IN THIS ISSUE
MESSAGE FROM SHELLY L. BELL
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT DEBORAH SKOMBA • PILLAR EVENTS • AND MORE!
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PCAA mission statement
The purpose of the Pillar College Alumni Association is to gather a community of transformational leaders and graduates of Pillar College who provide financial support, volunteerism, and ambassadorship ensuring the continued growth of the mission.
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Pillar College Celebrates Black History Month |
February is Black History Month — an opportunity to shine a light on and understand Black histories and cultures that have been rewritten or erased from history books and popular culture. Pillar College celebrated Black History Month by carving out time to learn more about past and present Black leaders who made a difference in history — and we encourage everyone to do the same.
This month, as we celebrate Black History, we acknowledge the many trailblazers, history makers, and world-changers who paved a better way forward for us all. Because they dared to dream, many more are living the life of their dreams today.
Dr. Carter Woodson is credited for having established Black History Month nearly one hundred years ago. Known as the "father of black history," he was the second African-American to obtain a Ph.D. from Harvard.
Black History Month was officially recognized by President Ford fifty years later. He appealed to the public to take hold of the opportunity to acknowledge and honor those often forgotten accomplishments of Black Americans in every area throughout our history.
To chart our future we must understand the forces that shape our present.
For the African-American, to remember our history is to address the strong nature of our combined soul. “Africa to me is more than a glamorous fact,” stated the great Maya Angelou. “It is a historical truth. No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.”
There are so many Black leaders who have shaped, led and grown our movement. But today, we need dreamers, innovators, and history makers who are able and ready to push people forward. We need those who are steadfast to developing their gifts and to rise up to their highest potential.
SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON: How likely are you to keep these conversations going beyond the month of February?
In solidarity,
Shelly L. Bell, M.A.
Director of Institutional Outreach and Alumni Association
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"Remembering Our Past & Developing Our Future"
Keynote: The Honorable Dr. Ralph T. Grant, February 25th from 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
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Deck the Walls
Pillar College has opened locations in Plainfield, Jersey City, and Paterson and is looking for people to sponsor and furnish a space. Please go to www.pillar.edu/giving/deckthewalls for more information.
To participate in this initiative, that benefits the Pillar College Annual Student Support Fund, contact Daniel Reeves at dreeves@pillar.edu or 973.803.5000 ext. 1040.
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Complimentary Financial Seminar on February 25 at 4 pm Please join our complimentary financial webinar on February 25, 2021: “How Covid-19 and the Election Results Could Impact Your Tax Planning…” RSVP here: www.pillar.edu/finance
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Deborah Skomba, ABS, BA - Class of 2009
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Pillar College Trustee, Deborah Skomba, graduated from Pillar in 2009 with a BA in Counseling. God indeed ordered her steps. During her first semester, Debbie invited Dr. Riss to hear her testimony in Dr. Busch’s public speaking class. During her speech, she mentioned her favorite uncle, and after class, Dr. Riss came up to Debbie to tell her he knew him. For Debbie and Dr. Riss to know her uncle would have blessed his heart as it did hers.
Pillar College has had a significant impact on Debbie’s life. Entering the old campus in September 2005, she stepped back into time. At that moment, she saw an old building on an old piece of land with an ancient sense of history. In the spirit of transparency, Debbie felt that she was too old to start something new. She heard a voice tell her to “turn around and go home,” but nobody was there. God wouldn’t let her. In her heart, He was telling Debbie, He knew the plans He had for her. Since that moment, she has not doubted that God picked Pillar for her. Pillar College has had a profound impact on Debbie’s life. She has grown into a more faithful woman who, has walked with giants of faith, knelt with culture changers, and worshiped with prayer warriors. Pillar College also started her on an academic path that equipped her to walk out her purpose, and helped her to develop her God-given plan.
Debbie is the founder of Heart to Heart Ministry and Coaching. She is also a Pastoral Counselor and Relationship Coach, and Creator of Heart to Heart Community - “Embracing Your Story- The Good, The Bad, The Ugly and Putting it to Work for You.” She is passionate about helping women learn how to live their best life now without regret. “I do this in 1:1 coaching sessions through relationship, grief, premarital and marital coaching,” Debbie said. “Recently I created Heart to Heart Community, a place where women will come together to embrace their stories – all of it – the good, the bad, and the ugly to reveal the beauty of their life by turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Debbie loves the meaning of words and described Pillar College in three: diverse, truth, and visionary. Debbie said Dr. Richard Riss influenced her the most while at the College.
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Library Services
At the Pillar Library, alumni may borrow books, CD’s, DVDs, and other materials,
use reference and make use of public
access computers and wireless access.
Vinell Spied, Associate Dean
of Information Resources
Phone: 973-803-5000 ext. 1140
Email: vspied@pillar.edu
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Career Services
Alumni are afforded access to job
listings, resume and interview assistance, and related job search support.
Ingrid I. Ortiz | Career Services
Phone: 973-803-5000 ext. 1029
Email: IOrtiz@pillar.edu
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GET INVOLVED
Pillar College Alumni Association Application Support:
Alumni Association
Benefits of Becoming part of the PC Alumni Association
Pillar College Car Decal and Alumni Chord • PC Tumbler • PC Alumni Grant of $500 to offer a friend or family member • PC, Alumni Grant of $1200, when you join a Graduate program• A free course to use as professional development
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