Construction & Design Technologies

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.

Construction & Design Technologies Construction Management Students

First-place win among construction management success

The first-place Pre-Construction Team that represented Penn College in regional competition is (from left) Justin L. Stanton, of Newfoundland; Zachary J. Kravitz, of Berwyn; Brendan B. Thompson, of Womelsdorf; Seth G. Hendershot, of Dunkirk, Md.; Adam J. Hutchinson, of Greensburg; and Jacob R. Stouffer, of Chambersburg.

Six-member teams of Pennsylvania College of Technology construction management students brought home first- and fifth-place honors from the 30th annual Associated Schools of Construction Region 1 Student Competition held Nov. 8-10 in Albany, New York.

Penn College topped the Pre-Construction category, sponsored by Weeks Marine Inc., which challenged four teams to handle project startup for the first phase of deck rehabilitation at International-Matex Tank Terminals’ Pier 6 in New Jersey – including allowance for delivery of materials and equipment by waterborne barge.

The college’s Commercial entry, enlisted by Dimeo Construction Co. to renovate a three-story dormitory at Providence College and connect it by an atrium to a new two-story building, placed fifth among 13 teams. That category was won by Drexel University.

Building Construction Construction & Design Technologies Faculty & Staff Students

Ceremony marks college’s contribution to veterans memorial

Markley (left) listens as Howard Wilt, a Marine veteran of the Korean War and chair of the memorial commission, reads the award inscription.

Lugg and Reed accept plaques on behalf of the college's role in the veterans memorial. — Lugg and Reed accept plaques on behalf of the college’s role in the veterans memorial.

A memorial brick casts in stone the institution's timeless commitment to veterans. — A memorial brick casts in stone the institution’s timeless commitment to veterans.

Veterans gather with Penn College students, administrators and faculty in unified appreciation of those honored at the solemn site.

“God bless these students and their instructors,” the manager of the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park project said this past weekend, presenting a pair of awards honoring Penn College’s involvement with the expansive monument in Williamsport’s West End. Army veteran John O. Markley offered those remarks early Friday evening during a brief, informal ceremony attended by a number of construction students and instructors Harry W. Hintz and Glenn R. Luse. He also thanked “two more people who made it happen” – college President Davie Jane Gilmour and Carol A. Lugg, dean of construction and design technologies – who helped the commission realize its 15-year dream by greenlighting the off-campus enterprise. Lugg and Michael J. Reed, vice president for academic affairs/provost, were presented with plaques “in grateful recognition of your enduring commitment and leadership to the ongoing improvements and expansion of the stone wall and memorial brick display” at the West Fourth Street park. Work continues at the site, which is scheduled to be dedicated during next year’s Memorial Day weekend.

Architectural Technology Construction & Design Technologies Faculty & Staff Students

Preservation students tour city’s historic ‘Herdic Row’

Classmates stand outside the Peter Herdic House Restaurant, among the impressive Victorian structures that form Williamsport's Millionaires' Row. — Classmates stand outside the Peter Herdic House Restaurant, among the impressive Victorian structures that form Williamsport’s Millionaires’ Row.

An architectural detail catches the camera's eye. — An architectural detail catches the camera’s eye.

Liz Miele and Hannah Ramsauer recently hosted Historic Preservation (BSD410) students on a site visit to the adjacent properties that comprise “Herdic Row” in Williamsport: the Peter Herdic House restaurant, Peter Herdic Inn and a third building that was recently purchased by the Miele family.

“It is always so valuable to get the students out of the classroom to reinforce topics discussed in class,” said Rob A. Wozniak, an associate professor of architectural technology (who also provided photos). “While on site, Ms. Ramsauer shared her love for the history, including some of what was done to restore the structures.”

Civil Engineering & Surveying Construction & Design Technologies STEM Students

Veteran chosen as college’s October ‘Student of the Month’

Regina M. Peluzzo, characterized by a faculty member as “the model student for civil engineering technology,” has been chosen as October’s “Student of the Month” at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

“Civil engineers primarily serve people, specifically by providing infrastructure that leads to stronger communities and better quality of life,” an instructor said of Peluzzo’s academically challenging major. “Gina is preparing for her career as a civil engineer by being a dedicated student and through her service to others.”

An Air Force veteran of five years (and counting), the honoree has twice put her education on hold for overseas deployments.

