Awards Bestowed Upon Penn College’s May Graduates

Published 05.12.2012

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Student News

Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its May 2012 graduates.

A total of 962 students petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the spring semester, and three commencement ceremonies were held May 11-12 at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University.

The student award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are:

President's Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Nicholas A. Anderson, Warren, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Board of Directors' Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Christine Elizabeth Hershberger, Hummelstown, business administration: management concentration; Tima Cummings, Columbia Cross Roads, human services.

The Academic Vice President and Provost's Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Rachel Michelle Emmons, Washington, N.J., culinary arts and systems.

Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who exemplifies the ideals of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness, and high ideals): Azeez O. Salu, Williamsport, computer aided drafting technology; Dylan Thomas James Lackey, Columbia, surveying technology.

Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community and scholastic achievement: Atlee James Eshleman, Conestoga, civil engineering technology.

Alpha Chi PA Xi Chapter Award, presented to a graduate who is an active member in good standing of Alpha Chi and who has provided outstanding leadership and service to the Penn College PA Xi Chapter of Alpha Chi: Pamela Ann Mix, South Williamsport, business administration: banking and finance concentration.

Accounting Faculty Award, presented to a faculty-selected nontransfer student on the basis of academic standing for exceptional achievement in accounting: Jennifer Susan Kurtz, Jersey Shore, accounting.

Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (PICPA) Award, presented for excellence in accounting studies in the School of Business and Computer Technologies under criteria set forth by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants: Nicole M. Giersdorf, Williamsport, accounting.

Central Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association Award, presented to a graduate of the health information technology major for scholastic achievement and leadership: Christiana Marie Snyder, Williamsport, health information technology.

Web and Interactive Media Faculty Award, presented to a faculty-selected student, enrolled in the Web and interactive media major, on the basis of scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Paula Catherine Harrison, Lewisburg, Web design and multimedia.

Lepley, Engelman and Yaw Award, presented to the graduate of the legal assistant/paralegal major with the highest GPA: Brian L. Hoffman, Laporte, legal assistant/paralegal.

Lycoming Law Association Award, presented to the graduate of the legal assistant/paralegal associate-degree major who had the highest GPA and who was a Lycoming County resident prior to enrollment in and during completion of the program: Christopher Michael Good, Hughesville, legal assistant/paralegal; David P. Samar, South Williamsport, legal assistant/paralegal.

Information Technology Faculty Award, presented for scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Ryan Matthew Sokol, McKees Rocks, information technology: information assurance and security concentration; Nicholas Andrew Cafarchio, Aspers, information technology: Web and applications development concentration.

Business Management Faculty Award, presented for achievement in the field of management, leadership qualities, and cooperation with faculty and peers: Kelvin S. Goode, Silver Springs, Md., technology management.

Construction Management Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of construction management who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, perseverance, participation, work ethic and commitment to the field: John Michael Kriner, Lancaster, construction management.

Electrical Excellence Award, presented to a college-selected graduate of the electrical occupations major who has exhibited outstanding capabilities in his or her course of study (sponsored by Schaedler-Yesco Distribution, Inc.): Steven M. Anderson, New Oxford, electrical occupations.

Electrical Faculty Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of an electrical major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: David Charles Harman, Nescopeck, electrical technology.

NorthCentral PA Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award – Construction Management, presented to a graduate of construction management who demonstrates excellence, professionalism and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: Jonathan E. Bresnock, Williamsport, construction management.

NorthCentral PA Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award – Architectural Technology, presented to a graduate of architectural technology who demonstrates excellence, professionalism and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: Kristen Victoria Rivera, Pocono Summit, architectural technology.

U.A. Local No. 520 Plumbers and Steamfitters Award, presented to a graduate of a plumbing and heating major who resides in the local membership area and has shown a strong interest and desire to become a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 520: Ian Tyler Herr, Palmyra, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.

Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee Award, presented to the graduate of the plumbing major who had the highest academic achievement: Kyle Jeffrey King, Bellefonte, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.

West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association Award, presented to graduates in building construction technology with outstanding GPAs, strong work ethic, ability to communicate well with faculty and a strong commitment to the residential building industry. Of the six awards presented, one is awarded to an electrical technology graduate (electrical and HVAC alternate every other year), and one is awarded to a heavy construction equipment technology student: Brock R. Bakaysa, Mahaffey, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis; Bruce Jacob Flagg, Bloomsburg, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Matthew A. Johnson, Mill Creek, residential construction technology and management; Shane E. Moore, Hershey, residential builder; Corvin Kendrid Oberholtzer, Wellsboro, residential construction technology and management; Jared Andrew Wiand, Woodbury, building construction technology.

Central Susquehanna Association for the Education of Young Children (CSAEYC) Award, presented to the graduate of the early childhood education program who best exemplifies the qualities expressed in the National Association for the Education of Young Children code of ethics: Justine J. Bercel, Bellefonte, early childhood education.

Chef John Folse Excellence in Hospitality Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates Chef Folse's commitment to being a positive role model for the hospitality industry; work and scholastic excellence; stewardship of personal and professional resources; respect for self and others; and excellence and leadership in hospitality education: Katelyn Rae Ciavardini, Sayre, culinary arts and systems.

Hospitality Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, exemplifies professionalism and is committed to excellence in hospitality: Alisha Mae Howell, Waymart, baking and pastry arts.

Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to graduates of the associate-degree nursing major for outstanding academic achievement and exceptional ability in practicum and communication skills: Amy L. Bisset, Linden, nursing; Tina Marie Watkins, Williamsport, nursing.

