Annual Scholarship Fund Established by College Foundation
Published 09.20.2001
Current and former members of the Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation Board of Directors have banded together to establish an annual $1,000 scholarship for students at Penn College.
Thirty-six board members donated to "The Foundation Board of Director Endowed Scholarship Fund," which will be awarded initially in Fall 2002.
The eligibility criteria have yet to be determined by the Foundation Board, but the main focus is expected to be an applicant's volunteer efforts and community and College involvement.
The Foundation, which was established in 1981, recently held a 20th Anniversary Celebration Reception and Garden Party on the grounds of the Victorian House at Penn College.
Originally known as the "Williamsport Area Community College Foundation," the Foundation was created by a core group of people who believed in the mission of the College and saw the need for a fund-raising organization to support the institution and its students.
In the first few years, the Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $2,425. This year alone, scholarship awards have surpassed $187,000, and the total amount of contributions since the Foundation's inception now exceed $9 million, with endowed assets approaching $2 million.
Over the past two decades, 105 community leaders have volunteered their time to help the Foundation serve its mission.
At the 20th anniversary event, the College recognized three people who have served the Foundation for the entire 20 years of its existence: William Pickelner, who was the Foundation's first president; John Savoy; and Linda Schultz, whose late father, John, also served on the Foundation Board.
The College also recognized those who have operated the office and who have worked behind the scenes for many activities and events: William Homisak (1981-83); Fred Gilmour (1983-86); the late Ann Barilar (1986-93); Sue Girdon (1993); Lenore Penfield (1993-99); and Dennis Correll (1999-present).
This scholarship fund that has been established will give many past and present board members a vehicle to which they can direct future contributions in order to assist Penn College students academically and ensure they reach their full potential.