Distinguished Teaching Awards Presented to Two Faculty Members
May 17, 2008 - 6:28 p.m.
Penn College honored two faculty members with Distinguished Teaching Awards at Spring Commencement ceremonies. The college’s highest level of recognition for a faculty member − the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award − was presented to Dr. William B. Urosevich, associate professor of biology/anatomy and physiology. An Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Eric D. Pruden, instructor of automotive electronics.
Assistant Professor Interviewed for Radio About Fuel Economy
April 24, 2008 - 2:35 p.m.
With gasoline prices approaching $4 a gallon, Sunbury's Newsradio WKOK (1070 AM) turned to Penn College's automotive department for helpful tips on improving fuel economy. Sara Bartlett's interview with Dale E. Jaenke, assistant professor of automotive technology, aired during a number of the station's newscasts Thursday and Friday. (Editor's note: Jaenke offered similar insight on Danville's WPGM − 1570 AM and, in the Williamsport area, at 101.7 FM − which aired Matt James' two-part News Focus interview in June and July.)
High School Students to Compete in State Auto-Skills Competition
April 4, 2008 - 1:32 p.m.
The state’s top 20 high school automotive students will gather at Penn College next month for the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition to determine who will advance to the national finals this summer. The college will host the hands-on finale of Pennsylvania’s annual competition outside its Parkes Automotive Technology Center on May 15, when the 10 two-member teams of juniors and seniors will test their automotive knowledge and technical prowess and perhaps obtain the keys to high-demand careers in the automotive-repair industry.
Transportation Dean Chosen as Industry Trustee
Jan. 31, 2008 - 3:15 p.m.
The dean of Penn College’s School of Transportation Technology has been elected to a five-year term on the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Board of Trustees. Colin W. Williamson joins a 15-member board that includes educators, manufacturers, automotive shop owners, automobile dealers, state and local administrators, and working technicians.
Career Day Held for High School Students
Oct. 19, 2007 - 3:58 p.m.
Nearly 1,350 ninth- through 12-graders (and 172 chaperones) from 38 area schools gathered on Penn College's campuses Friday for Career Day, which allows high school students to explore a wide variety of technical careers through hands-on activities, tours of facilities, and discussions with students and faculty. Among the day's varied sessions were "Ford Motor Co.: Automotive Technology in the 21st Century" (left photo) and "Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Energy for the Future."
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Photos by Jessica L. Tobias, student photographer)
Active NASCAR Vehicle Displayed on Campus
Oct. 2, 2007 - 9:24 a.m.
The #25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet race car of NASCAR's Casey Mears was displayed Tuesday outside the ATC. School of Transportation Technology officials were told that Mears, who has finished eighth or better in his past three races, drove the car at Richmond and that the vehicle may yet see more action this season.
Three Penn College Teams Prepared for Mini-Indy Event
Sept. 18, 2007 - 3:00 p.m.
Weeks of preparation and tireless teamwork will culminate in this weekend’s 11th annual Susquehanna 500 Mini-Indy competition, in which Penn College faculty/staff and students – and a group of visitors from Mexico – will continue their historic participation on behalf of the American Red Cross.
‘Fuel Cell Challenge’ Introduces Students to Alternative Energy
June 5, 2007 - 7:09 a.m.
Five teams from four schools competed in the recent Fuel Cell Challenge at Penn College, having fun while learning about a futuristic energy source that might not be so far down the road after all.
College Opens Doors to Montgomery County Transfer Students
March 14, 2007 - 10:56 a.m.
Penn College – home to one of the nation's oldest continuous automotive programs – is among the partners in a grant-funded initiative to offer bachelor's degrees to Montgomery County Community College students. The community college was awarded a $1,371,264 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand the automotive program at its Pottstown campus and designated Penn College's four-year automotive technology management major to receive associate-degree students referred by the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board and Pennsylvania Career Link.
Automotive Professor Honored by Mini-Indy Racing Team
Oct. 9, 2006 - 12:09 p.m.
During a School of Transportation Technology meeting Tuesday, an assistant professor of automotive technology was presented with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Mini-Indy racing team of aviation students. The document recognized John J. Macko for his invaluable contributions to the team and thanked him for his help. The certificate, which contained driver signatures and a group photo, ended with a quote from former Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca: "Motivation is everything. You can do the work of two people, but you can't be two people. Instead, you have to inspire the next guy down the line and get him to inspire his people." Macko had retired from building Mini-Indy go-karts, but, this year, was called back to rebuild a kart that was damaged severely during practice. Not only did he rebuild the Modified kart, but he assisted in the preparation of the Stock entry. In addition, he spent Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at the Brandon Park track to make sure the karts stayed in top condition throughout the weekend charity event.
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Photo by Alfred M. Thomas, associate professor of collision repair)