As a child, Shane V. McDonnell became fascinated with cars. Now he’s following his longtime love by training for a career in collision repair technology. Working in hands-on labs with tools and equipment just like the pros use, McDonnell is building real-world experience. And when he’s done, he’ll walk away with structural, suspension, body, electrical and paint skills along with certifications from two industry leaders. “The big thing that drove me to Penn College in this major was the amount of time we spend working in the lab compared to the time we spend in the classroom,” the Dresher resident says in a video added to the college’s YouTube channel. “We take in either students’ or teachers’ cars. We write estimates. We order parts. We map out a repair plan. We do all the paint work, detail work, and it runs like an actual collision repair shop.”
News about Students
Saudi nursing student proud of educational journey
The On the Pulse news site continues its weeklong look at international students studying locally with a profile of Samar Al-quraish, a Saudi Arabian student in Penn College’s baccalaureate nursing major. “She’s connected to the community, she’s a leader on campus and she’s doing great in her classes,” says Shanin L. Dougherty, coordinator of international programs at the college. “She’s kind of the trifecta that we hope for.” Al-quraish shares a story of tenacity and triumph – it took her several tries to qualify for the program in which her husband, Mohanad T., is also enrolled – and candidly talks of homesickness, travel and holding on to her culture while adapting to a new one. A portrait of perseverance since traveling here in 2015, she has a clear message to herself: “I will say, ‘I’m proud of you. You made it, you didn’t give up. And you changed a lot.'” she says. “Being abroad … made me grow up more. It was a big difference for me.”
Construction management at Penn College
From the boardroom to the job site, construction managers call the shots. They take the lead to ensure building projects are completed on time and within budget. Take a look at Penn College’s bachelor of science degree in construction management, meet a few soon-to-be construction managers and see how they’re preparing to rise to the top of this dynamic and exciting career field. “Ultimately, what I would love to do is just to go back to the community I’m from with the education I’ve gotten here,” says Zachary N. Wilkinson, of North Wales, one of the students included in a college YouTube video. “And then, maybe, change the skyline of Philadelphia.”
News site profiles international students on local campuses
The On the Pulse local news site is in the midst of a weeklong series, highlighting international students who have found a home in Williamsport (and the college employees who have smoothed their path to adjustment). Following an introductory article that includes Shanin L. Dougherty, Penn College’s coordinator of international programs, the series continues with profiles of selected students. A recent posting, based on an interview conducted by Allison Lax, a creative writing major at Lycoming College, features Penn College student Po-Ju Sung, an applied management major from Taiwan. “I like it here,” says Po, who holds an associate degree in heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis. “I feel like I grew up here. Ideally, I would like to stay here, because it’s such a good area. I like it. You can go to the store really quick and then go to the country in 20 minutes. So I think if I have to leave here today and never come back here, I’ll be really sad … but it all depends where I get the job.”
Graphic design students excel in national competition
Sixteen design projects created by graphic design students at Pennsylvania College of Technology have been honored in the national Flux Student Design Competition.
“This is, by far, the best showing we’ve ever had in this contest,” said Nicholas L. Stephenson, instructor of graphic design at Penn College. “Additionally, we are listed as winners among some of the best design schools in the country.”
Plastics with student Sidney C. Trunzo
Penn College is home to a community of creators. Go-getters. Creative thinkers. And problem solvers who set out to master real-world skills. It’s where you’ll meet Sidney C. Trunzo, a plastics and polymer engineering technology student. Check out a video, added to the college’s YouTube channel, for a glimpse of her training in hands-on labs. Find out why she loves her major. And learn how this ABET-accredited program prepares Trunzo and her classmates to take the lead in a thriving industry. “I can relate my major to the real world, and I can instantly see the things I am learning about and how they apply to real life,” she says. “It’s just something different, something that you can change the world with, and I think it’s something that’s really important for the future.” A future made by hand.
Getting wind of science
Friday’s blustery afternoon provided a timely backdrop for family participation in a “Leap Into Science” activity about wind at the Dunham Children’s Learning Center. Barbara J. Albert, director, and Linda S. Dellaquila, group leader, facilitated the workshop. Leap into Science, a national program designed to build interest and skills in science and literacy for children ages 3-10 and their families, was developed by The Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia. Penn College’s CLC is one of 45 sites throughout Pennsylvania offering the program.
