Penn College’s Spring 2018 Graduates Honored

Published 05.12.2018

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Student News

Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Spring 2018 graduates.

More than 900 students petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the spring semester, and three commencement ceremonies were held May 11-12 at the Community Arts Center. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University.



The student award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are:

President’s Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Hanna Jo Williams, Marion, New York, industrial and human factors design and studio arts.

Board of Directors’ Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Tommie L. Smith, Montgomery, accounting; and Kinda A. Walker, Winfield, applied human services.

Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Alexandra M. Lehman, Williamsport, business administration: sport and event management concentration.

Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who exemplifies the ideals of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness and high ideals): Mandy Marie Myers, Duke Center, applied human services.

Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community, and scholastic achievement: Aaron A. Sledge Jr., Pittsburgh, landscape/horticulture technology: plant production.

Aramark Business Administration Award, presented to a graduate who has maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher; has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment; and who was previously employed by Aramark: Alexa R. Kopp, Williamsport, business administration: marketing concentration.

Business Management Faculty Award, presented for achievement in the field of management, leadership qualities, and cooperation with faculty and peers: Kyle M. Landis, Troy, business administration: banking and finance concentration, and accounting.

Business Faculty Outstanding Graduate Award, presented to the top graduate majoring in a business program: Zachary Edward Masser, Montgomery, business administration: marketing concentration.

Hospitality Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, exemplifies professionalism and is committed to excellence in hospitality: Magdalen C. Bennett, Erie, culinary arts and systems.

Aramark Hospitality Award, presented to a graduate who has maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher; has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment; and who was previously employed by Aramark: Maria Esther Berrios, Bethlehem, baking and pastry arts.

Chef John Folse Excellence in Hospitality Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates Chef Folse's commitment to being a positive role model for the hospitality industry, work and scholastic excellence, stewardship of personal and professional resources, respect for self and others, and excellence and leadership in hospitality education: Sarah I. Tielmann, Tatamy, baking and pastry arts.

Accounting Faculty Award, presented to a graduate on the basis of academic standing for exceptional achievement in accounting: Kyle M. Landis, Troy, business administration: banking and finance concentration, and accounting.

Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (PICPA) Award, presented for excellence in accounting studies under criteria set forth by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants: Tommie L. Smith, Montgomery, accounting.

McNerney, Page, Vanderlin & Hall Award, presented to the graduate of legal assistant/paralegal studies who had the highest GPA: Brian Michael McKeon Jr., Williamsport, legal assistant/paralegal studies.

West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association Award, presented to graduates in building construction technology with outstanding GPAs, strong work ethic, ability to communicate well with faculty and a strong commitment to the residential building industry: Hayden Nicholas Beiter, Williamsport, building construction technology; Hunter M. Dunlap, Muncy, electrical occupations; Patrick Watkins, Blossburg, heating, ventilation & air conditioning design technology; and Drew M. Streit, Bloomsburg, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

Ed Dobeck Memorial Award, presented by the Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors for a civil engineering technology or surveying technology graduate expressing an interest in a land surveying career: Mark A. Valchar, Petersburg, surveying technology. 

NorthCentral PA Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award - Construction Management, presented to graduates who demonstrate excellence, professionalism and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: Bryan William Ralko, Doylestown, construction management; and Christopher Tobias Stout, Bellefonte, construction management.

U.A. Local No. 520 Plumbers and Steamfitters Award, presented to a graduate of a plumbing and heating major who resides in the local membership area and has shown a strong interest and desire to become a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 520: Steven M. Baker, Williamsport, heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology.

Spirit of Nursing Award, presented to a graduating associate-degree nursing student. The recipient exemplifies the caring, compassion and empathy that are the very spirit of nursing and also embodies the spirit of the Penn College nursing philosophy – professional behaviors, consumer-centered care, teaching and learning, nursing process, informatics, communication, and evidence-based practice: Christina A. Russo, Northumberland, nursing.

