For more than four decades, Montgomery County Community College has been enriched by the dedicated efforts of its Foundation board members, who generously give their time, expertise and resources to advance the College’s mission and empower students to achieve their goals. Thanks to their strong support, MCCC has transformed the lives of more than 90,000 alumni.

In a recent tribute, MCCC recognized the invaluable contributions of three past Foundation board members at the second Dundore Society Induction Ceremony. This event was named after the late Dwight A. Dundore, the first Chair of the College’s Foundation Board and one of its first trustees.

“As we commemorate the College’s 60^th anniversary this year, we can only imagine how proud Dwight and his fellow pioneers would be of the remarkable growth and impact the College has achieved,” said Joseph Gallagher, MCCC Foundation Board Chair. “The collective efforts of the Foundation board members have made a profound difference for our students, their families and the communities we serve.”

The following honorees were inducted:

Cynthia Diccianni – Cindy is a proud MCCC alumna, who graduated in 1977 with an associate’s degree in General Studies. She has continually supported Montco and its mission through her dedicated service and generous gifts. She was member of the Foundation Board of Directors from 2014 through 2020, serving on the Finance, Development and Annual Fund Committees during her tenure. In addition, Cindy was an active member of Leading Women in Philanthropy and the Women’s Giving Circle Committee. She was inducted into MCCC’s distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame and was recognized as one of the Fabulous 50 Honorees during the College’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2014. Cindy also generously created two scholarships for students and sponsored a Nursing Suite Student Seating/Engagement space in our Health Sciences Center on behalf of the Diccianni Financial Group.

William Lowa, III – Bill also is a proud MCCC alumnus, graduating from MCCC with an associate’s degree in Political Science in 1974. He served on the Foundation Board of Directors from 1999 to 2008 and served as the Chair for 2007-2008. Most recently, Bill and his wife, Lisa, have provided a generous gift in support of the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown. Their gift will allow all 5th-8th grade students in the Pottstown School District to participate in the hands-on space missions for four years.

Linda Sanchez – While not an alumna herself, Linda’s eldest son is a proud Montco alumnus. Linda served on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2005 to 2007. Linda has supported the Scholarship Fund and Courage to Create Campaign and attended many College events, including the Leading Women Golf event, Alumni Hall of Fame celebration and the Founder’s Ball.

Former Dundore Society inductees include Geoffrey D. Brandon, the late Alma Jacobs, the late Dolores Lare, John W. Lea, Dekwan Akil Morrow, and Scott W. Rau. They were honored during the inaugural ceremony held in 2022. Similar to Dundore, these individuals played vital roles in enhancing the College’s overall impact.

Dundore’s involvement with MCCC began during the College’s formative years. He served as one of the founding members of the Board of Trustees in 1964 and led the search committee for the first president. In 1976, he was elected to the first of four terms as chair of the Board of Trustees. In 1983, the College established the Foundation to serve as its charitable arm. Dundore also was involved in the formation of the Pottstown Campus.

The Foundation manages an endowment of $18 million with over 400 funds. In 2021, the Foundation established 11 Presidential Endowed Scholarships, totaling more than $340,000, as part of Dr. Bastecki-Perez’s inauguration as the sixth president of the College and her legacy. The scholarships will help students overcome financial barriers and are focused on first-generation college students.