Retirement often signifies a time of reflection and a well-deserved break from decades of hard work. But for some, like Loretta Boyd, retirement is merely the beginning of a new chapter. At 78, Loretta decided to trade in her retirement for a new academic adventure. Loretta’s decision to return to school wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. It was carefully considered, influenced by her daughter, Kristin, and her grandson, TJ.
Loretta had retired from a career that included roles as a Nurse Manager and a Director of Obstetrics, but she wasn’t ready to fully retire yet. One day, when Loretta planned to run errands with Kristin and TJ, they took a detour to Reading Area Community College (RACC). Loretta decided to enroll as a student majoring in healthcare in Medical Coding and Billing. “Having retired after 50 years as a Registered Nurse, I decided to transition into another healthcare field. I feel I still have much to give to the medical field in another capacity such as coding and billing”, Loretta explained. Returning to school was not as simple as filling out an application and enrolling in classes. Loretta faced some challenges that included financial concerns, applying for scholarships and returning to the classroom as a non-traditional student.
“Loretta’s decision to go back to school is a reminder that learning knows no age limit. The decision to pursue education after retirement exemplifies the community of life-long learners that the Community Foundation proudly supports; said Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer at the foundation.
The Community General Hospital Foundation June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship Fund provides financial support to residents of Berks County who undertake or further their career in healthcare by providing scholarship funds for their educational expenses. In 2024, this fund granted over $93,000 in scholarships including Loretta’s. Residents of Berks County are eligible to apply if they will be attending an accredited educational institution pursuing a career in healthcare, with a career goal of fulfilling a local community need involving patient care.
Going back to school for Loretta brought new challenges that she was not expecting. At times, she would lose focus and would feel discouraged. She found support in her bible study group and in the book titled Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (Dr. Seuss. 1990), given to her by her family. On each page of the book, a family member wrote a note to remind her of her goals. Loretta’s career goal is to find employment in either a hospital or physician’s office.
She says, “By being a medical coding specialist, I will be able to ensure that the patient medical records are complete and accurate when being sent for payment. Having accuracy in the records will assist the revenue cycle in the hospital or physician’s office. lt will also decrease the need for repeat submissions to insurance companies.” Loretta achieved Dean’s List while taking four courses each semester with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025.
To download our full 2024 Annual Report, please click here.
On May 21st, 2024, Berks County Community Foundation welcomed students and their families, donors and scholarship fund representatives, and community leaders to our annual Scholarship Luncheon. Excitement filled the ballroom as we prepared to recognize the remarkable achievements of local students and the generosity of donors who enable higher education dreams.
This year, the Community Foundation will award nearly $737,000, bringing the total amount disbursed since its inception in 1994 to an outstanding $13,691,935. Thousands of recipients have benefitted from these scholarships over the years as they continue to pursue higher education.
Among the recipients recognized was Vanesa Aguay, who received both the Berks’ Best Taylor Seitzinger Award for Community Service & Leadership and the Berks’ Best Computer Science Award. Her parents were the first in their family to graduate high school and college after immigrating from Ecuador. They instilled in Vanesa a strong work ethic and a desire to give back. Vanesa shared, “I wouldn’t be where I am now without my parents.” She continued, “These scholarships have propelled me to pursue my dream of becoming an engineer.” Vanesa aims to develop technology that will help address disparities in health care.
The annual Scholarship Luncheon showcases the power of community support in shaping the futures of lifelong learners. Each scholarship awarded provides resources and motivation for students to carve out their paths, creating an impact in Berks County and beyond.
Another recipient, Tanesha Purohit, received a scholarship from the Wilson Scholarship Fund. This scholarship, created to support graduating students from Wilson High School in any form of post-secondary education, prioritizes well-rounded individuals who excel in academics, extracurricular activities, and community service. Gary Coller, representing the fund, stated, “It’s important to provide financial help to students as they start their educational journeys and give them access to the necessary experiences.”
Looking to make a difference in the lives of local students through educational support? Give to one of our many scholarship funds today!
