Penn College’s Spring 2022 graduates honored 

Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Spring 2022 graduates. 

Nearly 750 students petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the spring semester, and three commencement ceremonies were held May 13-14 at the Community Arts Center. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University.​

The award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are: 

President’s Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Dakota C. Harrison, Lewisberry, manufacturing engineering technology and automated manufacturing technology; and Caila Nicole Flanagan, Danville, business administration: marketing concentration and business management. 

Board of Directors’ Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Aaron Dylan McGarvey, Coatesville, aviation maintenance technician. 

Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Dhruv Singh, Dayton, N.J., automotive technology management. 

Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community, and scholastic achievement: Callie Alexandra Sobolewski, Budd Lake, N.J., nursing. 

Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented to graduates who exemplify the ideals of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness and high ideals): Wesley Scott McCray, Corry, engineering design technology; and Jesse James Walker, Las Vegas, web & interactive media.

Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service to Penn College, presented to graduates who exemplify Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour’s legacy of outstanding leadership and contributions to the student experience: Caila Nicole Flanagan, Danville, business administration: marketing concentration and business management; Dakota C. Harrison, Lewisberry, manufacturing engineering technology and automated manufacturing technology; Charlee Marshall, Snow Shoe, construction management; Charles Benjamin Mierwald, Lock Haven, human services & restorative justice; Rudy C. Shadle, Mechanicsburg, construction management; Devin S. Watson, Shippensburg, electronics & computer engineering technology and electronics & computer engineering technology: robotics & automation emphasis; and Sophia G. Wiest, Butler, entrepreneurial innovation. 

Accounting Faculty Award, presented to a graduate on the basis of academic standing for exceptional achievement in accounting: Hannah Marie Lilley, Williamsport, accounting. 

Business Faculty Outstanding Graduate Award, presented to the top graduate majoring in a business program: Alexis Nichole Youse, Pottstown, applied management. 

Business Management Faculty Award, presented for achievement in the field of management, leadership qualities, and cooperation with faculty and peers: McKenna N. Myers, Northumberland, business administration: marketing concentration and business administration: management concentration. 

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: Aaron E. Timmons, Greencastle, applied management, baking & pastry arts, and culinary arts technology. 

Hospitality Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, exemplifies professionalism and is committed to excellence in hospitality: Madison Yang Cooper, Harrisburg, applied management and culinary arts technology. 

Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement in mathematics: Christopher M. Ansbach (December graduate), Ashland, gaming & simulation programming and software development & information management. 

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: Carson Daniel Seese, Shippensburg, information assurance & cyber security. 

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: Joseph Paul Hetrick, Wellsboro, nursing. 

Spirit of Nursing Award, presented to graduating associate-degree nursing students who exemplify the caring, compassion and empathy that are the very spirit of nursing and embody the spirit of the Penn College nursing philosophy – professional behaviors, consumer-centered care, teaching and learning, nursing process, informatics, communication, and evidence-based practice: Joseph Paul Hetrick, Wellsboro, nursing; and Chandra Leone Thomas, Forksville, nursing. 

Nursing & Health Sciences Humanitarian Award, presented to a health science graduate who exhibits qualities of honesty, integrity, courage and responsibility, and a demonstrated commitment to the welfare of others: Callie Alexandra Sobolewski, Budd Lake. N.J., 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: Connor J. Burke, Saint Clair, 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, a desire to learn and help others learn, a positive professional attitude, and a caring, compassionate, empathetic attitude toward clients: Emily Lynne Durbin, Danville, nursing. 

Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to graduates of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibit the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Lakeisha J. Martin, New Columbia, nursing; and Jenna Marie McKim, Huntingdon, nursing. 

FLIGHT Award: Fearless Learning in Good & Hard Times, presented to a graduate of the BSN program who has overcome the greatest adversity: Brian D. Huffman, Canton, nursing. 

UPMC Program Award for Health Information, presented to a graduate of the health information program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Ashley M. Hunter, Montoursville, health information technology. 

UPMC Program Award for Applied Health Studies, presented to a graduate of the applied health studies program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Chloe Ahrens Bierly, Jersey Shore, applied health studies. 

UPMC Program Award for Dental Hygiene, presented to a graduate of the dental hygiene program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Jaclyn A. Wertz, Loganton, dental hygiene. 

Dr. Clarke J. Hollister Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who has shown outstanding ability and achievement in dental health education: Samantha S. Theriault, Taylor, dental hygiene. 

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: Paige Olivia Hunter, Tyrone, dental hygiene. 

Dental Hygiene Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who demonstrates the most growth and development throughout his or her course of study: Jamie Lynn Rickert, Duncannon, dental hygiene. 

Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, presented to the graduate with the highest clinical average in dental hygiene: Megan Marie Foley, Clarendon, 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: Rachel M. Steinbacher, Montoursville, dental hygiene. 

Construction Management Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, perseverance, participation, work ethic and commitment to the field: Thomas Andrew Grates VI, Tarentum, construction management. 

Construction Management Advisory Committee Achievement Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates professionalism, perseverance, a positive attitude and service to the construction management program: Charlee Marshall, Snow Shoe, construction management. 

NorthCentral PA Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award - Construction Management, presented to graduates of construction management who demonstrate excellence, professionalism and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: Thomas Andrew Grates VI, Tarentum, construction management; and Rudy C. Shadle, Mechanicsburg, construction management. 

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: Adam V. Bailey, Schuylkill Haven, heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology; Daniel P. Harkins, North Wales, electrical construction; Colton A. Loreman, New Columbia, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis; Liam Ryan, Malvern, building construction technology; and Jacob B. Wallbillich, Nazareth, residential construction technology & management. 

