WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its spring 2019 graduates.
More than 950 students petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the spring semester, and three commencement ceremonies were held May 17-18 at the Community Arts Center. 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: David A. Gadalla, Mechanicsburg, aviation maintenance technology; and Lauren S. Herr, Lititz, construction management.
Board of Directors’ Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Jay Michael Harner, Williamsport, business administration: banking and finance concentration.
Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Rylee Ann Butler, Bellefonte, engineering design technology; and Brandon M. Wolff, Effort, graphic design.
Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community, and scholastic achievement: Everett Brown Appleby, Wilkes-Barre, building science and sustainable design: building construction technology concentration.
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): Tanner Andrew Huff, Altoona, engineering design technology.
Business Faculty Outstanding Graduate Award, presented to the top graduate majoring in a business program: Dianna Renee Weaver, Morris, business administration: management concentration.
Business Management Faculty Award, presented for achievement in the field of management, leadership qualities, and cooperation with faculty and peers: Amelia B. Smith, Schwenksville, business administration: marketing concentration.
Accounting Faculty Award, presented to a graduate on the basis of academic standing for exceptional achievement in accounting: Taylor Braune Leitzell, Beech Creek, accounting.
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: Samantha Anne Johnson, Wellsboro, accounting and business administration: banking and finance concentration.
Harvey A. Martin Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of web and interactive media who exhibits a commitment to the profession and love of the major: Olivia Jane Hawbecker, Chambersburg, web and interactive media.
Web and Interactive Media Faculty Award, presented on the basis of scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Tristan David Scott, Danville, web and interactive media.
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: Bridget Marie Callahan, Pottsville, culinary arts and systems and business management.
Hospitality Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, exemplifies professionalism and is committed to excellence in hospitality: Danielle Renee Wesneski, Williamsport, baking and pastry arts.
Williamsport Growers Market Award in Memory of Mary Ditchfield, presented to a graduate who exemplifies Mary Ditchfield’s commitment to family and community through kindness, friendliness and unselfish service and who demonstrates devotion to local foods through participation in growers markets, gardening, community service, and celebration of local food festivities: Bridget Marie Callahan, Pottsville, culinary arts and systems and business management.
Construction Management Faculty Award, presented to graduates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, perseverance, participation, work ethic and commitment to the field: Calen B. Heeter, Emlenton, construction management; and Lauren S. Herr, Lititz, 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: Nowell Harry Covington, Benton, construction management; and Chekota John Newhart, Troy, construction management.
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: Hunter M. Bean, McElhattan, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis; Matthew E. Blose, Williamsport, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration; Corey J. Carr, Pulaski, Virginia, heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology; Kurtis Joseph Klodnicki, Danville, building construction technology and building construction technology: masonry emphasis; and Eric J. Langer, New City, New York, electrical technology.
Ed Dobeck Memorial Award, presented by the Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors for a civil engineering technology or surveying technology graduate expressing an interest in a land surveying career: Glenn Cody Johnson, Sweet Valley, surveying technology.
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: Rose Marie Hall, Montoursville, 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: Hayley Kerin Guthrie, Jersey Shore, nursing.
Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibits the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Kaitlin Alexandra Snyder, Hughesville, nursing.
Health Sciences Humanitarian Award, presented to a health sciences graduate who exhibits qualities of honesty, integrity, courage and responsibility, and a demonstrated commitment to the welfare of others: Erica L. Gause, Bloomsburg, 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: Rachel L. Carlson, Blossburg, 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: Ashley N. Miller, Lewisburg, nursing.
Ronald E. Thompson Memorial Physical Fitness Specialist Commencement Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of the exercise science major who has demonstrated high academic achievement and promotes and practices the principles of wellness and physical fitness: David L. Buckheit, Mansfield, exercise science.
UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Health Information, presented to a graduate in the health information program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Arlene A. Tressler, Huntingdon, health information management.
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 skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Sara A. Witkosky, Wilkes-Barre, 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 skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Megan M. Mecouch, Peach Bottom, dental hygiene.
Dr. Clarke J. Hollister Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who has shown outstanding ability and achievement in dental health education: Hailey Alexandra Gearhart, Philipsburg, 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: Samantha Kate Steiger, Howard, dental hygiene.
Dental Hygiene Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who demonstrates the most growth and development throughout his or her course of study: Grace Catherine Heaton, Jefferson, Maryland, dental hygiene.
Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, presented to the graduate with the highest clinical average in dental hygiene: Sydney Elizabeth Brewer, Gettysburg, dental hygiene.
Procter & Gamble Award, presented to a graduate of dental hygiene in recognition of knowledge in the preventative aspects of dental disease and contributions toward the preventative oral health of patients: Libby M. Gingrich, Dillsburg, dental hygiene.
Patricia L. Saxton Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award, presented to a graduate who exhibits dedication to the profession through personal growth, self-development and support of others: Shannon Rae Stevens, Williamsport, dental hygiene.
