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NorthamptonNorthamptonSPRING 2003 VOLUME VI NUMBER III COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAGAZINE OOURURSS PECIALPECIALTTRIBUTERIBUTE TOTO DDRR.R.ROBERTOBERT KKOPECEKOPECEK FROM THE EDITORS Northampton A n air of anticipation hung sonal friend. Students and alumni, Volume VI No. III over our disheveled piles those who know first-hand the of photos covering the work educational fruits of the president’s Editors table.What memories would we labor, speak out in tribute as well. James L. Johnson ’89 unearth? It was like watching a man’s And in Heidi Butler’s feature Q & A, Paul Joly career take shape along with the “The Man, the Myth and the Mission,” institution he was shaping.Watching the president speaks for himself. Contributing Writers the milestones of new buildings sur- As successful as Bob Kopecek’s Marlene Bayer face, peopled with the same slowly “amazing run” has been, the presi- Heidi Butler aging faces. Like shuffling through dent would most likely give credit to family history. Only the steamer trunk those around him.To be sure, a good James W.Harper missing, and rain on an attic roof. faculty and staff are crucial to the James L. Johnson ’89 Much care and nostalgia went success of the school. But “those Sherri Jones into selecting the photos for this, our around him” must include those Michael E. Nagel tribute issue to Dr. Robert Kopecek. behind him ... or pehaps, those to his Sandy Stahl We also had a lot of fun in the side. Spend some quiet moments process. It is our way of thanking with the lady who has stood by Dr. Alumni Notes him for giving virtually his entire Kopecek’s side for nearly 45 years. Sherri Jones career to this one college; and for all Sue Kopecek shares with us her that he has done for this college. pride in her husband’s success. But Design Much in this issue is about Bob she also shares herself.The wife of Susan Williams & Associates Kopecek himself. Our photo essay Northampton’s president has her for instance, a pictorial spread that own story to tell. Photography parallels the president’s career with And as always, our alumni stories that of the college. Our one disap- remind us why Northampton is the Emily Eider pointment is that we could not special place. Read why we call Randy Monceaux include more from the hundreds of Alumni Board member Fred Curcio Philip Stein pictures that record 26 years of col- ’90, Mr. Lucky.And be sure to read Ken Trionfo lege life. But even brief glimpses the mix of luck and fate that gave Hub Willson ignite memories and the past comes Eugene Buckley ’03 a second chance easily back again, especially for the on life. old timers among us. Finally, we, the Northampton N While photos tell good stories, Community College Magazine writers words are still important.Trustees, and editors, would like to express President alumni, students and community our personal thanks to Dr. Kopecek Dr. Robert J. Kopecek leaders tell us, in their own words, for his support of our magazine. It how they feel about Dr. Kopecek and was his belief in us, when we began Vice President the impact of his tenure. In articles six years ago, that made our publica- Institutional Advancement throughout the magazine, our writers tion possible in the first place. Susan K. Kubik asked those who know him best, We have enjoyed his support ever from Bethlehem to Monroe, to gauge since. So we thank you, Bob both man and leader.To some he is a Kopecek.And we wish you the Northampton Community College no-nonsense professional.To others, happiest of retirements. Foundation Board Chairman often the same people, he is a per- Paul J. Mack Publisher Northampton Community College Foundation 3835 Green Pond Road Bethlehem, PA 18020 TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES 8THE MAN,THE MYTH, THE MISSION Exit interview with Dr.Kopecek 15 MEMORIES PHOTO ALBUM 19 THE WOMAN BESIDE THE MAN 24 BOB'S COMMUNITY IMPACT DEPARTMENTS 2-7 CAMPUS NEWS 27 ALUMNI NOTES AND PROFILES 39 PARTNERS 1 CAMPUS NEWS DESIGNING OUTSIDE THE BOX IN SOUTH BETHLEHEM “I t’s the talk of the town.” That’s how one business leader described the architec- ture studio NCC opened on the South Side of Bethlehem this semester. The Neighborhood Design Center is the brainchild of Ken Trionfo, who heads Northampton’s architecture program. It came to fruition through a partnership between the College, the City of Bethlehem, and the Spanish- Speaking Council. The Spanish-Speaking Council provided the space. The city provided guidance in urban planning and a list of design projects that could enhance economic develop- Architecture students' designs will shape a cultural gateway in South Bethlehem. ment. Second-year architecture students from Northampton pro- “It’s already pretty lively,”he says. “If will be made. Although they had origi- vided the talent and creativity, investing