College Welcomes 10 as Presidential Scholars for 2001-02

Ten freshman students enrolled for the fall semester at Pennsylvania College of Technology have been designated "Presidential Scholars," an honor awarded for academic excellence and service to school and community.

The Presidential Scholars, who were among the top students at their respective high schools, each will receive a $2,500 scholarship for the 2001-02 academic year. Presidential Scholars also are given the opportunity to work on special projects, such as the Student Ambassador Program at Penn College.

At a recent dinner at Le Jeune Chef Restaurant on the main campus in Williamsport, Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, Dean of Student Affairs James E. Fitzpatrick and other administrators and staff welcomed the Presidential Scholars and their parents or guests.

The Presidential Scholars for 2001 are:

Aaron M. Capp, Fawn Grove Capp, a graduate of Red Lion Area Senior High School, is enrolled in the Printing and Publishing Technology major. His honors and activities include Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll; Concert Choir; Varsity Club; Varsity Soccer, Co-Captain, Fall 2000; Tennis Team, Co-Captain 2000-2001; Pine Grove Presbyterian Youth Group; and Collinsville Community Library Volunteer.

"My graphics teacher and friend felt Pennsylvania College of Technology would best meet my needs," Capp said. "Course selections and a campus visit helped seal my decision."

Jaime Marie Crane, Camp Hill Crane, a graduate of Cedar Cliff High School, is enrolled in the Pre-Nursing major. Her honors and activities include Student Council, Choir, Art Club, Spanish Honor Society, Photo Club and the National Honor Society.

"Looking through the catalogs, brochures and Web sites sparked my interest in Penn College," Crane said. "Attending Fall Visitation allowed me to talk with friendly staff and students, acquire more information about my potential major and actually speak to people in the program. All of these factors helped me to realize that I would receive the most thorough education and career training at Penn College."

Michael R. Dorshimer, Newville Dorshimer, a graduate of Big Spring High School, is enrolled in the Computer Information Technology-Data Communication and Networking Concentration major. His honors and activities include Jazz Band; Concert Band; Cisco Networking; Scholastic Writing, Honorable Mention; YTI Drafting Contest, Third Place; and Log House Construction.

"In an ever-changing world, I believe it is necessary to obtain an education that offers both the knowledge of the new, technology-based economy and the practical skills of critical thinking and writing," Dorshimer said. "With a curriculum of hands-on instruction, coupled with math and English classes, Penn College answered my educational demands."

Jeremy W. Mills, Burnt Cabins Mills, a graduate of Southern Huntingdon County High School, is enrolled in the Architectural Technology major. His honors and activities include the National Honor Society; Varsity Football; Class Play Participant; AA Club; Daily News Journalism Writer; Chorus, Chamber Choir, Blue and Gold Tones; Church Teen Choir; and Church Youth Group.

"While visiting Penn College, I decided, without a doubt, that I wanted to attend it," Mills said. "Architectural Technology is my chosen major, and Penn College is noted for its architecture program. Upon learning about the Victorian House (designed and built by students, faculty and staff), I knew I would take the kind of classes that fascinate me."

Ryan R. Romberger, Pillow Romberger, a graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School, is enrolled in the Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology major. His honors and activities include the National Honor Society; FFA, Vice President; Conservation Club; Hunting Club; Short Mountain Conservation Club; and Pillow Fire Co., Junior Firefighter.

"I attended an Open House at Penn College (during) my senior year," Romberger said. "I found the school to be... small and the faculty to be very friendly and open. ...Penn College is a practical school, where I can learn through hands-on lab experience."

Jonathan W. Strine, Carlisle Strine, a graduate of Carlisle Area High School, is enrolled in the Computer Information Technology-Data Communication and Networking Concentration major. His honors and activities include Rotary Student of the Month, High School Technology Club, School Social Functions Volunteer, Local Business Networks Volunteer and Local Parade and Web Site Volunteer.

"I chose Pennsylvania College of Technology because it was one of the few colleges that offers a four-year degree program in computer networking," Strine said. "While the computer-science and computer-engineering programs that many colleges offer are very good, I feel that they are too broad and do not allow me to concentrate on, specifically, computer networking. I feel that it is the right college for me."

Meagan S. Vincent, Warren Vincent, a graduate of Warren Area High School, is enrolled in the Radiography major. Her honors and activities include Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Concert Choir, Harmony Choir, Academic Letter Recipient, Hospital Volunteer, Who's Who Among American High School Students, and a National Foreign Language Award Recipient.

"In my major, I am offered a chance to work in a hospital in two summer internships, gaining valuable hands-on experience," Vincent said. "This gives me an advantage in the working world. It offers many kinds of scholarships... a variety of clubs and sports... security... (and) modern dorm rooms with stoves, refrigerators and Internet access. Penn College gives me the confidence and experience that will help me in the future."

Jacob Vough, Markleton Vough, a graduate of Rockwood Area High School, is enrolled in the Electric Power Generation Technology major. His honors and activities include the National Honor Society; Church of God Youth Association, President; Track Team, Captain; Basketball Team; High Ridge 4-H Club, Treasurer; and County Band.

"I had talked to local companies about internships to help prepare me for college," Vough said. "Every company that I talked to about internships wondered what college I was considering. When they heard that it was Penn College, they had nothing but good comments to give. That is the kind of college I want to attend, one that has the respect of people. It would be hard to find another college with this type of reputation and educational opportunities."

Michael A. Willow, Mifflinburg Willow, a graduate of Mifflinburg Area High School, is enrolled in the Architectural Technology major. His honors and activities include National Honor Society, Varsity Basketball, Track and Field, Explorers, Calculus Club and Church Youth Group.

"After looking at numerous... brochures from different colleges, (Penn College) stood out because it offers architectural technology (and has) a good reputation for hands-on experience," Willow said.

LeighAnn Yocum, Catawissa Yocum, a graduate of Southern Columbia High School, is enrolled in the Baking and Pastry Arts major. Her honors and activities include Class Valedictorian; Concert Choir; Catawissa Military Band; Church Soloist; District Orchestra; County Chorus; National Merit Scholarship Recipient; National Honor Society; Student Council, President and Treasurer; Distinguished Honor Roll; 4-H, Secretary/Vice-President/Project Leader; Marching Band; Jazz Band; Woodwind Quintet; District Band; County Band and Concert Band.

"I was already aware of Penn College's excellent reputation, which was confirmed by my first visit to the campus and tour of the facilities," Yocum said. "Knowing that a substantial amount of my time will be dedicated to hands-on learning in my major instills me with confidence that I will be adequately prepared to begin my career following graduation. All of these factors have contributed to me eagerness and anticipation to pursue my education at Penn College."