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. Other col- an outstanding response rate of 94 per- technology, communication design, com- leges and universities selected by mem- cent and included graduates puter information technology/network- bers of the Class of 2002 included who completed their studies in May ing option, computer maintenance, crimi- Lehigh University, Penn State University, 2002, December 2001, and August 2001. nal justice, culinary arts, early childhood Thomas Jefferson University, George Reflecting the strength of the health education, electronics technology, emer- Washington University, New Jersey care job market, the survey showed that gency services, funeral service education, Institute of Technology, Rochester graduates in the allied health fields con- hotel/restaurant management, interior Institute of Technology, and St. John’s tinue to command the highest salaries, design, legal administrative assistant, University. with a median annual salary of $47,840 medical administrative assistant, nurs- reported by dental hygiene graduates, up ing/associate’s degree, nursing/licensed

3 CAMPUS NEWS

TEACHING TEACHERS

NORTHAMPTON TAKES THE LEAD

When it comes to teaching teachers, Northampton is mov- ing to the head of the class. Already renowned for leadership in early child- hood education, the college is increas- ingly becoming known for excellence in providing a strong start for students who go on to earn bachelor’s and advanced degrees in education and then to become elementary and sec- ondary school teachers. Because the public still tends to associate teacher preparation with four- year institutions, many people are sur- prised to learn that education is the second largest major at Northampton with more than 750 students enrolled in early childhood, elementary and sec- ry biology for education majors to Hammrich, associate dean of the ondary, and special education pro- strengthen students’ background in the College of Education at Temple grams. life sciences and develop appropriate University. The programs are highly regarded teaching skills. Two similar courses Resource professionals for the at the state level and are beginning to already exist in the mathematics depart- team include Joseph Rahs, Jr., principal garner national attention as these ment. They were developed by Dennis of Fountain Hill Elementary School and recent grants attest: Ebersole, an NCC professor and text- elementary science curriculum coordi- book author who has been awarded nator for the Bethlehem Area School nine Eisenhower grants to help elemen- District, who is the primary liaison with SCIENCE & MATH tary and secondary math teachers the public school system, and Dr. implement new standards in mathemat- Shawn Brown, assistant professor of ics education. early childhood and elementary educa- his past year Northampton became T The project team for the National tion at East Stroudsburg University, one of 18 community colleges Science Foundation grant includes Dr. across the country selected to partici- Kathleen Benyo, a former elementary pate in “Preparing Tomorrow’s Science and middle school principal who now SPECIAL NEEDS and Mathematics Teachers,”a project heads the education program at funded by the National Science Northampton, Dr. Sharon Lee-Bond, Foundation’s Advanced Technology o child left behind,”takes on assistant professor of biology, and Dr. “N Education Division in conjunction with added significance when it Debora Plehn-Dujowich, assistant pro- the American Association of comes to children with disabilities. fessor of biology and chemistry. Community Colleges and the interna- While inclusion of children with dis- Serving as mentors to the Northampton tional honor society Phi Theta Kappa. abilities in public school classrooms has team are Dr. Kerri Armstrong, assistant The grant enabled the college to increased dramatically, opportunities professor of biology at the Community develop a special section of introducto- for younger children to interact with College of Philadelphia, and Dr. Penny their peers has lagged behind, accord-

4 CAMPUS NEWS

NEW MAJOR IN ing to Rebecca Gorton, director of faculty members from Northampton’s COMMUNICATIONS early childhood education at early education program and instruc- DISORDERS Northampton. “Parents of children tional technologists from the college’s with disabilities still find they have academic computing center worked very limited options when it comes to together to develop a course to help B eginning in the fall NCC will offer child care,”Gorton says. teachers incorporate computers into an associate in arts degree in Several studies show that the children’s daily communications disorders. The program main barrier to acceptance of children play and learn- will prepare students interested in with disabilities in day care centers is ing. Offered careers as speech therapists to transfer lack of confidence on the part of staff on the inter- to East Stroudsburg University or other as a result of lack of training. With a net, the course colleges offering bachelor’s and master’s two-year grant from the Pennsylvania is now avail- degrees in a career field that is in high Developmental Disabilities Council, able to more demand. experts from Northampton are now than 2,000 In addition to general education working with 12 child care centers employees of classes the curriculum will include in Northampton, Monroe and Pike CyberStart courses in sign language, phonetics, counties to help child care profession- classrooms communications disorders, and clinical als become more comfortable and throughout observation. Students who earn a mini- successful in serving children with a Pennsylvania. mum of a 2.8 grade point average overall variety of needs. and a 3.0 GPA in their communications Assistant Professor of Early classes will be guaranteed their credits Childhood Education Alison Lutton PROFESSIONAL will transfer to East Stroudsburg. serves as coordinator for this project. DEVELOPMENT Employment projections by the U.S. “We are very excited about people OPPORTUNITIES Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that who have stepped forward to partici- speech therapy will be among the 30 pate,”she says. “Everyone is eager to fastest-growing occupations over the bring about change.” Northampton also provides next decade. To practice in Pennsylvania, continuing education for public, students need to continue their educa- private and parochial school teachers tion through the master’s level. through in-service training and The communications disorders through Act 48 courses offered on major joins a growing list of pre-profes- both the Main and Monroe campuses sional programs at and on-site for school districts who Northampton in fields request it. In the past two years close such as architecture, to 1,000 teachers have enrolled in Act education, engi- 48-eligible courses. A wide variety of TECHNOLOGY neering, jour- topics are covered ranging from team nalism and FOR TODDLERS building to conflict resolution to “The social Significance of Gender in Student work. arlier this year Northampton was Learning” to “Integrating Language E Experiences throughout the Northampton chosen by Pennsylvania’s set two new records this year: Department of Community and Curriculum” to “Helping the Economic Development to train child ADHD Child To Succeed” to training in “Art as a Grants received topped $6 million. care providers across the state in Financial aid awarded exceeded $9 million. using technology to improve early Way of Learning,”an arts-based approach to childhood education and to ensure Northampton has the largest that Pennsylvania’s children begin education developed at Northampton. scholarship program school computer-ready. As part of of any community Governor Ridge’s CyberStart initiative, college in Pennsylvania.

5

CAMPUS NEWS

WHAT IVORY TOWER? B etween the war on terrorism and action, there was unanimity in the war in Iraq 18 NCC students concern for NCC classmates, and one part-time faculty member were faculty and alumni serving their called to military service during the country. spring semester. The College has provid- Political unrest did not ed tuition credit to students who had to keep other students from ven- report for active duty so they can contin- turing abroad. In January, 13 ue their studies when they return. NCC students and two staff World members went to Paris to par- events were ticipate in a long-standing the topic of exchange program with the animated Lycee Jean Lurcat School. discussion Staying with French families, NCC students visiting Paris. in class- the students experienced French rooms, the culture firsthand, spending mornings in NCC’s director of international pro- cafeteria, language classes and afternoons touring grams, Dr. Manuel Gonzalez, believes and the resi- landmarks such as the Louvre, l’Arc de strongly in the value of such trips. “For dence halls, Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower,Versailles, and the majority of the students this was as well as in the Sorbonne. their first time leaving the U.S.,”he says. a faculty In March, culinary arts and “They enjoyed the touring and the mon- NCC student, Jerame panel spon- hotel/restaurant management majors uments and buildings, but it’s the rela- Dooly, was deployed to sored by the traveled to Italy where they visited three tionships that develop with students Iraq during the war. international culinary schools and got a cook’s tour of from other countries that really make a honor society Phi Theta Kappa and in a a pesto factory, a Parma ham factory, and huge impact. Just understanding that we presentation by a foreign policy expert a parmesan cheese factory in an are all just about the same and that we from Kutztown University. While not exchange program that brought culinary just live in different geographic locations everyone agreed on the U.S. course of students from Genoa to NCC last spring. is a great start.”

OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABS TAPS NCC FOR PILOT PROGRAM O fficials at Oak Ridge National college’s dean of community education, ing environment, and study methods Laboratory have awarded Dr. Paul Pierpoint. Working with them used in economic decision-making. Northampton a $250,000 subcontract to out of a satellite office in Philadelphia The first courses will be taught this develop an energy efficiency specialist will be three highly respected energy coming fall. They will be open to indi- program that can serve as a model for auditors formerly associated with the sci- viduals employed in industry who are community colleges and technical ence center at the University of looking for opportunities to advance schools throughout the country. Funding Pennsylvania: Bill Clark, Jimmy Lew, and their careers, as well as to associate for this project comes from the United Gwen Looby. Representatives from the degree candidates who may want to States Department of Energy. regional Department of Energy and state continue their education in energy- Scientists from Northampton’s energy offices, the Lehigh Valley related fields. Electrotechnology Applications Center Economic Development (ETAC) have already achieved national Corporation and regional industrial acclaim for their success in helping man- companies will serve on an adviso- ufacturers from a wide variety of indus- ry team. tries comply with environmental regula- The experts will develop a tions, improve energy efficiency and diploma program that responds to increase productivity through the use of the need for energy efficiency spe- “green technologies.” cialists who can improve manufac- ETAC’s director, Dr. Michael Vasilik, turing processes. The students will will be heavily involved in the develop- learn about how energy efficiencies ment of the new curriculum as will the can be improved in a manufactur-

6 ETAC director Dr. Michael Vasilik CAMPUS NEWS He Said, She Said

“Sometimes we look at “This is the world where fine art someone successful and and technology really come think they’re not feeling together,and a lot that is going fear, but that’s not real. If on right now is still experimental you’re passionate about ...things like how you wire a something, you’re going to shirt to play music matched to walk with some fear.” mood. Concepts like that aren’t too far in the future.” — Maria Rivera, counselor at — Associate Professor of Art Ira Greenberg in an interview NCC’s Monroe Campus, encouraging students to pursue their with The Express-Times probing the line between art and dreams during a program called ‘On the Road to science Northampton’ “The seven deadly habits of “The assault on highly misera ble people:” America [on September Criticizing, blaming, complaining, 11] didn’t occur in a nagging, threatening, punishing, vacuum. That doesn’t rewa rding. mean we deserved — Dr.William Glasser, psychiatrist, what happened, but author and proponent of educational how we deal with peo- reform, in a workshop held on campus for educators and human service ple does count for professionals something.” — Dr. Roger Whitcomb, author of The American Approach to “My major mistake was going to a four-year college Foreign Affairs, speaking to students before the start of the war in Iraq [just] because it was a four-year college ... It was what my family and friends expected me to do. I didn’t find direction until I came home and started at Northampton.” — Journalism major Heidi Metzger in an interview with The Express-Times regarding public mispercep- tions about community colleges

7

A CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT KOPECEK THE MAN, THE MYTH &THEM ISSION

ince he announced his plans for retirement S last fall, many people have praised the leadership Dr. Kopecek has provided for NCC and the role he has played in the community over the past 26 years. Does he feel he’s done a good job? What plans does he have for the future? What suggestions does he have for you for summer reading? Dr. Kopecek answered these questions and more with characteristic candor in this recent interview with Heidi Butler, Northampton’s director of public information. Listen in! Most people perceive community colleges in too small a box. I’ve never shared their views of the boundaries.

