Scholarship Luncheon celebrates blessings of philanthropy

On a day celebrating luck and blessings (St. Patrick’s Day), the annual Scholarship Luncheon applauded the generous support and inspiration provided through philanthropy to Pennsylvania College of Technology students.

Nearly 300 donors, students and their guests attended the gathering, held in the college’s Field House.

President Michael J. Reed thanked the scholarship supporters for contributing to “another record-breaking fundraising year that created new scholarships and offset the costs of meaningful competitions, internships and global experiences for our students.

“In fact, over the past 10 years, the Penn College Foundation has experienced tremendous growth because of your support. Total Penn College and Penn College Foundation scholarship awards have increased by more than 280%, from approximately $470,000 in 2014 to $1.8 million budgeted for the 2023-24 academic year," Reed continued. "Already this year, 32 new scholarships have been created by generous Penn College alumni, faculty and staff, community members, industry partners, and private foundations from across the Commonwealth and the country.”

The college president introduced student speaker Lizeth Reyes-Becerra, of Erie, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in residential construction technology and management with a minor in architectural technology. The scholarship recipient is a full-time student who also works 40 hours a week as a server and is engaged as president of the Penn College Construction Association club.

Reyes-Becerra detailed her personal, professional and academic experiences, including study abroad opportunities. She also shared her passion for building homes and creating communities.

“Traveling has helped me expand my definition of a home. A home is not just a place of shelter. A home is a place where you can grow as a family and, more specifically, as an individual, and this sense of growth is not limited to a few exterior walls and a shingled roof,” she cited. “Home is where you connect with the community you reside in and share moments of life together. Today, my home is Penn College, and my home for tomorrow is still unknown, but I know that wherever it is, I will choose one that continues to bring out the best version of me like many of you have already.”

Also joining in the celebration was Shannon Massey, senior vice president and general manager of the college’s steadfast corporate partner, Lycoming Engines, an employer of more than 120 Penn College alumni.

“I see firsthand the outcomes a Penn College education generates for graduates – a career that changes lives for individuals and their communities. Our investments create this opportunity and allow students to make their mark on the world,” Massey said.

Addressing the scholarship recipients, she added, “I know I can speak for all of the scholarship donors when I say, ‘We believe in you.’ Your generation will propel us to the next level; you will be industry leaders in your fields; and you will advance technology in ways that we can’t even imagine at the moment. We look forward to you maximizing our investments in all you do – in the classroom, in the lab and in the world. Make us proud.”