Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez was inaugurated as Montgomery County Community College’s sixth president. It was held at a special drive-in ceremony at MCCC’s Blue Bell Campus.

A procession of area community college presidents, former MCCC presidents, special guests, MCCC leadership, and Dr. Bastecki-Perez was led by the festive beat of the East Coast Drumline. The MCCC Municipal Police Academy cadets and macebearer were also in attendance. Dr. Celeste Schwartz, MCCC Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Digital Officer followed up. Guests watched from their cars and online via livestream.

The Inauguration

The event started with the national anthem sung by Communications Instructor Jeslin Mathew and welcoming remarks by Frank X. Custer, Chair of the MCCC Board of Trustees.

“We eagerly look forward to this new chapter with Dr. Bastecki-Perez as our president, and the growth of Montco as an institution,” said Custer. “Her leadership and decisive actions have kept Montco at the forefront of higher education during a time when many institutions are struggling. She continues to build upon and strengthen relationships at all levels. She’s expanding awareness of the College’s programs and services. At the heart of everything she does, every decision she makes is our students. And, after all, isn’t that why we are all here.”

Dr. Bastecki-Perez plans to expand upon the College’s vision, mission, and strategic plan. She will include the “passionate, enthusiastic, equity-minded, innovative, resilient and determined members of the Montco Family.”

 “As president, I hope to make a difference with an inclusive recovery for Montgomery County. Also with economic and social mobility, and generational wealth, and to leave a legacy at Montco that is forever green. It will impact the residents of the future for many generations to come,” said Dr. Bastecki-Perez. “Traveling on this journey together with our Montco Family, I truly am humbled and privileged. I am grateful to serve as the sixth president of this remarkable institution where we will inspire, lead and transform.”

MCCC also received the largest philanthropic gift in its history. It is a $3 million gift from Ken Baker, CEO of NewAge Industries, Inc. This will help launch the Baker Center of Excellence for Employee Ownership and Business Transformation.

The Center will help to boost economic recovery and strengthen an inclusive workforce. It will serve as a resource for models of dynamic employer-employee partnerships.

Additionally, it will assist employers interested in advancing employee skills, particularly in leadership areas.

The Guests

During the inauguration ceremony, several guests, including U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr., U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, Achieving the Dream CEO/President Dr.  Karen Stout, Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Noe Ortega sent well wishes. Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH, shared her congratulatory messages through a recorded video.

In her video remarks, Dr. Arkoosh noted how MCCC through Dr. Bastecki-Perez’s leadership, has been a “wonderful community partner throughout the COVID pandemic.”

“We can’t thank you enough for all the work you continue to do to make Montgomery County Community College a place for our entire community,” said Dr. Arkoosh on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. “Congratulations on your inauguration, and we wish you and the College continued success into the future.”

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