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.
Nathan Weaver, 2004
plastics and polymer engineering technology
Nathan is a pastor in the United Methodist Church for the Endless Mountains Charge. After graduating, he worked in Virginia, then Hazleton. His journey includes back surgery, the loss of his marriage, addiction, time in a mental hospital, and losing his children. "Then Jesus found me and took my addictions away! Gave my life to Jesus and never looked back. Best decision ever," he said. He resides in Wilkes-Barre.
Charlie Kohan, 1971
automotive technology
Charlie opened CJ Automotive in 1972 and is celebrating 49 years in business. He resides in Pen Argyl.
George Hohman, 2006
information technology: data communications and networking, and networking and technical support
George is a network administrator 2 for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In May 2021, he completed The Government Technology Institute's information technology manager certificate at Harrisburg University. In July 2021, he welcomed a son, Mitchell, to the family. They reside in Selinsgrove.
Keith Johns, 2009
electrical technology
Keith is a lineman for Met-Ed (Metropolitan Edison). He is a service technician in York, troubleshooting electric issues. He resides in Landisville with his wife and two children.
Jason Cleck, 1997
aviation technology
Jason is a police officer for Annville Township Police. He defended his dissertation, titled "Women's Perception of the Police Academy Experience," and received a doctorate in education from Gwynedd Mercy University. He resides in Annville.
Collin Zimmerman, 2010
information technology: web & applications development
Collin is a principal program architect for Salesforce. He resides in Lititz.
Melissa Benfer, 1999
business administration
Melissa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh on April 29, 2021, with a Master of Education in higher education management. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Hood College. She resides in Pittsburgh.
Chad Chelius, 1993
graphic communication
Chad is vice president of training for AbleDocs, overseeing its global customer training initiative. The company provides PDF accessibility services. He has spoken at Adobe MAX, CreativePro conference and Document Accessibility Conference and is an author for LinkedIn Learning. He's also written for CreativePro.com and InDesign Magazine. He resides in Shillington.
Julia (Gilchrist) Ridley, 2016
plastics and polymer engineering technology
Julia is a research and development plastics engineer for Auriga Polymers. She resides in Campobello, S.C., and is expecting her third child.
H. David Kepner, 1970
business computer science technology
David is a part-time network/telephone technician for Penn College, responsible for updating, troubleshooting and maintaining the college's wide data network and phone system. He resides in Montoursville.
Tyler Frederick, 2013
information technology: information assurance and security, network specialist, and web & applications development
Tyler is manager of the cybersecurity operations center for Security Risk Advisors, overseeing security engineering and advanced response services. In 2017, he received a Master of Science in information sciences and technology from Penn State. He resides in Chalfont.
James Riedel, 2007
automotive technology management
James is a national product training manager for Subaru of America Inc. He resides in Westville, N.J.
Nathaniel Baum, 2005
technology management
Nathaniel is director of operations for Apple Retail Properties. He also obtained a Penn College degree in landscape/nursery technology in 2003. He resides in York.
Christopher Scheller, 2015
building science and sustainable design: architectural technology
Christopher is a project engineer for CCL USA Inc. He married Rebecca Lane on June 12, 2021. They reside in Sykesville, Md.
Chelsea Miller, 2016
dental hygiene: health policy and administration
Chelsea is a dental assisting instructor for Franklin County Career & Technology Center. She started the center's dental assisting program five years ago and continues to practice as a dental hygienist during the summer. She is completing a master's degree in education at Penn State. She resides in Chambersburg.
Norma (McLaughlin) Winter, 1968
liberal arts
Norma retired in 2007 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, for which she was an appeals referee. She resides in Williamsport with her husband, David '75. They were married in 1977.
Michael Quinn, 1998
manufacturing engineering technology
Michael is the owner of MQ Technical Service. He welcomed daughter Bella on Aug. 10, 2020. They reside in Wytheville, Va.
Dennis Derr, 1972
business management
Dennis is a retired clergy member for the United Methodist Church. He added a bachelor's in elementary education from Bloomsburg University in 1974 and a Master of Divinity from Wesley Seminary in 1979. He married Diane Lynn Boyles '73, liberal arts, in 1975. He pastored churches for 40 years, and for the past 20 years, he and Diane have been travel ministry tour hosts and directors for Educational Opportunities. Dennis has written several books and many songs and has fun performing his original songs, along with contemporary Christian music and classic rock 'n' roll, in senior centers and other venues. They reside in Harbeson, Del., and have three children and seven grandchildren.
John Forestiere, 2000
electronics technology: communications/fiber optics
John is a wireless technician for AT&T. He has field service responsibilities for multiple platforms of cellular equipment, generators and annual inspections in the New York City/New Jersey market. He holds a bachelor's in business administration and resides in Hampton, N.J., with his wife, daughter and dog.
Bart Richwine, 1983
carpentry and building construction technology
Bart is retired and resides in New Bloomfield.
Danielle (Lavinder) Youtz, 2003
dental hygiene
Danielle is a registered dental hygienist for Crognale Family Dentistry. She resides in Elizabethtown.
Patrice (Campbell) Thomas, 2008
business administration: marketing
Patrice is a project manager for Fortanix Inc. She resides in Lock Haven.
Ryan Snyder, 2001
plastics and polymer engineering technology
Ryan is a senior research engineer for Trinseo, a manufacturer of plastics, latex binders and synthetic rubber. He resides in Lititz with his wife, Jamie (Boyer) '98, occupational therapy assistant, and their two daughters.
Richard Elder, 1997
plastics and polymer engineering technology
Richard is an environmental health director for Rensselaer County. He oversees the county's environmental health division, which includes permitting and oversight of food service, public water supplies, public pools/beaches, temporary residences, mobile home park, indoor air quality, individual septic system design and installation, lead hazard control and more. He is an executive board member of the New York State Conference of Environmental Health Directors. He resides in Nassau, N.Y.
Sarah (Shott) Yoder, 2011
information technology: web and application development
Sarah is the coordinator of admissions operations for Penn College. She holds a Master of Science in higher education leadership from Drexel University. She volunteers with the American Rescue Workers and resides in Williamsport.
Devin Gebhart, 2005
business administration: management information systems
Devin is the senior logistics and supply chain adviser for U.S. Navy surface ship maintenance and modernization. He resides in Arlington, Va.
Brian Walton, 2009
technology management
Brian is assistant dean of business and hospitality for Pennsylvania College of Technology. He resides in Williamsport.
Katherine Downes, 2021
graphic design
Katherine is a graphic designer for Atlas Restaurant Group. She resides in Fleetwood.
Sarah (Hoffman) Erdman, 1997
business administration
Sarah is a senior underwriting consultant/team lead for Aetna/CVS Health. She is a candidate on the November ballot for her local school board of directors. She resides in Middleburg with her husband, son and two rescue pups.
William Bescript, 2007
computer aided drafting technology and technology management
William is the founder of Bescript Product Design Corp. He founded the company in 2017, and his first product has been premium commercial subwoofers under the brand name Sonofinity. He resides in Yardley.