Penn College Honors Three Alumni at Commencement

Published 05.16.2015

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Pennsylvania College of Technology bestowed honors upon three alumni during Spring 2015 commencement ceremonies held May 15-16 at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.

Adam J. Yoder, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, received the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award on May 15. Joseph H. and Barbara A. Reynolds, of Williamsport, were presented with the Humanitarian/Citizenship Award during the same ceremony. Michael K. Patterson, of Oval, received a Mentorship Award on May 16.



Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award winner Adam J. Yoder with Pennsylvania College of Technology President Davie Jane GilmourGiven for the first time this year, the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a graduate of Penn College or its predecessor institutions who has significantly given his or her time and talent to the college by volunteering at college events and activities.

Yoder, an account manager with Honeywell International, graduated from Penn College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in building automation technology and a minor in business administration. He earned associate degrees in electrical technology and electromechanical maintenance technology in 2008.

Yoder regularly volunteers at college Open Houses, Career Fairs, in the classroom, and as an alumni voice for the college’s fundraising efforts.

During his time as a college student, Yoder served as president of the Student Government Association, as a member of the steering committee and student admissions and support committee of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and as a student representative to various committees within the college’s Internal Governance System.

Gilmour with Humanitarian/Citizenship Award recipients Joseph H. and Barbara A. ReynoldsThe Alumni Citizenship/Humanitarian Award is bestowed upon graduates of Penn College or its predecessor institutions who have provided distinguished community or volunteer service and presented themselves as dedicated and loyal alumni.

The Reynoldses are active volunteers with the American Cancer Society and are alumni of the college’s immediate predecessor, Williamsport Area Community College.

Joseph Reynolds, a 1976 graduate in diesel mechanics, retired business owner and cancer survivor, serves as an American Cancer Society Ambassador. He and his wife co-chaired the 2013 Destiny Ball, a charity event conducted by the Lycoming County unit of the American Cancer Society that raised more than $150,000.

Barbara Reynolds graduated from the college in 1974 and 1995 with degrees in practical nursing and nursing, respectively, and has worked for Susquehanna Health for 41 years – the past 13 years as a chemotherapy nurse at the Cancer Treatment Center. She has been a longtime volunteer at Relay for Life events.

The president with Mentorship Award recipient Michael K. PattersonThe Mentorship Award recognizes alumni, individuals or businesses who have made significant or ongoing contributions to the education or development of Penn College students by providing mentorship opportunities and/or professional guidance.

Patterson, who has served as a welding lecturer since 2007, earned a welding certificate from Williamsport Area Community College in 1977. In 2013, he received the college’s Part-Time Teaching Excellence Award.

Patterson guided more than 50 students in a yearlong project called “Student Bodies,” one of three campus art installations created to celebrate the college’s Centennial in 2014. The large-scale art installation features 78 abstract human forms made of scrap-metal pieces welded together. His other diverse work experience includes more than 20 years as a metal artist; 10 years working as a welder in Antarctica; and employment in nuclear, railroad and industrial settings.

For more about Alumni Relations at Penn College, visit online.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.