Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Alumni Corporate Relations Faculty & Staff Forestry Landscape/Horticulture Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Forestry grad facilitates equipment donation to alma mater

Shreiner, employed at his family's tree care business outside Philadelphia, demonstrates the Bandit chipper at the Earth Science Center campus.

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.

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College celebrates expanded welding lab, industry partners

Pennsylvania College of Technology President Davie Jane Gilmour deftly wields a plasma cutter to sever a metal ribbon during a dedication ceremony for a greatly expanded welding facility at the college.

An expanded and enhanced welding lab – at 55,000-plus square feet, believed to be the largest such facility in higher education nationwide – was dedicated on Feb. 6 at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

The Welding Expansion Project, funded in part by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, added 35,000 square feet of instructional space to the lab in the college’s Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center, allowing for enrollment of up to 60 more welding students annually – more than 300 in total.

Events Faculty & Staff Landscape/Horticulture Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Valentine’s Day sale to benefit horticulture club

The Horticulture Club will hold a Valentine’s Day sale from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 13-14 in front of CC Commons (Bush Campus Center, first floor). Members will be selling succulents and various interior plants, roses, and roses in bud vases. Vases can be pre-ordered, with pickup and payment during the sale. Everything else is “cash and carry” on sale days. Cash or checks (payable to Penn College) will be accepted. Individual roses are $5; bud vases with one rose, a fern and baby’s breath are $8; and bud vases with two roses, a fern and baby’s breath are $12. Prices vary for succulents and other plants. To pre-order a bud vase with one or two roses, email Alexis Witherite by Friday, Feb. 7.

Diesel & Power Generation Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Industry rep’s visit spotlights college’s corporate partnerships

From his 14-year vantage, Hensley briefs the class on employee benefits and corporate culture at McClung-Logan.

Diesel Engines Laboratory students of Jeremy R. Bell (at center, in blue shirt) gather around a Volvo EC140EL excavator.

Hensley quizzes students on the inner workings of the equipment ... — Hensley quizzes students on the inner workings of the equipment …

... and takes rotating groups of classmates aboard for a closer look. — … and takes rotating groups of classmates aboard for a closer look.

The link between Penn College students and the companies that eventually employ them was in direct evidence this past week, as a technical support manager for a leading Mid-Atlantic distributor of heavy construction equipment visited classes at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center. Dan Hensley, of the Baltimore-based McClung-Logan Equipment Co., spent Monday through Thursday in the diesel lab with tomorrow’s technicians – whom he termed “the building blocks of the company” for keeping its extensive fleet in safe, efficient operation. Hensley’s schedule was tailored to the topics taught in each of the 10 groups, from powertrains and hydraulics to emissions and air conditioning. McClung-Logan, representatives of which frequently attend Penn College’s biannual Career Fairs, operates nine full-service locations throughout Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

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

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.

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.”

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Curricular collaboration puts design students in pilot’s seat

Industrial design students get hands-on access to college's aircraft fleet. — Industrial design students get hands-on access to college’s aircraft fleet.

On Tuesday evening, in a cooperative effort between the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies and the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies, students enrolled in Ergonomics and Kinesiology (BIX220) explored several aircraft at the Lumley Aviation Center. Jason P. Zielewicz teaches the course, which is a study of human factors as they relate to design. The industrial design students sat on the flight deck of Penn College’s Boeing 727 to delve into the complexity of its controls and how they correspond to the pilot’s seating position. The students also got a look at the flight deck of the school’s Dassault Falcon 20 business jet, and viewed several smaller airplanes and helicopters. They will use the knowledge gained at the aviation center to refine their design-concept assignments. At the end of the course, the students will build a full-scale design of an automobile, aircraft or spacecraft, and test it using anthropometric people.
Information and photo by Thomas D. Inman, associate professor of aviation

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‘Retired’ UPS vehicle finds renewed purpose with students

Students, faculty and UPS Freight representatives – including two Pennsylvania College of Technology alumni – gather with a retired vehicle donated to the college. Joining students outside the Schneebeli Earth Science Center are (at left) Mark E. Sones, instructor of diesel equipment technology, and James R. Poehailos, UPS Freight fleet manager; and (at right) 1983 automotive technology alumnus Gregory A. Tama, retired senior director of maintenance, engineering systems and technology, and 1992 diesel technician graduate Scott C. Moore, district fleet manager. (Photo by Marci M. Hessert, secretary to the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies)

Students in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s diesel equipment technology program have invaluable laboratory access to a time-tested road warrior: a 2006 Volvo VNL single-axle tractor, donated after its retirement from UPS Freight fleet service.

“UPS is a valued partner of Penn College and our students. This gift will provide our diesel students an opportunity for experience on the real-life wear and tear they will find in industry,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, the college’s director of corporate relations. “This is a mutually beneficial opportunity because the signature brown on the truck resonates with our students, reminding them that UPS is a partner in their education and a potential employer for their career.”

Alumni Faculty & Staff Landscape/Horticulture Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Students get alumni lesson in networking, confidence

Pictured in front of pink chrysanthemums at Longwood Gardens are (from left) students Courtney M. Wilcox, of Troy; Jessica M. Duke, of Allentown; Robert J. Williamson, of Fort Washington; and Alexis B. Hassinger, of Bellefonte.

Garris visits her alma mater's Schneebeli Earth Science Center. — Garris visits her alma mater’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center.

