Twenty students enrolled in various majors within Pennsylvania College of Technology’s School of Natural Resources Management have picked up crucial support from Caterpillar.

“Students who receive a sponsorship by Caterpillar benefit in multiple ways – not just financially,” said Mary A. Sullivan, dean of natural resources management. “The tuition assistance is an obvious benefit to students, but sponsored students also gain by having a ‘connection’ to the industry that eases their transition into the workforce.

“They work collaboratively with faculty and sponsors to secure placement for internships, as well as permanent employment. Additionally, throughout (students’) college careers, sponsoring employers act as mentors. The team of faculty-employers and students is a strong one that increases the likelihood of success while in college and after graduation.”

The students, their hometowns and majors follow:

Electric Power Generation Technology
Dustin J. Denmon, Dushore; and Brandon M. Taylor, Colchester, Conn.

Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Caterpillar Equipment Emphasis
Adam P. Peter, Schnecksville; Joshua D. Beltowski, Hastings; Matthew W. Bialy, Newington, Conn.; Kyle A. Black, Middletown, Md.; Tobin D. Dunklebarger, Warfordsburg; Randall A. Gaertner Jr., Irwin; Jonathan M. Haas, Schnecksville; Brian A. Harrison, Yardley; Daniel G. Hart, Hebron, Conn.; Mason R. Krebs, Morrisdale; Stephanie M. Pettie, Hampstead, Md.; John A. Scurti, Yardley; and Jake R. Willoughby, Zelienople.

Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Technician Emphasis
Daniel J. Gallagher, Conshohocken.

Diesel Technology
Jeremy R. Bell, McClure; Richard L. Carey III, Montgomery; Bradley W. Cole, Monroeville; and Nicolas B. Geist, Valley View.

The Caterpillar Excellence Fund – a partnership of the Caterpillar Foundation and participating dealers – has provided Penn College with more than $1.3 million over the past 12 years in substantial equipment contributions and scholarship assistance to students.

The participating dealerships are: Alban Tractor Co. Inc., Baltimore; Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc., Harrisburg; Giles & Ransome, Bensalem; and H.O. Penn Machinery Co. Inc., Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

The majors are based at the college's Schneebeli Earth Science Center near Allenwood. For more information about the programs offered by the School of Natural Resources Management, visit on the Web , e-mail or call (570) 320-8038.

For general information about Penn College, visit online , e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.