Reading, Pa. – Reading Area Community College (RACC) President Dr. Anna Weitz will lead the annual Reading Holiday Parade in downtown Reading on Saturday, November 18. Dr. Weitz, who is retiring in June of 2018, was selected as this year’s Grand Marshal to celebrate her long-standing commitment to the Berks County community.
“I am both surprised and humbled to be selected as Grand Marshal,” Weitz said. “This is a huge honor for me.”
“I’ve known Dr. Weitz for many years and she is more than deserving of this honor,” noted Charles R. “Chuck” Broad, Executive Director of the Reading Downtown Improvement District. The District, along with the City of Reading, is presenting the parade. “Anna will now be part of a group of special people who have served as Grand Marshals in the parade.”
The parade is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at 11th and Penn Streets and proceed along Penn Street to Second Street. This year’s parade theme is “Home for the Holidays.”
Weitz became RACC’s fifth president when she started in June of 2007 and has been focused on the community from the start.
“I make sure we really stay connected to the community so we’re able to respond positively to the changing trends, and also make sure we’re flexible about how we deliver an excellent education to our students,” she said.
Weitz has earned a solid reputation for strengthening ties with area schools, other colleges, and community organizations to increase the overall educational attainment level of the county’s population. She has also increased programs to meet employers’ changing workforce needs for enhanced skills related to advanced manufacturing, technology, strategic planning, and leadership.
“We want to extend a special thanks to the Reading Area Water Authority for stepping up to be the Signature Sponsor for this year’s parade,” Broad said.
In addition to the Water Authority, other sponsors include Alvernia University, BB&T, Carpenter Technology Corporation, Customers Bank, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Neighborhood Housing Services of Berks, Reading Area Community College, and Riverfront Federal Credit Union.
Broad added that other sponsorships are still available for the following: division sponsors, banner sponsors, helium balloon sponsors, and band sponsors. Sponsorship information can be found on the District’s website at www.downtownreading.com or by calling the District office at 610-376-6424.
