News about Students

Newly Endowed Penn College Scholarship Benefits Veteran Students

Pennsylvania College of Technology has a long-established history of supporting its military and veteran students.

Now, thanks to the generous spirit of employees and students – and another boost from a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post – the Penn College Patriot Scholarship, which assists students who have served or are serving in the military, Reserves or National Guard – has reached endowment.

The scholarship was established in December 2015 by the college’s chapter of the Omega Delta Sigma National Veterans Fraternity with seed funding from the LeRoy O. Buck VFW Post 7863 in DuBoistown. Omega Delta Sigma works with nearly 400 veterans, active military and reserve students on the Penn College campus in helping them transition to college life.

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Summit Successfully Apprises Industry of Apprenticeship Assistance

It's a "full house" in Penn's Inn for the summit, sponsored by Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Penn College.

A sold-out crowd of industry leaders and their advocates, representing 66 employers across Pennsylvania and from four other states, attended Thursday’s inaugural Apprenticeship Summit to address substantive progress in narrowing the skills gap in manufacturing. Attendees were welcomed by Pennsylvania College of Technology President Davie Jane Gilmour, who announced three major related developments: the eligibility of mechatronics apprentices to earn 20 credits toward a two-year Penn College degree in the field; establishment of The Apprenticeship Center on campus as a resource for collaborating with state and local partners; and a $576,000 grant from the state Department of Community & Economic Development to fund apprenticeships in mechatronics and computer numerical control occupations, as well as pre-apprenticeship programs for high school students. The keynote speaker was Robert I. Lerman, a professional economist, Urban Institute fellow and expert on apprenticeships whose resume includes a doctorate in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Others on the dais included Lori Renne and Alex Halper, from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; Jim Nemeth, of Autoneum; and Eric Ramsay, representing the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The afternoon session featured an interactive program among participants, designed to provide companies with a convenient opportunity to speak to those involved in all facets of apprenticeship.

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Surf’s Up at Capitol’s Cabana

Dive into icy deliciousness

Cori Jo "C.J." Ruble (left), a general studies major from Mifflintown, and Rachel L. Hafer, an early childhood education student from Boyertown, create sand art.

A stream of sunlight, Pennsylvania's closest thing to beach-like conditions in May, warms the Dauphin Hall dining unit.

Candy-colored treats evoke the deep, blue sea.

Bernice C. Weaver (left), of Newville, enrolled in the residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration, joins Dining Services' Denise M. Rhodes at the prize table.

Dining Services hosted a Beach Party in Capitol Eatery on Tuesday evening, serving a summer-themed buffet (with a side order of fun and games) to help students unwind and get ready for suntan season.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Leadership Acknowledged Through Student Activities Awards

It was a big night for the Omega Delta Sigma veterans fraternity, represented for one of its many awards by Efrem K. Foster. Adding to the smiles is Allison A. Bressler, assistant director of student activities for programming and Greek life.

The 2017-18 Student Activities Awards, recently presented in the Keystone Dining Room, paid tribute to inspiring Penn College students, their faculty/staff supporters and the organizations in which they are tirelessly involved.

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Education Event Brings Disciplines Together to Improve Patient Care

During an Interdisciplinary Professional Education event at Penn College, students from several majors discuss a patient case, including what treatment each professional would provide and what information each would gather and share with professionals from other departments. The patient, in bed, is played by physician assistant student Danielle M. Klock, of Sunbury. Facilitating the discussion is Wayne E. Reich (left), director of nursing, bachelor degrees.

An April event hosted by Pennsylvania College of Technology’s School of Health Sciences brought together students from nine majors to simulate patient care.

“The event emphasized the importance of collaboration among health care professionals in providing optimal patient care,” said Larissa D. Whitney, instructor of physician assistant studies, who led the team coordinating the event.

Over two days, 230 students worked together on simulated patient cases to evaluate, diagnose and provide treatment to mock patients portrayed by senior-level physician assistant students.

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Last updated May 3, 2018 | Posted in Events, Faculty & Staff, Health Sciences, Students | This gallery contains 8 photos. | Tagged as | Leave a comment

Shower of Sparks Brings May Flowers

In the welding lab (from left), Sparkman, Nolan and Carlson display their towering, flowering creation ...

... before it was transported "over the mountain" and installed at its permanent location outside the ESC.

An instructor and two students in his Gas Metal Arc welding class created an appropriate greenhouse sign for the Schneebeli Earth Science Center, home to Penn College’s horticulture/landscape technology major. The project began when Facebook-posted photos of metal roses crafted in Matt W. Nolan’s welding lab on main campus caught the eye of a faculty colleague at the ESC. “I asked him if he would be interested in creating a new sign for our Greenhouse #3,” said Carl J. Bower Jr., assistant professor of horticulture, noting that the existing sign – a small piece of wood into which the facility’s name was carved – was rather dated. “He and his students came through and created a fitting sign for us.” Nolan was joined on the job by welding and fabrication engineering technology majors Daniel C. Carlson, of Linesville, and Tyler J. Sparkman, of Aliquippa. “Carl said he planted sunflowers in this greenhouse, among other plants, so I thought some steel sunflowers would be perfect. I also wanted to create a piece of art that would stand the test of time much like that old wooden sign was struggling to do!” Nolan said. “The students did such a great job and also created a piece of artwork that showcases the skills they have learned. I’m very proud of Ty and Dan’s hard work on this project, as well as all the welding students in our program.”
Photos by Bower

Students Helping Habitat Families Realize Home-Ownership Dream

Penn College construction students prep the site of a Habitat for Humanity build ...

