Penn College’s ‘Working Class’ TV Series Earns Second Telly Award

“Working Class: Build & Grow Green,” produced by Pennsylvania College of Technology and WVIA Public Media, has earned a 2017 Bronze Telly Award.

It is the second episode produced for the “Working Class” public television series and the second to win a Bronze Telly. “Working Class: Dream & Do” earned the award in 2016.

Acknowledged as a premier award for film and video productions, the Telly Award honors outstanding local, regional and cable programming. The 37^th annual competition in 2017 considered more than 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents.

“As a national leader in applied technology education, Penn College has earned a reputation for combining academics with practical, hands-on education that prepares students to enter and advance in the world of work,” said Davie Jane Gilmour, president of the college. “The award-winning ‘Working Class’ series allows us to share our mission and passion for inspired learning with a public television audience.”

The series invites viewers to consider career options that link to their personal talents and interests. Each one-hour documentary features careers related to a specific theme. “Working Class: Dream & Do” features careers related to design. “Working Class: Build & Grow Green” features a wide range of careers, ranging from forestry and horticulture to building science and sustainable design, renewable energy, electrical technology, HVAC technology and building automation.

“Working Class: Build & Grow Green” premiered in October on WVIA, Pittston, and in April on WPSU, State College. Other Pennsylvania public television stations – including MindTV in Philadelphia; WQLN, Erie; and WITF, Harrisburg – announced it would appear in their summer broadcast schedules.

“WVIA is proud to collaborate with Penn College on this award-winning documentary,” said Tom Curra, president and chief executive officer of WVIA Public Media. “For over 50 years, WVIA has informed and educated viewers, and it is programs like this that make a positive difference in our region.”

Elaine J. Lambert, special assistant to the president for creative development and public relations at Penn College, and Christopher J. Leigh, the college’s video production coordinator, created the series. Along with student video production assistants, they serve as the entire film-production crew. Students assisting with “Working Class: Build & Grow Green” were Jeffrey A. Stanley, Stewartstown, and Colin B. Helm, Montoursville.

Penn College faculty appearing in the episode are: Andrew Bartholomay, forestry; Carl J. Bower, horticulture; Deb A. Buckman, chemistry/environmental science; Geoffrey M. Campbell, architectural technology; D. Robert Cooley, anthropology/environmental science; Michael A. Dincher, horticulture; Dorothy J. Gerring, architectural technology; Eric C. Easton, forestry; Jon W. Hart, electrical technology; Bradley Q. Kishbaugh, HVAC technology; Dale J. Kissinger, HVAC technology; Ken C. Kuhns, electrical technology; Brad M. Martin, construction management; Richard M. Sarginger, building construction technology; Dennis P. Skinner, horticulture; Richard C. Taylor, HVAC technology; and Todd S. Woodling, building automation.

Also appearing were Penn College construction management student Shawn A. Mayberry; Penn College alumnae and senior gardeners at Longwood Gardens Lauren Hoderny-Hill and April Bevans; Montoursville Area High School students in Daniel Tucker’s 2016 environmental science class; environmentalist/author Rick Bass; and author/illustrator Henry Cole.

In addition to Penn College’s main campus and Schneebeli Earth Science Center, filming took place at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square; Hills Creek State Park, Wellsboro; and the Carl J. Bower family home in Williamsport. The General John Burrows Historical Society Museum provided some historical footage.

A full video version of the award-winning documentary is available on YouTube and the series’ website. The website also offers short video clips related to topics explored in the episode, as well as a blog written by the executive producer and educator resources to help teachers and homeschooling parents incorporate the films into their classes.

A third episode in the series – “Working Class: Game On! Math Matters” – will premiere on WVIA this summer. Details about the “Working Class” TV Series are available via the website and on Facebook and Twitter.

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