, and guests arrived in their cozy pajamas, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They were greeted with free hot cocoa and an assortment of cookies.
Bells could be heard jingling through the center as kids were given a pouch with a shiny bell and their very own ticket to the Polar Express. As everyone shuffled into the theater, there was a surprise from a special guest, Santa Claus. The event began with a story time of the gingerbread man; echoes of everyone singing in unison ‘You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!” rang through the theater. Once Santa said his farewell, the movie commenced. The Polar Express, released in 2004, turned 20 years old this year and has remained a beloved classic in many homes across America.
Thank you to everyone who could attend and to those who helped make this event a resounding success. Your participation and support were instrumental in creating a memorable evening for all. A special thank you to our Santa Claus (who sounded joyfully like our very own Tony DeMarco) for stopping at RACC to bring cheer to all the kids who attended.
Trunk or Treat at RACC
Angela Caldero Perez
October 29th, 2024—On Saturday, October 26th, Reading Area Community College’s Future Educators club hosted its annual “Trunk or Treat” at the Yocum Library parking lot.
Many clubs and organizations on campus drove in and decorated their trunks with themes ranging from Cars to Beetlejuice, Cookie Monster, and even Toy Story! Many families from the community showed up and enjoyed this free event. Each trunk was uniquely decorated and offered a variety of candy, toys, and activities.
Kids of all ages joined in on the festivities and dressed in various costumes—many Transformers, Jedi, and monsters “Trick or treated” their way into sweet treats. The event even had a special visit from our very own Raven.
Thank you to all who could attend and participate, and a special thank you to the Early Education Department and Future Educators Association Club for facilitating this fantastic event.
Pictured above: The Diversity Club
Pictured above: A community member and their “chick”
Pictured above: Jayla Porcher and the RACC Raven
Pictured above : The facilitators of this event, the Future Educators Club.
Reading Film Festival
Jeremy Weaver
October 7th, 2024 - Filmmakers from all over the globe and their collections of movies will be highlighted at the upcoming 10th Annual Reading Film Fest, which will take place from Oct. 10th to 13th. Projects will be shown at both the Goggle Works and the IMAX Theater.
The festival is one of many memorable events to take place in Reading. It celebrates the work of dozens of filmmakers from the United States and beyond. It has provided film lovers with the chance to interact with said filmmakers in ways they were never able to, and businesses with the opportunity to put themselves on the map.
“ReadingFilmFEST was created by filmmakers for filmmakers and film lovers,” the festival said in a statement on their website. “We understand the importance of festivals in creating opportunities for filmmakers to meet their audiences, network with other professionals and promote their films. By supporting filmmakers, we’ve learned that our audience benefits by being able to engage in truly meaningful dialogue with the creators of film.”
Simply put, this event continues to grow astronomically. Everyone should take the chance to experience this unique event!
Learn more here: https://readingfilmfest.com/
Fall Has Arrived!
Jaidyn Roush
October 7th, 2024 - Red, green, and yellow are the colors of leaves and apples alike; what screams fall more than apple picking?
From September 7th until Sunday, November 3rd, Grim’s Orchard of Breinigsville, PA, will host a fall festival. It’s a day full of fun farm activities from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Activities range from pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and other vegetables to corn mazes, hayrides, and goat cuddling. Between all of that are the delicious baked goods Grim’s orchard provides, all of which are baked fresh at the orchard and made from their very own apples. If sweet foods aren’t on the pallet, they have more savory foods like pulled pork and sausage.
Overall, apple picking is the most popular activity Grim’s Orchard provides. They have a wide array of apple types offered throughout the season. The owner of Grim’s Orchard, Josh Grim, said,
“There’s usually two to four new variates available every week as we get into November.”
Before guests come, they can check Grim’s Orchard’s website or Facebook to see which apples are ready to be picked. Honey Crisp apples are their most notable ones. They are commonly sought out by their guests and used in many of the foods and ciders Grim’s Orchard makes.
Between all the activities Grim’s Orchard offers, there is enough to keep the guests going all day. Grim said,
“We see people here five to six hours. They get here 10:00-10:30 in the morning, and they’re first leaving around four or five o’clock.”
Apple sizes always vary depending on the year, but this year’s crop is the perfect size for picking, eating, and baking. Goat cuddling is new this year, and it has proved its stay by being popular with guests. Grim mentioned that it’s hard to tell who enjoys the baby goats more, the kids or the parents.
What will you be making this fall season?
Learn more here: https://grimsorchard.com/