Linda F. Clark, BS RN, Memorial Nursing Commencement Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and commitment to lifelong learning: Glendalis Guadarrama, Avondale, nursing.

Shirley Novosel Memorial Award, presented to a nursing graduate who has demonstrated excellence in clinical performance, clinical leadership, promotion of client advocacy, proficiency in clinical skills, desire to learn and help others learn, a positive professional attitude, and a caring, compassionate, empathetic attitude toward clients: Kayla Jo Woods, Muncy Valley, nursing.

Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibits the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Heather Marie Raybold, Williamsport, nursing.

Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major for outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and communication skills: Weena J. Walton, Watsontown, nursing.

Ronald E. Thompson Memorial Physical Fitness Specialist Commencement Award, presented to a graduate of the exercise science major who has demonstrated high academic achievement and promoted and practiced the principles of wellness and physical fitness: Daniel S. McCloskey, Beech Creek, exercise science.

UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Dental Hygiene, presented to a graduate who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and demonstrated academic excellence: Bridgette Nicole O’Leary, Altoona, dental hygiene.

UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Health Information, presented to a graduate who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and demonstrated academic excellence: Timothy Peter Reda, Newton, New Jersey, health information management.

UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Applied Health Studies, presented to a graduate who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and demonstrated academic excellence: Kiersten L. Betz, Williamsport, applied health studies: radiography concentration.

Colgate (S.T.A.R.) Student Total Achievement Recognition Award, presented to a graduate who exhibits enthusiasm and pursuit of excellence in dental hygiene, and a dedication to patients: Heather Marie Leigey, Centre Hall, dental hygiene.

Patricia L. Saxton Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award, presented to a graduate who exhibits dedication to the profession through personal growth, self-development and support of others: Jane M. Herman, Greencastle, dental hygiene.

Dr. Clarke J. Hollister Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who has shown outstanding ability and achievement in dental health education: Karlee Elizabeth Moyer, Hollsopple, dental hygiene.

Procter & Gamble Award, presented to a graduate of dental hygiene in recognition of knowledge in the preventative aspects of dental disease and contributions toward the preventative oral health of patients: Madyson Nicole Stiehler, Karns City, dental hygiene.

Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, presented to the graduate with the highest clinical average in dental hygiene: Mikayla Amber Krupa, Palmerton, dental hygiene.

Dental Hygiene Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who demonstrates the most growth and development throughout his or her course of study: Samantha Jo Diehl, East Berlin, dental hygiene.

Industrial Design Faculty Award, presented to graduates who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Brett Franklin Warkoski, Williamsport, industrial and human factors design; and Hanna Jo Williams, Marion, New York, industrial and human factors design and studio arts.

Engineering Design Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Thomas Allen D'Arcy, Mechanicsburg, engineering design technology; and Jason S. Ruzzi, Hummelstown, engineering design technology.

Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to graduates who have attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Jessica Lee Logue, Bloomsburg, welding and fabrication engineering technology; and Joshua Thomas Kosak, Harveys Lake, welding technology.

Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to graduates who exemplify the college's philosophy of excellence: Leif Eric Brown, Huntingdon, welding technology; and Sean A. Moore, York, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

American Welding Society Student Chapter Award, presented to a member of the student chapter who has shown leadership and dedication in the field of welding: Jessica Lee Logue, Bloomsburg, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Plastics Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies the characteristics of excellence in education, dedication to the profession and commitment to service: Logan A. Tate, Williamsport, plastics and polymer engineering technology.

Alfred L. Hauser Sr. Memorial Award, presented to a graduate in automated manufacturing technology or manufacturing engineering technology who exemplifies the college's philosophy of excellence: Derrick R. Geedey, Turbotville, manufacturing engineering technology.

Penn College Machine Shop Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of automated manufacturing, machining, or toolmaking who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence and exhibits devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, and friendliness: Justin Lee Geedey, Turbotville, manufacturing engineering technology.

Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates of electronics and computer engineering technology based on major GPA: Connor Austin Doherty, Lawrence Township, N.J., electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis; and Roman Joseph Scicchitano, Shamokin, electronics and computer engineering technology.

