Alumni Career Feature
David and Kathleen Maciejewski

David Maciejewski

• A.A.S. Computer Information Systems, 1982
• East Lycoming School District
• dmaciejewski@elsd.org

Why Computer Information Systems at Penn College?

I decided on Computer Science after taking a computer class in high school as well as the desire to take classes in math and science.

Have you continued your education?

I continued my education at Bloomsburg University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/ Accounting in 1987. During that time, I worked a full-time job and went to school at night for 3 1/2 years. I continue to update my skills as I am certified as a PA Registered School Business Official through the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials.

Please explain your current responsibilities at East Lycoming School District.

As Business Manager and Board Secretary, my duties include the management of all support services of the district including accounting, budgeting, transportation, food service, facilities, human resources, energy and construction management.

Have you received any special recognition or awards through your employment?

I am a 25 year member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials. I was recognized by the Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce at the Education Celebration event in 2011 as the Penn College Alumni of the Year. I was also recognized by the Pennsylvania Energy Council for leading the Alternative Energy Initatives of the East Lycoming School District.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

Bettering our community for tomorrow.

What is the most challenging?

Ensuring that 25 years from now citizens will say that good decisions were made by past leaders. One must lead for tomorrow, not today.

Do you see your field changing in the next three to five years?

School districts will not be exempt from the economic challenges faced by the state and federal government. Mergers, consolidation, and shared services will become more prevalent in public education. Providing additional leadership in other areas such as energy management will continue to require the acquisition of new skill sets.

What was the greatest strength of your Penn College education?

Small class size and great professors.

If you could "redo" your college experience, would you change anything?

Coming from a small town with minimal exposure to the large campus lifestyle, I turned to WACC after attending Penn State main campus. WACC was my "redo" and I have absolutely no regrets.

What advice do you have for students interested in your career field?

Entry level positions in school business administration have grown over the last 25 years as accounting, human resources, computer based management and operation systems have all become more demanding and mission critical. A wide range of knowledge in all of these areas is crucial to begin one's career. Employers are looking for integrity, personality, and work ethic.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I have been afforded an absolutely wonderful opportunity over the past 28 years to serve the education community and above all the students and residents of our community. I hope to continue doing just that into the future with a focus on promoting energy management and alternative energy technologies.

Do you have any special interests or hobbies?

I enjoy coaching my son's baseball and basketball teams. I am a life member of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department with 28 years of service. I currently serve as chair and board member of the River Valley Regional YMCA, secretary of the Pennsylvania Energy Consortium and chair of the Lycoming County Insurance Consortium. My wife and I are members of the Penn College Pillar Society.

 

 

Kathleen Maciejewski

• A.A.S. Welding Technology, 1994
• A.A. General Studies, 2007
• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• kmacieje@pct.edu

Why Penn College?

I decided on the associate degree in welding because I wanted to further my education beyond a 900 hour program that I had taken previously to learn how to weld. I chose general studies so I could transfer credits to Penn State's bachelor of Workforce Education and Development program. I enjoy small class sizes opposed to the larger classes on main campus.

Have you continued your education?

I am currently a senior in the Workforce Education and Development program and plan to graduate in 2012. I'm also a graduate of the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology located in Troy, Ohio. I spent 21 weeks in a structural welding program.

Please describe your responsibilities as a part-time adjunct welding instructor at Penn College.

I introduce students to shop safety, welding theory and welding of various metals in all positions.

Have you received any special recognition or awards through your employment?

As a Penn College student, I placed 2nd in the American Welding Society's College Division Welding contest. I was the first female student from Penn College to place in this contest.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

Knowing that I am helping teach welders of tomorrow. I enjoy seeing students succeed in and out of the classroom.

What is the most challenging?

I see students that struggle in their classes who won't ask for help. Having two degrees from the college, I know all you have to do is ask for help. The professors and staff are always willing to help students and we all want them to succeed.

Do you see your field changing in the next three to five years?

I see a change in the workforce. Welders will be a lot younger as the baby boomers retire. Also, technology will continue to advance. These advances will require a new generation of educated welders. The average welder will have to make up for the retirees and therefore will need a wide variety of skills.

What was the greatest strength of your Penn College education?

The class size and the resources for assistance. I always felt welcome to come back or call a professor for career guidance.

Any professors you admire?

I would have to say the late Mr. James Logue and Dean Don Praster. Professor Logue was a wonderful person besides being such as great instructor. Dean Praster due to his commitment to the students that are in his programs.

What advice to you have for students interested in your career field?

It is very important to have a strong background in math and English. Employers need employees to have a good work ethic and mechanical skills. They also need to practice good safety procedures.

Where do you see yourself in the next three to five years?

Finishing my degree at Penn State and still working in the welding field which I love.

Do you have any special interests or hobbies?

I enjoying working part-time so I can be at home with my son. I also enjoy photographing nature and my family. I am a life member of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and former member of Therapy Dogs International. Higgins, my English Setter who is now deceased, would accompany me to local elementary school reading programs.