Academics

Penn College’s spring 2017 graduates honored

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its spring 2017 graduates.

More than 900 students petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the spring semester, and three commencement ceremonies were held May 12-13 at the Community Arts Center. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State.

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

President's Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Morgan Nicole Keyser, Cogan Station, graphic design; and Lauren Jayde Crouse, Turbotville, applied human services.

Board of Directors' Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Stacey Lynn French, Montoursville, applied human services; and Morgan E. Blackwell, Beech Creek, accounting.

Academic Vice President and Provost's Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Stephanie M. Puckly, Spartansburg, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community, and scholastic achievement: Josiah D. Stoltzfus, Morgantown, construction management.

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): Trista Bethany Musser, Selinsgrove, applied human services.

Accounting Faculty Award, presented to a faculty-selected nontransfer student on the basis of academic standing for exceptional achievement in accounting: Steven C. Shuck, Montgomery, accounting.

Business Faculty Outstanding Graduate Award, presented to the top student majoring in a business program: Kayla Ann Gross, Danville, applied management.

Business Management Faculty Award, presented for achievement in the field of management, leadership qualities, and cooperation with faculty and peers: Kristen Elizabeth Swartz, Middletown, applied management.

Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (PICPA) Award, presented for excellence in accounting studies in the School of Business & Hospitality under criteria set forth by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants: Morgan E. Blackwell, Beech Creek, accounting.

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: Robert E. Wood, Williamsport, culinary arts and systems.

Hospitality Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, exemplifies professionalism and is committed to excellence in hospitality: Keegan Dale Sonney, Erie, baking and pastry arts.

Aramark Hospitality Award, presented to a student who has maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher; has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment; and who was previously employed by Aramark: Robert E. Wood, Wlliamsport, culinary arts and systems.

Web and Interactive Media Faculty Award, student achievement award presented to a faculty-selected student, enrolled in the web and interactive media major, on the basis of scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Kristen E. Bowes, Wayne, web and interactive media.

Harvey A. Martin Memorial Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of web and interactive media who exhibits a commitment to the profession and love of the major: Grace Frances Clark, Williamsport, web and interactive media.

Lepley, Engelman and Yaw Award, presented to graduates of the legal assistant/paralegal major with the highest GPA: Christopher A. Gehman, Mill Hall, paralegal studies; and James Stuart Suessenbach, New Albany, paralegal studies.

Construction Management Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of construction management who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, perseverance, participation, work ethic and commitment to the field: Alexander James Goga, Irwin, construction management.

NorthCentral PA Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award - Construction Management, presented to a graduate of construction management who demonstrates excellence, professionalism, and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: Wesley Gilson Ginnick, Altoona, construction management; and Josiah D. Stoltzfus, Morgantown, 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: Shane Paul Kline, Benton, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.

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: Rebecca Jean Carothers, Jersey Shore, mechatronics engineering technology; Noe Marquez Beltran, West Grove, heating, ventilation and air conditioning design technology; Tyler Michael Breon, Millheim, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis; Kile R. Sinsabaugh, Picture Rocks, building construction technology and building construction technology: masonry emphasis; and Robert G. Jackson III, Butler, 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 graduating civil engineering technology or surveying technology student expressing an interest in a land surveying career: Derick L. Weaver, Narvon, surveying.

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

The Spirit of Nursing Award, presented to graduating associate-degree nursing students selected by the faculty. The recipient exemplifies the caring, compassion and empathy that are the very spirit of nursing. The recipient 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: Margaret K. Heddings, Montoursville, nursing; and Lori A. Snyder, Muncy, nursing.

Linda F. Clark, BS RN, Memorial Nursing Commencement Award, presented to a graduate of a nursing major who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and commitment to lifelong learning: Morgan Eileen Foust, Watsontown, nursing.

Shirley Novosel Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of a nursing major who demonstrates leadership and proficiency in clinical; promotes client advocacy; shows a strong desire to learn and help others learn; displays a caring, compassionate and empathetic attitude toward patients; and displays a positive attitude toward the nursing program in general: Angela RaNae Lee, Roaring Branch, 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: Abbygail Grace Halderman, Shamokin, nursing; and Christina A. Russo, Northumberland, nursing.

Ronald E. Thompson Memorial Physical Fitness Specialist Commencement Award, presented to faculty-selected graduates of the exercise science major who have demonstrated high academic achievement and promote and practice the principles of wellness and physical fitness: Christian Joel Mitchell, Marcus Hook, exercise science; and Levi Jordon Veneziano, Bellefonte, exercise science.

UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Health Information, presented to a a graduate in the health information program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skill; demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and demonstrated academic excellence: Ashley Elaine Grieco, Montoursville, health information technology.

UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Applied Health Studies, presented to a graduate in the applied health studies program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skill; demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and demonstrated academic excellence: Laurie E. Gettis, Manheim, applied health studies.

UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Dental Hygiene, presented to a graduate in the dental hygiene program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skill; demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and demonstrated academic excellence: Rheannon Marie Mattiuz, Dysart, dental hygiene.

Dr. Clarke J. Hollister Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who has shown outstanding ability and achievement in dental health education: Rebekah Lyn Caretti, Weedville, 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: Rachel Marie Harshbarger, Altoona, dental hygiene.

Dental Hygiene Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who exhibits enthusiasm and pursuit of excellence in dental hygiene and a dedication to patients: Agnes M. Cochran, Westfield, dental hygiene.

Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, presented to the graduate of dental hygiene with the highest clinical average in dental hygiene: Kacie Lauren Burns, Bellefonte, dental hygiene.

Procter & Gamble Award, presented to a graduate of dental hygiene in recognition of knowledge in the preventative aspects of dental disease and the contributions toward the preventative oral health of patients: Agnes M. Cochran, Westfield, dental hygiene.

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

Electrical Excellence Award, presented to a college-selected graduate of the electrical occupations major who has exhibited outstanding capabilities in his or her course of study. Sponsored by Schaedler-Yesco Distribution Inc.: Cody H. Grimes, Boalsburg, electrical technology.

Electrical Faculty Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of an electrical major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: Geoffrey R. Buickus, Towanda, electrical 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: Alexander M. Martenas, Berwick, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Penn College Machine Shop Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year automated manufacturing/machining/toolmaking major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence and exhibits devotion to duty, helpfulness to others and friendliness: Matthew Remington Bean, McElhattan, manufacturing 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: Jamison Patrick Deal, Seneca Falls, New York, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to graduates who have attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Eric F. Geier, Sewickley, welding and fabrication engineering technology; and William I. Horn III, Schuylkill Haven, welding technology.

Plastics Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of the plastics program (associate or bachelor’s degree) who most exemplifies the characteristics of excellence in education, dedication to the profession and commitment to service: Zachary Adam Meredick, Danville, plastics and polymer engineering technology.

Alfred L. Hauser Sr. Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student in the two-year automated manufacturing technology or four-year manufacturing engineering technology majors who exemplifies the college's philosophy of excellence: Andrew Jay Wassall, Lancaster, manufacturing engineering technology.

Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to two graduates of electronics and computer engineering technology (one associate and one bachelor) based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Timothy R. Thompson, Stephens City, Virginia, electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis; and Alexander William Griffith, Imler, electronics and computer engineering technology.

Engineering Design Technology Faculty Award, presented to faculty-selected graduates of the baccalaureate-degree major who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Adam C. Hoffman, Williamsport, engineering design technology; and Kyle T. Potts, Colver, engineering design technology.

Engineering CAD Technology Faculty Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of the associate-degree major who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Joseph M. Johnson, Jersey Shore, engineering design technology.

Industrial Design Faculty Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of the baccalaureate-degree major who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Sean P. Christy, Coatesville, industrial and human factors design.

M&T Bank Award, presented to a graduate of an information technology associate-degree major based on the following criteria: the student must plan to enter the information technology field; must have demonstrated excellence in programming, networking and other information technology curricula; must have maintained a consistently high level of scholastic achievement; and must have demonstrated a high degree of leadership ability: Sarah Jane Zuhlke, State College, 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: Stephen Bernard Peters, Mechanicsburg, information assurance and cyber security.

UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Information Technology, presented to a graduate in the information technology program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and demonstrated academic excellence: Danielle Elizabeth Everett, Williamsport, information technology sciences-gaming and simulation.

Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement in mathematics: Jason R. Horton, Coopersburg, information technology sciences-gaming and simulation, and software development and 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: Danielle Elizabeth Everett, Williamsport, information technology sciences-gaming and simulation.

Central Susquehanna Association for the Education of Young Children Award, presented to the graduate of the early childhood education program who best exemplifies the qualities expressed in the National Association for the Education of Young Children code of ethics: Alysha Marie Stoker, Berwick, early childhood education.

Allan Myers Award (formerly American Infrastructure), presented to the top-performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis: Dexter Reece Maurer, Hegins, diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician (heavy construction or diesel programs): Benjamin Paul Coppola, Danville, diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to the graduates showing the highest degree of proficiency in the diesel technology major: Colton Michael Gaw, Herndon, diesel technology; and Hunter M. Masser, Herndon, diesel technology.

Earth Science Center Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the majors contained at the Earth Science Center: Noah L. English, Danville, landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis.

Diesel Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies professionalism within the field of diesel technology: Christian S. Hugar, Hughesville, diesel technology.

Heavy Construction Equipment Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of heavy construction equipment technology who most exemplifies professionalism within the field: Michael Jason Saalfrank, Perkasie, diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of forest technology who best exemplifies academic achievement, service and professionalism within the field of forestry: Hailey E. Fink, Latrobe, forest 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: William N. Miller, Hallstead, diesel technology and on-site power generation.

Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis or landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis, who best exemplifies academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of horticulture: M. Tanner Reif, Felton, landscape/horticulture technology: landscape 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: Bryan Michael Behm, Fleetwood, aviation maintenance technology.

Ford ASSET Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Ford ASSET major: Jackson Daniel Taylor, Florham Park, New Jersey, automotive technology: Ford ASSET emphasis.

Honda PACT Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Honda PACT major: Ian Joseph Schoenleber, Huntingdon Valley, automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis.

Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major (manufacturer emphases and collision repair excluded): Patrick Michael Murphy, Royersford, automotive technology.

Axalta Excellence Award (formerly DuPont Performance Coatings Excellence Award), presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Raymond Michael Pennachio, Dalton, collision repair technology.

Orelli Supply Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Alex M. LeVan, Williamsport, automotive technology and automotive restoration technology.

Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Brittany Ann Frey, Forksville, collision repair technology.

Mopar CAP Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Mopar CAP major: Zachary David Warren, Hummelstown, automotive technology: Mopar CAP emphasis.

Restoration Faculty Award, presented to an outstanding student who has attained the highest cumulative average in automotive restoration technology: Jason C. Wade, Port Carbon, automotive restoration technology.

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

Last Updated May 15, 2017