Walter Heiser

I learned about Penn College through my high school lacrosse coach. At the time, I was planning on going to community college. However, Coach Williams reached out to my high school coach, who reached out to me, as he thought the school would be a great fit.

The usefulness and employability of a degree was my number-one factor. After seeing major-related job placement rates, I was extremely interested in Penn College. My second was definitely the combination of quality of education, extremely knowledgeable staff, and the variety of lab equipment relating to my major. My third was the opportunity to play a college sport while still obtaining an effective education. Penn College is one of a few schools in the country where there is an opportunity to learn a trade from top to bottom while still being able to play a competitive sport at a DIII level.

I was looking for a hands-on education that provided me with the opportunity to advance. Nothing teaches you at a more rapid pace than actually doing it. This experience is provided in all of the HVAC labs, especially when coupled with staff that has a ton of industry experience. I sprung for a bachelor's degree in HVAC design because it afforded me the opportunity to work in the field and then progress into roles that offered more opportunity down the line.

I had no prior experience in the HVAC industry before attending Penn College. I chose HVAC because I have a family member in the field and I worked with him throughout high school. He knew many HVAC contractors and informed me of some of the opportunities that could arise from being successful and knowledgeable in the industry. After touring Penn College, I knew it was the place for me to gain that knowledge and expertise, as well as a strong foundation.

I live in a rural area, so at first I was surprised that a Wendy’s, Burger King, and Sheetz were a walk away from the campus. On a more serious note, I was very impressed at the campus and how clean and neat everything was. I'll give a shoutout to all of the maintenance staff who keep it so well kept. The community was extremely welcoming, and the staff was helpful with any questions that arose, especially while I was a freshman in a completely new environment. I was also given the unique opportunity to be a part of the men’s lacrosse team. So, I was basically handed a group of 55 brothers right off the bat.

I was a member of the men’s lacrosse team for four years and was lucky enough to be given the role of captain by my teammates my junior and senior years. I was also part of Penn College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where I was a member my junior year, and was given the extremely neat opportunity to be president my senior year. Thank you for the opportunity and all the help, Coach Mohney! Lastly, I was a member, and eventually the public relations officer for the Penn College HVAC club. Thank you, Mr. Welker!

It was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. I have been on teams my whole life, but there is a different level when you enter college. I was on teams not only in the sports realm, but in clubs like SAAC & HVAC, and the classroom. It made my career at Pennsylvania College of Technology fly by because I was surrounded with so many like-minded individuals who worked together to achieve the same goals with a passion and dedication that can only be achieved with intense caring in mind. On the lacrosse field, I basically had a built-in group of 55 brothers who would be there at the drop of a hat for me, and I for them. I not only felt that comradery only on the field, but in the community and in my class, as well.

I would tell them if they are interested GO VISIT! What would you rather choose, saving a tank of gas or getting the opportunity to see a school that offers some of the best hands-on training for an enormous variety of fields? As soon as I toured the campus and more specifically my major labs, I knew Penn College was the place for me. Take the day and go out, even if you do not know what your major will be. The professors are more than willing to let you pick their brains. There is an absurd amount of opportunity and potential waiting to be found. Pick a few degrees, fill up the tank, and check it out.

I have enjoyed the ability to be effective coming out of school. I have been working with the same company since the spring of my freshmen year. I interned as a service technician throughout college then started full time as a service tech and transitioned into a commercial HVAC estimating role. Penn College also afforded me the opportunity to work remotely as an HVAC design intern during the spring of my senior year for Energy Logic in Berthoud, Colorado. That was an extremely neat experience that I would not trade for the world. The main thing that I have enjoyed about my career is the opportunity to keep growing and learning. Learning does not stop after college. If anything, it intensifies. With that said, I am happy to say that Penn College provided me with the tools and opportunities to put myself on a career path to continue that expansion and to do it in a successful manner.