Heidi: Let’s start with an easy ques- I didn’t view it as a risk, frankly, tion. Ever since you announced your but building residence halls, going up retirement, the same two words have to Monroe, and investing as much as been used over and over again to we invested in community education describe your presidency. The words were viewed as risky by some. So was a re “amazing run.” Of all that you’ve the idea of community colleges being accomplished, what are you proudest involved with a Foundation and with of? alumni. Getting the institution to take risks was definitely important. I don’t Dr. Kopecek: That’s not an easy ques- know if those are the high points. On tion. Twenty-five years is a long time. different days I’d give you different At different times, there were different answers. things that I wanted to do, and I was really pleased that we got them done. Heidi: It’s hard to imagine that When I arrived, the first thing we were there’s anything that you have been supposed to do was planning.We did- disappointed in, but is there anything n’t have the computer capacity to do you wish you’d been able to accom- it. It took us three years to put the plish that hasn’t happened? N tools in place, but we finally got it accomplished. The plan showed that Dr. Kopecek: The relationships with we needed to emphasize technology, the school districts are good right now, manufacturing and working with busi- but I’m still frustrated that through my ness and industry in the community. efforts and through the efforts of my The programs that we have now in colleagues in the state that we haven’t community education are a result of been able to come up with a more that. That got the institution thinking rational system of funding community in a kind of entrepreneurial way. That colleges. I’m also frustrated by the fact was the first big hurdle. Then we went that more people don’t recognize the into the phase of building things. I’m full potential of what community col- certainly pleased about all the different leges do and the kind of transformation buildings that we built because they we make in people’s lives. I’ve had the increased the ability of the institution opportunity to work at a four year col- to provide excellent instruction. lege, in graduate programs, and here. We also expanded the scope of This is better! This is really working programs Northampton offers. When with real people, making significant we started, we were really a liberal arts changes in some of their lives. college with some allied health and some technical programs. We put Heidi: You started out as a high together a group of people who school teacher and then moved into believed in the notion of a community college teaching in the state system in college being comprehensive and New York. How did you become inter- entrepreneurial and reaching out into ested in community colleges? the community. rceive community colleges a box. I’ve never shared of the boundaries. 9

Dr. Kopecek: Not by plan! My colle- never really thought about giate career started at an agricultural them before. If you have an idea about what needs and technical institution. I had been My mentor went to Utica teaching high school for a couple of and started an upper division years. I loved to teach, but I didn’t college, and I was hired as vice think I was going to teach forever. A president for administration to be done, and if you’re willing to couple of my fraternity brothers took over the phone. We had a jobs at Delhi (part of the state universi- new campus with about 500 ty system). I went, too. acres and a mandate to devel- I taught there for five or six years, op it to 8,000 students, but go out and do it, you can get it done. and then got interested in student gov- after [Gov. Nelson] Rockefeller ernment. I thought it would be an left New York to become vice president, Dr. Kopecek: I was young by today’s opportunity to teach social studies in a it became pretty tough. I decided to standards, but standards were different hands-on way. That was really a pipe move on and became a candidate at in 1977. I was 40, but Joe Hankin was dream, but it got me into student affairs. two four-year institutions and a candi- president of Westchester Community We were small but growing. They date here. College when he was 27. appointed me associate dean of stu- dents. I handled everything the dean Heidi: What were your initial impres- Heidi: Did you expect to spend the rest didn’t want to do. It was fun because sions of Northampton? of your career at Northampton or did the major responsibility was program- you intend to use it as a springboard ming. We were 170 miles from New Dr. Kopecek: That’s interesting. I knew for other things? York City, and most of the kids we got of Dick Richardson (NCC’s first presi- were either from Long Island or from dent). I hadn’t met him, but I had lis- Dr. Kopecek (with a chuckle): The guy Buffalo. They thought they were on an tened to him at conferences and read a who was the chancellor of the state sys- island someplace, so we scheduled lots lot of his stuff. I didn’t always agree tem in New York actually called me up of activities. We were charging the kids with it, but I liked what he wrote, so I and said,“What are you going to $100 a year, so I had $300,000 to spend. knew a little bit about the College. I Pennsylvania for?” He said,“You go That was a lot of money in those days. I also was on the accrediting committee down there for three years and then was bringing in shows every Friday and for medical technology programs. I had we’ll bring you back.” It’s a good thing Saturday. read the self-study of the program here, that didn’t work out. I did that for a couple of years and so I had a kind of a feel of the institu- thought,“This isn’t me.” I also was tion. The other thing that made me Heidi: Depending on what you read, responsible for discipline and that was- interested in Northampton was the average tenure of a college presi- n’t very much fun. An opening came Bethlehem Steel. I thought: “The coun- dent is three to seven years. A 26-year along for an associate dean of faculty. I try’s always going to need steel, so if presidency is practically unheard of, thought I’d enjoy that a little bit more. you’re in a steel area, you’re going to be particularly in the public arena where Just as I became the associate dean, the in an area where there’s strong industri- a president has to marshal support dean had a heart attack. He was out for alization.” Well, that was true for the from so many different groups. What about nine months, so I did his job. first 10 years! does it take in terms of political skills Then the president of a new communi- and inner resources to be able to lead ty college in Schenectady hired me as Heidi: You were very young when you effectively for that long? dean of the faculty. That was my intro- became a college president. duction to community colleges. I had Dr. Kopecek: You’ve got to be lucky

10

ve an idea about what needs e, and if you’re willing to d do it, you can get it done.

and you have to have a Board that is confident in itself and willing to let the president be president. Unlike a lot of community colleges, this one started with people who knew higher education. Dr. Glenn Christianson was chairman for the first 10 years. That provided stability. Other people came on the Board and stayed too. Dr. Christianson was the provost at Lehigh University. He went off the Board before I arrived, but he gave Board members an understanding of the proper role of trustees. I’ve often wondered if I had gone to another institution whether or not I would have been successful. I don’t know.

Heidi: You can’t be serious!

Dr. Kopecek: I have a lot of confidence in myself. I believe I could run most anything. I don’t question my gut very much. That can get you in a lot of trouble. But confidence and ability are only part of the equation. The governance structure here is interesting. Having eight different school districts each worried about their own issues is a challenge, but in some ways it worked to my advantage. In many public colleges where the boards are elected or where the boards are controlled by a county that has a strong administrator who wants to control things and who looks at the college as another department of county government, I think there’s much more incli- nation to want to have a lot of say about who gets hired. We were very fortunate that we didn’t have that. We could hire the people that we wanted. Senator [Jeannette] Reibman also could have been very intrusive, saying “you ought to hire this person or that person.” I hear stories from other parts of the state where that was pretty com- mon. Senator Reibman never did that, and that kind of sets the tone. I do believe that the College, the academic community, is really a political entity. It’s collegial, but it’s political. There are three or four major theories about how colleges and universities operate. I believe they operate politically.

Heidi: Do you have a role model who influenced your leadership style or a mentor who guided you along the way?

Dr. Kopecek: I have a mentor whose name is Dr. Bill Kunsela. He was the president who hired me at Delhi. I got a lot of my interest in economic development from him and a lot of my understanding of how organizations work. Did I consult with him once I was president? I never called him up. We would see each other every now and then and play golf, but I never said,“What should I do in this situation?” I did try

to pattern myself after him in the sense that he was probably the biggest visionary Getting the institution to take risks I’ve ever worked with.

Heidi: What about leadership style? Is your leadership style similar to his? was definitely important.

Dr. Kopecek: I don’t know. I think he was ment in these organizations was impor- gruffer. I don’t believe I am a gruff kind of tant? Did you see it as an obligation or person. I don’t think I go around scream- did you have an agenda? ing and hollering at people, although they do know when I’m upset. I certainly am Dr. Kopecek: I didn’t have an agenda. I not a touchy feely person, and one of the enjoyed it. You learn a lot by interacting things I’ve always wanted to do and never with people from other institutions, and it did do is I should have given a lot more helps your own organization if you’re praise to people than I do. active. I never really got involved with national associations, though. They bored Heidi: You’re known for being open and me. The politics to get elected was some- honest in communicating with people. thing I really didn’t want to do. The state People respect that. organizations don’t take that much time, and they’re beneficial. Dr. Kopecek: Maybe that’s one of the things I did pattern. I don’t try to tell the Heidi: You’re known for your leadership staff anything different than I would tell a in economic development. You’ve often student. I’ve always kidded around that I’m said that community colleges should be not smart enough to keep different stories the engine that drives economic develop- straight, so I have to stick to the truth. ment. Some people would say that Bob Kopecek is the engine that drove econom- Heidi: What’s the most fun about being a ic development in Northampton County college president? for many years. Is that an arena in which you will stay active? Dr. Kopecek: The job! I can’t understand people who say,“You must have so much Dr. Kopecek: I hope I can stay active in pressure.” It’s a great job. I wouldn’t want some phase of economic development. to do anything else. I’ve got a number of years left on the executive board of LVIP (Lehigh Valley Heidi: If you could change one aspect of Industrial Park). I enjoy that very much. the job what would it be? What’s most frustrating? Heidi: What do you think the outlook is for the region? Dr. Kopecek: What I would change is that I’m getting old and I can’t eat three meals a Dr. Kopecek: We’re in a great place in day and go to all these bloody meetings. If Northampton County because of the I could do that, I’d stay, but I’d weigh 900 Bethlehem Steel property. Where else do pounds! you have 1,600 acres inside the city with rail access and all kinds of power just sit- Heidi: During your presidency, you’ve ting there waiting to be developed? That is been an advocate for education not only going to be a tremendous opportunity for locally, but also on the state level. You the next 20 years. So is the Route 33 corri- served twice as president of the dor, although there are real issues that have Pennsylvania Commission on Community to be addressed. We have to be very care- Colleges and also as president of the ful that we don’t get strip mall develop- Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and ment there. We should develop parallel ser- Universities. With all you had to do at vice roads along the way so that industry Northampton, why did you feel involve can get in deeper on both sides of the 12

g the institution to take risks was definitely important.

