PCToday

College Faculty Member Works With Middle Schoolers on Fundraiser

Mon, 06 Feb. 2012 12:58:02 EST

A Penn College faculty member’s volunteer time presenting “Brown Bag Lunch” sessions at Curtin Middle School resulted in both a hands-on manufacturing experience and a $185 fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. John M. Good III, instructor of automation and computer-integrated manufacturing, presented eight sessions for the sixth- to eighth-grade students, offering them insight into the world of manufacturing engineering with such topics as robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics and computer-aided design, and nanotechnology. With the students’ interest, Good developed a product for them to manufacture – a sled ornament made from five popsicle sticks and three toothpicks. Sleds were sold for a $1 donation at a winter choral concert, benefiting the Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Student’s Metal Art Helps Raise Funds for Cancer-Prevention Charity

Thu, 26 Jan. 2012 14:10:47 EST

A charity drive to raise money for the Prevent Cancer Foundation recently benefited from the artistry and technical skill of a Penn College student – Thomas D. Folino, of Centre Hall – who fabricated two pieces of metal art that were among more than 120 prizes raffled during a unique video gaming marathon.

Lack of Qualified Employees Stunts Manufacturing Growth Potential

Thu, 15 Dec. 2011 15:00:10 EST

When distributors for the largest machine tool builder in the United States gathered recently for a training conference at Pennsylvania College of Technology, the issue on their minds was the challenge of finding qualified employees to help revitalize U.S. manufacturing. This was shown to be especially crucial on a state level when a recent study, shared at the conference, showed that Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs are going unfilled because employers cannot find workers with the necessary skills to support industry needs. Penn College was the site of Haas Automation’s 2011 Pennsylvania Haas Technical Education Center CNC Technology Training Conference. More than 100 educators and industry representatives attended hands-on training during the event, co-sponsored by the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Haas Factory Outlets.

Center Changing Name, Expanding Industry Outreach

Tue, 29 Nov. 2011 10:57:08 EST

One of the nation’s top centers for plastics research, development and education related to injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, rotational molding and thermoforming, will change its name, effective in January. In an effort to expand its industry outreach, Penn College’s Plastics Manufacturing Center will become the Plastics Innovation and Resource Center. The PIRC also will incorporate the newly formed Thermoforming Center of Excellence, dedicated to research and development, technical support and education within the thermoforming industry, and the Rotational Molding Center of Excellence, which is the first in North America for research and workforce training.

Hughesville Cub Scouts Visit Penn College Labs

Fri, 04 Nov. 2011 15:37:13 EST

Hughesville Cub Scout Pack 80 recently visited Penn College, addressing various topics – including conservation, art, the environment, crafts and science – as they continue their strides toward becoming Boy Scouts. "It was an incredible night in both the plastics labs and the construction labs," said Carl J. Shaner, college health services director and a member of the troop's Parent Committee. "Several of the Scouts are already thinking this is where they want to attend college."

College Hosts Regional Qualifier in Robotics Competition

Mon, 07 Feb. 2011 17:01:16 EST

Groups of high schoolers from six states convened in Penn College’s College Avenue Labs on Feb. 5 for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge North Central Pennsylvania Regional Qualifier, which tested the students’ engineering know-how in a robot-against-robot competition stadium. The robots completed such obstacles as retrieving and depositing batons and balancing on teeter-totters. More than a dozen Penn College faculty, along with students and alumni, volunteered as judges, referees, and in other roles for the event.

Thermoforming Center of Excellence Receives Innovation Grant

Mon, 10 Jan. 2011 15:07:36 EST

Penn College’s Plastics Manufacturing Center was recently awarded an Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The $100,000 grant will fund the hiring of a thermoforming program manager to help lead the PMC’s Thermoforming Center of Excellence, providing project management to the center’s industry clients and helping to develop curriculum for the college’s plastics program.

Drafting/CAD Faculty Member Attains Industry Credential

Thu, 06 Jan. 2011 13:49:51 EST

Katherine A. Walker, assistant professor of drafting and computer aided design at Penn College, recently attained the credential of AutoCAD 2011 Certified Professional. Walker received the credential while attending Autodesk University 2010 in Las Vegas by passing the AutoCAD 2011 Certified Associate and Professional exams.

Faculty Member Receives Industry Community Achievement Award

Thu, 06 Jan. 2011 11:21:54 EST

J.D. Mather, assistant professor of drafting and computer aided design at Penn College, was presented the Autodesk Manufacturing Community Achievement Award. The award was presented Nov. 30 during the Autodesk Manufacturing Keynote presentation at Autodesk University 2010 in Las Vegas. The Autodesk Manufacturing Community Achievement Award is given annually to recognize individuals for their highly valued contributions to the Autodesk Manufacturing Users Community. Contributions can include innovative designs or use of Autodesk software, leadership in discussion groups or user groups, and long-term participation at Autodesk University as an attendee or instructor.

College Receives Funding to Enhance National Welding Curriculum

Wed, 13 Oct. 2010 09:33:10 EST

Penn College received a grant to continue as a Weld-Ed Regional Center in establishing the National Center for Welding Education and Training. The college is one of 10 regional partners for the National Science Foundation project, which began in 2007 and is led by Lorain County (Ohio) Community College. Its region includes 12 states and the District of Columbia. Penn College is using its $52,241 portion of the 2010-11 NSF Weld-Ed funding to present workshops for welding educators and the welding industry, to work with industry to develop internships, and to disseminate curriculum materials to high schools and community colleges.

