Luzerne County Community College Foundation Dinner Celebrates Scholarships, Students, and Community Impact

The Luzerne County Community College Foundation hosted its annual Foundation Scholarship Celebration Dinner on Saturday, October 4, at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre, bringing together more than 300 guests for an inspiring evening of generosity, gratitude, and celebration of student success.*

The event, emceed by Dan Landesberg, Associate Vice President of Clinical Operations at Geisinger Northeast and President of the LCCC Foundation Board of Directors, highlighted the life-changing impact of scholarships on Luzerne's "Trailblazer" students.

"Tonight is about students, opportunity, and impact--celebrating the ways your generosity changes lives and transforms our community," Landesberg said in his opening remarks. "We are delighted to gather here surrounded by friends, supporters, and champions of education."

Celebrating Record-Setting Support

LCCC President John Yudichak delivered a powerful keynote address celebrating a record-breaking year for the Foundation.

"The generosity of the scholarship donors we celebrate tonight changes the lives of our students in meaningful and tangible ways," President Yudichak said. "Your support gives them the resources they need to reach for their dreams."

He announced that the evening raised more than $222,000 in sponsorships and donations, including $100,000 in new EITC funds and one of the College's largest individual gifts in history--the $100,000 William Raldi Career and Technology Academy Scholarship.

"All of it--every dollar--is for the trailblazing students of Luzerne County Community College," Yudichak said to resounding applause. "Your friendship, partnership, and generosity are transforming lives."

President Yudichak also extended heartfelt congratulations to the evening's award honorees: Fork Over Love, the O'Donnell Law Offices, and the Tambur Family Foundation, recognizing their enduring commitment to community and education.

"These families--the Selingo, O'Donnell, and Tambur families--are compassionate and visionary leaders," Yudichak said. "Their friendship and support of our College are truly extraordinary."

From Scholarship Recipient to State Leader

The evening's featured speaker, Dr. Lynette Kuhn, a proud LCCC alumna and now Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Postsecondary and Higher Education for Pennsylvania, shared her personal story of resilience and the pivotal role LCCC played in her life.

"When I first arrived at Luzerne, I carried both nerves and hope," Dr. Kuhn reflected. "I wasn't sure if I belonged in higher education, but I was hopeful because I sensed that LCCC was different. This was a place where second chances weren't just possible--they were celebrated."

Her remarks drew heartfelt applause as she underscored the mission of community colleges to provide opportunity for all.

"Community colleges do not ask, '?Where have you been' They ask, 'Where can you go from here?'" she said. "The scholarships you provide are not just checks--they are acts of faith in students' potential. They are the difference between a student saying, 'I had to drop out,' and one saying, 'I graduated because someone believed in me.'"

Dr. Kuhn encouraged students to embrace their journeys and recognize the ripple effect of their achievements.

"Your story matters," she told them. "One day, you will inspire someone else to take their own first step--just as you are inspiring us tonight."

Honoring Community Champions

The Foundation also presented three prestigious Community Awards recognizing outstanding partners in education and service:

Community Champion Award -- Fork Over Love, represented by Tracey Selingo and Samantha Berger, honored for providing thousands of hot meals to those in need, including more than 2,000 meals to LCCC students this year.

Circle of Excellence Award -- O'Donnell Law Offices, in recognition of their long-standing support of scholarships, the student food bank, and the Coats and Boots for Kids program.

Legacy Award -- The Tambur Family Foundation, recognized for nearly two decades of support, including endowing scholarships and funding the Patrick J. Solano Veterans Center.

Full Circle: An Alumnus' Story

LCCC Board of Trustees Chair Robert Bertoni, a 1986 LCCC graduate, shared his own scholarship story, bringing the theme of the night full circle.

"I was one of those kids who didn't know what he wanted to do with his life," Bertoni recalled. "I received a scholarship--and it changed my whole life. I went on to teach for 35 years, to build a business, and it all started the day I registered at Luzerne County Community College."

A Night of Gratitude and Hope

As the evening concluded, Landesberg reflected on the enduring impact of the Foundation's mission.

"Every dollar you give, every scholarship you fund, every moment you invest in these students creates a ripple effect--transforming not just one life, but entire families and communities," he said. "Together, we are building a stronger future for Luzerne County and beyond."

Since its founding in 1983, the LCCC Foundation has supported thousands of students through scholarships and program initiatives, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of education.

"By giving," Landesberg said, "you are not only helping students learn today--you are helping them lead tomorrow."