road. we’re moving from teacher-centered to The Valley is marketing itself as one learner-centered. We’ve just scratched Most people perceive community col- valley, and I think that’s a good thing. the surface of what that means. It leges in too small a box. I’ve never People have said that I was opposed to involves fundamental change. I’m very shared their views of the boundaries. it. I’m not opposed to it, but I believe concerned that we’re going the wrong We’re in a good place to do what the we need more volunteer involvement. way in mathematics. We’ve made some community needs. The things that we You can build a community from the changes, declared victory and said it’s have done have not cost as much top down with a few people calling the fine. I think that’s a mistake. Thousands money as people envisioned they shots or you can go from the bottom of kids are taking calculus in high would. There were some risks, but if up. I’m a proponent of building from school, but the number of people who you have an idea about what needs to the bottom up. Communities ought to come to college who are able to deal be done, and if you’re willing to go out have the opportunity to have their lay with college algebra and/or analytic and do it, you can get it done. people involved, including small to mid- geometry and calculus is smaller. size businessmen. They can be a The cost of education has also Heidi: Looking ahead to the future of tremendous resource. changed. It’s a big business. This insti- higher education, what excites you The Lehigh Valley is a great place. I tution has a total expenditure budget and what worries you? can’t believe that electronics is not for all purposes of about $52 million. going to come back. When it comes That’s kind of astounding. There’s obvi- Dr. Kopecek: Educational technology is back, we’re in a great spot. We have to ously a lot of concern about account- like “The Tale of Two Cities.” It repre- be careful not to become just a trans- ability. That comes in part because so sents the best of times and the worst of portation hub, however.We’re in a much money is being spent. It affects times. There is so much potential to prime location for that, but we need to the four-year institutions more than it make education and information more guard against it. affects us. A lot of people are now readily available, but there’s a downside. spending a lot of money to send their Some of the most important things we Heidi: How about education? You’re kids to college. The kids are getting out do in education happen outside the known as a futurist, but you’re an his- and not getting very good jobs. Our classroom. They involve socialization. If torian by training. What are the most grads tend to do well and they haven’t that were to be lost, it would be a prob- significant changes you’ve seen in incurred as much debt, but the discon- lem. There’s also a danger of haves and higher education in your career and nect elsewhere is causing people to be have nots when it comes to technology. what are the challenges that lie ahead? concerned. What excites me? It still isn’t possi- ble for everyone who really should go Dr. Kopecek: The number one change Heidi: Presidency-watching is a popu- to college to be able to go to college. that has occurred in the last 30 to 40 lar sport on campus and off. When It’s a goal that has yet to be realized. years is the emphasis on access. We people try to analyze how you’ve been The college experience may not be for have a fundamental belief in this coun- as successful as you have, they talk everybody, but we have to figure out a try that everyone who could possibly about three things. Some say you’re a way to make basic education available benefit from higher education deserves visionary who can read the tea leaves to everyone. If you happen to be good to be given an opportunity. As that and foresee the future with a greater with your hands, you can be a furniture comes closer to becoming a reality, you degree of accuracy than a lot of other maker or you can build houses, but that have to do more with remedial educa- people. Others insist you’ve accom- doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a tion. All colleges and universities, plished so much because you are a good liberal arts background that helps except for perhaps 50 or 60 very select risk taker. Others believe that the you with your life. Plumbers may make institutions, are doing remediation. secret to your success is your ability to more than people with advanced Higher education has also been affected think outside the box. Settle the argu- degrees, but their lifestyles may be sig- by the multicultural explosion that’s ment. Who’s right? nificantly different. Education has a role going on. That’s good, but it’s caused a to play in that as far as I am concerned. lot of different issues. Dr. Kopecek: I hope it’s all three. I How do you work at that? That’s one of From an instructional point of view, don’t think you can separate them. the roles of the community college. 13

I don’t have advice for Art. He will do very, very well.

rested enough so that I can do some Dr. Kopecek: People ask me if I’m serious reading. I never liked military going to do some consulting. Sure, if history, but I think I’m going to read the right thing comes along, but I don’t some of that. I’ve always been an avid really know what the right thing is. follower of politics and foreign affairs. People say,“What do you want to con- Recently I haven’t read enough to know sult in?” That’s my problem. I’ve been a what’s really going on. Just look at generalist all my life. I guess I will “gen- Africa. I don’t even know all the names Heidi: What are the biggest challenges erally consult!” But in the beginning of the countries, so I’ve got a lot of you think Dr.[Art] Scott [NCC’s next I’m just going to sit back and be retired. catching up to do there. president] will face? And what advice I’ve never been retired. I don’t know do you have for him? how that will be. I like to read and I Heidi: Last question: People will like to ruminate. I hope I’ll be able to remember a lot about the Kopecek Dr. Kopecek: The challenges are always: do that, and I hope that I’ll be able to years at NCC, but if they only remem- How do you provide quality instruction see my grandkids more — maybe more ber one thing, what do you hope it at an affordable price to than they want to see me! The plan is will be? students? That really means: How do to spend summers in upstate New York, you get public money? That’s a state parts of the winter here, and parts of Dr. Kopecek, (after a long pause): issue and a regional issue. the winter someplace where it’s I hope they remember that students got If you look at the areas of the coun- warmer. Seems good to me! a good education here, that we served try right now where economic develop- them well, and that they came out ment is booming, you’re not looking at Heidi: You mentioned reading. Do proud of the institution they went to. the Northeast. You’re looking at places you have anything specific on your that are continuing to invest in the retirement reading list, and do you Heidi: Is there anything else you infrastructure of education. The correla- have any recommendations for the would like to say? tion is not one to one, but strong public rest of us? education is something that citizens Dr. Kopecek: I’d like to go back to the need to invest in if you’re going to have Dr. Kopecek: I go through stages. first question, the one about what I take a thriving economy. There’s another Right now I’m a real fan of Richard the greatest pride in. That is a very diffi- challenge that’s kind of the reverse of Russo. He won a Pulitzer for “Empire cult question, but one thing that I really that. Community colleges can play a Falls.” It’s about a small town in Maine. take a lot of pride in is that I’ve been central role in workforce training. If you’re a faculty member, you’ve got to able to keep a very talented group of Other states are ahead of Pennsylvania read “Straight Man.”It’s about an English people together for a long time. A lot of in this regard. As that role grows, there department at a fictional college in presidents pride themselves on the fact is the potential for the public to per- Pennsylvania. “Nobody’s Fool” and “The that they’ve trained other presidents. In ceive community colleges as trade Risk Pool” are also good. the 10 years that Dick Richardson was schools. Somehow you have to keep a here, a number of people went on to balance. I don’t have advice for Art. He Heidi: What will you be reading? become college presidents. I can’t will do very, very well. claim that, but it’s very satisfying to Dr. Kopecek: I’m going to try to read put together a good team and have Heidi: How about your own future? some history. When I’m tired, I can’t them stay together. The people part What’s on your priority list? read history. I fall asleep. I have to get of the institution is the thing I am going

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ith Love, To Bob W From the Whole Family 15

The photos on these pages show the range of Dr. Kopecek’s service to our college family down through the years. Thanks for the memories, Bob. With fond appreciation, From ‘the family’

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THE WOMAN BESIDE THE MAN

BY JAMES L. JOHNSON, ‘89

hen the call came from North W Carolina, Sue Kopecek was giving her 8th grade class an algebra exam. It was the call she had been waiting for. Karen, Sue’s daughter, was a new mom, and Sue’s grandson would be named John. “My students insisted that John would be a mathematical genius,”says Sue,“because he was born in the middle of our exam.”Could be; John’s career is still a question for the future. But his addition to the world made Sue look at both sides of her own equation.Though her classroom meant much to her, she had no qualms about retirement.“I taught math at Moravian [Academy] for 17 years,”she says, and smiles.“Then I had a grandchild, and that was the end of that.” John, now nearly six years old, was the first of two grandchildren for Sue and her husband, NCC President Bob Kopecek; Joshua is three. While she has no regrets on trading in her math career, leaving the class- Her classroom days were interrupt- University in New York, where Sue did room was not a decision Sue made ed only once, when the Academy lost her undergraduate and graduate work in lightly.“I loved teaching at Moravian,” the director of their middle school and math. NCC’s future president was, no she says.“It is a small school and the fac- Sue was tapped to pinch hit.“I did not surprise, in a group of student leaders ulty become close friends.You really get want the job,”she recalls.“For the edu- who were involved in decisions that to know the kids and to share in their cational part, I never had doubts. But I affected the student body as a whole. successes.”Some of Sue’s favorite times had never really handled budgets other While she may not have known that were with the success of her than at home.And it put me in a differ- Bob was a college president in the “MathCounts” teams, an extracurricular ent relationship with my colleagues, making, she “knew he was going some- activity made up of students who having to evaluate them.”Sue rates her where.”After their first date, a play at “absolutely loved math.”MathCounts is yearlong stint as administrator an “inter- the university, the couple joined their a competition run by the Society of esting experience,”but when a new friends to dance the evening away.“After Professional Engineers that competes at director was found, she went eagerly that first date,”she says,“I thought, this the regional, state and national levels. back to teaching math. might be something.”It was. Next “I’ve taken teams to all three,” she says, Sue’s passion for math not only December, the Kopeceks will celebrate proudly.“Teaching math was very sparked a satisfying career, it also 45 years of marriage. rewarding for me. I would not have helped her meet Bob. The couple plans to keep done any other thing.” The couple met at the State Bethlehem as home base, with summers

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at their lake house in upstate New York. has been involved with the blind ever is is a fairly sizable group of women And of course, they’ll take time to visit since. who love to sew. Some design and sew the children. In addition to their daugh- She still does volunteer work with garments, others quilt, cross-stitch, ter Karen and her husband, Ken Bernd, the Association for the Blind.“They have embroider or knit. It truly is an art and the grandkids in North Carolina, the a giant fabric sale every year at the form.”The Workshop meets at the Third Kopeceks have a son, David, and his Municipal Skating Rink on Illick’s Mill Street Alliance in Easton.All 70 to 80 wife, Barbara, in Wichita, KS.Their chil- Road,”she says.“I help clean the build- lovers of needle and thread hold mem- dren have given them good reason to ing, sort materials, put prices on things. bership with the Alliance.They also con- be proud. David, a political science Then when it starts I work the sale.” tribute to it through their craft with major, is also a self-taught computer Actually, when it comes to the fabric donated items for the women and chil- whiz who turned his electronic savvy sale, Sue fills two roles: volunteer, and dren staying at the shelter, and with the into a successful business, LineSight Inc. customer. Sewing is a strong rival even proceeds of their annual fashion show. e-business services.And in addition to to math in her list of passions. She is a As everyone knows, Sue also fills being a mom, Karen holds a doctorate member in good standing with her the role of a college president’s wife. in molecular biology from Princeton group, the Easton Couturiere Workshop She shares her husband’s deep feelings University and teaches at Davidson “It sounds fancy,”says Sue,“but what it for Northampton, and is proud when College in North Carolina. people approach them and share stories Sue recently participated on a pro- about what the community college has ject for New Bethany Ministries, the done for them.“It’s rare that we meet Bethlehem shelter that gives temporary someone in Bethlehem who hasn’t been housing to needy families.“The building affected by NCC,”she says.“Right down gets a lot of wear and tear,”says Sue.“We to their toes, they are enthusiastic fans.” raised the money needed to paint She is even more proud of the amazing every room, refurbish the kitchen, buy run her husband has had in his tenure new furniture and make it a homey as president.The growth, in all facets of place for situations that often are des- College life, has been phenomenal.“I’m perate.”She has held the board presi- very proud of him,”says Sue.“In my dency of both Girl’s, Inc. and the heart I say,‘he’s doing wonderful things.’ Northampton County Association for It’s rewarding for me that other people the Blind. She also served as volunteer think so, too. Bob would be the first one coordinator, and later, Board president, to tell you that it took a lot of people to for RADPRIN, the radio reading service make the campus what it is today. But I for the blind, whose main office is guess you need a spark, someone to say, housed at Northampton. In fact, it was ‘Look what we’ve done already.We can Sue who laid the groundwork for the do this.’That’s what he does. I think it’s volunteer program when the organiza- amazing!” tion started up. There is no doubt the College’s Organizing volunteers was some- success is bound tightly to the thing she knew well. During the time success of Bob Kopecek’s career. Dr. Kopecek was dean of faculty at But as one-time prime minister Schenectady Community College, Sue of Britain, Harold Macmillan had begun a volunteer reading service observed,“No man succeeds that translated the written word into without a good woman behind the spoken.“Our babysitter told me him.Wife or mother, if it is both, about her mother, who was taking class- he is twice blessed indeed.”This es at the college,”she says.“She only had math is basic: multiply a 26-year partial vision and needed help having tenure at Northampton by two her books read to her.”Sue spearheaded children, two grandchildren, and the formation of a group, working out one proud wife.The answer: Bob of the community college, to read text- Kopecek is a man twice blessed books students needed onto tape. She indeed.

