Nearly 400 Petition to Graduate at Penn College Commencement

Published 11.19.2003

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Student News

The largest group of students in the College's history has petitioned for mid-year graduation at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Three hundred eighty-five students have petitioned to receive bachelor's degrees, associate's degrees or certificates at the conclusion of the current semester. Those who successfully complete the requirements for their degrees will be eligible for graduation at the end of the term.

Many will participate in commencement ceremonies at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.

The 2003 Master Teacher Award recipient Richard L. Druckenmiller, an instructor of building construction technology will be one of the featured speakers at the ceremonies. He received the honor in May.

Druckenmiller, a Trout Run resident, joined the College in 1990. He earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Millersville University in 1974 and a master's degree in education from Wilkes University in 2001. He also holds a certificate of competence in carpentry. Before coming to Penn College, he worked as a substitute teacher and part-time teacher. He also has 11 years' experience in carpentry and three years' experience in management.

The student speaker will be James C. Hakes of Montoursville. Hakes will graduate with an associate's degree in Computer Information Systems-Programming and Database Processing. Hakes will remain enrolled at the College in spring to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Technology-Internetworking Application Development Concentration.

An Alumni Citizenship/Humanitarian Award will be presented posthumously to Brian J. Firkal of Nesquehoning, who graduated in May 1996 with a degree in Graphic Communication.

Firkal, 27, was a printing technology instructor at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute who served as a volunteer firefighter. He died Sept. 27 while attempting to rescue a young swimmer in rough surf at Ocean City, Md. Firkal's widow, Jane, will accept the award on his behalf.

Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour will preside over the ceremonies and confer the degrees and certificates.

The ceremonies will be broadcast live in the Williamsport area on SusCom Cable Channel 2.