... installing a layer of foam insulation prior to finishing the concrete work.

Harry W. Hintz Jr.’s Concrete Construction class (BCT 238) has been involved with a Habitat for Humanity project this semester in Williamsport’s West End, spending two entire class periods at the 1608 Scott St. site. “The first day was spent doing prep work, where we used a laser transit to get the stone subgrade to the correct height, then we installed 2-inch foam board as the floor insulation,” said Hintz, an instructor of construction technology. “The following week, we placed and finished 20 yards of concrete that is serving as the first floor” of the two-unit structure. Additional students, representing the Penn College Construction Association, are involved in the project. “The Scott street build is a duplex that will house two families – to be selected this month! – and both Professor Hintz’s students and students of the PCCA have been instrumental in the build thus far,” said Katherine M. McCaslin, program director for Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity (who also provided photos). “We look forward to working with the students again in the fall.”

Plastics Students’ Pittsburgh Visit Furthers Industry Connections

The Penn College plastics team at Braskem, in front of the Pittsburgh skyline

Through the generous support of the Thermoplastic Materials & Foams Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers, 10 individuals from Pennsylvania College of Technology traveled to Pittsburgh on April 26-27 to tour the facilities of four major polymer material suppliers. Eight students and two faculty members from the college’s Department of Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology visited PPG Industries, Braskem, Covestro and Nova Chemicals.

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Silent Auction Gives SGA Something More to Shout About

Student Activities personnel register potential bidders as shoppers browse tables stacked with goodness.

Stuffed elephants from the generous and practiced hands of Information Technology Services' Christine E. Atkins elicit smiles – and donations.

Money may not grow on trees, but gift cards can sprout from greenery!

Getting their offers down in advance of the 5:20 p.m. cutoff, bargain-hunters work the sales floor.

The School of Construction & Design Technologies is well-represented, with items including a doghouse built by Women in Construction and an Adirondack chair made by the Penn College Construction Association.

Final totals are still coming in, but preliminary results indicate that Friday’s Student Government Association Silent Auction drew donations of $5,155 – thought to be the highest amount ever raised in the event’s nine-year history. Bidders had their pick of a variety of items, ranging from artistic handiwork to themed baskets to gift cards, with proceeds adding to the Student Leader Legacy Scholarship Fund. “The Student Government Association is thrilled to have exceeded its $5,000 fundraising goal this year,” said Anthony J. Pace, director of student activities. “The success of this year’s auction brings SGA one step closer to being able to provide additional scholarship support.” He said this year’s auction was a true collaboration among SGA, the campus and local communities, showcasing local craftsmanship and talent. “SGA appreciates the support of the campus community and looks forward to continuing to raise funds to support exceptional student leaders here at Penn College,” Pace said.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Finals Countdown Includes No Bark, Plentiful Bites

A helpful pup inspires test-bound students to put their best paw forward in navigating end-of-semester challenges.

A total of 501 students were served during the spring edition of Dining Services’ Midnight Breakfast this past week in the Keystone Dining Room. The tasty tradition served up a menu that included pancakes, massage therapy and giveaways – including 110 cases of Organic Amp energy drinks that were gone in minutes. Madigan Library renewed a tradition of its own for anxious students: a visit from therapy dogs that tolerate near-endless petting in the name of stress relief.

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Last updated May 1, 2018 | Posted in Events, Students | This gallery contains 10 photos. | Tagged as | Leave a comment

BYOC: Two (Hundred) Can Play That Game!

The faces of E-Sports, a competitive gaming club hoping to begin this fall (from left): Hunter D. .Latranyi, Danville; Kyle I. Clayton and Jonathan J. Lopatofsky, Williamsport; Carter F. Brigham, Shelter Island, N.Y.; and Jonathan W. Best, Downington. Best and Latranyi major in electronics and computer engineering technology; the rest are pursuing various information technology degrees.

Christopher W. Shirk (left), a 2016 graduate in electronics and computer engineering technology, and Tylor S. Eltz, of Spring Grove, play Evolution with Catherine E. Weatherman, of Ringtown. Eltz is enrolled in information technology science-gaming and simulation; Weatherman is an engineering design technology major.

Video tournaments, casual competition, cards, board games, food and camaraderie – all floating on a sea of consoles, new and old – mark the largest such event on campus.

Samuel N. Eirmann, of Bellefonte, a Fall 2017 industrial design major, works on building a Nintendo Labo.