Building Construction Construction & Design Technologies Faculty & Staff Students

Manufacturer opens plant to college’s concrete program

Lehigh Hanson's massive horizontal rotary kilns were among the highlights of a plant visit by concrete science students and faculty. — Lehigh Hanson’s massive horizontal rotary kilns were among the highlights of a plant visit by concrete science students and faculty.

Penn College students and faculty were recently invited by Doug Cassatt, of the Lehigh Hanson Heidleberg Cement Group, to tour the company’s Fleetwood Cement Manufacturing facility. “The students were introduced to the sophisticated process of cement production by an extremely knowledgeable Lehigh Hanson staff, from the raw material in the quarry to the final packing facility where the product is loaded and transported by truck or rail,” said Joseph F. DiBucci, a concrete science technology major and president of the ConCreate Design Club. The plant boasts numerous recycling processes – water pumped from the quarry provides an active supply for the borough, for instance, and 7,000 to 10,000 tires per day are used as a heat source – and $16 million was spent for equipment to cut down or eliminate carbon emissions in the production process. The Berks County facility is equipped with a “state of the art” lab to analyze the chemical makeup so the customer is given the best product possible. “One of the main attractions was the horizontal rotary kilns that broke down the raw material to clinker at a temperature of 2,500 degrees,” added DiBucci, from Glenshaw. “The visit was an eye-opening experience that demonstrated the amount of work that is required to produce cement, the most widely used building material in the world.” The tour was followed by a luncheon and discussion. The college’s School of Construction & Design Technologies offers a two-year degree in concrete science technology, unique to the East Coast.
Photo provided

Building Construction Construction & Design Technologies Events Faculty & Staff Students

Jewelry-makers draw inspiration from concrete lab

Raw materials await artisans' hands — Raw materials await artisans’ hands

Students and employees beautifully explored concrete's versatility. — Students and employees beautifully explored concrete’s versatility.

A jewelry workshop, a recent fundraiser for Penn College’s ConCreate Design Club, allowed participants to personalize a small concrete pendant that could be placed on a necklace or keychain. “The workshop was the first one carried out by the club and we plan on having more throughout the year,” said Joseph F. DiBucci, the organization’s founder and president. “The club is focused around teaching students and faculty about the multiple uses of concrete with a more hands-on approach.”
Photos by Tim Wegman, student photographer

Building Construction Construction & Design Technologies Students

Penn College ROTC cadet honored for performance

Penn College Army ROTC cadet Austin S. Weinrich (right), of Jenkintown, receives the RECONDO badge for displaying superior skills at Advanced Camp. Held at Fort Knox, Ky., Advanced Camp is considered ROTC’s most significant training experience. Weinrich was one of 14 cadets out of approximately 600 in the 4th Regiment to receive the RECONDO Badge. Presenting the RECONDO badge is Brigadier General Antonio V. Munera.

An Army ROTC cadet from Pennsylvania College of Technology distinguished himself with an exemplary performance at a key training and evaluation event and by participating in a selective overseas training mission.

Austin S. Weinrich, of Jenkintown, who is seeking a bachelor’s degree in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration, earned the RECONDO badge for displaying superior skills at Advanced Camp, considered ROTC’s most significant training experience.

Held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, the 37-day camp challenges cadets to demonstrate proficiency in basic officer leadership tasks at squad and platoon levels through five phases; ranging from reception, staging and onward movement to redeployment and reintegration. Successful completion is required for commissioning.

Alumni Architectural Technology Automated Manufacturing & Machining Building Construction Civil Engineering & Surveying Construction & Design Technologies Construction Management Events Faculty & Staff Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Landscape/Horticulture STEM Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies Welding

‘PA Build My Future’ extends its reach in Year Two

About 75 current Penn College students, eager cheerleaders all, sacrificed part of Fall Break to advocate for their chosen career paths.

Penn College’s second annual PA Build My Future event, an interactive academic and industry showcase on Thursday, provided more than 900 high-school students with an opportunity to experience the full range of possibilities in the construction and design field. Scores of current students in the School of Construction & Design Technologies joined faculty and administrators, along with many of the college’s commercial benefactors, in guiding visitors toward their potential careers.

