Two More Graduates Certified as Horticulturists
Published 12.20.2006
Two more Pennsylvania College of Technology alumni have been state-certified as horticulturists on the basis of their performance in a recent four-part examination.
Kurt M. Boyer, of Lebanon, and Karl F. Womer, of Bloomsburg both of whom recently graduated with associate degrees in landscape/nursery technology passed the Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist test. Three other graduates were certified earlier this year, joining such select company as Richard J. Weilminster, who retired in May as lead horticulture professor after 34 years in the college's School of Natural Resources Management, and Carl J. Bower, horticulture instructor.
"Karl and Kurt should truly be proud of this accomplishment," Bower said. "Earning PCH status takes a lot of work and isn't something that is easily achieved. Being able to add that to their list of credentials is a great way to prove their knowledge and show their professionalism within the industry."
Begun in 1971 as a combined project with The Pennsylvania State University, the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association has provided training and certification for horticultural professionals for more than 30 years. The program, test and resulting certification are a formal way for current or potential landscape, garden-center or nursery professionals to assess their knowledge and gain credibility in the field.
A level of 80 percent or above must be attained in each of the four subject areas of the competitive test plants and their growth, plant maintenance, landscape design and installation, and retail operations in order for an individual to be accorded the PCH designation.
More information about the association, which represents horticultural businesses in Pennsylvania and the companies that supply them, is available on the Web.
For more about Penn College's School of Natural Resources Management, headquartered at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center near Allenwood, call (570) 320-8038, send e-mail or visit online.