College Honors Distinguished Staff

Pennsylvania College of Technology recently presented its Distinguished Staff Awards and Part-Time Teaching Excellence Awards and recognized retirees and the newest members of the College's Quarter Century Club.

The honors were bestowed Wednesday, May 10, in ceremonies at Penn's Inn in the Bush Campus Center.

This is the fifth year that the College has presented Distinguished Staff Awards in recognition of its full-time employees, who are nominated by their peers. Awards were presented to one employee from each of the College's three staff classifications: Administrative, Professional and Technical; Classified; and Service staff.

James J. Folmar, of Montoursville, microcomputer systems specialist in Computer Services, was recognized for excellent service among APT staff. He began working for the College part time in 1986, becoming full time in 1987. Of Folmar, a nominator wrote: "Pennsylvania College of Technology is fortunate to have an employee of Jim's caliber in a responsible technical position. He is one of the reasons that Penn College runs so well."

Glenda D. Mitcheltree, of Allenwood, secretary to the dean of the School of Natural Resources Management, was honored for her service as a Classified staff employee. She began working for the College part time in1982 and became a full-time employee in 1983. A nominator wrote of her: "Glenda has been tremendously organized and efficient. ' The faculty at (the School of Natural Resources Management) all hold Glenda in the highest esteem. It is because of her that everything runs smoothly here and we keep moving ahead.''

Barbara J. Betts, of Trout Run, snack bar operator in the International Cafe, was recognized for excellence as a Service staff employee. She began working for the College in 1988 and became a full-time employee in 1992. A nominator wrote of her: "Barbara always greets you with a smile and a cheery word. When Barbara serves you, you can just feel the dedication that is put into your order."

The 2000 Part-time Teaching Excellence Awards went to Albert L. Steinbacher Jr., instructor of automotive transportation technology; and Dr. Joseph B. Buzard, instructor of electronics.

Steinbacher, a Jersey Shore resident and graduate of Jersey Shore Area High School, has been a part-time instructor at Penn College since 1987 and a member of the Penn College Technology Advisory Board since 1989. He has been general manager for Sweitzer's Performance and Auto Sales, Jersey Shore, since 1991. Student nominators said of him: "He is one of the most knowledgeable teachers I have ever had" and "Mr. Steinbacher is accessible to students at all times."

Buzard, of Emporium, retired as chief executive officer of Tri-Fac Engineering, Emporium, earlier this year. He holds a bachelor's degree from Grove City College, and he received his master's degree and doctorate from California Coast University. Of him,a student nominator wrote: "He is always enthusiastic about the topic he is teaching. I have not been to one of his classes yet that he has not made interesting one way or another."

This was the 11th year that part-time faculty have been honored for excellence in instruction and outstanding service to students. Nominations are offered by students and other individuals with direct knowledge of a nominee's hard work and dedication.

Honored at the ceremonies for 25 years of service to the College were: Chester D. Schuman, director of admissions; and five faculty members: Lamont E. Butters, professor of civil engineering technology; Dr. Peter B. Dumanis, professor of English; James W. Fox, assistant professor of welding; James M. Pagana, part-time instructor of geology; and Richard Sahn, instructor of sociology and psychology.

Employees who announced their retirement in the 1999-2000 academic year also were honored at the gathering. They are: Harold K. Confair, painter; Annabelle Covert, regular part-time CoffeeHouse operator; Barbara Dawes, regular part-time food services worker, Susquehanna Room; Joan C. Forster, payroll system assistant; Bruce G. Pratt, associate professor of automated manufacturing technology; Henry Packer, custodian; William G. Rummings, instructor of building construction; Harry P. Snyder, building and maintenance worker, Earth Science Center; Edward Tagge, custodial night shift supervisor; and Ray F. Tyler, associate professor of business administration.