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M Bob’s legacy is the unbelievable metamorphosis of the campus. If“ you go back and look at what the college was when he came and what it has become, you don’t have to say much more. Mike Caruso, Principal, Caruso Benefits” Group

Bob has the discipline, training and experi- M “ence of an educator intertwined with the inquis- itive spirit of a college student. Bob has a positive outlook and always assumes the possibility of success of any undertaking. The negotiations, or ‘arm wrestling’ as Bob likes to call it, for that success are his forte and endear- ing quality. ”Bill Murphy, Herster, Newton & Murphy Law Firm, College Solicitor M Bob had a down-to-earth, low-key style, but he knew where he “wanted to go and he got everybody to go there. Mike Albarell, President,” Albarell Electric

Very early on, Bob recognized the impor- M tance“ of workforce development as an economic development tool. And, as a result of that, he developed, I believe, one of the best business and industry community college relationships in the country. ” Bob Spillman, Spillman Farmer Architects M He found a way to meet the academic needs of students and to iden- tify“ and meet the needs of local businesses. Under his leadership, the college has become ingrained in every part of this community. Jody Piagesi, Chairman, NCC Alumni Association,” Training Manager, T-Mobile

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He’ll be remembered for putting Northampton Community College on “the map. I’m amazed every time I look at the site at the changes that have occurred. ”Chuck Werkheiser, President, CC Inc. Construction Services

What jumps into my mind first when I think about Bob “was his ability to gather around him a capable, loyal, M tremendously talented administrative staff. Paul Mack, Chairman, Northampton” Community College Foundation Board Retired President, Mack Printing (now Cadmus Mack)

M He’s been the heart and soul of the community college. He understood the “community college concept and its potential. He’s been able to change accord- ing to customer and marketplace needs over a 27-year period. Ralph Tarola, Superintendent, Saucon Valley School District”

The enrollment and physical facilities growth under Bob has been M “impressive. It’s hard for me to imagine the same proportionate growth in the next 27 years that the institution has seen in the last 27. ” Bill Hecht, President & CEO, PPL, Inc. M He’s unique in that he’s a study of “opposites. He has the capability of being able to see the big picture and, at the same time, be brutally analytical. He’s a consensus builder, but at the same time, he’s relentless in seeing a program through or seeing a project get done. ” Paul Brunswick, President of the Board & Executive Director, M He’s got a strange and wonderful mind — one that is able to look “around corners and see what could be. He’s a catalyst. He gets thing going and energizes people. He makes you think. He loves to discuss and debate. He flourishes on it. Eleanor” Boylston, Retired, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

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HIS ADVANCEMENT VISION LOOKED TO THE FUTURE

BY MICHAEL E. NAGEL I n fiscal year 2002, individuals and organizations contributed a total of $23.9 billion to colleges and universities, including nearly $1.2 million to Northampton Community College. It wasn’t always so! When Dr. Robert Kopeck came to Northampton Community College 26 years ago, there was but one full-time professional, supplemented by a part- time staff member, engaged in anything resembling what we now know as advancement work.And, at that time, it Dr. Kopecek’s commitment to advancement and development was clear through the years. occurred to comparatively few people Here he is seen at a Foundation Board Dinner in 1974. that typical advancement activities, like marketing, alumni affairs or even fund- (CASE), an international group of From the importance of marketing to raising, were needed or even appropri- advancement professionals. the contributions of the alumni associa- ate at a community college. And the fruits of Dr. Kopecek’s tion to the promise of fund-raising, Dr. Dr. Kopecek recognized early on vision? In 1993, Northampton Kopecek has preached the message that a unified advancement effort could Community College received its first more than occasionally to presidential pay dividends for the college, both in CASE Circle of Excellence Award in colleagues who weren’t, at first, enthusi- terms of the bottom line and the col- Educational Fundraising, and a second astic about hearing it. lege’s standing within the community. in 2001. Northampton’s endowment Advancement has had a hand in He supported the concept, funded the places it in the top 10 percent of com- shaping nearly every aspect of the col- offices associated with it, set high munity colleges nationally and lege over the past few decades. Bigger expectations and stood behind the pro- Northampton has always ranked among opportunities and higher aspirations grams with an occasionally skeptical the top 35 community colleges in the beckon in the future, and institutional college community. Even in tight bud- country in fund raising results.The col- advancement will play a major role in get years, Kopecek realized that the col- lege has a strong alumni program and helping the college progress and in lege’s vision, image and message needed award-winning programs in marketing meeting the most important goal of all to be communicated. He also support- and in public relations. — helping students realize their ed the professional growth and develop- “Bob’s vision and determination dreams. ment of his advancement staff. have paved the way and provided the David Shaffer ’78, co-president of The advancement function has had foundation for our fundraising efforts,” Just Born, sums it up this way:“Bob a seat at the management table since Dr. said Paul Mack, chairman of the Kopecek has a keen understanding of Kopecek’s first year as president. Sue Foundation board.“His tremendous NCC’s role in providing opportunities Kubik, initially as director, and later as credibility has made fundraising for the for students to fulfill their post-sec- vice president, has served as the col- community college a rewarding experi- ondary educational goals. For many lege’s point person for development ence for both the solicitor and the students, the financial burden is too responsibilities for nearly as long as Dr. donor.” great to allow them to go to college. Kopecek has been president. He sup- Never one to hide a good idea, Dr. Providing scholarships to these students ported Kubik’s professional involvement Kopecek “hit the road” in the late 1970s, so they might achieve their dreams is on a state and national level, including a giving presentations on such topics as one of Dr. Kopecek’s highest priorities. term as chair of the Council for the “Why and How Community Colleges It is also one of his great dreams.” Advancement and Support of Education Should Be Committed to Alumni Affairs.” And remains today.

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ANAN II MPACTMPACT PPLAYERLAYER

Dr. Kopecek participating in a community forum with college and university presidents in 2001.

BY JAMES W. HARPER tive of the Bethlehem Area Chamber of which reviewed potential county finan- Commerce, noted,“The reason the cial support for Northampton Lehigh Valley is such a robust place to Community College,”she remembers. n impact player. That’s what run a business is due in large part to the “The Task Force tackled the project A quality of the workforce. It’s been with great enthusiasm because all sports teams look for. That’s what every community through Bob Kopecek’s leadership that Northampton was such an important needs. And in the Lehigh Valley commu- Northampton Community College has asset to our area. What we did not nity, it was Dr. Bob Kopecek who pro- become one of the premier institutions know was that NCC served as a model vided not just impact to the community in our state, providing skilled individuals for other community colleges in college world, but to the world around prepared to enter, or in some cases re- Pennsylvania. NCC clearly evolved into him. enter the workforce.” that model because it was under Bob’s To simply list the variety of commu- The Bethlehem Chamber, recogniz- leadership.” nity service he has provided seems inad- ing Dr. Kopecek’s leadership, honored Curie refers to Dr. Kopeck as “the equate. But there are outstanding exam- him with the 2003 Priscilla Payne Hurd consummate educator.” She said, “In ples. He became a board member of Award,“for his great influence upon the the Chamber, we saw his belief in the the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce enhancement of life in the community power of an education to change per- in 1977. He served a term as president through education.” sonal lives and communities. His contri- from 1986 to 1988. In addition, he is Kochard’s predecessor as Chamber bution to the work of the Chamber was presently on both the finance commit- chief was Candace Curie, now head of invaluable.” tee and the Chamber’s Foundation the Gaithersburg, Maryland Chamber.“I Dr. Kopecek was appointed to the board of directors. was asked to serve on a Northampton Lehigh Valley Region Advisory Board of Dale Kochard, current staff execu- County appointed Task Force in 1997 the Ben Franklin Technology Partners,

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“Bob has been a tireless wa rrior for economic development in the Lehigh Valley.”

based at Lehigh University, in 2002. The salute Bob Kopecek and thank him for Bob Kopecek has also been chief executive officer of Ben Franklin his years of service to the youth of our involved in a wide variety of communi- is Chad Paul. community.” ty advisory committees, a list that might “Bob has been a tireless warrior for Dr. Kopecek has provided long-term fill this magazine. Community leaders economic development in the Lehigh service to many other health and wel- contacted for this article were unani- Valley,”says Paul.“His stewardship on fare organizations in the Valley. Of par- mous in describing their appreciation behalf of the Chamber of Commerce ticular note has been his continuing ser- for Dr. Kopecek’s dedication and vigor and his work for Northampton County vice to Easton Hospital. His board that has characterized his service to the Development Corporation (NCDC) rec- tenure began in 1977 and continued Lehigh Valley. Clearly he has been the ognized the importance of creating jobs until 2001. He was elected as chair of impact player every team needs. along with the use of precious that board in 1984 and served until resources to make this a better place to 1987. The challenges to health care ser- work and live. Bob always gave of him- vices then, as now, were significant, a James W.Harper, an advancement self, which as president of a major insti- tremendous commitment of volunteer consultant to NCC, is the former tution was really not necessary. But he time. director of community relations at always believed strongly in his mission His other community activities Lehigh University. and holds a passion for this community.” include his chairmanship of the board Social services in the community of AIDSNET,board member of the Two also have benefited from Dr. Kopecek’s Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation, leadership. He began service on the and chair of Valley Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of Health System, serv- America, in 1977.“Dr. Kopecek’s service ing in that capacity on the executive board of the Minsi from 1987 to 1989. Trails Council for the past 25 years is an outstanding record,” notes Tom Harrington, current Council executive. “He has chaired numerous committees and served as our Council Commissioner, our top uniformed posi- tion in the Council. Over the years, Bob has typified the qualities of a good Scout — trustworthy, helpful, friendly, Dr. Kopecek became courteous and cheerful. He’s easy to chair of Easton Hospital work with, an effective administrator Board in 1984. and willing to use his wide contacts throughout the community for the bet- terment of the scouting program. I