Photos by Dellaquila
First nursing cohorts graduate from new Wellsboro facility
WELLSBORO, Pa. – Twenty-two students recently graduated from Penn College at Wellsboro’s practical nursing program, the first to fulfill their requirements at a facility dedicated in May.
The ceremony was held in the Deane Center for the Performing Arts; graduates processed in the Coolidge Theatre, then received family and friends in the lobby. The evening marked commencement for two full-time cohorts: Wellsboro and Coudersport.
Explore, discover and define your future at March 28 open house
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to the global coronavirus outbreak, Spring Open House was canceled.)
When it comes to choosing a college, seeing is believing. And there’s a lot to see at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Spring Open House!
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, members of the Penn College community will welcome thousands of potential enrollees and their families, opening wide the doors to a landmark institution that has helped tomorrow makers fulfill their destinies for more than a century.
“Open House provides a unique way for prospective students to explore our campus,” said Jen M. Cullin-Hetrick, coordinator of admissions events/communications. “With no set agenda to follow, guests can take the day to explore what matters most to them. Whether that is seeing as many labs as possible, checking out the residence halls, connecting with current students, or all of the above.”
Le Jeune Chef’s signature Chocolate Soup
It’s rich. It’s creamy. It’s Le Jeune Chef Restaurant’s signature Chocolate Soup. If you’ve visited the casual fine dining restaurant on Penn College’s main campus, you’ve probably tasted this craveable masterpiece. Join Chef Chris Grove and Claudia Walling, a baking and pastry arts student from Williamsport, to learn how easy it is to bring home this crowd favorite.
Welding lab gets cross-country exposure through FOX News
The media spotlight on Penn College’s expanded welding lab shone brightly – and nationally – this week, attracting a visit from Philadelphia-based FOX News reporter Katie Byrne. The multimedia journalist spent much of Tuesday morning in the Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center, talking with students and administration from the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies. She also captured considerable video footage of the enhanced instructional space, resulting in online and broadcast versions of her story. The latter was distributed to FOX affiliates throughout the country, airing on Byrne’s home station (FOX29) Friday evening and during weekend newscasts on the FOX News cable network.
Graphic design at Penn College
Get an insider’s look at Penn College’s graphic design program through an engaging video created and edited by Luke A. Bierly, a 2019 alumnus of the major.
“A graphic designer isn’t just somebody who’s solid in art, or can draw, or can build websites,” instructor Nicholas L. Stephenson says in the three-minute piece, which has been added to the college YouTube channel. “A graphic designer has to be somebody who understands solving problems and about coming up with ideas.
“I’m enormously proud of what the students have done here,” the faculty member adds. “I’m constantly humbled by the incredible work and the incredible understanding of design, and ability to produce really good graphic design.”
Forestry grad facilitates equipment donation to alma mater
A December graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology, whose family’s tree care business in suburban Philadelphia fueled his choice of both college and career, recently arranged for the donation of a newly reconditioned chipper to his alma mater’s forestry program.
Thanks to the resourcefulness of Michael S. Shreiner, now employed full time at Shreiner Tree Care in southeastern Pennsylvania, forest technology students at Penn College’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center will have access to a 150XP Bandit Tree Chipper that the 2019 alumnus solicited from the manufacturer.
Themed meal provides taste of other cultures
Wednesday’s Cultural Cafe, served up by Dining Services in commemoration of Black History Month, provided a sampling menu – three different stations focused on three distinct cultures. Participation in the CC Commons dinner qualified students to compete for a variety of raffle prizes.
Photos by Juvy A. Orillaza, student photographer
Eyewitness News reporter goes ‘under the mask’ for welding story
Eyewitness News’ Morgan Parrish toured the expanded welding lab in the Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center on Wednesday, interviewing instructor Michael R. Allen along with welding and fabrication engineering technology students Josiah D. Maenza and Cinnamon A. Digan. For her piece, Parrish donned a safety helmet and embraced just one of the hands-on opportunities that Penn College students regularly experience. “Adds welder to resume,” she tweeted in advance of her report on WBRE/WYOU and pahomepage.com.