Each fall, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute honors a Lehigh Valley community member with the prestigious Friend of Career & Technical Education Award. The award is presented to an individual whose steadfast support of LCTI’s mission helps the school, its students and their communities flourish.

This year, LCTI’s leadership chose to celebrate not one, but two community members: Lehigh Carbon Community College President Ann Bieber and Allentown Economic Development Corporation Executive Director R. Scott Unger.

Ann Bieber

As head of LCCC — LCTI’s next-door neighbor and longtime education partner — Bieber plays a critical role in students’ secondary and postsecondary success. Her leadership has yielded new and expanded opportunities for them, including a head start on the Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership degree that LCCC offers in partnership with Bloomsburg University.

“LCTI is better because of our relationship with LCCC and Dr. Bieber,” LCTI Executive Director Lisa Greenawalt said, noting that Bieber always ensures LCTI is included in grant applications, dual-enrollment offerings and workforce development training programs.

Joined by LCTI Joint Operating Committee member Gary Fedorcha and Assistant Business Administrator David Hein, Greenawalt paid a surprise visit to Bieber’s Schnecksville office on Nov. 6 to present the award.

“Dr. Bieber has been a great partner for LCTI and for me personally,” Greenawalt said. “She has introduced me to many stakeholders, and we meet weekly to discuss collaborative projects.”

Scott Unger

Unger has his finger on the pulse of business and industry in the Lehigh Valley. He serves on LCTI’s executive committee, routinely sharing insights drawn from 17 years spent leading the AEDC.

“Mr. Unger is a dynamic leader, passionate about urban development and growing the manufacturing industry,” Greenawalt said, noting that he offers apt advice on future initiatives and growth opportunities for LCTI.

Unger shared his wisdom when he hosted LCTI’s administrative team retreat and again when he served as the featured speaker during a back-to-school professional development session for faculty.

Greenawalt, with LCTI Administrative Director Dipal Kapadia, presented the award to Unger at his Allentown office on Nov. 6. They surprised him during a “staff meeting” his AEDC colleagues planned.

“Dr. Bieber and Mr. Unger share a vision for workforce development that imbues value on the opportunities LCTI provides for its students,” Greenawalt said. “Their involvement in our school is instrumental in the work that we do and the successes we achieve.”