Montgomery County Community College launched the new Montgomery County Community College (PA) Legacy Fund, the official and only MCCC-affiliated philanthropic arm established to advance MCCC's mission and strategic priorities. The inaugural board members are (top row, from left): Celeste Schwartz, Ph.D., Legacy Board Chair, and Suzanne S. Ryan, Legacy Board Vice Chair. Second row, from left: Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez, Ed.D.; James Dunleavy; Vijay Khatnani; Donald Lyons, liaison MCCC Board of Trustees; and Jake Markezin.
Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) marked its 61st Founders’ Day by announcing the launch of the Montgomery County Community College (PA) Legacy Fund and its inaugural Board of Directors.
The Legacy Fund is MCCC’s official and only MCCC-affiliated philanthropic arm established to advance the MCCC’s mission and strategic priorities. The Legacy Fund will enable MCCC to continue to put students first by providing the resources they need to thrive—strengthening academic programs, expanding faculty development, and enhancing campus initiatives that improve the quality and accessibility of higher education for all. These investments ensure every student has the support and opportunities to excel in college and beyond.
“At Montgomery County Community College, nothing is more important than supporting student success and transforming lives through educational, workforce and cultural experiences, as we have for 61 years,” said Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President. “The Legacy Fund will help us ensure that commitment for generations to come.”
Over the past several years, the higher education fundraising landscape has changed significantly, while financial volatility has continued. In response, the MCCC Board of Trustees and MCCC leadership recognized a need to evolve its fundraising capabilities to help mitigate fiscal challenges and ensure equal access and opportunity for all residents striving for economic and social mobility. In June 2025, MCCC Trustees unanimously authorized the establishment of the Montgomery County Community College (PA) Legacy Fund, a nonprofit corporation that is awaiting its Code Section 501(c)(3) determination. In the interim, contributions to the Legacy Fund can be made to the Legacy Fund’s fiscal sponsor, TriCounty Community Network (TCN), a Pennsylvania based nonprofit corporation recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN: 23-2684794). Contributions made to TCN, as the Legacy Fund’s fiscal sponsor, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The Legacy Fund replaces the former Montgomery County Community College Foundation (Foundation) as the official charity of MCCC. The Foundation was created more than 40 years ago for the purpose of supporting MCCC programs, facilities, and services essential to MCCC’s mission. However, the MCCC Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to part ways with the Foundation and establish is the Legacy Fund to fully aligned with MCCC’s mission, vision, values, equity statement, and strategic priorities.
MCCC has long served as a cornerstone for education, workforce development, and community growth. Gifts to the Legacy Fund ensure the MCCC can continue delivering transformative learning experiences, as it has for more than 90,000 alumni, while shaping the future and creating opportunities that strengthen the region for generations to come. To make a donation, visit mc3.edu/legacyfund.
Inaugural Legacy Fund Board of Directors
The Legacy Fund Board is comprised of leaders who are united and focused on driving philanthropic support for student success and institutional growth.
Legacy Board Chair – Dr. Celeste Schwartz ’70
Retired MCCC Vice President of the Pottstown Campus, Information Technology and Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Schwartz led the College’s technological transformation for more than five decades. A nationally recognized leader, she received the 2018 Educause Leadership Award for her pioneering efforts and dedication to student success. She continues to consult on student success, technology, innovation and accreditation in higher education. She holds an associate degree from MCCC, a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s University, a master’s degree from Villanova University, and a Ph.D. from Walden University.
Legacy Board Vice Chair – Suzanne S. Ryan
As the External Affairs Manager at PECO, Ryan is the lead company representative with governmental officials, business and community leaders and non-profit organizations in Montgomery County. She brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the utility industry in the areas of government relations, crisis management, and community engagement. She chairs MontcoWorks, the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board, and serves on multiple regional boards, including the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association, Montgomery County 2050 Comprehensive Plan Committee and King of Prussia District. Ryan earned her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development from Rosemont College.
Legacy Board Member – Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez
Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez proudly serves as the MCCC’s sixth President, advancing the College’s mission and building upon its successes. As a first-generation college graduate and an empathetic professional who leads with mind and heart, she relies on her four decades of experience in higher education to guide every aspect of the institution. Since the beginning of her presidential tenure in May 2020, she has spearheaded approximately $98 million in capital projects, led MCCC through successful reaccreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and secured the College’s selection for the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Unlocking Opportunity network, an initiative focused on improving student outcomes. She has been widely recognized for her visionary leadership, earning honors such as the 2024 Woman of Influence (Philadelphia Business Journal), Trailblazer in Higher Education (City & State Pennsylvania), and multiple Higher Education Power 100 listings, among others. She serves on several regional and national boards and holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Education and Ed.D. in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Legacy Board Member – James Dunleavy
James Dunleavy serves as the Temporary Vice President of Finance and Enrollment Services at MCCC since June 2025. He was the Vice President for Finance & Operations at Northampton Community College from 2005 until his retirement in 2023, overseeing finance, facilities, human resources and information technology functions. A Certified Management Accountant, he brought decades of experience in financial management and strategic planning, including leadership roles in healthcare organizations such as Sacred Heart Healthcare System and Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Legacy Board Member - Vijay Khatnani
Founder and managing partner of J2 Solutions, Khatnani has grown the company into a leading technology staffing and project delivery partner, known for its strong values, high-touch service, and nearly 100% referral-based business. With a background in finance, IT, and consulting for some of the world’s top professional services firms, Khatnani brings both strategic insight and operational experience as he sets the company’s direction, oversees day-to-day operations, and leads major integration initiatives. He has served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, Valley Youth House, and CADE, contributing his leadership experience and commitment to community impact. A lifelong learner and frequent mentor, he shares weekly reflections on leadership, personal growth, and business through his blog, “Friday Food for Thought.”
Legacy Board Member/Liaison MCCC Board of Trustees – Donald Lyons
Donald Lyons has been a member of the Montgomery County Community College Board of Trustees since
2021 and currently serves as Board Chair. He is a financial professional with more
than 20 years of experience in wealth management and financial planning. Currently,
Lyons is a Senior Vice President & Wealth Director for Bryn Mawr Trust and leads a
team of cross-functional wealth professionals, which includes Wealth & Trust Advisors
and Investment Advisors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University’s Fox
School of Business and a Master of Business Administration from Pennsylvania State
University and is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and a National Social
Security Advisor®.
Legacy Board Member - Jake Markezin
Jake Markezin has more than 20 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. As the Senior Vice President of Operations for Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board (VFTCB), Markezin oversees the day-to-day operations of the 22-member team including supervising finance, IT, and human capital management for both the sales and marketing staff. A strategic early adopter of innovative technologies, Markezin champions research and data-driven return on investment while helping the VFTCB align with high-profile brands to attract large-scale events ranging from sports to the arts. He has a bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University and has also served as an expert on statewide conference panels including the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association.
About Montgomery County Community College (PA) Legacy Fund
The Montgomery County Community College (PA) Legacy Fund is a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation that has applied to the IRS to be recognized as a Code Section 501(c)(3) public charity. While the Legacy Fund’s Code Section 501(c)(3) request is currently pending with the IRS, donations to support the Legacy Fund can be made to TriCounty Community Network (TCN), as the Legacy Fund’s fiscal sponsor. TCN is a Pennsylvania based nonprofit corporation recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN: 23-2684794). Contributions to TCN, as the Legacy Fund’s fiscal sponsor, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Visit www.mc3.edu/legacyfund to learn more and make a donation.