At 23, BC3 graduate becomes youngest director on foundation’s board
A 23-year-old graduate of Butler County Community College @ Armstrong has become the youngest director on the board for the Butler County Community College Education Foundation in its 35-year history.
Matthew Reitler, who finished first in the Mike Gish Award competition with the financial security company based in Milwaukee and was recognized in 2022 for having the fastest-growing practice of all first-year Northwestern Mutual financial advisers, is a 2019 graduate of BC3 @ Armstrong in Manor Township, Armstrong County.
He joins 17 other directors and ex-officio members with the BC3 Education Foundation, a charitable organization that seeks and manages private gifts to support BC3 with student scholarships, equipment purchases, faculty enhancement awards and grants for capital and program improvements.
Reitler earned an associate degree in business administration from BC3 @ Armstrong and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in 2021.
“He is one of BC3’s number one fans,” said Megan Coval, executive director of the BC3 Education Foundation and external relations. “He has such excitement for this college. He is so invested, invested to the point that he chose to buy his home where he did. He knew what revitalization BC3 @ Armstrong was going to bring to Ford City, and he wanted to have a front-row seat to it.”
While at BC3, Reitler was selected to the 2019 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, an honor that recognized his excellence in the classroom and dedication to his community college and community, and received a two-year full-tuition scholarship to any Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institution.
The 2017 graduate of Armstrong Junior-Senior High School served as a correspondent for The Cube, BC3’s student newsletter; assisted with spring and fall Welcome Days for new students and completed BC3’s Leadership Series.
Reitler was also elected as vice president of Rho Phi academic honor society. While a BC3 student, he also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Kittanning.
“Just an ideal resume,” said Tony Shakely, chair of the BC3 Education Foundation board. “If you were to describe a perfect candidate and a perfect addition to the foundation board, you’d be describing Matt. When you look at all the things he has done, you would expect that person to be 40 years old. But he is 23 and he has been involved in so much.”
Reitler’s background in finance will be “extremely helpful” to the BC3 Education Foundation in developing its budget, Coval said.
A record 148 named scholarships totaling more than $200,000 are available from the BC3 Education Foundation to registered BC3 students in 2022-2023.
The BC3 Education Foundation funds high school equivalency tests for students in the college’s adult literacy program and tuition and fees for noncredit training courses available to active first responders in Butler County. It also supports the college’s Hope is Dope opioid addiction recovery program, College Within the High School program and Stock Market Game, BC3’s Pioneer Pantry, faculty development opportunities and emergency funds for students.
Reitler credits his opportunity to work in the position to his education at BC3.
“When I was at BC3, I took advantage of every door that opened for me and every opportunity that was there,” Reitler said. “Having access to a very high-quality, affordable education is going to have a great impact on this community ... a solid future they might not have had access to if BC3 wasn’t in the heart of the community.”