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ALUMNI NOTES

ACCOUNTING BUSINESS COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN MANAGEMENT N 1973 Nicholas Moralis works for Banko N 1991 Donald Lynch received a bachelor’s Beverage Company and resides in Allentown with N 1988 Kelly (Statler) Illick of Easton is an degree from Fairmont State College and is a project his wife, Maria, and their two children, Demetra ancillary clerk/purchaser at Country Meadows engineer at Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. He and his and John. Nursing Center in Bethlehem. wife, Doris ’00 (medical transcription), reside in N 1996 Sook Lee Choi received her bachelor’s N 1995 Doreen (Berkowitz) Gumhold is a Easton. Doris is self-employed. degree from Moravian and is an accounting super- production planner at Orasure Technologies in visor for the Borough of Fountain Hill. Sook and her Bethlehem. She and her husband, William, were husband, Hazem Tadros, reside in Easton and have married in Las Vegas, NV on September 13, 2001 COMPUTER DATA two children, Hong and Lola. and reside in Allentown. Doreen’s daughter, PROCESSING Heather McMurtrie graduated from NCC in 1994 N 1993 Elizabeth Kralick with a degree in business administration. is a computer ADVERTISING DESIGN N 1996 Joanne (Dyer) Fekete is a homemak- teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in er who resides in Bethlehem with her husband, Roseto. She and her husband, Joseph, reside in N 1995 Corey Meckes is an orthophoto spe- Stephen and their children, S. Geoffrey, Christopher Bath and have five children, Valerie, Sherry, cialist at L. Robert Kimball & Associates and resides and Joseph. Stephanie, Diane and JoAnn. in Ebensburg. N 1998 Alene Kuhns of Allentown is a cus- tomer service consultant at Dun & Bradstreet in COMPUTER ARCHITECTURAL Bethlehem. INFORMATION N 1999 Kristy (Morone) Arthofer TECHNOLOGY works at B. SYSTEMS Braun Medical, Inc., in Bethlehem. She and her N 1976 Joseph McLaughlin is president of husband, Lorin, reside in Bethlehem and are expect- N 1995 Hatice Adar is a computer technologies Rescom Construction in Greenville, SC. He and his ing their first child in July. specialist at Ester Electronics, Ltd., in Eskisehir, wife, Susan, reside in Greer, SC and have two chil- Turkey. dren, Tripp and Lane. CHEMICAL N 1982 Carla M. (Frable) Binder is the CRIMINAL JUSTICE owner of Creative Framing by Carla. She and her DEPENDENCY N 1996 Roseanne Iresabal of Easton received husband, Philip, reside in Palmerton and have two N 1999 Alan Daughert y of Bethlehem is a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Moravian children, John and Sarah. retired from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. He is College in 1998. She is a social worker for the New thankful to the NCC community for the “outstanding Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission in Glen AUTOCAD DESIGN AND foundational education” he received a few years Gardner, NJ. She works with adjudicated juveniles DRAFTING ago which enabled him to earn a bachelor’s degree (16-20 years old), does probation reviews, intakes, in sociology at Moravian College. He intends to assessments, counseling, teaches and trains anger N 1998 Jack Hartzell of Wind Gap is a layout pursue his graduate studies at Marywood regression to staff and juveniles throughout the state designer at Alstom Power, Inc., in Easton. University. of New Jersey, and plans aftercare for them upon release.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COMMERCIAL ART CULINARY ARTS N N 1994 Heather McMurtrie and her husband, 1973 Maria Hollenbach received a bache- N Jeff, are very proud to lor’s degree in fine arts from Parsons School of 1996 Troy L. Gulick received an associate’s announce the birth of Design in New York City. She started her own degree from the Culinary Institute of America in their baby girl, Katelyn advertising and public relations business in March 1997 and is the executive chef and co-owner of The Evie, who was born on of 2002 and resides in Womelsdorf. Sage Inn Restaurant in Phillipsburg, NJ. He and his N August 19, 2002 in 1985 Christina Gaugler received a bache- wife, Heather, reside in Belvidere, NJ. Lehigh Valley Hospital in lorís degree in fine arts from Temple University’s Allentown, and weighed Tyler School of Art. She is a senior book designer at DATA PROCESSING 7 lbs., 15 oz. The happy Rodale, Inc., and resides in Bethlehem with her family resides in Allen- daughter, Alexandra. N 1980 Brian Beegle received a BT from the town. Rochester Institute of Technology and a master’s

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degree from the State University of New York. He is child, who was born on September 19. They currently reside in Palmer. a software engineer at IBM Corporation in N 1993 Paula A. Mullane is majoring in ele- N 1999 Marlene M. Hargrove of Poughkeepsie, NY and resides in Endwell, NY. mentary education at DeSales University and will Philadelphia is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in N 1985 Edward Ellston received a bachelor’s graduate in the fall of 2004. She is a center super- early childhood education/special education at degree from DeSales University in 1987 and is an visor for the Bethlehem Area School District and Cheyney University. She works at the Head Start adjunct professor at NCC’s Monroe Campus in resides in Palmerton. Learning Tree of Philadelphia. Tannersville. He and his wife, Mary, reside in Bath. N 1994 Staci (Falcone) George received a N 2001 Debra Kelley is attending East bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University Stroudsburg University, and plans to graduate in and is currently taking graduate courses there. She May of 2003. She is currently pledging for Kappa DENTAL HYGIENE is a second grade teacher in the Pen Argyl School Delta Pi. Debra and her husband, Robert, reside in District. She and her husband, Robert, have built a Bangor and have two children, Kyle and N 1989 Theresa (Zuech) Cesari received a new home in Bangor. Christopher. bachelor’s degree from Thomas Jefferson University N 1995 Kimberly (Dickinson) Ambrosino N Deborah Evans received a bachelor’s degree and is a dental hygienist for Christopher Sicher, received her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology in education from Kutztown University and a mas- DMD in Hershey. She and her husband, Joe, reside from East Stroudsburg University in 1998 and is a ter’s degree in education from Wilkes College. For in Palmyra and have a daughter, Christin. speech therapist at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 in the past 14 years she has been a social studies N 1994 Melissa (Booth) Duncan is a dental Easton. Kimberly resides in Forks Township with her teacher in the Whitehall-Coplay School District. hygienist for Dr. Charles King in Willow Street. She husband, Sal, and their son, Vincent. Her plans are to enter a doctorate program in order and her husband, Patrick, reside in Willow Street N 1997 Erin (Walsh) Deppe is a child care to seek a position in education at the college level. and celebrated their first wedding anniversary in center supervisor in the Bethlehem Area School Deborah resides in Northampton and has three New York City on October 27. District. She and her husband, Craig, reside in children: Blake, Joel, Cody and a grandson, Jacob. N 1996 Jennifer (Ebner) Combs is a dental Allentown. hygienist for the U.S. Coast Guard. She and her N 1998 Jennifer (Hughes) Ivins is the direc- husband, Jason, reside in Villas, NJ. tor of the Bangor Nursery. She and her husband, ELECTRONICS N 1997 Dana Hermann is a dental hygienist James, reside in Pen Argyl with their son, Matthew. TECHNOLOGY for Samuel Cramer, DMD in Hatboro. She and her N 1999 Sue Fre y recently became engaged. She N husband, Michael, reside in Fort Washington. is on an extended vacation in San Diego, CA with 1982 Robert Legath received an associate’s N 1998 Jane (Pieczynski) Hearn is a dental her fiancé, Tom. They met on the internet. Tom lives degree in business administration from Luzerne hygienist for Thomas McGalliard, DDS and is a in San Diego and they will reside there after they College, a BSEET from Penn State University member of the American Dental Hygienist get married. Harrisburg, and a MS/MBA from Marywood Association. She resides in Cathedral City, CA with University. He works for Hewlett-Packard her husband, William. Corporation in the crisis management/site escala- N 1999 Lorraine Gallagher and Danny Bays EDUCATION tion section and resides in White Haven with his are happy to announce their engagement. They are wife, Christina, and their two children, Michael and planning a summer 2004 wedding, which will take N 1975 Julie Fryereceived a bachelor’s degree Christian. place in Winston-Salem, NC. Lorraine resides in from California State University at Pennsylvania N 1983 Sandra Campbell of Coopersburg Winston-Salem, NC. and a master’s degree from Winona State College. received a BSEE degree in 2001 from Lafayette N 2001 Melinda (Godovin) Bartholomew She is a logical security manager for IBM in College and is a manufacturing difficulties investi- is a dental hygienist for Dr. Bruce Lanke in Boulder, CO. Julie and her husband, Hal, reside in gator at Agere Systems in Allentown. Pittsburgh. She and her husband, Josh, reside in Superior, CO with their children, Jessica and Ryan. Canonsburg with their daughter, Alexis. N 1989 Jane Hudak received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Kutztown ENGINEERING University. She is the associate dean of the Wescoe N DESIGN TECHNOLOGY School at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. She 1970 John M. Kulick received a bachelor’s and her husband, Michael, reside in Macungie with degree in physics from Moravian College and is a N 1991 Robert W. Boice is a manufacturing their children, Andrew and Matthew. manager of nuclear fuels at PPL, Inc. He and his engineer at American Turned Products in Fairview. N 1991 Susan Marie Kline received a bach- wife, Jacqueline, reside in Nazareth and have two He resides in Fairview with his wife, Troyann and elor’s degree and a mas- children, Jessica and Jaime. their children, Jordan and Meredith. N ter’s degree from East 1991 Nick Fischer received an associate’s Stroudsburg University. degree in chemistry at NCC in 1992, a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering at Penn State EARLY CHILDHOOD She is a first grade teacher in the Easton University in 1996, a master’s degree in education from East Stroudsburg University in 2001, and is N 1985 Kerri L. (Warner) Gerencher Area School District. currently pursuing a doctorate of education from received her bachelor’s degree in sales and market- Susan married Jason Todd East Stroudsburg University. He is a science teacher ing and is a college health specialist at Aventis Costenbader on October in the Easton Area School District and resides in Pasteur in Swiftwater. She and her husband, John, 5, 2002 in St. Anthony of Easton with his wife, Wendy and their four children, reside in Nazareth with Sierra Adison, their first Padua Church in Easton. Nicholas II, Daniel, Jonathan, and Hailey.

