“This evening represents what America has always stood for,” Dr. Nichola Gutgold said, as she opened the Oct. 4 program, Faces of Literacy at Muhlenberg College, Allentown.

“A nation built on the strength of immigrants, slaves, seekers, adventurers, hard workers and those willing to do what needs to be done to support their families, get ahead and to realize the American dream.

“Tonight, we will eat, drink and also take in the remarkable stories of three Literacy Center alumni and we celebrate Allentown as a place that welcomes and supports everyone! Isn’t that a great way to spend an evening?”

Gutgold, vice president of The Literacy Center’s board of directors, opened the program honoring three of the program’s successful graduates - Jorge Vasquez, Ramona Alonzo and Marco Calderon.

“You are the pipeline the economy needs,” said keynote speaker Don Cunningham.

The annual gala recognizes graduates, staff, and patrons of The Literacy Center based on Hamilton Street, Allentown.

Cunningham described The Literacy Center as “being a key partner to help Lehigh Valley employers meet their workforce development needs.”

The center offers English as a Second Language and GED classes.

“The Literacy Center was ranked first in student academic gains out of 53 programs funded by Pennsylvania,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham was twice elected Bethlehem mayor, and twice elected Lehigh County executive.

He has served as Pennsylvania Secretary of General Services and as president of the League of Cities.

Cunningham is currently chief executive officer and president of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, and Peter G. Schweyer, D-22nd, spoke briefly to the honorees and their guests.

Ellen Kern, chief of staff for state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, presented certificates to the honorees.

In June 2018 eighty-three students, the highest number in the organization’s history, graduated from The Literacy Center.

Forty-one students graduated by passing their English as a Second Language classes.

Forty-two graduates received GEDs.

Six students, including Calderon, who is now on the board of directors of The Literacy Center, have become U.S. citizens.

Last year, The Literacy Center had 500 students enrolled of which about 60 percent are currently working for about 100 different employers.

Alonzo, from the Dominican Republic, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial psychology from the Universidad del Caribe.

She is working as a nursing assistant at the Lehigh Parkway School.

“I came with a suitcase full of dreams and goals,” Alonzo said.

She became an American citizen on Sept. 11.

“I must confess it was not easy to leave my family, friends, and co-workers,” Alonzo said. “It was a great change that every day made me feel nostalgic for home.

“I fell in love with the tranquility, safety, schools and the opportunities offered to study and grow as a professional and as a person.”

Alonzo was accompanied by her son and husband, Frank.

Calderon came to the U.S. in 2008 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in communication at the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico.

After graduating from The Literacy Center’s program, he pursued his lifelong passion of photography.

He is a photography and video studio owner.

The Literacy Center’s tribute to Calderon says, “Marco has worked tirelessly to build his business, while continuing to be a pillar of his community. He serves those in the nonprofit community to this day and views that connection as a grounding force within his life.”

Calderon was accompanied by his two children, Luka and Kana and his wife, Eveily.

Vasquez earned his GED in June 2017.

His teachers said Vasquez was an excellent student.

Once he got his GED, he enrolled at Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Health and Science program.

From there he plans to go to Temple University.

Proceeds from the Faces of Literacy event benefit The Literacy Center, which was established in 1977.