Author Archives: Tom Wilson

The fall semester may be winding down, but there’s no end to the on-campus networking opportunities arranged by Career Services for Penn College students and alumni. On the other side of Thanksgiving break, Piedmont will staff a pop-up information table to talk with prospective airframe and powerplant mechanics. Watch for the airline’s recruiters from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the second-floor lobby at the Lumley Aviation Center.

A leadership contingent from Penn State DuBois sweepingly explored Penn College’s main campus on Tuesday, stopping by … walking by … and being greatly impressed by the variety of academic areas and services that give students a full collegiate experience and develop their workforce readiness. Making the visit from the commonwealth campus, about 110 miles west of Williamsport, were: Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer; Alex Gasbarre, chief executive officer of Gasbarre Products Inc., a DuBois-based supplier to the powder metallurgy, particulate materials and thermal processing industries; John P. Brennan, director of continuing and community education; and Bradley W. Lashinsky, program director, North Central PA LaunchBox at the DuBois campus.

“Anytime we can learn from one another, and find mutually beneficial opportunities for our students and industry, is a good day,” said President Michael J. Reed, who met Ryoo several weeks ago and bolstered that connection during Tuesday’s visit. “There is much to discuss about our common goals – and ways in which to achieve them – and we welcome the ongoing collaboration.”

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The Student Wildcats of Robotic Design hosted its Fall Robot Competition in Penn College’s Field House on Saturday, a popular seasonal display of teamwork, problem-solving and flat-out excitement. Winners in the Antweight class (1-pound robots) were “Tax Evasion,” first place; “Trash Panda,” second; and “Off-Brand Paper Towels,” third. Topping the Beetleweight class (3-pound robots) were “Thunder Child,” first place; “Cortex,” second; and “Adrift,” third.
Photos by Frank T. Kocsis III, student photographer

Students played trivia in the Dauphin Hall TV lounge on Friday night for their chance to win prizes that included gift cards from The College Store and local businesses. Contestants kept track on paper as they answered questions that covered an assortment of Disney movies and characters – questions that challenged even the most knowledgeable fans! Passersby stopped to watch for a while, some even joining in on the action.
Photos by Alexis M. Burrell, student photographer

Before heading over the river and through the woods to whomever’s house, here’s some holiday inspiration from the festive folks at Dining Services! Capitol Eatery recently hosted a Thanksgiving Buffet, laden with wonderful fare prepared by Cody J. Miller, head cook, and his team.
Photos by Noelle B. Bloom, Dining Services’ assistant director

About 30 students from four area schools participated in Penn College’s 2022 Horticulture Field Day on Friday, hosted at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center by the School of Engineering Technologies and its Diesel Technology & Natural Resources Division. Competitors from Berks Career & Technology Center, Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center, Franklin County Career & Technology Center, and Wellsboro High School vied for awards in a variety of events, including equipment operation, floral design and sales presentation. Making the day run smoothly were Carl J. Bower Jr. and Justin Shelinski, members of the horticulture faculty; Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources; and horticulture students and alumni (who served as contest judges and showcased their businesses). The day coincided with the college’s final Open House of the Fall 2022 semester, and included tours of the Allenwood area campus and presentations by Admissions Office staff.

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Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers got their first taste of conference competition in the NCAA era (since 2014) and the women’s basketball team picked up its first win of the season last week.

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Characters are stalking the second floor of The Madigan Library at Pennsylvania College of Technology – and they’re not the book variety!

Wood masks crafted by students in two sections of Wood Sculpture (ART142) are on display through Finals Week in early December (until their creators whisk them away for winter break).

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The foundational reach of a Pennsylvania College of Technology education has prompted a New York family to make a substantial investment in student scholarships at the institution.

The Glenn Lois family, of Fishkill, New York, made an initial $30,000 gift in March as part of The Legacy Campaign for Penn College, then committed to that amount for four additional years. The $150,000 total gift places the family on the college’s Donor Wall as members of the Visionary Society ($100,000 to $499,999).

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Modernizing its stage lighting and cinema projector is the next production being undertaken by the Community Arts Center, thanks to a $150,000 Keystone Communities Program grant administered by the state Department of Community & Economic Development and supported by Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the Board of Directors for Pennsylvania College of Technology, the owner of the facility.

Enhancing its audiovisual capabilities will permit the historic theater to expand its arts offerings – including film screenings, as it has done in the past – and increase its festival space potential.

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Word has been received of the Aug. 13 death of Robert A. Secor, who chaired the Penn College Board of Directors from 2012-13.

Penn State’s former vice provost for academic affairs, Secor joined the Penn College Board in 1998 and served until December 2016. He was granted “director emeritus” status the following February.

A memorial service was held Aug. 28 at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel in New York City.

In a fitting coda to “Give Thanks, Paw It Forward,” a five-day expression of gratitude, human services & restorative justice student Colin G. Browne Jr. hits all the right notes – from journeys taken, to lessons learned, to friends made, to experiences shared.

“Penn College has afforded me an excellent education through exceptional classroom instruction, an organized curriculum, state-of-the art laboratories, academic tutoring, and the best tools and resources to succeed,” Browne said, as he prepares to stride across the Community Arts Center stage in mid-December and seamlessly begin his tomorrow-making future. “I am incredibly fortunate to have found Penn College, and it will be an honor to graduate from this institution.”

The students’ impressive stories, shared by College Relations this past week, are indicative of the talent on display every single day: noteworthy in themselves, but far from the last word in accomplishment. As these students and alumni voice their appreciation for those who have supported them, a grateful Penn College community reverberates with a “Thank you” of its own.

The ever-friendly faces of the Dunham Children’s Learning Center have been busy lately, meeting and greeting people at the center and around campus.

The first adventure was a visit by Penn College President Michael J. Reed, who wanted to see firsthand what the children and their families create and learn every day at the CLC.

“It was great to inform him about the wonderful benefit that the center allows for our student families, as well as for faculty, staff and alumni,” said Linda A. Reichert, the center’s director (who also provided the photos). “The children welcomed him with open arms, as they are all accustomed to having regular visitors and students in the center as a lab for adult learners.”

The youngsters later ventured out to visit Veteran & Military Services in the Davie Jane Gilmour Center to show appreciation for all that servicemen and women do to keep America safe. The children presented Chet Beaver, coordinator, and Katie C. Burke, veteran services specialist, with a huge heart featuring all of their painted handprints, as well as individual patriotic “Thank you” cards.

Seventeen students – including representatives of such varied campus organizations as Baja SAE, the Black Student Union, Information Security Association and the Penn College Business Club – participated in last weekend’s “(community) Service Saturday” at an area Habitat for Humanity site.

The volunteers were joined by Jaycie M. Loud, assistant director of student engagement, and worked with the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity Home Preservation Program to remove weeds, brush and undergrowth at a home near Montoursville Area High School.

“(community) Service Saturday” events, held the second Saturday of the month, provide Penn College students with opportunities to volunteer within the Greater Williamsport area and get acquainted with nearby nonprofits. The next will be from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 14, when students will make no-sew fleece blankets for donation to local organizations.

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Pennsylvania College of Technology has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for being one of the nearly 400 institutions nationwide designated as 2022 ALL IN Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting.

The designation identifies colleges and universities making intentional efforts to increase student voter participation and nonpartisan student democratic engagement.

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