Student awards presented to Fall 2022 Penn College graduates

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

A commencement ceremony was held Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State.

The award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are:

President’s Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Ashlee C. Felix-Taveras, Williamsport, human services & restorative justice.

Board of Directors’ Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Samar Alquraish, Williamsport, nursing.

Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Rebecca Erin High, Willow Street, applied management; and Tyler J. Walling, Williamsport, network administration & engineering technology and information technology: network & user support.

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): Shaqira Sharae Rebecca Drummond, Williamsport, business administration: marketing concentration; and Alexander L. Trzecki, Galeton, accounting.

Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service to Penn College, presented to a graduate who exemplifies Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour’s legacy of outstanding leadership and contributions to the student experience: Ma Theresa D. Valisno, Williamsport, business administration: marketing concentration.

Chef Leah Chase Excellence in Hospitality Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates the late Chef Chase'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: Moira Agnes Smith, Aaronsburg, baking & pastry arts.

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: Jamie Laraine Paugh, Danville, nursing.

Spirit of Nursing Award, presented to a graduating associate-degree nursing student who exemplifies the caring, compassion and empathy that are the very spirit of nursing and 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: Haleigh Ellen Leighow, Watsontown, 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: Leah E. Kline, Middleburg, 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: Nikki M. Boyd, Milton, nursing.

Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to graduates of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibits the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Emily Marie Roman, Johnstown, nursing; and Allyson Marie Turner, Jersey Shore, nursing.

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: Skyler R. Graver, Palmerton, welding & fabrication engineering technology.

Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year welding major who exemplifies the college's philosophy of excellence: Skyler R. Graver, Palmerton, welding & fabrication engineering technology.

Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to a graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in welding: David B. Arias, Long Pond, welding & fabrication 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: Jacob Craig Beatty, Grove City, machine tool technology and metal fabrication 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: Peter Hennessy Kane, Annandale, N.J., manufacturing engineering technology.

Allan Myers Award, presented to the top-performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis: Alexander Ryan Garrison, Ambler, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis.

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: Trevor J. Ravel, Reading, diesel technology.

Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who best exemplifies academic achievement, service and professionalism within the field of forestry: Jacob Daniel Fedinez, Trout Run, forest technology.

Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major: Palmer W. Simpson III, Selinsgrove, automotive technology.

Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major: David A. Andersen, Montoursville, 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: Palmer W. Simpson III, Selinsgrove, automotive technology.

Restoration Faculty Award, presented to an outstanding graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in automotive restoration technology: Dominic Joseph Alleva, Downingtown, automotive technology and automotive restoration technology.

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