PCToday

Students Meet Newest CAT on Campus

Tue, 24 Jan. 2012 16:02:29 EST

Students in Penn College's heavy construction equipment technology and diesel technology majors this week got a close look at the newest vehicle in the heavy-duty fleet of a longstanding corporate partner. Cleveland Brothers CAT brought the CT660 vocational truck, an on-highway vehicle unveiled last year by Caterpillar, to the Schneebeli Earth Science Center for students in the School of Natural Resources Management. Representing a longtime partner in the Caterpillar Excellence Fund, which regularly provides equipment, scholarships and technical support to the school, were Doug Wetzel, on-highway trucks, parts and service sales representative; Nate Chase, technical communicator; and Randy Fetterfolf, corporate recruiter .
Photos by Carol A. Lugg, coordinator of matriculation and retention, School of Natural Resources Management

Penn College Horticulture Alumnus Gains State Certification

Thu, 19 Jan. 2012 10:11:42 EST

Logan T. Richard, a May graduate of Penn College’s ornamental horticulture program, recently learned of his success in the Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist examination. The exam was administered in December by horticulture instructor Carl J. Bower Jr., who – like Richard – is one of about 300 PCHs in the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association’s Penn-Atlantic region. “Joining the ranks of certified horticulturists will help set Logan apart from the competition,” Bower said, “and the continued education to keep the certification will only strengthen its value.”

Advocate for Technical Education Enrolls at Penn College

Thu, 19 Jan. 2012 09:45:49 EST

A Montgomery County teenager, headed for Penn College's heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis major this fall, is calling attention to the sought-after careers represented by technical education – careers, he believes, that too many people take for granted. According to an article in the Upper Dublin Patch, Gabriel B. Wasserman, of Fort Washington, a student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove, is using his senior project to spread the word. "The students graduating with degrees in engineering, diesel repair, nursing and other degrees that may require some technical education are employed almost the day after they get out of school," he says. "It’s these jobs that are in demand. Replacements for these kinds of jobs are falling short, and the reason why is the lack of knowledge about the benefits of going to career and technical schools.”

Student-Focused Videos Added to College's YouTube Channel

Mon, 16 Jan. 2012 14:44:58 EST

PCToday encourages you to watch, "like" and share the latest student-focused videos added to Penn College's YouTube Channel . The short videos explore information technology with Michael F. Altobelli and on-site power generation with Rory K. Kania. Both videos were edited by Gerianne C. Tomb, a web design and multimedia major who works as a student video production assistant in the office of College Information and Community Relations. Show your Penn College Pride by sharing these videos, as well as other channel content in your social media circles!

Horticulture Students Awarded Scholarships From State Association

Tue, 06 Dec. 2011 15:17:47 EST

Two associate-degree horticulture students at Penn College each received $1,250 scholarships during the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association Foundation’s recent member-celebration dinner at the Lancaster Convention Center. The scholarships – awarded to Kelsey R. Bromm, of Fountainville, and Matthew D. Lowe, of Lancaster – honor the students’ academics, ability to apply knowledge gained to real-life situations, personality and willingness to continue in the green industry.

Penn College Winter Commencement Set for Dec. 17

Wed, 30 Nov. 2011 10:45:21 EST

Nearly 370 students have petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the Fall 2011 semester at Penn College, which will hold a commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 17. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. The student speaker is Molly G. Goldsmith, of Liberty, who will receive an associate degree in forest technology. During the ceremony, college President Davie Jane Gilmour will present a Humanitarian/Citizenship Award to an alumnus.

Landscape Student Chosen as Ambassador for National Conference

Fri, 18 Nov. 2011 12:02:13 EST

The president of Penn College's Horticulture Club served as a student ambassador at the recent Green Industry Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jeremy L. Thorne, of Sugarloaf, majoring in landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis in the college's School of Natural Resources Management, was one of eight students chosen nationwide for the Oct. 26-29 event.

Fruitful Partnership Continues With $112,000 Caterpillar Donation

Mon, 24 Oct. 2011 13:24:14 EST

A corporate partnership that has benefited Penn College students for 17 years will continue with the recent donation of $112,000 from the Caterpillar Foundation and a number of its regional dealerships. “CAT continues to show a strong commitment to our students and their education,” said Mary A. Sullivan, dean of natural resources management. “These are tough times for some of our students and their families, and the opportunities CAT creates through sponsorships, scholarships, internships and employment are very much appreciated.” The longstanding relationship is evident in two dealer awards presented in conjunction with that contribution: Alban Tractor Co. Inc., Baltimore, and Ransome CAT, Bensalem, were given plaques acknowledging 15 years of participation in the Caterpillar Excellence Fund.

Penn College Diesel Instructor Latest ‘Pathfinder’ Honoree

Mon, 24 Oct. 2011 13:15:03 EST

An instructor in Penn College’s diesel equipment technology department has been honored by the college and Caterpillar Inc. with the annual Pathfinder to Excellence award. Justin W. Beishline, a faculty member in the School of Natural Resources Management, received the award earlier this month during an advisory meeting of Caterpillar officials and dealers at the college’s Thompson Professional Development Center. “It’s always gratifying to a faculty member to be recognized by students for the work that he does," said Mary A. Sullivan, dean of natural resources management. "Justin has been with us for a few years and is showing tremendous potential. He is dedicated to his students and to Penn College, and it’s great that his students recognize that.”

