Alumni Spotlight

 

For Adam, who grew up in Hempfield Twp, and now lives in Reading, Westmoreland was the perfect place to begin charting his future. Like many recent high school graduates, he wasn’t entirely sure where he wanted to go next. Enrolling at Westmoreland allowed him to stay close to home while exploring his interests, ultimately leading him to study Business Management from 2006 to 2009. After graduating, Adam continued his education at Saint Vincent College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication—an achievement that helped launch a successful, people-centered career. 

Adam’s professional path was shaped by initiative, mentorship and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone. After attending a networking event with his father in 2012, he discovered a passion for the furniture industry, handing out flash drives loaded with his résumé to potential contacts. That confidence paid off with a job offer, and he has built a thriving career ever since. Today, Adam serves as the Director of Education Sales for Shaw Industries for the entire Northeast, a role that draws heavily on the presentation and communication skills he first developed at Westmoreland.

His time at the college also brought personal joy: in 2009, he met his future wife, Kristin, through mutual friends. The two have been inseparable ever since and now share their home with their rescue hound mix, Palmer. Outside of work, Adam enjoys golf, snowboarding, and traveling, and remains active in professional and community organizations, including GRYP, the Chamber of Commerce, AIA, and IFMA. His advice to current students is simple but powerful: embrace opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone and build the network that will carry you forward.

Years later—and at a very different stage of life—it was Adam’s father, Gregory “Chef G” Nemchick, who found his way to Westmoreland. A lifelong dreamer of becoming a chef, he had spent decades in business before finally deciding to pursue his culinary passion after retiring. At age 65, he enrolled in Westmoreland’s Culinary Arts program, entering a professional kitchen environment for the first time and proving that it is never too late to follow your heart.

From 2022 to 2024, Chef G immersed himself in the program, earning certifications as a Certified Culinarian and a Certified Personal Chef while developing both confidence and skill. One of his proudest moments came at age 67, when he walked across the graduation stage—an achievement he credits to the unwavering encouragement of the Culinary Arts faculty. Deeply involved on campus, he served as president of Phi Theta Kappa, a board member of Alpha Sigma Lambda and a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

His post-graduation journey has been equally impressive. Chef G began as a sous chef at Westmoreland Country Club before returning to Westmoreland to teach noncredit classes and manage the Chef’s Bistro. He also founded The Visiting Culinarian, offering farm-to-table private dinners, live cooking demonstrations and on-demand chef services throughout Western Pennsylvania. Passionate and creative, he continues to share weekly digital content with a growing audience on social media. Throughout it all, he remains dedicated to professional involvement, serving on the board of the American Culinary Federation’s Laurel Highlands Chapter and engaging with the United States Personal Chef Association.

At home, he shares life with his wife of 49 years, Dianne.

Together, the Nemchicks embody the spirit of lifelong learning, perseverance and the transformative power of community college education. Their story is a warm reminder—especially during the holiday season—that dreams can be fulfilled at any age and that Westmoreland’s impact often extends far beyond one generation.

As Chef G says, success is “a marathon, not a sprint.” And, as Adam reminds today’s students, every opportunity begins with the courage to take that first step.

This year, we celebrate a Westmoreland legacy—one family, two journeys and a shared belief in the promise of new beginnings.

 

 

Georgette (Rue) McGavitt

For Georgette (Rue) McGavitt, choosing Westmoreland County Community College was a decision rooted in practicality and purpose. A Belle Vernon native, McGavitt enrolled at Westmoreland from 1995 to 1998, drawn by the college's affordability and its convenient location close to home.

“I chose to attend Westmoreland because it was an affordable option and conveniently located,” McGavitt says. “The accessibility allowed me to focus on my studies while staying connected to my community. I was also fortunate to complete my internship at my current place of employment, which provided me with valuable real-world experience and helped launch my professional career.”

McGavitt pursued a degree in Office Administration, inspired by her natural leadership qualities and her mother’s own path as an office manager. She recalls her time at Westmoreland fondly, particularly a public speaking course that ignited her passion for communication.

“My fondest memory would be my public speaking class and the passion I felt giving speeches in front of my classmates and professor, Dr. DeBacco,” she reflects. “He even had me assist other students who were struggling in the class.”

She also credits her advisor and instructor, Patty Freeman, as a favorite mentor. 

“I could go to her for questions about class, but also receive honest feedback in both a personal and professional way,” McGavitt says.

Since graduating in May 1998, McGavitt has built a career centered around community service, reliability, and leadership. She has worked at Belle Vernon Area School District for more than 25 years and currently serves as an accounting specialist. Her experience at Westmoreland laid a critical foundation for this role.

“Attending Westmoreland gave me both the practical knowledge and local opportunity I needed to build a lasting career,” she explains. “The accounting and business courses gave me a strong understanding of public finance, budgeting and administrative processes—all essential in my current role.”

Her commitment to service doesn’t stop at the school district. In January 2022, McGavitt was elected Tax Collector for Washington Township, a position she’s proud to continue as she runs unopposed for re-election. She also works at the Public Safety Training Center in Smithton as a certification evaluator and test proctor. Additionally, she has taught continuing education classes in fire and life safety at both Westmoreland and Bucks County Community College.

McGavitt holds several fire service certifications and is working toward further credentials in Firefighter I and II, Fire Instructor I and II, and Fire Officer III. A dedicated volunteer firefighter for over 30 years, she’s been involved with departments in Washington Township, Perry Township, and currently, Rostraver Township, where she specializes in community outreach and fire prevention education.

Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, McGavitt finds joy in the simple things. 

“When I have free time, I enjoy being out in nature, exploring different waterfalls. It’s calming and keeps me grounded,” she shared. She also cherishes time spent with her son, especially attending Philadelphia Phillies games together.

McGavitt is especially proud of her 15-year-old son, Zander, and grateful for his support and the support of her parents, Patricia and George Rue. “They have always loved me for my strong and independent spirit,” she says.

To today’s students, McGavitt offers this heartfelt advice:

“Your career path doesn’t have to be flashy to be fulfilling—serving your community, being reliable, and making a difference in the background can be just as rewarding. I’m living proof that staying local and staying committed can lead to a long, successful, and purpose-driven career.”