The following is adapted from May graduate Gio A. Barbarossa’s comments at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s 2026 Donor Recognition Reception:

Hello, everyone. My name is Gio Barbarossa. I’m currently a senior in building automation engineering technology. Many people ask, “What is building automation?” And to be completely honest, before I came to Penn College, I had absolutely no idea building automation was a pursuable degree, let alone a career field or an opportunity to make a real impact in the world.

Growing up in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, I spent most of my life outside of school working on anything with an engine and pursuing the dream of every 16-year-old who just got their license: speed. That passion led me toward electric power generation because I was fascinated by the high-power engines, their complex interworkings, and the power generation industry’s race for energy efficiency. When I started looking for a school that offered high quality education with real hands-on experience – and the skills to one day help lead an industry – there was only one choice that made sense. Penn College was the next step.

Soon, I had the opportunity to visit campus. While touring the diesel technology labs over the mountain at the Earth Science Center, I was already impressed by how industry-driven everything felt. But in the corner of the lab sat the thing that ultimately sold me: a white, student-built Mack race truck. Mr. (Justin) Beishline, the dean at the time, explained to me the history of the truck and the opportunity it presents to students.

In that moment, I knew I wanted to attend Penn College, not because of a race truck, but because the truck showed what Penn College produces. The truck showed that students are encouraged to apply what they learn, ask questions, find limits only to set new ones, innovate, work together and keep learning outside of the classroom. I knew I wanted the opportunity that students are given here.

Shortly after starting at Penn College, I had the chance to work on the drag truck and use it for exactly what it was intended for: learning. The more involved I became, the more I realized just how many opportunities exist here, thanks to supportive faculty, mentors and fellow students.

Working on the truck, learning how it was built, identifying its issues and planning for its future completely hooked me. I started spending more time researching, asking questions, and learning.

Over my four years here, I’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of students from different programs and backgrounds, which showed me firsthand the importance of variety and teamwork.

One of the best examples of that occurred two years ago.

Two weeks before the start of racing season, we had just returned from a trip to get our engine tuned. While gone, a turbocharger – a vital part of any diesel engine – had failed. This proved to be a high mountain to climb with two weeks to racing season, and for most it would have been a season-ending situation. But we were up for the challenge.

For two straight weeks, five nights a week, students stepped up. Mechanically minded students identified the source of failure and prevention methods. Others worked with our industry supporters to secure a replacement on a tight timeline. Fabrication students reengineered and built a new intake and exhaust system to accommodate the new part. Electrical students repaired damage and installed new sensing systems. Others handled body repair, our full-day safety checklist, organization and coordination. All was supported by advisers and upperclass students who helped answer questions and guide the process.

This after-hours orchestra of student skill, devotion, teamwork and innovation produced a race-ready drag truck in record time that set a new personal best on its first day out. This success was not thanks to one student, one driver, one club officer, one adviser or one industry sponsor, but everyone working together in unison with enthusiasm for problem-solving. Experiences like this fill Penn College and highlight the importance of teamwork in the classroom, workplace and industry.

The Diesel Performance Club has taught us far more than speed and efficiency: It’s sharpened our skills in leadership, communication, troubleshooting, innovation and collaboration. Personally, I’ve gained invaluable soft skills in professional communication, time management, prioritization and organizational problem-solving. Penn College gives students the chance to grow as leaders through countless opportunities across campus.

That exposure to problem-solving and the pursuit of energy efficiency is what ultimately led me to building automation and helped me define my career path. Working with the drag truck’s complex systems and maximizing every usable ounce of energy sparked my interest in energy consumption and automation for efficiency.

Being able to compare real-world testing with classroom theory in building automation helped solidify my direction. Working closely with faculty across diesel technology and building automation, we uncovered wasted energy uses, and that only strengthened my drive to become a building automation engineer with a focus on energy efficiency. That goal simply wouldn’t exist without Penn College.

So thank you to the instructors who provide real-world learning opportunities. To the advisers and mentors for guiding us toward our highest potential and teaching us the importance of teamwork. To my diesel club members who have worked tirelessly together in the name of education, innovation and what’s next, and have shown me the importance of diversity and teamwork. To Penn College, for the infinite amount of opportunity to grow as students, professionals and people.

All of this sounds great on paper, but Penn College is not about being great on paper; our strength is greatness in the workplace, where it truly counts. Thanks to the heavily supported real-world experiences with industry, quality of instruction and diversity of opportunities, many of us, myself included, were able to secure our dream jobs in the workforce. Not only does this school set its students up for success after graduation, but the atmosphere also instills its students with a thirst for career growth and development, ensuring all students start off strong after college and keep getting stronger.

Student success, strong organizations, and the reputation of the tomorrow makers all share one focal point: The support Penn College receives is what allows us students to flourish to our highest potential. Every screwdriver, welding stick, computer, stethoscope, circuit board, cookbook – everything works together to better the future of every industry.

From a student who has seen how a short conversation has turned into a fellowship that has positively impacted every student in his program, thank you. We thank you for helping Penn College provide industry-focused, real-world experience. We thank you for believing in us and our cause. We thank you for investing in our future to better the world. From all of us students, thank you for supporting Penn College and helping us build tomorrow.

Penn College's Diesel Club Performance members earn first place in it's class, with a personal best 13.30 seconds in the quarter mile. The truck topped out at 106mph.