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FASHION GENERAL STUDIES LIBRARY ASSISTANT MERCHANDISING N 1993 John DiBiagio N 1985 Sarah P. Foster is an assistant teacher N 1990 Cheryl (Sigman) Moore received a received a Business Com- at Little People East. She has seven grandchildren bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from puter Specialist degree at (ages 7-21) and resides in Catasauqua. Sarah IUP and is a planner at the Kmart Corporation in Allentown Business School enjoys traveling to Europe and Australia. Troy, MI. She and her husband, Greg, were married this past winter and resides on August 31, 2002 and reside in Clawson, MI. in Easton. MEDICAL N 1994 Peter Dodge is a naturopathic doctor TRANSCRIPTION (N.D.) and a member of the American Association N FIRE TECHNOLOGY of Naturopathic Physicians. He and his wife, 1982 Theresa M. Hossler received an asso- Akemi, reside in Bothell, WA with their children, ciate’s degree from Bucks County Community N Michael Black received a bachelor’s degree Ruby and Aina. College in 1997 and a bachelor’s degree in com- from Lock Haven University and is a safety special- N Mike Berger received a bachelor’s degree in munications from Cedar Crest College in 1999. She ist at Roche Vitamins, Inc., in Belvidere, NJ. Michael marine biology from Kutztown University in is an admissions director at the Easton Nursing and his wife, Susan, reside in Bangor and have December of 1997. He is a resource manager at Center and is applying for graduate studies at three children, Mary, Gretchen and Jaimee. Nestle Waters of America in Breiningsville. Mike is Annenberg School of Communications. Theresa engaged to Tara Sillett ’02 (registered nursing pro- and her husband, Frederick, reside in Kintnersville gram) and resides in Nazareth. and have two children, Heidi and Frederick. FUNERAL SERVICE N Joseph D. Haas is self-employed and resides in Bethlehem with his wife, Tina, and their daughter, N 1993 Kevin Fallon is employed by the OFFICE Kathryn who was born on September 2, 2002. Connell Funeral Home in Bethlehem and resides in ADMINISTRATION Phillipsburg, NJ. N 1999 Helena A. Morris N is a funeral director INTERIOR DESIGN 1999 Melanie Ann Anthony and Michael at the John V. Morris Funeral Home in Wilkes Barre John Berwick were married on September 7, 2002 and is currently obtaining certification as a Certified N 1998 Maria Dontas of Bethlehem is an inte- in St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP). She and her rior designer at F. J. Haberle, Inc., in Allentown and Saylorsburg. She is a secretary for Eric J. Schenkel, husband, John, reside in Wilkes Barre and have is a member of the American Society of Interior M.D. in Easton. two children, Johnny and Richard. Designers. N 1999 Christina L. (Gerberich) Horvathis N 1994 David Sitbon is a forensic autopsy a secretary for Pocono Oil in East Stroudsburg. She technician with the Philadelphia Medical Examiners and her husband, David, reside in Nazareth. Office. In addition, he is a supervisor at Milian E. LIBERAL ARTS Rodriguez Funeral Home on Hunting Park Avenue in Philadlephia. His four-page article about his N 1972 Anthony Altenbach received a bach- experiences volunteering in New York after Sept. 11 elor’s degree from Kutztown University and a mas- was reprinted in the October 2002 issue of the ter’s degree in social work from Marywood National Funeral Director Association (NFDA) mag- University in Scranton. He is a social worker at azine, The Director. The article is titled “Joining Kaiser HMO. Anthony and his wife, Marcy, reside Dr. Kopecek-- in Redlands, CA and have two children, Mark and Heroes” and was originally published in Manor I will always remember College’s Alumni Annual Review 2002. He is called Susan. an inspirational message you occasionally as a background charactor on the TV N 1989 Michelle (Turillo) Frame once told us at one of our professional show “Hack” and has been featured three times on received a bachelor’s degree in social staff days. It was a story you related to teamwork http://www.davidmorse.org under “Hack: Up studies from Kutztown University in Close and Personal.” 1992 and is a senior child care and the NCC family that went similar to this: “Two counselor at KidsPeace. She stonecutters were asked what they were doing on the job: and her husband, Sean, The first said, "I'm cutting this stone into blocks." The second GENERAL EDUCATION reside in Catasauqua and replied, "I'm on a team that's building a cathedral." Thanks, have one child, Mason, who was Dr. Kopecek — for leading our team the last 26 years N 1986 Monica (Migliazza) Moore received born on October 31, 2001. toward building its cathedral — and for all of a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in N 1996 Shelley Dague received her your additional support in building 1989 and is a consumer promotions manager at bachelor’s degree in theatre from East the ACT Center. Best Wishes — Campbell Soup Company. She and her husband, Stroudsburg University in 1998 and is an Lealan Zaccone, John, reside in Wayne. actress and legal assistant in New York City. ACT Center Director.

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THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE

F rederick R. Curcio, Sr., Northampton Class of ’91, likes thing to come home with. I always did that.” to take his time and do things right. It takes a patient Curcio was never a stranger to self-restraint and priority and careful hand to perfectly decorate a wedding cake, setting. He started taking classes at Northampton when its something he practices as an avocation. He spent more doors opened in 1967, but was interrupted shortly there- than 40 years perfecting a career at the same institution, and after when the responsibilities of becoming a husband and more than 20 years in obtaining his college degree, a goal father took precedence over schooling. Curcio began work since childhood. It also took him 20 years of playing the as a bookkeeper at The Merchants National Bank of Bangor, slot machines in Atlantic City before hitting it big and and spent his entire career there, working his way up to becoming a millionaire. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He retired this Last November, Curcio parlayed the final three out of 20 February, but not before earning his associate’s degree in dollars he had allotted himself to play on a Harrah’s Casino 1991 from Northampton, 24 years after he started. Along slot machine into a $1.8 million jackpot. Bells were ringing, with allowing him to see his goal of graduating from college lights were flashing, strangers were talking to him — and come to fruition, Curcio says about Northampton,“the peo- Curcio was making sure that the champagne he was given ple I met in the classes and became friends with throughout “on the house” was offered around to the small group of the years” hold valuable memories. friends he had been traveling with to the casinos for years. Curcio remains an active member of the Northampton Among the group of bankers and brokers who routinely community, serving on the College’s Alumni Association get on the bus in Easton to try their hand with Lady Luck Board of Directors. He is also an active volunteer in the down by the shore, this win is obviously ‘the big one’. Bangor community, serving on several boards including the Curcio, however, has always made sure that he didn’t leave library, the historical society, and the planning commission. the casinos empty handed — even if it was just the roll Curcio is also a member of the Slate Belt Chamber of of quarters given out to passengers on the bus trips he Commerce, and handles the financial accounting for his frequented. church. With retirement freeing up his time and computers “I always win,”said Curcio. “I took a one-time night as another hobby, he plans to give up his manual keeping of course on gambling at Northampton, and the instructor told the church’s books in favor of moving the process into the us to always put that money away and not spend it. Then, computer age! even if you gamble away all your money, you have some- Only several months into his millionaire status, Curcio

PHOTOGRAPHY associate’s degree in computer graphics, and his in Mertztown. daughter, Karen Steigerwalt, graduated from NCC N 1983 Carol (Baker) Brandt is a licensed N 1982 Kenneth Abruzzese is the owner and in 1996 with an associate’s degree in nursing. Nick practical nurse in the Parkland School District in CEO of Red Dot Studios, which is a contract screen resides in Walnutport with his wife. Schnecksville and is also a 1988 graduate of NCC’s printing company established in 1989. In 1980, he funeral service program. She and her husband, received an associate’s degree in commercial art Chris, reside in Coplay with their son, Connor. from NCC. Kenneth and his wife, Cindy, reside in PRACTICAL NURSING N 1986 Suzanne Needham received an asso- Pen Argyl and have four children, Cassie, Anthony, ciate’s degree from Luzerne County Community N 1979 Sharon L. (Diefenderfer) Dieruff Grace and Maria. College and a bachelor’s degree from Graceland N 1982 Horace F. “Nick” Hawkey is self- received a bachelor’s degree from Cedar Crest University in Iowa. She is currently pursuing a mas- employed and exhibits photos and art locally. His College and is a resident assessment nurse at ter’s degree in education at Marywood University son, Dean, graduated from NCC in 1999 with an Cedarbrook. She and her husband, William, reside

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finds it difficult to predict exactly how his life will change. changed Curcio life in an unexpected way, but he is also no People Magazine interviewed him and photographed him stranger to life-changing events. The Curcios lost their son, at Harrah’s for a profile in an upcoming issue (Curcio Fred, Jr. to leukemia in 1997, one week before his 26th declined to wear a tuxedo). He has received the requisite birthday. Fred, Jr. has never been very far from Curcio, Sr.’s phone calls from around the country after an Associated heart and mind since, including the day he won the jack- Press article was circulated about his big win.While life as pot. a rich man has yet to play itself out, he and Kathleen, his “Before I went to Atlantic City, I talked to my son,”said wife of 33 years, have purchased a few new items and con- Curcio, Sr. “I said,‘I’d like to win a big amount…over a mil- tributed financially to several non-profit organizations in lion dollars so I could give it to people and help people the Slate Belt. out’.” The events of that November day undoubtedly Whether through a little help from above, sheer luck or simple persever- ance, the windfall that landed in the lap of Frederick R. Curcio, Sr. will undoubtedly be dealt with as he has dealt with all else in his life — he’ll take his time and do things right. Look for Fred in an upcoming issue of People magazine.

—By Marlene Bayer

Fred Curcio, Sr., (left) in a snapshot taken by a friend on the day he won $1 million at Harrah's Casino.

I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Kopecek for the past 4 years. He has and plans to graduate in 2004. Her goal is to work or experienced any type of in the education field. Suzanne resides in Kingsley head trauma. Rebecca been an excellent administrator, and a dedicated with her husband, Irvan. feels that her job at champion of the entire college. He is always open to N 1993 Melissa (Randall) Kulp is a licensed Good Shepherd is new ideas, and has been a strong supporter of all the art practical nurse at Valley Sports & Arthritis Surgeons “rewarding and chal- programs at NCC. The college has benefited in many in Allentown. She and her husband, Douglas, lenging.” She and her hus- ways from his stewardship.He has established a reside in Freemansburg with their daughter, band, Robert, reside in strong example for the new president Sabrina. Easton with their children, to follow. I wish him buona fortuna. N 2002 Rebecca Mulrooney is a staff nurse at Jonathan (í01 Culinary Arts) and — Tom Shillea, Director Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in the head Kaitlin. of Art Programs trauma/brain injury unit. She works with patients who have had strokes, brain tumors, brain surgery

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SECOND CHANCE I t is mid-September 1996 and Eugene Buckley is in his eighth month as a crack addict.The drug has taken every- thing from him: his home, his job, two cars, and the respect of those around him. It has also robbed him of his health, and now, as he stands on line in the soup kitchen of a church, sickly and a hundred pounds underweight, he is about to experience the best thing that could happen. He is about to have a seizure. Though emergency room crews will judge him dead in a week, the tubes and needles that will greet him on waking will be his welcome into a new life.“You’ve heard the expression, ‘you need to be hit in the head with a brick before getting the message?’” Buckley ’03 says, looking back from a vantage of seven years. “Well, for me it took a whole church.” They will take Eugene to the veterans hospital in Wilkes- Barre clothed in just a sweatshirt, pants and sneakers.“I didn’t even have socks or under- wear,”he says. Eight days in the hospital will show that he has high blood pressure and suf- fers from diabetes and epilepsy. His doctors will prescribe a bagful of medications. Buckley counts himself lucky HIV was not among the blood diseases picked up through drug addiction. Lucky may be an understate- ment.After a stint in the Navy, where he enlisted to get away from drugs, he came home to a neighborhood where drugs still ruled the streets.Trying to fit in with his buddies again, he succumbed to peer pressure. For 35 years, Buckley was an on-again, off-again user of heroin

Eugene Buckley in the kitchen of Victory House in Bethlehem. His graduation this year marked a personal victory of huge proportions.

