Awards Bestowed Upon Penn College’s May Graduates

Published 05.18.2013

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Student News

Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its May 2013 graduates.



More than 875 students petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the spring semester, and three commencement ceremonies were held May 17-18 at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.

Penn College is a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University.

The student award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are:

President's Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Ashley Marie Stuck, Lewistown, applied human services.

Board of Directors' Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Judy L. McMullen, Williamsport, applied human services.

The Academic Vice President and Provost's Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Brandt Donovan Hey, Chambersburg, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration; Brent Kristopher Hey, Chambersburg, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who exemplifies the ideals of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness, and high ideals): Godwin Omo-Ekpadi, Hatfield, construction management.

Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community and scholastic achievement: Jeremy L.Thorne, Sugarloaf, ornamental horticulture: landscape technology emphasis and ornamental horticulture: plant production emphasis.

Alpha Chi PA Xi Chapter Award, presented to a graduate who is an active member in good standing of Alpha Chi and who has provided outstanding leadership and service to the Penn College PA Xi Chapter of Alpha Chi: Rebecca Rae Miller, Williamsport, graphic communications management.

Central Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association Award, presented to a graduate of the health information technology major for scholastic achievement and leadership: Karen A. Lahr, Elysburg, health information technology and health information coding specialist.

Lepley, Engelman and Yaw Award, presented to the graduates of the legal assistant-paralegal major with the highest GPA: Shelley A. Matisz, Lock Haven, legal assistant-paralegal; Emily J. McClusick, Bellefonte, legal assistant-paralegal.

Lycoming Law Association Award, presented to the graduate of the legal assistant-paralegal associate-degree major who had the highest GPA and who was a Lycoming County resident prior to enrollment in and during completion of the program: Jacqueline Emma Carr, Montoursville, legal assistant-paralegal.

McNerney, Page, Vanderlin & Hall Award, presented to the graduate of the legal assistant-paralegal studies major with the highest GPA: Scott Aaron Rudinski, Williamsport, legal assistant-paralegal studies.

Information Technology Faculty Award, presented for scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Matthew David Nee, Springfield, information technology: information assurance and security concentration with a minor in IAS risk analyst and information technology: Web and applications development concentration.

M&T Bank Annual Award, presented to a graduate of an information technology associate-degree major based on the following criteria: the student (1) must plan to enter the information technology field, (2) must have demonstrated excellence in programming, networking and other information technology curricula, (3) must have maintained a consistently high level of scholastic achievement and (4) must have demonstrated a high degree of leadership ability: Dillon E. Kehres, Williamsport, information technology: technical support technology emphasis.

Business Management Faculty Award, presented for achievement in the field of management, leadership qualities, and cooperation with faculty and peers: Benjamin Joseph Sauter, Montoursville, technology management.

Electrical Excellence Award, presented to a college-selected graduate of the electrical occupations major who has exhibited outstanding capabilities in his or her course of study. Sponsored by Schaedler-Yesco Distribution, Inc.: Paul T. Jordan, Williamsport, renewable energy technologies.

Electrical Faculty Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of an electrical major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: Ahmad Ali Al Ibrahim, Williamsport, electrical technology.

NorthCentral PA Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award – Construction Management, presented to a graduate of construction management who demonstrates excellence, professionalism, and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: David Scott Price, Stroudsburg, construction management.

NorthCentral PA Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award – Architectural Technology, presented to a graduate of architectural technology who demonstrates excellence, professionalism, and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: Erin Rene Campbell, Mainesburg, architectural technology.

U.A. Local No. 520 Plumbers and Steamfitters Award, presented to a graduate of a plumbing and heating major who resides in the local membership area and has shown a strong interest and desire to become a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 520: Joseph W. Buttorff, Jersey Shore, heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology.

