Cummins Engine Donation to Benefit Students in Variety of Majors

Published 10.16.2009

News
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation

Showcasing a diesel engine donated to Pennsylvania College of Technology's School of Natural Resources Management are, from left, Claude T. Witts, instructor of diesel equipment technology%3B Holly Raesch, Cummins Bridgeway's Pittsburgh operations manager%3B Monica Bateman, a human resources generalist with Cummins Bridgeway in New Hudson, Mich.%3B and Mary A. Sullivan, school dean.Students enrolled in three majors within Pennsylvania College of Technology's School of Natural Resources Management will benefit from the recent donation of a Cummins Inc. diesel engine.

The 4.5-liter, 170-horsepower QSB engine was donated by Cummins Bridgeway LLC, the leading distributor for Cummins Inc., the largest manufacturer of diesel engines and power-generation equipment in the United States. The engine, which meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 3 emission standards, was ordered and used by Cummins' Engineering Department to develop and test its product line.

"We're excited about the interest Cummins has taken in our programs and our graduates," said Mary A. Sullivan, dean of natural resources management. "We're looking forward to strengthening that relationship through their participation in our Career Fair and advisory committee membership. Donations such as these benefit our students and faculty and allow us to continue to offer a high-quality education."

The engine will be used in the college's heavy-duty electronic fuel systems lab for diesel and power-generation students, as well as in the electronic systems lab for heavy-equipment students. The diesel equipment technology, electric power generation technology and heavy construction equipment technology majors all are based at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center near Allenwood.

"The engine utilizes a common rail-design fuel system, which is very popular in our industry," said Claude T. Witts, an instructor of diesel equipment technology. "The displacement of this engine provides an added benefit by exposing our students to the smaller diesel engines utilized in midrange applications."

Monica Bateman, a human resources generalist with Cummins Bridgeway in New Hudson, Mich., and Holly Raesch, Pittsburgh operations manager, toured the Earth Science Center in the spring and hosted a reciprocal visit this summer by Witts; Debra M. Miller, Penn College's director of corporate relations; and Brett A. Reasner, assistant dean of natural resources management.

The college representatives toured the facility and spent the day meeting with Cummins Bridgeway administration to discuss equipment donations, faculty training, student internships, scholarships and employment opportunities for graduates.

"Penn College is right in the back yard of our Pittsburgh branch," Bateman said. "We are looking for both diesel and power-generation technicians. Penn College provides not only the curriculum, but also possesses a significant amount of equipment that will enrich the training and education of students. We believe hands-on experience with Cummins equipment will further enhance those programs. We're happy to be partnering with Pennsylvania College of Technology and look toward a future in assisting students with life beyond college."

Cummins sells and services engines for nearly every type of vehicle on the road, ranging from 50 to 2,000 horsepower, as well as selling and servicing natural-gas and diesel-powered generators ranging in power production from 3 to 2,700 kilowatts for marine vehicles, RVs, emergency power, portable, residential and industrial applications.

For more information about Cummins Bridgeway, visit online .

For more about the School of Natural Resources Management, visit on the Web or call 570-320-8038. For more information about Penn College, visit online , e-mail or call toll-free 800-367-9222.