Le Jeune Menu Again to Feature Homegrown Freshness

Tue, 07 June 2011 15:24:39 EST

Le Jeune Chef Restaurant’s vegetable garden was planted over the weekend with a variety of vegetables and herbs, including beefsteak, Syrian, snowberry, Roma, Tiny Tim, and yellow heirloom tomatoes; Hungarian banana, sweet bell, cherry hot, chocolate habaneras and yellow wax peppers; and basil, purple basil, sage and parsley. The garden also includes hops, which will give students in the Introduction to Ales and Lagers class an agricultural perspective on the beverages and their production. Layne Eggers, assistant dean of the School of Hospitality, who planted the garden, said that, once the plants mature, Le Jeune Chef’s staff will develop menu items to feature products from the garden. “Most of the garden is made up of plants that were donated from the School of Natural Resources Management,” he said. “Special thanks to Brett Reasner, assistant dean.” This is the second year for the restaurant’s garden.

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.

Faculty Member Named ‘Master Trainer’ for Avian-Influenza Response

Wed, 27 Feb. 2008 16:05:00 EST

Already a national leader in helping American Indian tribes prepare for agricultural terrorism, a Penn College faculty member recently was certified as a Master Trainer in bracing for a response to avian influenza – commonly characterized as “bird flu.” Steven R. Parker, an instructor of environmental technology in the college’s School of Natural Resources Management, recently received U.S. Department of Homeland Security certification as a Master Trainer in AI response.

Library Forum to Examine Environmental Challenges Facing Tribes

Thu, 18 Oct. 2007 14:59:20 EST

Steven R. Parker, instructor of environmental technology at Penn College, will present a Library Forum program on Oct. 23 describing his experiences helping American Indian tribes nationwide fight "agroterrorism" – the intentional attempt to compromise the country's food supply. The session, which will be presented from 4-5 p.m. in Room 102 of the Madigan Library, is free and open to the public.

College's Construction/Equipment Majors Represented at Career Days

Mon, 08 Oct. 2007 14:22:38 EST

Penn College's Schools of Construction and Design Technologies and Natural Resources Management were well-represented at Connecticut Construction Career Days , held Oct. 2-3 at Mountainridge in Wallingford, Conn. The goal of the program is to heighten student awareness of careers in the construction industry and to help replenish the supply of skilled construction professionals. The Penn College exhibit very likely was the largest and most popular one inside the complex. Misty D. Kennard-Mayer, coordinator of matriculation and retention, natural resources management, gave students the opportunity to use a remote-controlled backhoe, while Steven K. McCoy, her counterpart in construction and design technologies, conducted a nail-driving competition as a fun “ice breaker." Both activities allowed for dialogue about the broad array of careers in the industry and how Penn College can prepare students for those opportunities. The college booth adjoined that of H.O. Penn Machinery Co. Inc, one of Penn College's longtime Caterpillar sponsors, which brought heavy construction equipment that the students could operate outside.
( Photos by Kennard-Mayer and McCoy)

NRM Golf Tourney Raises Thousands More for Scholarships

Fri, 13 July 2007 07:13:02 EST

The seventh annual NRM Golf Invitational, held Wednesday at the White Deer Golf Course, raised about $6,000 to fund an endowed scholarship for Penn College's School of Natural Resources Management.

Deans' Retirements Spark Change in Academic Leadership at College

Mon, 25 June 2007 13:49:30 EST

Two academic deans will end their Penn College careers this month, leaving a proud legacy for the experienced administrators who will succeed them. Wayne R. Longbrake, dean of natural resources management, and Kathie E. Morr Longbrake, dean of health sciences, will retire effective June 30. "Each has made significant contributions," said Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour. "We wish them a happy, healthy and long retirement, and they can rest assured their legacy will remain at Penn College." Mary A. Sullivan will be the dean of natural resources management, Sharon Waters will lead the School of Health Sciences, and Brett A. Reasner will fill Sullivan's current position of assistant dean of natural resources management.

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.

Environmental Students Join Fourth-Graders in Assessing Stream's Health

Thu, 03 May 2007 11:56:26 EST

Students in Penn College's environmental technology program teamed up with fourth-graders from Sheridan Elementary School to study the benethic organisms of Millers Run in Williamsport on Wednesday. Millers Run is a small stream that flows through Bruce Henry Park in Loyalsock Township. not far from the pupils' school. College students obtained samples of the macroinvertebrates from the stream, then helped the elementary students identify the organisms. Approximately 40 youngsters from Sheridan participated in this fun activity, while studying water quality as part of the requirements under the Pennsylvania Department of Educations standards for Environment and Ecology. Students identified mayflies, stoneflies and water pennies, plus numerous other organisms. Based on the organisms found, Millers Run appears to be a healthy stream even though it runs through a residential neighborhood and park.
( Photos by Debra A. Buckman, assistant professor of environmental technology)

Faculty Member, Students Among Presenters at State Conference

Fri, 27 April 2007 11:24:05 EST

A faculty member and four students from Penn College’s School of Natural Resources Management were among the participants at the recent annual conference of the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators.

Children's Learning Center Holds Family Picnic at ESC

Fri, 27 April 2007 09:51:18 EST

More than 100 children and guests, ranging in age from 6 months to over 60 years, gathered for the Children’s Learning Center spring picnic at the Earth Science Center on Thursday evening. "We played games, had delicious food prepared by the College Hospitality Department, and generally enjoyed being outdoors together," said Karen Woland Payne, director of the learning center. Each family took home a seedling to plant, in honor of Earth Day.
( Photos by Barbara J. Albert, group leader, Children's Learning Center)