West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association Award, presented to graduates in building construction technology with outstanding GPAs, strong work ethic, ability to communicate well with faculty and a strong commitment to the residential building industry. Of the six awards presented, one is awarded to an electrical technology graduate (electrical and HVAC alternate every other year), and one is awarded to a heavy construction equipment technology student: William Wade Baney Jr., Mill Hall, building automation technology; Ryan Tyler Fry, Nazareth, building construction technology; Jonathan Michael Probst, Allison Park, residential construction technology and management; Colin P. Robinson, Cranberry Township, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis; Jeremy A. Sodano, Johnstown, building construction technology: masonry emphasis; Samantha Leigh Werner, Quakertown, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

Central Susquehanna Association for the Education of Young Children (CSAEYC) Award, presented to the graduate of the early childhood education program who best exemplifies the qualities expressed in the National Association for the Education of Young Children code of ethics: Ashley C. Adams, Lewistown, early childhood education.

Chef John Folse Excellence in Hospitality Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates Chef Folse's commitment to being a positive role model for the hospitality industry, work and scholastic excellence, stewardship of personal and professional resources, respect for self and others, and excellence and leadership in hospitality education: Alison Marie Rote, Lewisburg, culinary arts technology.

Hospitality Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, exemplifies professionalism and is committed to excellence in hospitality: Antonio James Rodriguez, Pottsville, culinary arts and systems.

Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to graduates of the associate-degree nursing major for outstanding academic achievement and exceptional ability in practicum and communication skills: Lisa Marie Engle, South Williamsport, nursing.

Linda F. Clark, BS RN, Memorial Nursing Commencement Award, presented to graduates of a nursing major who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and commitment to lifelong learning: Christopher D. Erdman, Muncy, nursing; Kayla Jane Renn, Turbotville, nursing.

The Shirley Novosel Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of a nursing major who demonstrates leadership and proficiency in clinical; promotes client advocacy; shows a strong desire to learn and help others learn; displays a caring, compassionate and empathetic attitude toward patients; and displays a positive attitude toward the nursing program in general: Bryce P. Auker, Selinsgrove, nursing.

Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to graduates of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibit the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Samantha K. Diehl, Howard, nursing; Traci L. Walls, New Columbia, nursing.

Ronald E. Thompson Memorial Physical Fitness Specialist Commencement Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of the physical fitness specialist major who has demonstrated high academic achievement and promotes and practices the principles of wellness and personal fitness: Luke Anthony Stanislawski, Harrisburg, physical fitness specialist.

The Dr. Clarke J. Hollister Memorial Award, presented to the student who has shown outstanding ability and achievement in dental health education: Janell Lynn Zalno, Clearfield, dental hygiene.

The Colgate (S.T.A.R.) Student Total Achievement Recognition Award, awarded to the graduating dental hygiene student who meets the following criteria: demonstrates true dedication to the dental hygiene profession, exhibits compassion in patient care, displays enthusiasm for community service, enjoys the role of dental hygienist: Elizabeth Rose Mendenhall, Christiana, dental hygiene.

Dental Hygiene Faculty Award, presented to the associate-degree student who demonstrates the most professional growth and development throughout the course of study in the dental hygiene program: Kathrine Elise Dixon, Houtzdale, dental hygiene.

Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, presented to the student who has the highest clinical average: Elizabeth Rose Mendenhall, Christiana, dental hygiene.

North Central Dental Hygiene Association Award, presented to the graduating student who exhibits the greatest enthusiasm and commitment to the dental hygiene program through participation in Student Members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association: Kathrine Elise Dixon, Houtzdale, dental hygiene.

Patricia L. Saxton Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award, presented to the student who exhibits dedication to the profession by encouraging and supporting others. Characteristics include but are not limited to: team player, willing to help, trustworthiness, self-directed, independent, courteous and respectful: Kathrine Elise Dixon, Houtzdale, dental hygiene.

Procter & Gamble Award, presented to a dental hygiene graduate in recognition of knowledge in the preventive aspects of dental disease and contributions toward the preventative oral health of patients: Sara Elizabeth Larson, South Williamsport, dental hygiene.

Sigma Phi Alpha Award (National Dental Hygiene Honor Society), postgraduate award presented to a student in the top 10 percent of the graduating class with the highest in-program GPA at the end of the fourth semester: Allison Marie Heverling, Manheim, dental hygiene; Sara Elizabeth Larson, South Williamsport, dental hygiene.

