Class Notes shares the achievements and milestones of alumni of Pennsylvania College of Technology and its predecessors, Williamsport Area Community College and Williamsport Technical Institute. Share your story.
Kurt Sweigart, 1980
building construction technology and plumbing and Heating
Kurt is a self-employed insurance agent. He was named the top agent in Oklahoma for the past two years, and 23rd (out of 800 agents) in the country. He resides in Edmond, Okla.
John Hinchliffe, 1973
electronics technology
John retired in 2019 as a senior hardware control engineer for TMEIC (Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems) Corp. From 1978 to 2019, he held electrical design engineering positions with GE in Erie and Salem, Va., GE Toshiba in Salem and TMEIC in Roanoke, Va. He resides in Buchanan, Va.
Matthew Bamonte, 2015
information technology sciences: gaming and simulation
Matthew recently transitioned to a new, fully remote job as a learning technology support engineer for Amazon Robotics. He is in the process of moving to Camp Hill.
Christopher Silverstrim, 2012
electrical technology
Christopher is an automation engineer for Invata Intralogistics, which specializes in warehouse automation and fulfillment. He designs and programs all system controls. He resides in Coal Township.
Alton "Al" Glatfelter, 1980
electrical technology
Al is scheduled to retire in June 2022 as a SharePoint site manager. "Although no longer employed in my field of study, my education at WACC led me to this point!" he says. He resides in Reston, Va.
Dylan Snyder, 2021
business administration: marketing
Dylan is a marketing professional for Horizon Federal Credit Union. He runs and creates advertisements, manages social media accounts, runs reports and calculates return on investment, and provides event management. He resides in Williamsport.
Nathan Miller, 2021
forest technology
Nathan is a forest technician for WBL Hardwoods, responsible for cruising timber (measuring forest stands) and marking it. He resides in Saltsburg.
Hayley Bauer, 2021
accounting
Hayley is a member of the accounting staff of Lea Ann Plessinger CPA LLC in Lock Haven. She resides in Mill Hall.
Deborah (Bower) Dawes, 1975
ornamental horticulture technology: floriculture
Deborah is a retired elementary school teacher and a semi-retired owner of Wildlife Habitat Nursery. The nursery comprises five production greenhouses specializing in wetland and riparian native plants that are delivered to local agencies, such as the Nez Perce and Couer d'Alene tribes, as well as many other state and federal agencies for restoration of salmon and native habitat near the Northwest's rivers, streams and lakes. She operates the nursery with her husband and son, along with six employees. She also has a grown daughter, and her first grandchild is expected in February. They have resided in Princeton, Idaho, since 1977, where Deborah enjoys quilting, camping and delivering the nursery's plants.
Megan Finnen, 2019
forest technology
Megan is a forest technician for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. She resides in Sweet Valley.
Ian Hoffman, 2013
ornamental horticulture: landscape technology emphasis
Ian is working at Byllye Lanes during the winter months, providing counter support and mechanical support in the back of the bowling alley. He resides in Bradford and got engaged on Oct. 7, 2021.
Kyle Rhoads, 2005
manufacturing engineering technology
Kyle is an operations manager for TE Connectivity. He resides in Harrisburg and was married to Megan on July 22, 2021. They have a daughter, Everleigh.
Dottie Habovick, 2021
individual studies
Dottie is a human resources specialist-compensation analyst for Penn State. She resides in Bellefonte.
Chris Holdridge, 1992
construction carpentry
Chris is a superintendent for Milnes Companies. He resides in Wyalusing.
James Dailey, 2020
building construction technology and concrete science technology
James is a self-employed concrete contractor. He resides in Williamsport.
Dustin Bailey, 2016
building science and sustainable design: architectural technology
Dustin is a senior architectural designer for Studio Hillier, working directly under renowned architect J. Robert Hillier. He resides in Hightstown, N.J., where he and fiancee Onolee Oberrender '16, graphic design, recently purchased their first home. A September 2022 wedding is planned. Oberrender founded an independent graphic design firm, Kindly Creative.
Troy Stair, 2019
welding and fabrication engineering technology
Troy is a weld manufacturing engineer for Astec Industries, which manufactures equipment for asphalt road building, aggregate processing and concrete production. He resides in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Heather Pfirman, 2021
human services and restorative justice
Heather is a unit clerk for UPMC Williamsport. She resides in Williamsport.
Brian Harpster, 1993
electronics technology: fiber optic/communication
Brian is a senior quality engineer/laser safety officer for II-VI Inc. He is responsible for worldwide customer engineering support for opto-electronic amplifiers and network devices. He's also the laser safety officer for the research and development laboratory. He received a bachelor's in electrical engineering from Alfred University in 2002. He resides in Painted Post, N.Y.
Tiana Rawls-White, 2021
applied management
Tiana is a caregiver for Shared Support Inc. She was the Fall 2021 commencement speaker and founded the college's Black Student Union. She resides in Northumberland.
Richard Norgard, 2013
Technology Management
Richard is the owner/operator of RN Woodworks LLC. He resides in Toms River, N.J.
Ariel Torstrup, 2021
nursing
Ariel is a registered nurse for UPMC. She resides in Williamsport.
Gary Obert, 1986
service and operation of heavy construction equipment
Gary is a senior regional director, finance, for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. He resides in Arlington, Va.
Shaun Slimmer, 2002
computer-aided product and systems design
Shaun is the Mid-Atlantic business development manager - defense & space for Carlisle Interconnect Technologies. He finds new opportunities in the defense and space market for the company's radio frequency/digital interconnect capabilities. He resides in Keymar, Md., with his wife, Sabrina '01, physical fitness specialist, and their two daughters. They will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in March 2022.
Paul Hitesman, 1981
forest technology
Paul is a training manager for Wood Mode LLC. He received a bachelor's in technology management from Penn College in 2003 and resides in Allenwood.
Paul Catalano, 1981
nursery management
Paul is manager of grounds maintenance for Yale University. He manages 300-plus acres with union staff. He resides in Branford, Conn.
Joel Steppe, 2011
forest technology
Joel is a horticulturalist for Penn College at the Earth Science Center campus. He resides in Jersey Shore.
Patrick Cullop, 2008
diesel technology
Patrick is an electrical apprentice for Freestate Electrical Service Co. He resides in Monrovia, Md.
Eric Burson, 1994
heavy construction equipment technician
Eric is a materials supervisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He oversees the testing of physical properties of all cement products approved for use by PennDOT, as well as specialized testing for new cement products submitted for approval. He resides in Kulpmont.
Kenneth Ritter, 1973
service and operation of heavy construction equipment
Kenneth is retired. He's been married for 43 years and has two children and four grandchildren. He resides Coopersburg.