Penn College

Two Penn College HVAC students among recipients of industry scholarships

From left: Stephen D. Manbeck, assistant professor of HVAC technology at Penn College; scholarship recipients Bryce T. Crowley and Andrew T. Kappelmeier; and Richard C. Taylor, associate professor of plumbing and heating. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Two Pennsylvania College of Technology students were recently awarded scholarships from industry partners.Andrew T. Kappelmeier, of Landenberg, and Bryce T. Crowley, of Smethport, both enrolled in the two-year heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology major, are among the 2015 recipients of the Clifford H. “Ted” Rees Jr. Scholarship.Kappelmeier is a first-year student, and Crowley is completing the associate-degree major with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in building automation technology: heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology concentration.Both students expressed appreciation for the financial awards: Crowley commented, “This scholarship certainly helps with school expenses,” and Kappelmeier — who plans to specialize in refrigeration — said, “These scholarships will definitely help me pursue my educational goals.”Kappelmeier was also awarded tuition assistance and tools through the Educational Foundation of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association, which administers the scholarship for Ridgid, a sponsor since 2011.

The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute’s Rees Scholarship Foundation has distributed more than $380,000 since 2003 to honor a former president of the organization for his efforts to encourage heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and water-heating manufacturers’ support of stronger vocational and technical education nationwide.The scholarship program is meant to assist with the recruitment and competency of future technicians by awarding scholarships to qualified students who are enrolled (or plan to enroll) in an institutionally credentialed school. Both of Penn College’s related majors are accredited by the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Accreditation and endorsed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.Selection criteria used by the scholarship review committee included academic performance, letters of recommendation, work history, and a short essay.“It’s great to see the industry give back to its future leaders,” said Stephen D. Manbeck, co-department head and assistant professor of HVAC technology. “The gifts these students received will help them further their education and help reduce the financial burden of college.”AHRI is a trade association representing 315 member companies that account for more than 90 percent of the residential and commercial HVACR and water heating equipment manufactured and sold in North America.The PHCC Educational Foundation is a partnership of contractors, manufacturers and wholesalers that serves the plumbing-heating-cooling industry by providing educational tools. Ridgid is a leading manufacturer of tools and equipment for the professional trades.For more about the School of Construction & Design Technologies’ HVAC majors, visit www.pct.edu/hvac or call 570-327-4518.For more 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 October 27, 2015