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RADIOGRAPHY and pills. But he describes himself in those years as a functional addict.“I was a N 1982 Lori A. (DeFrancisco) Muhl is a radi- walking drug store,”he says.“But I never robbed nobody.And I always held a ologic technologist at St. Luke’s Hospital and resides job.”In fact, just before drugs brought him down, Buckley was sous chef for East in Bethlehem with her husband, Jeffrey, and their children, Ryan and Andrew. Stroudsburg University’s dining services, with 11 people reporting to him. Always a half hour early for work, Buckley won Employee of the Month twice in one year. He was well respected as a team player, both by management and by REGISTERED his crew.And then he tried crack. NURSING

“Crack cocaine is a monster,”he says.“The more you feed it, the bigger it N 1977 Lynne (DenBesten) Edwards gets. It’s one of those drugs you just can’t get enough of.”It took his fall to rock received a bachelor’s degree in economics from bottom to get the monster off his back. Buckley also thinks himself fortunate Lycoming College in 1994 and is a registered nurse that his wake-up call came in a church and not in the woods where he had been at Meadowood Corporation. She and her husband, living.“My doctor joked that it was good I fell out where I did,”he says, laughing. Jonathan, reside in Collegeville. N 1988 Katharine Clark received a bachelor’s “’cause not too many chipmunks know how to dial 911.”However he may have degree from Villanova University and is a unit made it to the hospital, his near-death brush turned him around.With the help of director at Easton Hospital. Katharine and her hus- the Veterans Administration, Eugene booked into Victory House, a homeless shel- band, Richard, reside in Easton. ter and treatment center on Bethlehem’s south side. He was “sick and tired being N 1991 Judith Lynn Berrian works for Act sick and tired.” Not only tired of drugs, not only of living outside, but of being on Corporation-Pinegrove-Crisis Stabilization in the the outside of life.“It’s like you lost your pass to society,”Buckley says.“I really crisis stabilization unit primarily in the Emergency Department. Her job is rewarding because she not think God had a plan for me.” only uses her nursing skills but shares her faith with That plan began to play itself out the day Buckley checked into the shelter. those in need. Judith also does teaching and art He set two goals for himself: to get his health back on track and to go to college. therapy groups for patients. In 2002 she became a As a former cook, he knew his major would be culinary arts. He didn’t know certified HIV/AIDS counselor and completed 40 that he would become the shelter’s manager and chef, cooking for 20-plus hours of credentialing in psychiatry. Judith is mar- ried and resides in Deltona, FL. guests, three times a day.“At first I had a hard time remembering how to make N 1992 Barbara (Kahle) Archer is currently spaghetti sauce,”he says.“But being able to cook was the beginning of my men- enrolled in the RN-BSN program at Old Dominion tal recovery.”Being busy was good therapy, but college was still firm in his sites. University in Norfolk, VA and was inducted into the Fortunately, his hours at the shelter were flexible. Even so, his normal day includ- Golden Key International Honor Society in October ed working eight- to nine-hour shifts before he came to school.And as if work 2002. She and her husband, Rob, reside in and school weren’t busy enough, Buckley began speaking engagements on Virginia Beach, VA with their children, Nick, Alex and Elena. behalf of Victory House. He has told his story before many Lehigh Valley church, N 1993 Margaret McPherson is a registered college, and community audiences. For him, it is payback to the organization that nurse/visiting nurse for Warren County Public did so much for him. But Buckley also believes that he was spared for this, that Health in Washington, NJ and works one weekend this is his calling, a kind of payback to a higher power. a month at the Hunterdon Development Center in Now Eugene Buckley is taking back his life.This spring, after six years of Clinton, NJ. She and her husband, Kevin, reside in Milford, NJ and have three children, Shawn, study, he graduated with a college degree from Northampton in culinary arts. He Benjamin and Peter. has his health, he has a car, he has a little money in the bank.And he has a home N 1997 Teresa Bangham of Allentown enjoys of his own.There are no illusions of overnight success, but he’s ready to “keep her job as an emergency room nurse at Lehigh on pushing.”Though he could stay on as shelter manager and chef at Victory Valley Hospital. She is happily married and enjoy- House, his future is focused on catering, and he feels the need to test himself in ing life to the fullest. N the world.“There’s sacrifices that come along with it,”he says.“But I know I got 2000 June L. (Bennett) Cunningham is a registered nurse at Community Hospital in New Port to do this because it’s the only way I’ll be satisfied that Eugene has gained.”Then Richey, FL. She states she was recently selected to he pulls a quote from the air so easily you just know he lives his life by it.“For the critical care/trauma team “because of the skills some people success is destined to. For other people success is determined to. I I learned at NCC.” June resides in Hudson, FL. am determined to be a success.” — By James L. Johnson, ’89

ALUMNI NOTES

SECRETARIAL SCIENCE — N 1999 Colleen Anderson received a bache- *CORRECTION: MEDICAL lor’s degree from Moravian College and is working It was incorrectly stated in the Winter 2003 issue toward a master’s degree from New York University. that Charles B. Harrison ’81, Architectural N 1983 Patricia Heckman is employed by She anticipates graduating in 2004. Colleen is a Technology, is a sales executive at Woodbury Georgia Pacific Corporation in Easton as a staff corporate marketing representative at Kerzner Automotive Warehouse in Amityville, NY. Charles is assistant IV. She resides in Bangor with her hus- International in New York City. currently a Vice President/Architectural at Blair band, Randy, and their two children, Crystal and Custom Homes, Inc., in Bethlehem. He and his wife, Rebecca. Betsy, reside in Bethlehem with their children, David N 1986 Rhonda (Millheim) Fries works from and Kristin. We apologize for the error and for any her home as a medical transcriptionist. She and her inconvenience this may have caused. husband, Keith, built a new house in Wexford and have two children, Erica and Brianna. IN MEMORIAM TRAVEL/TOURISM

N 1990 Cathie Bare and Bryan K. Hill were married on November 2, 2002 in St. John’s United Church of Christ in Riegelsville. Cathie is a legal Janice E. Robouski, ‘76, Early Childhood trar, died in February. Hired as secretary for Richard W. Kolosky, Esq. She and her graduate, was a teacher’s reading aide for associate registrar in 1998 and promoted husband, Bryan, reside in Bethlehem. Lincoln Elementary School, Canton. to registrar last September, he came to N 1991 Lisa M. Northampton after a long and distin- (Weaver) Epler and Cynthia Hoffich-Reynolds, ‘87, guished career in the military, where he her husband, James, Registered Nursing graduate, was a regis- earned several awards and medals. are the proud parents tered nurse for Newton, (NJ) Memorial of Marissa Renee, who Hospital and previously for Sacred Heart Ronald L. Taylor, executive vice was born on December Hospital,Allentown,Warren Hospital, president of Reeb Millwork Corp. in 13, 2002 in St. Luke’s Phillipsburg, and Temple University Bethlehem, was a member of the board Hospital in Bethlehem, Hospital, Philadelphia. She also worked of directors of the College Foundation. weighing in at 7 lbs., 7 for the Warren County medical examin- He and his wife, Francine, were passion- ozs. The happy family er’s office and had a real estate license. ate supporters of the college, and their resides in Bethlehem. generosity enabled many students to N 1997 Christina (Gasparetti) Marangolo Linda Kaintz, assistant director of pursue their goals at Northampton. is a travel consultant at AAA Northampton County community programs, passed away in in Easton. She and her husband, Joseph, reside in April. She began working at the college Easton and have two children, Jared and Marc. in 1997. Thomas J. Mayock Jr., the College’s regis-

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PARTNERS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ADMIRERS,SUPPORTERS BY SUE KUBIK “A strong president, a successful president provides the frame- work and atmosphere for the board to be a cohesive unit, working for the mutual benefit of the College. He or she is the glue that holds the board together.” With those words, David Reed began a conversation about the president with whom he has served for 26 of the 28 years he has been on the College’s Board of Trustees. Characterizing Dr. Robert Kopecek as “forthright, honest, a no-surprises kind of guy,” Reed reflected that Pictured: Front Row, left to right: Margaret J. Williams, Nicholas F. Politi, Jr., Robert A. Litz “the man has done so much yet he’s David A. Reed, Chairman Thomas J. Doluisio, Bruce A. Palmer, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer; very human.” Reed, who has been Back Row, left to right: Sue LaRose Starner (Monroe County Liaison), F. Jeffrey Reimer, Karl A. Stackhouse, Vice Chairman, Bruce M. Browne, Secretary, Charles M. Hannig (Monroe County Liaison), Robert R. Fehnel. the board’s chairman since 1989, Not pictured: Brooks Betts II, D.O., Joseph L. Craig, Charlene A. Koch described Dr. Kopecek’s style as one usually informal, the information they focus on his target. He had the of “inclusiveness.” contained was often critical to the command and presence to guide people “There was never any privileged trustees’ understanding of a given and reach consensus. He built on the information,”the chairman elaborated. situation. Also critical, although not as college’s reputation of success by “Any information that could be shared common as the monthly updates, methodically developing consensus in with everyone always was. The amount according to Reed, were long phone all of the various groups involved in any of information sharing that typified conversations when necessary. “You project. As a result, he managed to have Bob’s style was unusual. It hasn’t been always knew when Bob called, that he successful outcomes on top of one my experience on any other board with called for a reason. And those conversa- another.” which I’ve been associated.” tions tended to be long.At the end, I Trustee Bob Litz compares the Tom Doluisio, retired superinten- always felt involved in and comfortable trust level established between Dr. dent of the Bethlehem Area School with whatever decision was reached.” Kopecek and the board to the level of District and a trustee, echoed Reed’s Comfort with the decision making trust shared by board members with comments. “Bob’s a good communica- process was another common theme one another. And, Hannig adds,“Bob tor,”he explained. “Board members mentioned by trustees. “I cannot also had an ability to attract very never seemed to lack for information. remember a time in 18 years when the qualified individuals and to empower That made decision making a lot easier.” board and Dr. Kopecek were at odds,” those people to do their jobs and to Trustee Bob Fehnel agrees, noting: remarked Karl Stackhouse, vice-chair- contribute to the overall mission of the “Bob’s open and he listens. He has man. “I would say this is mainly institution. The management team had kept trustees informed and, as a result, because of his great interest in the insti- such a sense of belonging that we’ve there’s a high level of trust between tution, his thoughtfulness in generating had very little turnover in the talent senior management and the trustees.” ideas and his vision for the institution to pool. We’ve had a cohesive Several trustees interviewed for be able to deliver the goods when it’s unit to develop and fulfill the college’s this article cited monthly updates necessary.” mission.” written to the board by the president Monroe liaison trustee Chuck Even when things didn’t go as through the years. They all noted that, Hannig elaborated,“Bob always had a planned, the trustees gave Dr. Kopecek while the tone of the updates was Continued on page 36 35