they go ahead with everything they nally envisioned a wood base, they hundreds of hours brainstorming and have planned from BethWorks to the ultimately decided on metal, both for sketching ideas for interesting building Greenway along the railroad tracks, it’s durability and to reflect the key role facades that could brighten the city’s going to be pretty cool.” Bethlehem Steel played in the history “western gateway” in the 400 block of Sell’s classmate, Jeff Gendell, was a of the South Side. Wyandotte Street and the Third and bit more skeptical. At first he thought Trionfo has always been a believer Fourth street business corridors. the city’s dream for South Bethlehem in involving students in community part- “The hope is that the free designs was “too idealistic,” but after learning nerships. “This is the most real world will give business owners the push to more about the redevelopment projects learning experience they can get,”he improve their buildings, starting a chain already underway, he became a believer. says. “They work with city officials, with reaction in the neighborhood,” said Gendell is already seeing one idea merchants, with residents. That’s what Bethlehem’s deputy director of econom- move from the drawing board to reality. it’s really like in practice. They get to see ic development Diane Donaher in an A design he and another second year architecture in a different way. They see interview with The Morning Call. architecture student created was chosen the big picture. That’s the mountaintop.” Donaher and economic development for an information kiosk that will be The students agree. “In a traditional specialist Laura Burtner met with the installed at the new “Campus Square” at studio, the professor teaches and the stu- class several times to explain the city’s the entrance to Lehigh University’s cam- dents watch,” Gendell reflects. “This has vision for the South Side in the post- pus. With guidance from Dan Ebner, an been different.” Bethlehem Steel era. architect who teaches “Architectural The search for more permanent “They gave us good pointers,”says Materials and Methods” at Northampton, quarters for the design center has second year architecture student Todd Gendell and classmate Kevin Baux not already begun. “We’re committed to the Sell. “They were very receptive to what only came up with an aesthetically partnership,”Trionfo declares,“and we we were doing.” pleasing form for the kiosk, but also want to work with other communities as Sell was impressed with the ideas researched the materials from which it well.” that are in the works for the South Side. 2 CAMPUS NEWS SALUTE TO THE CLASS OF 2003 ALSO GRADUATING class claimed their diplomas. Other WITH HONORS retirees, listed in order of years of ser- This magazine went to vice are: Professor of English Ken press before one of oining the Class of 2003 and Delahunty,Assistant Professor of the most important events J President Kopecek in pursuing History/Psychology Thomas Price; of the spring semester: new opportunities in the months Professor of Art Gerry Rowan; Fitness Commencement. For photos ahead will be 10 long-time members of Director Donna Watson;Associate of the ceremony and a list the faculty and staff who retired this Professor of Early Childhood Education of graduates, visit the year. At the head of the class were Ann Anne Marie Whildin; Director of Career & Work Life Services Linda Arra; College’s website at Marie Janders of the library staff and Professional Assistant in Nursing Mary www.northampton.edu. Reg Tauke, registrar and dean of instructional technology. Both were Ann Drey; and Library Service Assistant on hand when NCC’s first graduating Rhonda Kolleogy. We wish them well. GRADS DEFY THE ODDS M embers of the Class of 2003 can 10 percent over last year, followed by practical, optoelectronics technology, take heart! Despite the continued $41,163 for registered nursing graduates, radiography, safety, health & environmetal recession and an increase in layoffs in and $38,542 for electronics technology technology, and special education. the local job market, a survey conducted grads. Last year 34 percent of respondents among last year’s graduating class shows The following 25 programs had continued their education at 41 educa- a 100 percent placement rate in two- placement rates of 100 percent, with tional institutions with East Stroudsburg thirds of Northampton’s career pro- automotive technology achieving this fig- University, Kutztown University, Moravian grams. Overall, 95 percent of those who ure for 12 consecutive years: applied College,Temple University, and Cedar responded were either employed or con- quality and standards, architecture, auto- Crest College receiving the highest num- tinuing their education.The survey had motive technology, banking, chemical ber of graduates, respectively.

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