Electrical Excellence Award, presented by Schaedler-Yesco Distribution Inc. to a graduate who has exhibited outstanding capabilities within the electrical field: Brayden Lee Cooper, Harrisburg, electrical construction. 

Electrical Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the electrical field: Carl Stephen Watkins, Damascus. Md., electrical construction. 

The Larry A. Ward Excellence in Mechatronics Award, presented to a graduate of an electromechanical and/or mechatronics major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: Lane Parker Stimely, Lewistown, mechatronics technology. 

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: Devin R. Deihl, Alexandria, surveying 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: Robert Edward Kisner IV, Ulster, welding technology. 

Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to graduates of a welding major who exemplify the college's philosophy of excellence: Evan L. Wendt, Dalmatia, welding technology; Robert Richard Ruda III, White Haven, welding & fabrication engineering technology; Reis Matthew Salvatori, Williamsport, welding technology; and Franchesca Cheyenne Ybarra, Williamsport, welding & fabrication engineering technology. 

Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to graduates who have attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Joseph Gallina, Whitehall, welding & fabrication engineering technology; and Thomas Henry Mann, Malvern, welding 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: Brandon B. Zechman, Granville Summit, plastics & polymer engineering technology. 

Penn College Machine Shop Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year automated manufacturing, machining, or toolmaking major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence and exhibits devotion to duty, helpfulness to others and friendliness: Dakota C. Harrison, Lewisberry, manufacturing engineering technology and automated manufacturing technology. 

Charlie Oldt Memorial Machining Award, presented to a graduate in the field of machining in memory of Charlie Oldt, who served as the tool room attendant for 22 years: Joseph Louis Elinski, Wilcox, manufacturing engineering technology, automated manufacturing technology and machine tool technology. 

Alfred L. Hauser Sr. Memorial Award, presented to a graduate in the two-year automated manufacturing technology or four-year manufacturing engineering technology major who exemplifies the college's philosophy of excellence: Samuel Van Dermark, Penn Yan, N.Y., manufacturing engineering technology, automated manufacturing technology and machine tool technology. 

Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates of electronics & computer engineering technology based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Wyatt Raphael Hayes, Weedville, electronics & computer engineering technology: robotics & automation emphasis; and Devin S. Watson, Shippensburg, electronics & computer engineering technology and electronics & computer engineering technology: robotics & automation emphasis. 

Automation Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates of electronics & computer engineering technology based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Crew Conner Haefner, Montoursville, automation engineering technology: robotics & automation. 

Engineering Design Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Wesley Scott McCray, Corry, engineering design technology; and Daniel Thomas Wright, McClure, engineering design technology. 

Engineering CAD Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Jason Allen Delker, Hughesville, engineering CAD technology. 

Industrial Design Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Andrew J. Goth, Emmaus, industrial design. 

M&T Bank Award, presented to a graduate of an information technology associate-degree program 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: Alexander James Catherman, Mifflinburg, information technology: network & user support. 

Information Technology Faculty Award, presented for scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Anthony Q. Cleary, Newville, information assurance & cyber security; and Carson Daniel Seese, Shippensburg, information assurance & cyber security. 

UPMC Program Award for Information Technology, presented to a graduate in the information technology program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Angela Rochelle Thompson, Williamsport, information assurance & cyber security. 

Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to graduates of the heavy construction or diesel program who demonstrate the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician: Michael A. Cassar, Middleburgh, N.Y., electric power generation technology: diesel emphasis; and Justin David Sandner, Wayne, N.J., heavy equipment technology: technician emphasis and electric power generation technology: diesel emphasis. 

Heavy Construction Equipment Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies professionalism within the field: Jacob M. Sperry, York, heavy equipment technology: technician emphasis. 

Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to the graduate showing the highest degree of proficiency in the diesel technology major: David Nathaniel Fisher, Newville, diesel technology. 

William E. Curry Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies William Curry's pursuit of technical excellence and his enthusiastic passion for the diesel technology industry: Nathan A. Hunsinger, Catawissa, diesel technology. 

William J. Stitzel Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of a diesel technology major who best exemplifies William J. Stitzel's dedication to Penn College through service to the college community, service to fellow students and academic achievement: Christopher L. Cutrona, Frackville, diesel technology. 

Earth Science Center Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the majors at the Earth Science Center: Grant Walters, Dover, horticulture technology: landscape emphasis. 

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

Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to graduates who best exemplify academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of horticulture: Faith E. Mitchell, Sunbury, horticulture technology: landscape emphasis; Nicholas E. Yule, Berwick, horticulture technology: landscape emphasis and horticulture technology: plant production 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: Kevin Pradel, Belleville, N.J., aviation maintenance technology. 

Honda PACT Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Honda PACT major: Mark Robert Bierly, Rebersburg, automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis. 

Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major: Ryan J. Sarnoski, Bloomsburg, automotive technology. 

Axalta Excellence Award, presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Nathan Craig Brinker, Fleetwood, collision repair technology. 

Orelli Supply Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Matthew Harold Hutchison, West Grove, collision repair technology. 

Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major: Jason M. Wollermann, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., collision repair technology. 

Automotive Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of automotive maintenance: Colin J. Poll, Toms River, N.J., automotive technology. 

Restoration Faculty Award, presented to an outstanding graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in automotive restoration technology: Maxwell T. Empson, Franklin, collision repair technology and automotive restoration technology. 

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.