Alumni Spotlight

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.”

Daniel McCormick

Our featured alumnus, Daniel McCormick, 23, of Greensburg, attended Westmoreland County Community College from 2021-2022 for general education credits and then returned in 2024 for Real Estate courses.

So what made McCormick want to attend Westmoreland after high school?

“After graduating from Hempfield, I always knew I wanted to further my education but wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do. Westmoreland gave me the financial freedom to be able to take different classes without spending tons of money,” McCormick said. “I had always been interested in real estate and love home decor and older style architecture. My parents always had HGTV on and we used to randomly stop at open houses and so I always had an affinity for realty. We had moved a few times and I always really found interest in the home buying and selling process.”

“When I decided that I wanted to pursue real estate I began to look up where to take classes. I had previously taken some general credits at the college and was happy to see that they had a Real Estate program,” he said. “I reached out to an advisor and was set on the right path.”

At Westmoreland, McCormick earned his real estate certificate. After he finished the program, he was then able to sit for the licensing exams and earn his real estate license. He is now training through a mentorship program at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: The Preferred.

When looking back at his college experience, McCormick has fond memories that stick out.

“Any interaction with Rob (the student life coordinator) on campus was a great memory! I also loved the private study rooms for being able to crank out a few hours of work with a coffee or two from Westleys. My favorite instructor was Julie Zappone. She is in charge of the real estate program and created wonderful lectures for the classes. I was worried about having to take the program online and she was always available for questions and the lectures made you feel like you were in a proper class,” he said.

Now that he is a graduate of the college, what is he up to now?

McCormick states, “I am a licensed Real Estate Agent for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: The Preferred Realty. I was able to take my licensing test after finishing the program and then was able to meet with BHHS: The Preferred Realty and discuss signing with them. I am now currently working with buyers and helping them find their dream home and am helping sellers get ready to list their homes this fall. I am also a part of the Westmoreland West Association of REALTORS© which helps set standards and rules for agents and provides us with many helpful resources. I am very happy with my decision!”

How did the college prepare McCormick for his current career?

“The real estate program covered topics in real estate such as proper practices, law, property management and finance which laid solid groundwork in order for me to take the licensing exams. After some additional study guides and books I found online, I was able to pass both the national and state exams on my first try. There is a lot of on-the-job training with being an agent but the program did provide me with good base knowledge,” explains McCormick.

In McCormick’s spare time, he likes to cook and sing. He also likes to get a coffee and hit the antique and thrift stores. He would like to especially thank his family and friends for their support, with a special shout to his three cats: Joey, Sunny and Jax; and his one Shih Tzu, Bear.

His advice for current college students?

“Study hard and enjoy taking classes while you can. WCCC is a wonderful college and I am very grateful for the opportunities it has provided me. Life begins to get a little more stressful once you graduate and begin working, but it is all worth it in the long run!” says McCormick.

Please feel free to reach out if you need help with real estate or are also interested in going into the field and have any questions. McCormick can be reached at dmccormick@tprsold.com.