Faculty Open Middle Schoolers' Eyes to Vocational Vistas

Published 05.17.2017

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Middle schoolers had the run of campus during Career Day on Monday, when they spent the day exploring “degrees that work” in all six of Penn College’s academic schools. Hosted by the College Transitions Office and guided by a multitude of Penn College faculty who provided 45-minute workshops and demonstrations, the students got a hands-on taste of the wide variety of careers they may choose to pursue.


– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor


In a double-length session led by Denise S. Leete, associate professor of computer science, students build an iOS app.

In a double-length session led by Denise S. Leete, associate professor of computer science, students build an iOS app.

Student Katherine L. Mertes, of Williamsport, helps to administer questions to the crowd during a “Let’s Build” session led by Carol A. Lugg, assistant dean of construction and design technologies. During the session, which was mandatory for all of the visiting groups, Lugg led them through a variety of careers that become involved in developing a property. Mertes is majoring in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

Student Katherine L. Mertes, of Williamsport, helps to administer questions to the crowd during a “Let’s Build” session led by Carol A. Lugg, assistant dean of construction and design technologies. During the session, which was mandatory for all of the visiting groups, Lugg led them through a variety of careers that become involved in developing a property. Mertes is majoring in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

Lugg polls students: Where would we begin to construct a building on this land? Students gave a variety of laudable answers: With the foundation, with measurements, with drawings, etc. The correct answer: By finding out what the client wants.

Lugg polls students: Where would we begin to construct a building on this land? Students gave a variety of laudable answers: With the foundation, with measurements, with drawings, etc. The correct answer: By finding out what the client wants.

In the paramedic lab, an emergency medical services student demonstrates a nasopharyngeal airway insertion before letting the middle schoolers give it a try.

In the paramedic lab, an emergency medical services student demonstrates a nasopharyngeal airway insertion before letting the middle schoolers give it a try.

In the Electrical Technologies Center, Eric L. Anstadt, lecturer in electrical technology occupations, allows visitors to test a variety of materials to determine their conductivity.

In the Electrical Technologies Center, Eric L. Anstadt, lecturer in electrical technology occupations, allows visitors to test a variety of materials to determine their conductivity.

Eric K. Albert, associate professor of machine tool technology/automated manufacturing, wraps up a session on additive manufacturing – explaining how the technology is changing the way we make and design products.

Eric K. Albert, associate professor of machine tool technology/automated manufacturing, wraps up a session on additive manufacturing – explaining how the technology is changing the way we make and design products.

Roy H. Klinger and Shaun D. Hack, instructors of collision repair, take a group for a spin in a pair of Ford Model T’s.

Roy H. Klinger and Shaun D. Hack, instructors of collision repair, take a group for a spin in a pair of Ford Model T’s.

Joshua J. Rice, instructor of plastics technology and a 2013 graduate of the program, gives an introductory chemistry lesson in polymers.

Joshua J. Rice, instructor of plastics technology and a 2013 graduate of the program, gives an introductory chemistry lesson in polymers.

Michele M. Budnovitch, instructor of business administration/health information technology, helps students to conceptualize the field of health information.

Michele M. Budnovitch, instructor of business administration/health information technology, helps students to conceptualize the field of health information.

Before they dived into a game of online Monopoly, Michael D. Shipman, instructor of business administration/accounting, talks about the accounting principles the students should track.

Before they dived into a game of online Monopoly, Michael D. Shipman, instructor of business administration/accounting, talks about the accounting principles the students should track.

Students hop in wheelchairs and take a “grabber” as they head outdoors for a scavenger hunt, courtesy of Christine A. Tilburg, clinical director of physical therapist assistant.

Students hop in wheelchairs and take a “grabber” as they head outdoors for a scavenger hunt, courtesy of Christine A. Tilburg, clinical director of physical therapist assistant.

In the Nursing Education Center, visitors react to a shout of pain from SimMan.

In the Nursing Education Center, visitors react to a shout of pain from SimMan.

Daniel L. Brooks, instructor of architectural technology, leads a session called “Architecture: It all Starts With a Plan!”

Daniel L. Brooks, instructor of architectural technology, leads a session called “Architecture: It all Starts With a Plan!”

A middle school student adds M&Ms to rounds of melted chocolate piped by Chef Charles R. Niedermyer, instructor of baking and pastry arts/culinary arts, as they make knackerli.

A middle school student adds M&Ms to rounds of melted chocolate piped by Chef Charles R. Niedermyer, instructor of baking and pastry arts/culinary arts, as they make knackerli.

Daniel J. Harris, instructor of HVAC technology, demonstrates the inner workings of a furnace, where electricity ignites fuel.

Daniel J. Harris, instructor of HVAC technology, demonstrates the inner workings of a furnace, where electricity ignites fuel.

Paul R. Watson, dean of academic services and college transitions, demonstrates the principles of topology as students make and cut Mobius strips.

Paul R. Watson, dean of academic services and college transitions, demonstrates the principles of topology as students make and cut Mobius strips.