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Alumni Events

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Farm Show activities illustrate Penn College’s hands-on magnetism

Sixth-graders from Fleetwood Area Middle School in Berks County proudly show off their keepsake aircraft, some of the 70 or so built at the college's booth that day.

Penn College’s inspiring majors made their customary splash throughout the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg (Jan. 4-11), as a rotating regiment of subject experts satisfied each day’s crowds – intellectually and nutritionally – at the nation’s largest indoor agricultural expo. In addition to the photo gallery below, the college’s involvement was covered by the Pennsylvania Cable Network and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, which featured the schools of Nursing & Health Sciences and Business & Hospitality in its editions.

Alumni President Scholarships

President, provost launch fund for new-student scholarships

A fund established to develop an innovative scholarship program at Pennsylvania College of Technology will empower a group of alumni to aid in the college’s recruitment activities.

The Tomorrow Makers Fund, created with philanthropic support from Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour and Michael J. Reed, vice president for academic affairs/provost, will be promoted by engaged alumni who are participating in the college’s Tomorrow Makers Program as they help recruit the next generation of “Tomorrow Makers.”

“Our alumni are an invaluable resource in recruiting new students,” Gilmour said. “What better way to convince someone to enroll here than by having them hear directly from a graduate who had a great experience at Penn College and went on to find success in his or her professional career. I am proud to support a program that facilitates this unique scholarship opportunity.”

Alumni Corporate Relations Faculty & Staff General Information President Scholarships Sports Students Workforce Development

President nurtures seeds of success during all-college message

Midway through the academic year and at the on-ramp to a metamorphic new decade, transformation – the college’s internal modifications to enhance students’ life-altering opportunities – was very much on the mind of President Davie Jane Gilmour during Friday’s Spring 2020 kickoff. “Like any other organization or institution, we need to assess, adjust, change and adapt. This assessment is an ongoing process and will continue as we move through this spring semester,” she told faculty and staff assembled in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium. “I believe in our future, in the power of a Penn College education and in our ability to change lives.”

Alumni Faculty & Staff Industrial Design Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Students

All ‘signs’ point to Penn College grad’s success

Walking amid the collage of colors highlighting attractions and the buzz of anticipation emanating from thousands of patrons, Cory D. Karges resembles a typical tourist. In his untucked brown polo shirt, jeans and white sneakers, he purposely blends into the sun-soaked crowd at the Universal Orlando Resort.

But his connection to the famous destination and other world-renowned parks stands out.

The Pennsylvania College of Technology graduate is the design manager for the company responsible for much of the creative signage – from bold marquees to tiny arrow markers – that complement and enhance the inviting themes of Universal’s various thrill rides, restaurants and hotels.

“When you go into the park and you’re standing next to something that you’ve made, and a family comes up and takes a picture of it, you’re like, ‘Oh that’s cool!’ The thing that I made that nobody thinks about is probably in hundreds, thousands of pictures on Facebook and Instagram,” Karges said. “It’s way better for me than making widgets, that’s for sure.”

Alumni Events Faculty & Staff Students

Decade’s final grads take a ‘bough’ amid holiday greenery

Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Fall Commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport. Stephanie A. Petrison, of Landenberg, who received a Bachelor of Science in business administration: sport and event management concentration, was the student speaker. Also addressing December’s class was Ryan P. Good, assistant professor of welding, who was presented with the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award in May. Degrees were conferred by President Davie Jane Gilmour and state Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the Penn College Board of Directors, and a Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to 2004 business administration graduate Clint Cullison, a senior associate with Greenlee Partners.

Alumni Business & Hospitality Business & Hospitality Management

Business alumnus honored at Penn College commencement

Clinton M. Cullison, a 2004 business administration: marketing concentration graduate, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Pennsylvania College of Technology President Davie Jane Gilmour.

A business administration alumnus leading a successful career in government relations received the Distinguished Alumni Award at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Fall 2019 commencement ceremonies, held Dec. 21 at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.

Clinton M. Cullison, a 2004 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration: marketing concentration, is a senior associate with Greenlee Partners, a Harrisburg-based lobbying and government affairs firm.

Admissions Alumni Business & Hospitality Construction & Design Technologies Faculty & Staff Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Nursing & Health Sciences Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

College to help Farm Show patrons ‘imagine’ career possibilities

Assembling a truss bridge at the Pennsylvania College of Technology booth, Bret A. Yetter – a surveying technology major from Liverpool – was among those welcoming visitors to the 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Students and employees will return to the complex from Jan. 4-11 to showcase the variety of careers represented by Penn College’s six academic schools.

A New Year’s tradition – Pennsylvania College of Technology’s eye-opening participation in the nation’s largest indoor agricultural attraction – is about to be renewed.

Knowledgeable students and employees will busily represent the college at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, and personify the event’s 2019 theme of “Imagine the Opportunities.”

“We always look forward to showcasing the excitement of our academic programs. This is a great opportunity to introduce Farm Show visitors to the opportunities a Penn College degree provides,” said Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management/associate provost. “With so many visitors from across the commonwealth, we also enjoy connecting with our alumni attending the event.”

Alumni Civil Engineering & Surveying Construction & Design Technologies

Civil engineering alum on publication’s list of young industry leaders

Eric J. Fino, a 2016 civil engineering technology graduate, is included among Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s Top 20 Under 40. “Throughout my high school career, I tinkered with everything I could get my hands on, from working on cars to helping put together stage equipment for my high school’s Christmas play,” Fino said. “I learned early that I was a hands-on learner. ” That naturally led him to Penn College, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation internship in his chosen field and full-time employment there as work zone coordinator. In addition to his job responsibilities, Fino is an Eagle Scout who serves his community in a variety of capacities.

