PCToday

Author Megan E. Rogers, a Penn College employee, and sons Mason and Christopher were featured in a segment of WBRE’s “PA live!” on Monday afternoon. Co-hosts Haley Bianco and Christopher Bohinski interviewed the family about “Meet Mason,” a newly published and beautifully illustrated book designed to boost readers’ understanding of special needs and to help them discern the too-often-unseen similarities alongside those differences. “Even without vision, there’s still vision,” Megan said. “One of the things that Mason has taught me is to see things in a different way, without my eyes. To be able to see with my heart; something as simple as the sun shining on your face. When I see him smile, you appreciate that on a whole ‘nother level.” The book is available from Amazon in paperback ($15) and at a pair of local book-signings in the coming weeks: The Otto Bookstore on June 26 and at North Central Sight Services on July 18.

A communitywide Flags Across America ceremony, a Flag Day tradition near the base of the towering “Stars and Stripes” outside the Student & Administrative Services Center, was held Monday evening at Penn College. Individuals and organizations lined up in the large parking lot south of Madigan Library at 6:20 p.m. shortly before stepping off for a brief march to the SASC, where entertainment included a concert by the Repasz Band Brass Ensemble. Participants joined in a national Pledge of Allegiance at 7 p.m. The event honored the late Anthony L. DiSalvo, longtime organizer of the annual Flag March (altered this year due to COVID) and a driving force behind installation of the college’s 1,800-square-foot American flag more than two decades ago. The Williamsport Sun-Gazette, which recently editorialized about the college’s hosting of the event, recapped the evening in its Wednesday editions.

Two Pennsylvania College of Technology students and their professor recently shared their expertise as part of Pennsylvania Prevention Week 2021, which encourages citizens across the commonwealth to recognize the importance of substance abuse prevention as a priority for public health.

In an 18-minute video, students Alexandria M. George and Cydney L. Ginter and faculty member Elizabeth E. Winder discussed “Utilizing the PAYS in Higher Education.” The PAYS (Pennsylvania Youth Survey) is a survey of sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th grade students that gathers insights into young people’s behavior, attitudes and knowledge concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence.

“I routinely use this survey to help my students better understand data-driven decision making and to help them understand how to prescribe evidence-based programs based on targeted, community need,” said Winder, assistant professor of human services and restorative justice.

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Zack Moore, vice president for government and community relations for Penn State, has been named to the Board of Directors at Pennsylvania College of Technology, a special mission affiliate of Penn State.

Recently appointed by The Corporation for Penn State, Moore succeeds Michael DiRaimo, who had served on the Penn College Board since 2017.

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Public Relations & Marketing at Pennsylvania College of Technology took home gold, bronze and honorable mention recognition in the 2021 CUPPIE Awards sponsored by CUPRAP, College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals.

The 14th annual CUPPIE Awards featured 357 entries from colleges, universities, agencies and providers of private, specialized and secondary education and accreditation. Penn College was honored for writing, video and magazine production efforts completed between Dec. 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2020.

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Megan E. Rogers has preached to her son who is blind that there is nothing he can’t do; he just might have to discover a different way to do it.

For proof, she can point to herself.

The Pennsylvania College of Technology employee and single mom of two wasn’t blessed with writing experience, but that didn’t prevent her from authoring a recently published children’s book. For Rogers, maternal love proved more valuable than a background rooted in prose.

The result is “Meet Mason,” a 32-page illustrated book inspired by her 9-year-old son who has been blind since birth. The text – written from Mason’s perspective – and color illustrations of the youngster in various settings are designed to help kids relate to those who are blind or have other special needs.

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Pennsylvania’s transition from spring to summer can bring some unpredictable conditions: steamy days, cool nights and a seemingly ever-present threat of showers. Penn College Police Officer Daniel A. Kilgus took this engaging panoramic photo of the sky over the Bush Campus Center, just before Friday morning’s rain moved in. Eerie and menacing, perhaps, but with the silver-lining promise of another day.

WELLSBORO, Pa. – Excellent career opportunities for licensed practical nurses exist in area hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, personal care facilities and human service organizations.

Penn College at Wellsboro’s Practical Nursing Program will host information sessions for those interested in nursing as a career. Sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15, and Thursday, Aug. 5, at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Wellsboro campus, 22 Walnut St.

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PCToday continues its regular feature – welcoming new full-time and regular part-time Pennsylvania College of Technology employees, as reported by the Human Resources Office.

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The Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors on Thursday approved a $157.3 million college budget for 2021-22 calling for no increase in tuition and fees or in the rates charged to students for on-campus housing and meal plans.

The board also authorized the purchase of two properties at 218 Park St. and 971 Second St. in Williamsport and heard presentations on the new LEAP (Learning, Evolving, Adapting, Preparing) Center and the college’s ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response.

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Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Board of Directors today approved a $157.3 million budget for 2021-22, one that features no increase in tuition and fees for students and an increase of less than 1% in spending over 2020-21.

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Penn College’s proven prominence in helping companies improve their employees’ skills through apprenticeship training is reflected in a new feature of the campus community’s blog. Laying the groundwork for a planned series of insightful posts, author Christopher P. Ray – Workforce Development’s executive director for business development – debuts with a definition of what separates the program from the myriad other “ships” in the workforce world.

State College native Eric Ian Farmer will travel to Williamsport to perform on the Community Arts Center stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 16.

The Penn State alumnus, raised in North Carolina and returning to his roots, has entertained audiences at Happy Valley’s Got Talent and Penn State’s Got Talent, both popular regional competitions, and recorded a live album at The Attic at The State Theatre in State College.

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The June 2 appearance by a member of Penn College’s faculty on WITF’s interactive “Smart Talk” radio program has been added to the Harrisburg public broadcasting station’s website. Christopher H. Van Stavoren, assistant professor of automotive technology, spoke with Scott LaMar during the second half of the episode (beginning at about the 26:30 mark) on the topic of “Understanding Electric Vehicle Technology.” He answered questions from the host and listeners about efficiency, infrastructure and cost, closing with confidence that Penn College automotive students leave campus well-equipped to handle all manner of vehicles: conventional, hybrid and electric. Van Stavoren – who teaches such courses as Automotive Electrical Fundamentals, Powertrain Electronics and Engine Electrical Systems – has served on the college faculty since 1999.

Pennsylvania College of Technology President Davie Jane Gilmour has made a substantial commitment to the college’s Legacy Campaign for Penn College fundraising effort. The donation will benefit several key scholarship initiatives for students.

Gilmour, who recently announced plans to retire as president on June 30, 2022, is making a six-figure gift that will support the existing Tomorrow Makers Scholarship, as well as two new endowed funds she is creating: the Gilmour Global Experiences Endowment and the Gilmour Student Competition Endowment.

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