The Ed Dobeck Memorial Award, presented by the Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors for a graduating civil engineering technology or surveying technology student expressing an interest in a land surveying career: Andrew Allen Adams, Herndon, surveying technology.

Penn College Machine Shop Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year automated manufacturing/machining/toolmaking major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence and exhibits devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, and friendliness: Joseph D. Wood, White Haven, machine tool technology.

AWS (American Welding Society) Student Chapter Award, presented to members of the student chapter who have shown leadership and dedication in the field of welding: Lindsey R. Anderson, Heber Springs, Ark., welding and fabrication engineering technology and welding technology; Tyler S. Caldwell, Manchester, welding and fabrication engineering technology and welding technology.

Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to graduates of a two- or four-year welding major who exemplify the college philosophy of excellence: Jacob Andrew Lindsey, Woolrich, welding technology; Erick Daniel Speer, Franklin, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to the graduates who have attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Alex M. Mascelli, Springfield, Va., welding technology; Sean P. Turnbach, Berwick, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Plastics Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of the plastics program (associate or bachelor’s degree) who most exemplifies the characteristics of excellence in education, dedication to the profession and commitment to service: Joshua James Rice, Williamsport, plastics and polymer engineering technology.

Alfred L. Hauser Sr. Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student in the two-year automated manufacturing technology or four-year manufacturing engineering technology major who exemplifies the college's philosophy of excellence: Tyler J. Bennett, Mahaffey, manufacturing engineering technology.

Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to two graduates of electronics & computer engineering technology (one associate and one bachelor’s) based on major GPA as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Joseph M. Harner II, Montoursville, electronics and computer engineering technology; Michael Scott Williams, Muncy, electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis.

Computer-Aided Product Design Faculty Award, presented to faculty-selected graduates of  computer aided product design who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field, and potential for success in the future: James Michael Gehret, Williamsport, computer aided product design; Jonathan E. Harris, Danville, computer aided product design; Justin D. Shaner, Montgomery, computer aided drafting technology.

The Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement in mathematics: Jonathan E. Harris, Danville, computer aided product design.

Harvey A. Martin Memorial Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of graphic communications who exhibits a commitment to the profession and love of the major: Rebecca Rae Miller, Williamsport, graphic communications management.

Dean Solomon Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates a desire for a profession in mathematics and/or computer science; who demonstrates good character, an affable personality, and concern for fellow human beings; and who has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher: Shawn M. Ferricks, Edgewood, Md., information technology: information technology security specialist concentration.

American Infrastructure Award, presented to the top performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis: Derek Steven Black, Trout Run, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician: Cody Timothy Marshall, Creekside, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

The Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to the graduate showing the highest degree of proficiency in a diesel equipment technology major: Travis Aaron Hoover, Patton, diesel technology.

Diesel Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies professionalism within the field of diesel technology: Colby L. Shollenberger, Hamburg, diesel technology.

Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of forest technology who best exemplifies academic achievement, service, and professionalism within the field of forestry: Cameron J. Cool, Fairfield, forest technology.

William J. Stitzel Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of a diesel equipment technology major who best exemplifies William J. Stitzel’s dedication to Penn College through service to the college community, service to fellow students and academic achievement: Lance David Aucker, Millerstown, diesel technology.

Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of ornamental horticulture/landscaping who best exemplifies academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of horticulture: Zachary Allen Mueller, East Earl, landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis.

Aviation Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of aviation maintenance: Kenton D. Lucas, Bernville, aviation maintenance technician.

Honda PACT Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major (manufacturer emphases and collision repair excluded): Andrew John Arena, Stroudsburg, automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis.

Ford ASSET Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major (manufacturer emphases and collision repair excluded): Andrew J. Patrick, Sea Girt, N.J., automotive technology: Ford ASSET emphasis.

Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major (manufacturer emphases and collision repair excluded): Daniel Ellis Sollenberger, New Enterprise, automotive technology.

DuPont Performance Coatings Excellence Award, presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Stephen Kenneth Lauman, Gilbertsville, collision repair technology.

Orelli Supply Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Nicholas Edward Ochs, Lucinda, collision repair technology.

Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Justin Paul Fisher, McClure, collision repair technology.

For more information about Penn College, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.