Architectural Technology Building Construction Civil Engineering & Surveying Construction & Design Technologies Construction Management Events Faculty & Staff Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Landscape/Horticulture Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies Welding

Newswatch 16 visits ‘PA Build My Future’

WNEP’s Chris Keating visited campus for Thursday’s PA Build My Future, filing a report on the second annual introduction of secondary students to the wide-open world of construction and design careers. Keating visited indoor and outdoor exhibits facilitated by industry sponsors, Penn College faculty and current students (who gave up a day of Fall Break to excitedly represent their respective majors). Included in the broadcast were Carol A. Lugg, dean of construction and design technologies; building construction technology instructor Levon A. Whitmyer; Christine A. Limbert, of Curwensville, enrolled in architectural technology; and Lucas Vandergrift, a sophomore at Wellsboro High School who was among the day’s 929 students from nearly 30 high schools and career and technical centers.
(“PA Build My Future photo gallery)

Civil Engineering & Surveying Construction & Design Technologies General Information Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Plastics & Polymer

Five Penn College academic majors reaccredited

A global accreditation leader has given its stamp of approval to five Pennsylvania College of Technology majors.

The ABET Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission has reaccredited the college’s associate degrees in civil engineering technology, plastics and polymer technology, and surveying technology, as well as baccalaureate degrees in civil engineering technology and plastics and polymer engineering technology.

Graduates of those majors who have responded to recent surveys administered by the college report a 100% placement rate.

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Penn College grants emeritus status to two retired faculty

Two recently retired faculty members at Pennsylvania College of Technology have been granted “faculty emeritus” status by the institution.

The emeritus recommendations for Sandra Lakey, associate professor of speech communication-composition, and Thomas J. Mulfinger, associate professor of building construction technology, both were approved by the Penn College Board of Directors on Oct. 3.

Alumni Construction & Design Technologies Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

ACCA chapter spends cool day in Lions’ den

Opened six years ago this month, the ice arena plays host to an inquisitive Penn College contingent.

Evan Cleary (in plaid shirt), who arranged the campus visit as facilities manager in Penn State's Office of Physican Plant, joins his guests outside the famed Berkey Creamery. Cleary is a 2017 alumnus of Penn College's heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology major. — Evan Cleary (in plaid shirt), who arranged the campus visit as facilities manager in Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant, joins his guests outside the famed Berkey Creamery. Cleary is a 2017 alumnus of Penn College’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology major.

Penn College’s Air Conditioning Contractors of America student chapter recently traveled to Penn State’s University Park campus, visiting four areas that represent the sprawl of careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. Accompanied by faculty colleagues Kenneth E. Welker Jr. and Bradley Q. Kishbaugh, the students toured the Pegula Ice Arena, learning what it takes to prep, paint and maintain the 1.5-inch playing surface for the Nittany Lions hockey team; the Berkey Creamery, where freezers are integral to the sale of 750,000 ice cream cones each year; and the North Campus Chilled Water Plant and East Campus Steam Plant, essential in operation of the university’s facilities. (The steam plant includes a boiler manufactured by the former E. Keeler Co. in Williamsport, it was noted.) Samuel J. Bertolino, manager of design services, shared his criteria for assessing potential employees: Show up on time, have a great attitude, do what’s asked in a timely manner and earn a degree. At least a half-dozen Penn College alumni are now on Penn State’s HVAC payroll, Welker said, a testament to graduates’ hands-on abilities and teamwork ethic.
Photos provided

Construction & Design Technologies Electrical Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Students

Six Penn College students awarded national HVAC scholarships

A half-dozen students in two of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s academic schools are among 36 recipients of financial assistance from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute’s Rees Scholarship Foundation.

Sharing a total of $8,000 are Peter W. Bennett, of Sea Cliff, New York, and Christopher J. Milliken, of Bellefonte, majoring in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Luke Samuel Mika Brambley, of Breezewood, and Aiden Chestnut, of Aston, enrolled in heating, ventilation and air conditioning design technology; and building automation technology students Austin R. Reynolds, of Enola, and Adam J. Tarnowski, of Shickshinny.

Construction & Design Technologies Faculty & Staff Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Students

Two HVAC students awarded national industry scholarships

Two of five $5,000 scholarships recently awarded by the Oil and Energy Service Professionals and its co-sponsors have gone to Pennsylvania College of Technology students.

The scholarships were presented to Peter W. Bennett, of Sea Cliff, New York, and Ian H. West, of Hummelstown. Bennett is enrolled in the two-year heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology major; West is working toward a bachelor’s degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning design technology.

The financial assistance comes from the organization’s Dave Nelsen Scholarship Program, established in 1999 to memorialize an OESP member’s commitment to education.

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