College Represented at Southern Pennsylvania Career Event

Fri, 17 April 2009 11:29:16 EST

Three of Penn College’s academic schools were represented recently at the Central Pennsylvania Construction Career Day in York, where students were invited to participate in a nail-driving contest, learn more about the college's majors and programs, plus pick up application and financial aid information.

College to Host Free Engineering Technologies Summer Camp

Wed, 07 May 2008 11:07:05 EST

The School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies will host a free summer camp from Wednesday, June 11-Friday, June 13. This three-day camp will introduce students entering ninth and 10th grades to a variety of engineering technology careers. Participants will explore civil engineering and surveying technology, drafting and CAD technology, electronics and computer engineering technology, manufacturing engineering technology, plastics and polymer engineering technology, and welding technology. Participants can register until Friday, May 30. For more information, please visit the camp Web site or contact Stacey Hampton.

Susquehanna 500 Brings Good Results for Penn College

Mon, 24 Sept. 2007 19:51:03 EST

From Friday through Sunday, Penn College student drivers, mechanics and welders descended upon Williamsport's Brandon Park to participate in the 11th annual Susquehanna 500, a charity go-kart race sponsored by the Northcentral Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross. "The Susquehanna 500 was a great experience for all above who participated and provided support," said Steven Wallace, assistant dean of transportation technology. "The entire team should be congratulated for its accomplishments this weekend and admired for its willingness to give its service to a very important charity civic event."

Scholarship to Reward Academic Performance, Community Service

Fri, 07 Sept. 2007 13:14:41 EST

A new scholarship fund at Penn College aims to reward high grades and community service among students in the college’s School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies. The School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies Endowed Scholarship Fund is building toward endowed (permanent) status, with a goal of at least $25,000 in the fund. Once that level is reached, the scholarship will generate an annual award of $1,000.

Administration Announces Personnel Changes

Fri, 07 Sept. 2007 07:02:19 EST

Penn College announces the following position changes, effective immediately: Lawrence J. Fryda will become special assistant to the senior vice president for Stage 10 building programs. In that capacity, he will report to William J. Martin, senior vice president. His office, phone number and e-mail address remain the same. Donald O. Praster will assume the position of interim dean of industrial and engineering technologies; his contact information also remains as is.

High School Students Attend 'Summer Technology Camp'

Mon, 02 July 2007 09:55:43 EST

Twenty-two high school students attended Summer Technology Camp on Penn College's campus June 24-27, during which they experienced hands-on workshops in all of the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies laboratories. Students were able to make their own concrete (civil engineering), design their own plastic thermo forming sign (plastics and polymers), create a rapid prototype (CAD and drafting), design and manufacture a personalized coaster (automated manufacturing), construct a motor (electronics), and try their hand at welding. Campers learned about endless career opportunities as they were discovering these engineering technologies. This camp was sponsored, in part, by the Central Pennsylvania Tech Prep Consortium.
( Photos by Stacey C. Hampton, coordinator of matriculation and retention, School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies)

Penn College's Growing Programs Climb in National Rankings

Fri, 22 June 2007 13:47:06 EST

Penn College is ranked in the top 50 associate-degree-producing colleges in the nation and is in the top 20 for several areas of study -- including three top-five rankings -- in a recent survey conducted by a national publication covering community, technical and junior colleges. Community College Week annually reports the nation's Top 100 associate degree, one-year certificate and two-year certificate producers. This year, Penn College tied for the 50th slot with Edison Community College in Florida, having 982 associate-degree and certificate graduates in 2005-06. Community College Week released the list in its June 18 issue.

Hands-On Opportunity for Children of Penn College Employees and Alumni

Thu, 10 May 2007 16:04:38 EST

Penn College’s Outreach for K-12 Office is sponsoring a Summer Technology Camp, "Are Widgets and Gidgets in YOUR Future?" The camp will run from Sunday, June 24-Wednesday, June 27 (an overnight camp). The camp is FREE, but has limited enrollment. The registration deadline is May 30. Students entering grades nine and 10 this fall can register online at Outreach for K-12 Office's Web site.

Penn College Students Win Lion's Share of 'Business Plan Challenge'

Wed, 18 April 2007 11:54:44 EST

Penn College students placed first and third in the second annual Quad College & University Business Plan Challenge, exiting the Community Theatre League with a total of $15,000 in prize money Tuesday afternoon. Corey M. Weems, a manufacturing engineering technology major from Williamsport, was awarded the $10,000 grand prize, and Matthew L. Gross, of Dover, a student in the college's plastics and polymer engineering technology major, won the $5,000 third prize. Second-place honors (and $7,500) went to Zachary Dotson, of Hanover, a physics major at Lycoming College.

Engineering Technology Students Explore Army Depot

Mon, 21 Nov. 2005 15:36:00 EST

Students from the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies recently toured the U.S. Department of Defense Supply Center: Richmond Army Depot in Mechanicsburg.