Electrical Excellence Award, presented by Schaedler-Yesco Distribution Inc. to a graduate who has exhibited outstanding capabilities in electrical occupations: Hunter M. Dunlap, Muncy, electrical occupations.

Electrical Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the electrical field: Joel B. Dunn, Montoursville, electrical technology.

M&T Bank Award, presented to a graduate of an information technology associate degree who has demonstrated a high degree of leadership ability and excellence in programming, networking and other information technology curricula, and who has maintained a consistently high level of scholastic achievement and plans to enter the information technology field: Brad E. Lenig, Williamsport, information technology: technical support technology emphasis.

Information Technology Faculty Award, presented for scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Robert T. Kitchen, Montgomery, information assurance and cyber security.

The Packaging Progressions Excellence in Mechatronics Award, presented by Packaging Progressions Inc. to a graduate of an electromechanical and/or mechatronics major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: Aaron L. Dahl, Williamsport, mechatronics engineering technology.

Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to graduates who demonstrate outstanding achievement in mathematics: Jacob T. Piergallini, Lock Haven, electronics and computer engineering technology; and Roman Joseph Scicchitano, Shamokin, electronics and computer engineering technology.

Dean Solomon Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates a desire for a profession in mathematics and/or computer science; who demonstrates good character, an affable personality and concern for fellow human beings; and who has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher: Jennifer L. Daniel, Montgomery, software development & information management.

Penn College Early Childhood Education Award, presented to a graduate who has exemplified the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct in his/her professional practice and interactions with children, colleagues, families and community members: Katrina Chanel Dolley, Linden, early childhood education.

Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who best exemplifies academic achievement, service and professionalism within the field of forestry: Jonathan R. Norris, Lebanon, forest technology.

Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who best exemplifies academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of horticulture: Kyle J. Schatz, St. Marys, landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis.

Earth Science Center Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the majors at the Earth Science Center: Harrison Dayne Padasak, Indiana, heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis.

Heavy Construction Equipment Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of heavy construction equipment technology who most exemplifies professionalism within the field: James M. Solly, Doylestown, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to a graduate of the heavy construction or diesel programs who demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician: Thomas G. Anderson, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis.

William J. Stitzel Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of a diesel technology major who best exemplifies Stitzel's dedication to Penn College through service to the college community, service to fellow students and academic achievement: Jonathon M. Conway, Durham, Connecticut, heavy construction equipment technology: caterpillar equipment emphasis and diesel technology.

Diesel Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies professionalism within the field of diesel technology: Jeremy C. Bower, Mertztown, diesel technology.

Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to the graduate showing the highest degree of proficiency in the diesel technology major: Ryan M. Saiers, Hughesville, diesel technology.

Allan Myers Award, presented to the top-performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis: Richard J. Ward, Clearfield, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis.

Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major: Cameron J. Nulton, Colver, automotive technology.

Ford ASSET Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Ford ASSET major: Alexander E. Wallace, Indiana, automotive technology: Ford ASSET emphasis.

Axalta Excellence Award (formerly DuPont Performance Coatings Excellence Award), presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Christopher D. Whitney, Wellsboro, collision repair technology.

Orelli Supply Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major: Cody S. Hackenberry, Yeagertown, collision repair technology.

Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major: Genevieve M. Kelly, South Hamilton, Massachusetts, collision repair technology.

Restoration Faculty Award, presented to an outstanding graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in automotive restoration technology: Michael R. Krukowski, Fairfax Station, Va., automotive restoration technology.

Mopar CAP Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Mopar CAP major: Nathaniel F. Olson, Mount Desert, Maine, automotive technology: Mopar CAP emphasis.

Honda PACT Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Honda PACT major: Jack T. Glendenning, Doylestown, automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis.

Aviation Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of aviation maintenance: Zachary D. Reese, Littlestown, aviation maintenance technology and aviation technology.

For more information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.