Electrical Excellence Award, presented by Schaedler-Yesco Distribution Inc. to a graduate who has exhibited outstanding capabilities in the electrical field: Matthew Jordan Freeman, Knoxville, electrical technology.
Electrical Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the electrical field: Adam W. Bodamer, Williamsport, electrical technology.
The Lawrence Ward Excellence in Mechatronics Award, presented to a graduate of an electromechanical and/or mechatronics major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: Chet W. Karpyn, Germansville, mechatronics engineering 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: Michael James Minninger, Spring City, welding and fabrication engineering technology.
Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to graduates of a two- or four-year welding major who exemplify the college's philosophy of excellence: Chase Lee Snyder, Elizabethville, welding technology; and Alex Michael Zelger, Red Lion, welding and fabrication engineering technology.
Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to graduates who have attained the highest cumulative average in welding: John Pickersgill, Williamsport, welding and fabrication engineering technology and engineering CAD technology; and Christopher J. Richter, Dexter, Michigan, welding and fabrication engineering technology.
Plastics Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies the characteristics of excellence in education, dedication to the profession and commitment to service: Hannah G. Maize, Riverside, plastics and polymer 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: Stephen M. Thompson, Williamsport, manufacturing engineering 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: Matthew Joseph Paukovits, Northampton, manufacturing engineering technology, automated manufacturing technology and machine tool technology.
Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates of electronics and computer engineering technology based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: John Michael Kwarta, Blue Bell, electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis; and David M. Zlotnicki II, Oil City, electronics and computer engineering technology and electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis.
Engineering Design Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Rylee Ann Butler, Bellefonte, engineering design technology; and Nicholas Michael Comstock, Watsontown, engineering design technology.
Engineering CAD Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: John Pickersgill, Williamsport, welding and fabrication engineering technology and engineering CAD technology.
M&T Bank Award, presented to a graduate of an information technology associate-degree program who has demonstrated a high degree of leadership ability and excellence in programming, networking and other information technology curricula, has maintained a consistently high level of scholastic achievement, and plans to enter the information technology field: Scott W. Master, Gifford, information technology: network specialist concentration and 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: Michael B. Poust, Williamsport, software development and information management and information assurance and cyber security; Margot S. Rinehart, Downingtown, information assurance and cyber security; and Brian J. Schlener Jr., Northampton, information technology: network specialist concentration.
UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Information Technology, presented to a graduate in the information technology program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Matthew Philip Bikle, Bechtelsville, information assurance and cyber security.
Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement in mathematics: Anthony Stewart Riegel, Williamsport, information technology: network specialist concentration.
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: Christopher B. Thomas, Mifflinburg, electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis.
Penn College Early Childhood Education Award, presented to a graduate who has exemplified the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct in his/her professional practice and interactions with children, colleagues, families and community members: Morgan Elizabeth Rhine, Mechanicsburg, early childhood education.
Allan Myers Award, presented to the top-performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis: Lucas P. Mulhollen, Glasgow, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis.
Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to a graduate of the heavy construction or diesel program who demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician: Wade Burton, Monroe, Connecticut, heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar emphasis.
Heavy Construction Equipment Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies professionalism within the field: William E. Dyer, Wallingford, Connecticut, heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar emphasis.
Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to the graduate showing the highest degree of proficiency in the diesel technology major: Adam Keith Lewis, Trout Run, diesel technology.
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: Eric M. Sander, Williamsport, diesel 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: Ryan T. Walsh, Doylestown, diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.
Earth Science Center Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the majors at the Earth Science Center: William Joseph Hoffman, East Stroudsburg, diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.
Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who best exemplifies academic achievement, service and professionalism within the field of forestry: Nathan Dayton Avery, Benton, forest technology.
Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to graduates who best exemplify academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of horticulture: Jonathan D. Franz, Media, landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis; and Gabriela Joy Grandy, Belleville, 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: Daniel Tyler Cronin, Westfield, New Jersey, aviation maintenance technology and aviation technology.
Ford ASSET Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Ford ASSET major: Levi Daniel Knouse, Richfield, automotive technology: Ford ASSET emphasis.
Honda PACT Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Honda PACT major: Tyler M. Adams, Union City, automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis.
Mopar CAP Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Mopar CAP major: Andrew Joseph Colyer, Pocono Lake, automotive technology: Mopar CAP emphasis.
Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major: Kiernan D. Kennedy, Elkland, automotive technology.
Axalta Excellence Award, presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Zachary Lyle Alexander, Liberty, collision repair technology and automotive restoration technology.
Restoration Faculty Award, presented to an outstanding graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in automotive restoration technology: Erik Wayne Weigle, Linden, automotive restoration technology.
Orelli Supply Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Kai Allen Smith, Herndon, collision repair technology.
Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major: Collin Devon Stevanus, Parker, collision repair technology.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.