A group of students watches as four players race one another for first place in Mario Kart.

Penn College BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer), the largest gaming get-together on campus, brought a safe, fun and collegially competitive atmosphere to the Field House on a recent Saturday. “Great gaming event with lots of wonderful volunteers. Almost 200 participants enjoying free games and winning lots of cool prizes,” said Josephina L.  Bair, an information technology sciences-gaming and simulation major from Mill Hall. “Had a few really cool computers for show. Good time all around!” The 14-hour event, bigger and better every year, was sponsored by several student organizations and local businesses.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

WEB Block Party Provides Finals-Prep Reprieve

Testing their mettle on the bungee jump are (from left) Carlos J. Roddy, a pre-nursing major from Williamsport, and Calvin E. Anderson, of Wellsville, enrolled in engineering design technology.

Fittingly seated at the gardening table are horticulture/landscape technology classmates (from left): Jaclyn N. Wolf, Gettysburg; Laura E. Cholko, Port Carbon; Aaron A. Sledge Jr., Pittsburgh; and Adriana S. Lee, Williamsport.

Reed, a self-taught and Florida-born solo artist, shares her talents.

Not throwing away his shot is Darrian L. Weiser, of Duncannon, an electronics and computer engineering technology student.

Exercising hands-on artistry at the tie-dye station are (from left) Amber L. Way, of Port Matilda, pre-occupational therapy; Shannon R. Shelly, of Schnecksville, nursing; and Holly J. Wilson, of Lock Haven, business administration: marketing concentration.

The Wildcat Block Party, originally dubbed “Outdoor Adventure” but moved inside as a rainy-day precaution, built a relaxing bridge between Friday’s end of classes and Monday’s start of finals. Students enjoyed free food, bungee jumping, a “Make Your Own Zen Garden” station, music by Taylor Reed and much more Wildcat Events Board-sponsored fun.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Children’s Diabetes Foundation Benefits From Sigma Pi Fundraiser

Sigma PiSigma Pi Fraternity at Penn College recently hosted a fundraiser for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation via social media. The foundation is dedicated to the support of research on Type 1 diabetes and providing the best possible clinical and educational programs for those with the disease. Sigma Pi member Luke S. Orzechowski, chairman of the fraternity’s philanthropy committee, saw how the charity’s work provided care for more 6,000 children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, and the group decided to host a fundraiser. “Within only the first week of April, Sigma Pi Fraternity was able to reach its goal of $200, and proceed beyond,” said Orzechowski, a plastics and polymer engineering technology student from Newtown. “We are proud of all the good work that the fraternities here on campus do and cannot wait to see what they have in store for next semester.”

Hospitality Students’ Passion Feeds ‘Visiting Chef’ Experience

Magdalen C. Bennett, of Erie, pipes a sea scallop-lobster mousse onto a salmon filet for the first course.

Leaders in their field, Chefs Robin Rosenberg and John G. Scourlas shared their time, talent and words of wisdom with Pennsylvania College of Technology hospitality students during the Spring 2018 edition of the college’s Visiting Chef Series. The chefs spent three days on campus visiting students in classrooms, working alongside them in the School of Business & Hospitality’s kitchens, and serving the elegant Visiting Chef Dinner. Proceeds from the dinner are used to fund scholarships for students in the college’s four culinary arts, baking and pastry arts and hospitality management majors. In comments to the dinner’s guests, Rosenberg, vice president and chef de cuisine of Levy Restaurants, said he was inspired by the passion he encountered in Penn College students. Rosenberg leads teams to create high-end dining experiences for thousands of guests at sports and entertainment venues and events across the nation, including the Super Bowl and the Grammy Awards. Scourlas, the award-winning senior pastry chef for Levy Restaurants, is part of that team, based at the Georgia World Congress Center, one of the five largest convention centers in the U.S.

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Advisory Committee Honors Construction Management Students

Scholarship recipients and members of Penn College's Construction Management Advisory Committee mark the occasion with a group photo. Back row (from left): Brandon Miller, area manager, Henkels & McCoy; Kevin M. Snoke, president/chief operating officer, Wagman Construction Inc.; James P. Craft, project manager, James Craft & Son Inc.; S. Curtis Wargo, project manager, Allan Myers; students Jacob R. Stouffer, of Chambersburg, and Calen B. Heeter, of Emlenton; and Matthew R. Sarver, CMAC secretary and project executive, Gilbane Building Co. Front row (from left): Student Lauren S. Herr, of Lititz; Brian J. Fish, general superintendent, Hensel Phelps Construction Co.; students Elias S. Brallier, of Hopewell, Nowell H. Covington, of Benton, and Derek S. Smith, of Port Matilda; Angie Moore, assistant project manager, Wickersham Construction; and Stephanie L. Schmidt, CMAC vice chair and president, Poole Anderson Construction. (Photo provided)

Seven Pennsylvania College of Technology students were recently designated by the college’s Construction Management Advisory Committee to receive scholarship awards.

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Pennsylvania College of Technology is a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University