Distinguished Staff Awards and other year-end accolades were presented at an all-campus meeting observing the 20^th annual Employee Recognition Week at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

In addition to Distinguished Staff Awards, Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour presented awards for Excellence in Academic Advising and Part-Time Teaching Excellence. The college also inducted the newest members of its Quarter Century Club and honored dozens of employees retiring in the 2014-15 academic year.

Distinguished staffDistinguished Staff Awards were presented to employees in several job classifications: Hillary E. Hofstrom, director of employee relations and compliance (Administrative, Professional and Technical), Deborah A. Dougherty, secretary to the dean of business and hospitality (Classified), and Scott A. Bierly, lumberyard attendant/equipment repair person for carpentry (Service). Presented each May since 1996, the awards recognize the daily contributions of college employees.

“Hillary possesses a keen ability to cultivate relationships with students, staff and faculty,” Hofstrom’s nominator wrote. “She collaborates with departments and offices throughout campus, providing guidance and interpretation of the college’s policies and procedures. Hillary is well-liked and respected by colleagues, and I believe this is due to her calm, professional demeanor. Her ‘emotional intelligence’ is a unique, inherent trait that sets her apart from others.”

About Dougherty, a faculty member wrote, “Deb is always abreast of what is happening within our programs. Special events, food shows, visitors to campus and the like. Deb is always able to contribute and inform all parties involved. She is a go-to person if you have a question about what’s happening on any given day. Additionally, (she) demonstrates creativity and sound thinking when a problem does arise.”

“Scott works with many different personalities and always maintains a high level of professionalism,” Bierly’s nominator wrote. “He works well with the students, and shows them that being professional with clients, vendors and consumers is very important to running a toolroom or working on their future jobs after college.”

Part-time teaching excellencePart-Time Teaching Excellence Awards were presented to Tushanna M. Habalar, learning laboratory coordinator for nursing education and a part-time clinical instructor in the college’s School of Health Sciences, and Gaye R. Jenkins, a sociology instructor in the School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications.

“(She) was invaluable to my nursing experience. She makes lab so great, and really takes the pressure and anxiety off students so they can focus on learning,” Habalar’s nominator said. Of Jenkins, a student noted, “I haven’t had a teacher like her before. Her love for the material that she teaches and her kind spirit have really helped me get through the course.”

Excellence in academic advisingExcellence in Academic Advising Awards were presented to Michael P. Covone, associate professor of applied health studies, and Margaret M. Faust, assistant professor of nursing programs.

Of Covone, a student advisee said: “He is always available during his office hours to discuss any current needs, unless he has an unscheduled meeting. On one occasion prior to scheduling my next-semester classes, (he) left me both a phone message and an email to ensure that I knew the necessary steps that I needed to follow to be able to schedule those classes.”

One of Faust’s advisees said: “When others suggested I change my major and consider other options, she offered tips and suggestions to help my odds. She also motivated me to take classes toward my (bachelor’s degree) because it would benefit me in the long run. I got into the program and graduate this year.”

Quarter Century ClubQuarter Century Club members, honored for 25 years’ service to the college, are: Marc E. Bridgens, Donald J. Luke, David L. Mauck, Ronald Z. Miller, K. Park Williams and Susan A. Yeagle, Administrative, Professional and Technical; Kirk M. Cantor, Kevin R. Derr, Richard L. Druckenmiller, David L. Evans, Vincent R. Fagnano, Dorothy J. Gerring, Walter V. Gower, Kenneth C. Kuhns, Edwin G. Owens, Joan E. Schell, David S. Sims, Mary G. Trometter, Edward A. Vavra, Katherine A. Walker, Faculty; and Donald J. Cohick and Jerry W. McNett, Service.

RetireesThe 2014-15 retirees – representing more than 930 years of combined service to the college and its predecessor institutions – are: Brenda G. Abplanalp, Karen R. Armanda, Robert A. Armstrong, Candace S. Baran, Jane J. Benedict, Barbara J. Betts, Jeannette F. Carter, Mary A. Cipriani, Ralph M. Cole Jr., Barbara E. Croteau, Wanda J. Engel, David L. Evans, Gary S. Giacobbi, Colleen K. Hauser, James W. Housel, Bonnie L. Ingram, Dianne S. Keister, Lynne H. Koskie, Kathryn A. Lehman, Heidi V. Mack, Paul A. Mayer, Suzann L. Mayer, Edward J. McCabe, Judy F. McConnell, Crystal D. Michael, Jeanne L. Ott, Marilyn L. Palmer, Charles G. Phillips, Judy L. Phillips, Pamela B. Schappert, Susan L. Shaffer, Christine M. Shimp, David S. Sims, Robert Slothus, Bruce M. Smith, LeRoy D. Smith Jr., Richard S. Smith, Barry R. Stiger, Mary A. Sullivan, Colin W. Williamson, Rick D. Wyland, Richard N. Wynn and Kay L. Yannaccone.

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