Student

Andrew Placencia

Automotive

From time to time, an extraordinary leader rises above the crowd. Rallies others. Exudes positivity. And shines by example. That’s Andrew. He’s a standout Automotive Technology Management student, proud ROTC cadet, and soon-to-be commissioned second lieutenant. Andrew is also president of the veteran’s fraternity Omega Delta Sigma. Supports military students as an on-campus veteran service assistant. And is first to volunteer when help is needed.

TAKING THE LEAD

Q&A with Andrew

WHERE DID YOUR PATH TAKE YOU AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

After high school I worked at a car wash for a couple of months. Upon some self-reflection, I decided to enlist in the United States Army as an active duty soldier where I served for approximately four years.

WHY PENN COLLEGE?

When I was transferring out of active duty (being a full-time soldier), I was looking for programs that involved more hands-on learning that would enhance the skills I already had. I wanted something different than the traditional classroom.

WHAT LED YOU TO AUTOMOTIVE?

Ever since I was young, I had a fascination with and was introduced to a plethora of different vehicles. Growing up I would help and learn from my uncles with their cars and projects. My love for American-made muscle cars came from my mother when she bought a ’76 Ford Mustang. My fascination only grew after joining the military where I got to fix, clean, and drive certain armored vehicles.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR PROGRAM?

I like how the instructors have a passion in their line of work and they show it by the way they give their lessons. Also, how the program allows us to diagnose problems as if it were a real-life situation at a dealership. I love how the instructors will go out of their way to help a struggling student with problems they had with the lesson being taught.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT ABOUT PENN COLLEGE?

My favorite aspect about Penn College has to be the hands-on experience. Getting to work on vehicles and diagnose real-life automotive problems, all while getting a grade for it is pretty amazing.

HOW DID YOU END UP GETTING INVOLVED IN ROTC?

I served in the military and did not want my experience to come to an end. The sound of being able to build my leadership style while in college caught my attention. The way the program was set up to have students be in leadership positions in order to execute tasks while under pressure sounded like a dream come true.

DO YOU THINK YOUR ROTC EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR TRAJECTORY?

My experience did not change my trajectory, since being an automotive student I will be able to get the chance to use my degree in the military in many ways. For example, I will be able to work as a maintenance supervisor for military vehicles. I could also be assigned to an engineer unit and use my hands-on experience as an engineer platoon leader.

HOW HAS YOUR ROTC EXPERIENCE BENEFITED YOU THUS FAR?

ROTC has helped me reach goals that I would not think I was able to when I first enrolled at Penn College. When I first enrolled, I was only trying to get an associate’s degree. But the requirements for the ROTC program pushed me to achieve my goal of getting my bachelor’s degree. Also, while being in the program we were required to be up early for our physical training three times a week. This helped me build a habit of being up early every day and will come in handy as I progress throughout my career.

WHAT ARE YOUR POST-GRADUATION GOALS?

My post-graduation goals are to be commissioned as an active duty second lieutenant for the United States Army. I will also be applying to be a Gold Bar Recruiter for the ROTC program where I will be assisting with recruitment. My career goal is to be an ordnance officer where I will make sure that weapons systems, vehicles, and equipment are ready and available, and in perfect condition at all times. I also hope to manage the developing, testing, fielding, handling, storage, and disposal of munitions.

Real-World Ready

"My favorite aspect about Penn College has to be the hands-on experience. Getting to work on vehicles and diagnose real-life automotive problems, all while getting a grade for it is pretty amazing."

Andrew Placencia

Awards

Recognizing excellence

Andrew's hard work and commitment over the past four years has not gone unnoticed. And we wouldn't have it any other way. He received the following honors.

Commencement Student Speaker
Awarded to a student who possesses the ideal characteristics of a Penn College graduate: strong academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, positive campus involvement, and service to the College and/or community.
Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award
Presented to a graduate who exemplifies the ideas of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness, and high ideals).
Patriot Award
Given to an exceptional military or veteran student hand-picked by the Veterans & Military Office.

Spreading joy

Annual Tree Decorating

Each December, the College's military family decorates the Veterans Holiday Tree outside of the Madigan Library. Andrew and his crew take pride in this annual tradition that pays respect to service personnel near and far.

Learn more

Community Involvement

Giving back

Andrew and fellow ROTC students and mentors volunteered to staff an aid station at a community trail race that raised $20,000 to support the Salvation Army and Penn College’s Veteran and Military Services.

Learn more about the event