Alumni General Information

Charter member of Penn College board laid to rest

The Cormans, at a Capitol swearing-in ceremony to officially open the 2019-20 legislative session

Services were this week for former state Sen. J. Doyle Corman Jr., an original member of the Penn College Board of Directors, who died Sunday, Dec. 8, at his Bellefonte home. Corman was a Centre County commissioner from 1968 to 1977, when he was elected to the state Senate – where he represented the 34th District until retiring in 1998. He was succeeded in office by his son, Jacob D. “Jake” Corman, a 1990 mass communication alumnus of the college. The elder Corman was among the 11 initial directors appointed as Williamsport Area Community College was legislatively transformed into Penn College in July 1989. That board was chaired by then state Rep. Alvin C. Bush, for whom the Campus Center is named; and included Kathryn W. Lumley, honored through the Aviation Center in Montoursville.

Alumni Art and Graphic Design Baking, Pastry & Culinary Arts Business & Hospitality Business & Hospitality Management Faculty & Staff Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications Students

Longstanding project, long-lasting legacy

Santaella (left) and Kreitzer stand with the stunning tile wall.

The final touches to the piece: triangle toppings

Over 500 students and more than 500 ceramic tiles in the making, another stunning example of Penn College art is complete and ready for rave reviews and views. Adorning a wall in the north stairwell of the Bush Campus Center, the ceramics sensation was started in Fall 2013 by David A. Stabley, instructor of ceramics and wood sculpture, after he received permission from administration. “It was my idea to have students make something to leave behind as part of a permanent art piece,” Stabley said. “It’s an interesting idea of working on a group project over such a long period of time. And it’s nice to decorate a plain stairwell area to give it some life!” With the help of two Ceramics III students – Amber Kreitzer, of Port Trevorton, and Natascha G. Santaella, of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Stabley recently placed the finishing touches on the CC stairwell project: ceramic triangles topping the tile wall. Kreitzer and Santaella earned associate degrees in baking and pastry arts in 2018 and will graduate this month with Bachelor of Science degrees in applied management. Stabley and smaller groups of students have installed the Centennial Mosaic on a wall of the Physician Assistant Center and mosaics in Capitol Eatery. The artist has also crafted solo mosaics in the atrium of the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center and on an exterior wall of the Hager Lifelong Education Center. Stabley’s inspiring artwork can also be found in downtown Williamsport.

Alumni Automated Manufacturing & Machining Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies

WACC alum’s emotional return ‘best day’ ever

Accompanied by Kimberly R. Cassel, director of alumni relations, Lee I. Miller, ’67, shows off the WACC parking pass he paid a few cents for in the mid-1960s, along with his class ring.

A 1967 Williamsport Area Community College graduate’s longtime dream came true recently when he toured the college’s Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center and Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center.

Lee Miller came to Williamsport Technical Institute as a student in Fall 1965, fresh out of high school. He said that, seven weeks after his arrival, the institute became Williamsport Area Community College. (In 1989, it transformed into Pennsylvania College of Technology.)

He graduated with a machinist general certificate. While a student, Miller roomed at 955 W. Fourth St., where he paid $60 a month.

Alumni Automated Manufacturing & Machining Corporate Relations Engineering Design Technology Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Students

Student competition seeks design concepts for renamed campus facility

Courtesy of a generous donation from Larry A. Ward, an engineering drafting technology alumnus, the Machining Technologies Lab will receive all new equipment, paint, lighting and fixtures. Ward’s leadership gift will be permanently recognized, with the Machining Technologies Center being renamed in his honor.

This gift is also sparking a Tomorrow Makers contest, in which Pennsylvania College of Technology students are encouraged to help in designing a fitting sign/sculpture/artwork that includes the name “Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center” and tells the story of what takes place within the building. Students may work individually or in teams of up to five.

Alumni Construction & Design Technologies Construction Management

Construction management alumni among ‘Top Young Professionals’

Two alumni of Penn College’s four-year construction management major – Brian J. Fish and Matthew R. Sarver – are included among the 20 Top Young Professionals in Engineering News-Record’s Mid-Atlantic Region. Fish, a 2002 graduate, is a general superintendent with Hensel Phelps; Sarver, Class of 2004, is an area manager at Gilbane Building Co.

The magazine’s 2020 roster represents the “best and brightest emerging design and construction leaders from across the region,” comprising Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

The awards program honors individuals who have built extraordinary industry portfolios in just a few short years. In addition, according to the publication, many donate significant amounts of time and expertise to serve their communities. Each recipient will be profiled in more detail in ENR MidAtlantic’s February issue.

The winning entries will advance to consideration for ENR’s National “Top Young 20 Under 40” honors, to be announced in the spring.

Alumni Events Faculty & Staff Students

Penn College’s Fall Commencement set for Dec. 21

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Fall 2019 Commencement will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport. The student speaker will be Stephanie A. Petrison, of Landenberg, Chester County.

Nearly 300 students have petitioned to graduate and receive their degrees following the Fall 2019 semester at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

A commencement ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St.

The student speaker will be Stephanie A. Petrison, of Landenberg, who will receive a Bachelor of Science in business administration: sport and event management concentration.

Alumni Nursing & Health Sciences Physical Therapist Assistant

College’s first physical therapist assistant grads 100% employed

The first graduating class from Pennsylvania College of Technology’s physical therapist assistant major is fully employed in the field. Hands-on learning takes place in a well-equipped laboratory, where students practice skills and interventions.

The first graduating class of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s physical therapist assistant major not only achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the national certification exam for physical therapist assistants, but the graduates have subsequently achieved 100% employment in their chosen field.

All Class of 2018 graduates who sought employment are employed as physical therapist assistants. They are working in hospitals, long-term care facilities and outpatient centers across Pennsylvania and as far south as North Carolina.

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