PARTNERS

Continued from page 35 ability to do so.” and outreach. Stackhouse echoed the thoughts “He built and molded an institution high marks for his ability to squarely of many of the trustees when he said, that has achieved premier status in face any given situation. “He never “The name of Dr. Robert Kopecek the community, state and nation among turned aside or backed away from a and Northampton Community College community colleges. I will miss his tricky situation,”explained Reed.“Even have become synonymous. The college personal presence but know his spirit, when you knew it was eating him up reflects the exemplary qualities I accomplishments and legacy will live inside he still always faced the problem attribute to this man: intelligence, in the classrooms and hallways of and tried to solve it to the best of his vision, integrity, leadership, caring Northampton forever.”

LOOKING AHEAD

FROM NCC TO PROMISES HOLLYWOOD ... TO KEEP AND BACK AGAIN The inauguration of a new M ichael Bentt who won critical president is a special acclaim for his portrayal of Sonny moment in time for a college or Liston in the movie “Ali” will return to university — a time to celebrate the NCC stage next fall to pay tribute to the past and to glimpse the future. Norman Roberts, the drama professor Plan now to participate in the fes- whom he credits with “planting the tivities at NCC during the week of seed.” Bentt will have a chnce to play a September 29. Classes will go on role he always wanted to play: Othello. as usual, supplemented by an aca- The opportunity to see Bentt in a live demic symposium, cultural events, performance will be exciting for the THERE ONCE WAS A an appearance by a nationally audience and a memorable experience known speaker, and special pro- for student actors and actresses who will WOMAN WHO LIVED grams for students, for business work with him and Roberts in bringing IN A SHOE leaders, and for the community on the Shakespearean drama to life. The both the Bethlehem and Monroe play will open on October 31 and run campuses. The installation of Dr. though November 8 in Lipkin Theatre. S he had so many children, she didn’t Arthur Scott as NCC’s third presi- know what to do. The nursery dent will take place on October 2 rhyme might well describe the growth — 36 years to the day since credit at NCC’s Monroe Campus. Ever since classes began at the College. In the College found a home — not in a honor of the occasion, representa- shoe factory, but in a renovated blouse tives from many other colleges factory back in 1992 — enrollment and universities will join in the has grown and grown, pushing the pageantry of an academic proces- limits of an addition that tripled the sional — a tradition dating back to size of the building in 2000. This past the middle ages. A dinner dance fall construction crews returned to on Friday night will benefit the build another wing that will provide scholarship fund and future gener- more classroom space, faculty offices, a ations of students. Watch for student activities area, and a bookstore. details on the College’s website: The dedication ceremony will take http://www.northampton.edu. place on September 29.

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ALUMNI NOTES

DATA PROCESSING reside in Nazareth with Sierra Adison, their first Stroudsburg University, and plans to graduate in child, who was born on September 19. May of 2003. She is currently pledging for Kappa N 1980 Brian Beegle received a BT from the N 1993 Paula A. Mullane is majoring in ele- Delta Pi. Debra and her husband, Robert, reside in Rochester Institute of Technology and a master’s mentary education at DeSales University and will Bangor and have two children, Kyle and degree from the State University of New York. He is graduate in the fall of 2004. She is a center super- Christopher. a software engineer at IBM Corporation in visor for the Bethlehem Area School District and N Deborah Evans received a bachelor’s degree Poughkeepsie, NY and resides in Endwell, NY. resides in Palmerton. in education from Kutztown University and a mas- N 1985 Edward Ellston received a bachelor’s N 1994 Staci (Falcone) George received a ter’s degree in education from Wilkes College. For degree from DeSales University in 1987 and is an bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University the past 14 years she has been a social studies adjunct professor at NCC’s Monroe Campus in and is currently taking graduate courses there. She teacher in the Whitehall-Coplay School District. Tannersville. He and his wife, Mary, reside in Bath. is a second grade teacher in the Pen Argyl School Her plans are to enter a doctorate program in order District. She and her husband, Robert, have built a to seek a position in education at the college level. new home in Bangor. Deborah resides in Northampton and has three DENTAL HYGIENE N 1995 Kimberly (Dickinson) Ambrosino children: Blake, Joel, Cody and a grandson, Jacob. N 1989 Theresa (Zuech) Cesari received a receivede’ve her bachelor’s degree in speech pathologymade bachelor’s degree from Thomas Jefferson University from East Stroudsburg University in 1998 and is a ELECTRONICS and is a dental Whygienist for Christopher Sicher, speech therapist at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 in DMD in Hershey. She and her husband, Joe, reside Easton. Kimberly resides in Forks Township with her TECHNOLOGY in Palmyra and have a daughter, Christin. husband, Sal, and their son, Vincent. N N 1982 Robert Legath received an associate’s N 1994 Melissa (Booth) Duncan is a dental 1997 Erin (Walsh) Deppe is a child care degree in business administration from Luzerne hygienist for Dr. Charles King in Willow Street. She center supervisor in the Bethlehem Area School College, a BSEET from Penn State University and her husband, Patrick, reside in Willow Street District. She and her husband, Craig, reside in Harrisburg, and a MS/MBA from Marywood and celebrated theiry first weddingour anniversary in Allentown. life easier N University. He works for Hewlett-Packard New York City on October 27. 1998 Jennifer (Hughes) Ivins is the direc- Corporation in the crisis management/site escala- N 1996 Jennifer (Ebner) Combs is a dental tor of the Bangor Nursery. She and her husband,e tion section and resides in White Haven with his hygienist for the U.S. Coast Guard. She and her James, reside in Pen Argyl with their son, Matthew. N unity Colleg wife, Christina, and their two children, Michael and husband, Jason, reside in Villas, NJ. 1999 Sue Fre y recently became engaged. She Christian.Alumni N 1997 Dana Hermann is a dental hygienist is on an extended vacation in San Diego, CA withs an fer N 1983ou Sandra Campbell of Coopersburg for Samuel Cramer, DMD in Hatboro. She and her her fiancé, Tom. They met on the internet.w Tomof lives thampton Comm received a BSEE degree in 2001 from Lafayette husband, Michael, reside in Fort Washington.Nor in San Diego and they unitywill reside no there after they .At the Collegeunity and is a manufacturing difficulties investi- N 1998 Jane (Pieczynski) Hearn is a dental get married. vents (with photosgator if at Alumniy Agere Systems in Allentown. hygienist for Thomas McGalliard, DDS and is a The member of the American Dental HygienistAlumni Online wsComm and e s Online Comm s our ne EDUCATION e up to. Association. She resides in Cathedral City, CA with e y fers other thampton’ e” note on NCC’w alums ar ENGINEERINGvents her husband, William.Nor “livN 1975 Julie Fryello e received a bachelor’s degree y and e N 1999 Lorraine Gallagher and Danny Bays our f N 1970 Johns M. Kulick received a bachelor’s Notes section! Shar from California State Universityorking at toolPennsylvania andector of are happy to announce their engagement.y submitting They are a degree in physics from. Moravian College and is a e) b and a master’sreat degreenetw froman Winona alumni State College. dir thampton’ planning a summer lik2004 wedding, whichfind will take out whatShe is ya logical security manager foror IBM Nor in manager of nuclear fuels at PPL, Inc. He and his place in Winston-Salem, NC. Lorraine residesunity in is a g ister f ourwife, alma Jacqueline, mater reside in Nazareth and have two same time, Bouldermanent, CO. Juliee-mail, and her husband,eg Hal, reside in Winston-Salem, NC. Superior, CO with ytheir to children, r Jessica and Ryan. children, Jessica and Jaime. N N 2001 Melinda (Godovin)Online BartholomewCommh as perN 1989 Jane Hudakeconnectreceived a bachelor’s with y 1991 Nick Fischer received an associate’s is a dental hygienist for Dr. esBruce suc Lanke in degree in chemistry at NCC in 1992, a bachelor’s featur .Take a momentdegree unityand toda a master’sand r degree from Kutztown Pittsburgh. She and her husband, Josh, reside in University. She is the associate dean of the Wescoe degree in environmental engineering at Penn State Canonsburg with their daughter,calendar Alexis. School at Muhlenberg CollegeTO inRECONNECT Allentown. She University in 1996, a master’s degree in education Alumni Online Command her husband, Michael, residethampton.edu/alumni in Macungie with from East Stroudsburg University in 2001, and is their children,ONE AndrewCLICK.nor and Matthew. currently pursuing a doctorate of education from DESIGN TECHNOLOGY N 1991 Susan Marie Kline received a bach- East Stroudsburg University. He is a science teacher http://www in the Easton Area School District and resides in N 1991 Robert W. Boice is a manufacturing elor’s degree and a master’s degree from East Easton with his wife, Wendy and their four children, engineer at American Turned Products in Fairview. Stroudsburg University. She is a first grade teacher Nicholas II, Daniel, Jonathan, and Hailey. He resides in Fairview with his wife, Troyann and in the Easton Area School District. Susan married Jason Todd Costenbader on October 5, 2002 in St. their children, Jordan and Meredith. FASHION Anthony of Padua Church in Easton. They currently reside in Palmer. MERCHANDISING N 1999 Marlene M. Hargrove of EARLY CHILDHOOD N 1990 Cheryl (Sigman) Moore received a Philadelphia is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from N 1985 Kerri L. (Warner) Gerencher early childhood education/special education at IUP and is a planner at the Kmart Corporation in received her bachelor’s degree in sales and market- Cheyney University. She works at the Head Start Troy, MI. She and her husband, Greg, were married ing and is a college health specialist at Aventis Learning Tree of Philadelphia. on August 31, 2002 and reside in Clawson, MI. Pasteur in Swiftwater. She and her husband, John, N 2001 Debra Kelley is attending East