Against a backdrop of yellow mums are (from left) students Joseph N. Moore, of South Williamsport; Alexis M. Witherite, of Spring Mills; Taylor L. Keiper, of Archbald; and Austin R. Weaver, of New Holland.

McGinty explains North Creek's automated potting process. — McGinty explains North Creek’s automated potting process.

Twenty members of the Horticulture Club and faculty members Justin Shelinski and Carl J. Bower Jr. enjoyed a pair of Tuesday field trips: Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square and North Creek Nurseries in Landenburg. The group savored a beautiful fall day, saw the Chrysanthemum Festival display at Longwood, and toured North Creek facilities with general manager Tim McGinty and section grower Kassie L. Garris, a 2018 alumna in Penn College’s landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis. (Garris visited campus last week to talk about the postgraduate path she took, from employment at Longwood Gardens to working at North Creek.) McGinty shared that he first met Garris during a Penn College field trip to North Creek two years ago, when the then-student introduced herself to him. “It just goes to show: You never know what your experiences might bring,” Bower said. “The networking you do, whether it is while you are a student or in your professional career, can lead to some great opportunities. I always tell my students to never be afraid to shake someone’s hand, introduce themselves and say they are a Penn College horticulture student … because that can take you far.” North Creek is known for its sustainable horticultural practices and native perennials, added Bower, who said its greenhouses employ some impressive technology and innovations.
Photos by Bower, assistant professor of horticulture

Diesel & Power Generation Faculty & Staff Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Industry partner welcomes power generation students

Students document their visit to a regional powerhouse.

Students' potential future looms large around them — Students’ potential future looms large around them

The class is afforded rare access to the inner workings.

An informative plant tour moves outside.

Onsite power generation students had an opportunity to tour one of IMG Energy Solutions plants in October, traveling to the Alpaca Energy site in Bradford County: a 20-megawatt facility that houses three Rolls-Royce power plants. “These units each have a Bergen engine that is powered on natural gas from a local pipeline,” explained John D. Motto, instructor of diesel equipment technology at Penn College. “Students were able to gain valuable insights on maintenance and operation – not only of gaseous-fueled engines but of the power plant, as well.” Christopher Clary, IMG’s manager of operations for northeastern Pennsylvania, gave the tour. IMG Energy is a partner of Penn College, hiring a number of students for internships and many alumni who have gone to work full time for IMG. “This was a great opportunity for the power generation students to see what they will be working with when they graduate,” added Motto (who also provided the photos).

Aviation Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Jet visits Lumley Aviation Center

Aviation maintenance technology students gather around Dressler’s Cessna Citation I.

The pilot answers questions about the plane's avionics. — The pilot answers questions about the plane’s avionics.

Local pilot Robert E. Dressler Jr. brought his Cessna Citation I jet to Penn College’s Lumley Aviation Center on Tuesday morning. The day was rainy, so students pulled the aircraft partially into the hangar, to avoid getting the plane’s interior wet. Dressler visited with students in Thomas D. Inman’s Avionics Maintenance Theory I class, who are studying High Frequency Communication systems as part of the aviation maintenance technology bachelor’s degree curriculum. Dressler tuned up his HF and began listening to air traffic in the Gulf of Mexico; later, he tuned to a reference station in Boulder, Colorado. One at a time, students came aboard to examine the panel, listen to the radio and ask questions about the avionics. Students, in turn, gave Dressler a tour of the college-owned Dassault Falcon 20.
Photos by Inman, associate professor of aviation

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‘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.

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High-schoolers preview not-so-distant future at Career Day

Chef Craig A. Cian, associate professor of hospitality management/culinary arts, helps a student from the Lycoming Career & Technology Center to form pizza dough.

Career Day brought hundreds of ninth-12th graders to campus on Thursday to explore more than 30 activities offered by employees and students to help high-schoolers learn about the wide variety of career options available to them. The event is coordinated by the College Transitions and First Year Initiatives Office.

Alumni Automotive Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Automotive grad finalist for national teaching honor

Penn College alumnus Harrison G. Young, an automotive technology instructor in Jersey Shore Area High School’s career and technical education program, is one of three national finalists for the 2019 CareerSafe Safety Educator of the Year Award. Online voting is open through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25; the winner will receive $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to December’s Association for Career and Technical Education “Vision 2019” event in Anaheim, California, for the award presentation. Young holds an associate degree in automotive technology (2010) and a bachelor’s in automotive technology management (2012).

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Penn College students benefit from Komatsu equipment loans

Standing before a WA320 wheel loader during its display on main campus – one of three pieces of equipment on loan from Komatsu to Pennsylvania College of Technology – are (from left) Mark Hufcut, Komatsu general manager; Holly Bodnar, marketing manager; student Joseph C. Moore, a heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis major from Lock Haven; Elizabeth A. Biddle, Penn College's director of corporate relations; Donna Evans, regional recruiter for Komatsu; Dave Eister, director of training; and Ryan W. Peck, instructor of diesel equipment technology at the college.

Three pieces of Komatsu construction machinery are on loan to Pennsylvania College of Technology for use at the institution’s heavy equipment operations site in Brady Township.

Operations students at the 125-acre outdoor lab south of main campus are afforded regular access to the wheel loader, bulldozer and excavator through the end of the semester, the latest in Komatsu’s philanthropy on behalf of its future workforce.

“The equipment that Komatsu has provided to us has been a valuable asset to student learning in our operations lab,” said Ryan W. Peck, instructor of diesel equipment technology. “The exposure the students have gotten from this equipment is indescribable in how it has helped prepare them to go into the earth-moving industry.”

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