RACC and Yocum Institute benefactor James H. Yocum leaves lasting legacy
When Susan Rohn first saw the dilapidated former factory, now home to the Yocum Institute for Arts Education, she wasn't sure what to think.
The institute needed a building with more space and room for expansion, and Rohn, executive director of the institute, had gone with James H. Yocum, then president of the board and a longtime benefactor, to check out the building at 3000 Penn Ave. in Spring Township.
Seeing the broken windowpanes and holes in the ceilings, Rohn seriously doubted the neglected building was a good fit.
She was surprised when Yocum turned to her and said: 'This is perfect. This is exactly what you need.'
It was classic Jim, Rohn said. He had a gift for seeing beyond what was, to what could be.
James Yocum
Yocum died April 8 at the age of 98.
The Reading native, Korean War veteran and Harvard-educated businessman was a passionate philanthropist whose legacy lives on at the arts institute that bears his name and Reading Area Community College.
Both institutions were transformed by his generosity.
As a longtime trustee of RACC, Yocum played an instrumental role in shaping the college and its future. His leadership included serving as vice chairman from 1996 to 1998 and again from 2000 to 2002, as well as chairman from 1998 to 2000 and again from 2002 to 2004.
Titles don't begin to capture the breadth of his impact, said Anthony DeMarco, vice president for college advancement and executive director of the Foundation for RACC and Miller Center.
'Jim was much more than a philanthropist and leader,' DeMarco said. 'He was a friend to faculty, staff and students. We all revered him. His joyous, positive nature lifted the spirits of all around him.'
Yocum created the foundation — the philanthropic arm of the college — and served as its first chairman. Thanks to his vision and tireless dedication, DeMarco said, the foundation now holds over $32 million in assets, making it one of the most successful among community colleges in Pennsylvania.
Yocum also established and endowed 25 scholarships, believed to be the most created by an individual at a Pennsylvania college.
'Hundreds of RACC students have benefitted from Jim's generosity,' DeMarco said, 'and hundreds of Yocum Scholars will earn college degrees for generations.'
Yocum also made a major gift that allowed the college to build its Yocum Library, which serves as the academic heart of the college.
In honor of his extraordinary service, DeMarco said, the college renamed its highest recognition for former trustees to the James H. Yocum Trustee Emeritus Award. Fittingly, he said, Yocum was the first recipient.
Yocum's legacy at the Yocum Institute, formerly the Wyomissing Institute of Fine Arts, is equally profound.
As a longtime board member and past president, Yocum supported the institute for decades, helping it grow into a vital center for creative learning and performance.
In 2009, the institute was renamed in his honor.
When the organization outgrew its former space, Yocum not only scouted the current location in Spring Township, he also provided the financial support and leadership to make the transition possible, Rohn said.
Today, the Yocum Institute serves as a hub of arts education for students of all ages and backgrounds. Its ADA-compliant facilities include a black-box theater, art gallery, six dance studios, music wing and a secure arts-based kindergarten and preschool.
Rohn said there are many stories about Yocum, who often approached life with the joy and wonder of a child.
He was known for the colorful and often flamboyant suits and vests he wore to the institute's exhibit openings and performances.
'There are no bad cookies,' he'd quip, happily munching at opening receptions, she remembers.
As for his favorite artists, Rohn noted, these were the students of the institute's preschool and kindergarten.
'He was a character, and everyone loved him,' said Rohn. 'He was so good to everyone. He was a treasure.'
Yocum was predeceased by his parents, George Lehman Yocum and Helen (Jost) Yocum, and a brother, George Yocum.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held April 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church, 925 Centre Ave.
Friends and associates will be received from 9:30 to 11 a.m. prior to Mass.
Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.
A celebration of life for James H. Yocum will be held at the Yocum Institute May 9 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Memorials may be made in his memory to the Yocum Institute for Arts Education, 3000 Penn Ave., Reading PA 19609 or the Foundation for RACC to support the James H. Yocum Scholarship Fund, Foundation for RACC, 10 S. Second St., Box 1706, Reading PA. 19603.
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