Linda F. Clark, BS RN, Memorial Nursing Commencement Award, presented to a graduate of a nursing major who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and commitment to lifelong learning: Crystal L. Bernstein, Muncy, nursing.

The Shirley Novosel Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of a nursing major who demonstrates leadership and proficiency in clinical; promotes client advocacy; shows a strong desire to learn and help others learn; displays a caring, compassionate, and empathetic attitude toward patients; and displays a positive attitude toward the nursing program in general: Jaleesa Ranae Andrade, Spring Grove, nursing.

Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibits the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Cynthia A. Real, Williamsport, nursing.

Ronald E. Thompson Memorial Physical Fitness Specialist Commencement Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of the physical fitness specialist major who has demonstrated high academic achievement and promotes and practices the principles of wellness and personal fitness: Cynthia M. Murphy, Mifflinburg, physical fitness specialist.

The Dr. Clarke J. Hollister Memorial Award, presented to the student who has shown outstanding ability and achievement in dental health education: Billie Jo Lynn Wells, DuBois, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration.

The Colgate Student Total Achievement Recognition (S.T.A.R.) Award, awarded to the graduating dental hygiene student who meets the following criteria: demonstrates true dedication to the dental hygiene profession, exhibits compassion in patient care, displays enthusiasm for community service, and enjoys the role of dental hygienist: Whitney Lee Knechel, Millmont, dental hygiene.

Dental Hygiene Faculty Award, presented to the associate-degree student who demonstrates the most professional growth and development throughout the course of study in the dental hygiene program: Amanda Elizabeth Hill, Muncy, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration.

Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, presented to the student who has the highest clinical average: Alexis K. Hannahs, Smethport, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration.

Patricia L. Saxton Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award, presented to the student who exhibits dedication to the profession by encouraging and supporting others. Characteristics include, but are not limited to: team player, willing to help, trustworthiness, self-directed, independent, courteous and respectful: Mahfuzur Rahman, Williamsport, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration.

The Ed Dobeck Memorial Award, presented by the Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors for a graduating civil engineering technology or surveying technology student expressing an interest in a land surveying career: Michael E. Kiessling Jr., Williamsport, surveying technology.

Penn College Machine Shop Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year automated manufacturing/machining/toolmaking major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence and exhibits devotion to duty, helpfulness to others and friendliness: Andrew J.Strickler, Williamsport, manufacturing engineering technology.

A.W.S. Student Chapter Award, presented to a member of the student chapter who has shown leadership and dedication in the field of welding: Nicholas A. Anderson, Warren, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year welding major who exemplifies the college philosophy of excellence: Nicholas A. Anderson, Warren, welding and fabrication engineering technology; and Micah Elias Hoover, Souderton, welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to the graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Andrew Nelson Myer, Annapolis, Md., welding technology.

Plastics Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of the plastics program (associate or bachelor’s degree) who most exemplifies the characteristics of excellence in education, dedication to the profession and commitment to service: Jason Raymond Paris, Philadelphia, plastics and polymer engineering technology.

Alfred L. Hauser Sr. Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student in the two-year automated manufacturing technology or four-year manufacturing engineering technology major who exemplifies the college's philosophy of excellence: Steven Edward Dannenhower, Coopersburg, manufacturing engineering technology.

Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to two graduates of electronics and computer engineering technology (one associate and one bachelor) based on major GPA as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Brian Michael Warabak, Pittston Township, electronics and computer engineering technology; Stephen William Diehl, Shippensburg, electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis.

Computer Aided Product Design Faculty Award, presented to faculty-selected graduates of computer aided product design who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Brian J. Borror, Dover, computer aided product design; Azeez O. Salu, Williamsport, computer aided drafting technology.

The Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement in mathematics: Sean Michael Timm, DuBoistown, information technology: network specialist concentration.

Gamma Epsilon Tau Award, presented to a graduate of graphic communications who exhibits outstanding skill development, capability and leadership, and a willingness to help others: Stacey Marie Rupp, Gettysburg, graphic communications management.

Harvey A. Martin Memorial Award, presented to a faculty-selected graduate of graphic communications who exhibits a commitment to the profession and love of the major: Alison Renee Beitz, Millville, graphic communications management.

Dean Solomon Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates a desire for a profession in mathematics and/or computer science; who demonstrates good character, an affable personality and concern for fellow human beings; and who has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher: Abraham Isaac Cabanilla, Williamsport, information technology: network specialist concentration.

American Infrastructure Award, presented to the top performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis: Adam William Borek, Muncy, heavy construction equipment technology/Caterpillar equipment emphasis.

Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician: Benjamin James Patton, Prospect, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

The Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to the graduate showing the highest degree of proficiency in a diesel equipment technology major: Sean L. Diehl, Howard, diesel technology.

Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of forest technology who best exemplifies academic achievement, service and professionalism within the field of forestry: Amy Lynn Moyer, Sunbury, forest technology.

William J. Stitzel Memorial Award, presented to the graduate of a diesel equipment technology major who best exemplifies William J. Stitzel’s dedication to Penn College through service to the college community, service to fellow students and academic achievement: Rory Kevin Kania, Hanover Township, on-site power generation.

Heavy Construction Equipment Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of heavy construction equipment technology who most exemplifies professionalism within the field: Casey Patrick Kelly, Nottingham, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis.

School of Natural Resources Management Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the School of Natural Resources Management: Kevin Eugene Brookhart, Liverpool, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis and technology management.

Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to the graduate of ornamental horticulture/landscaping who best exemplifies academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of horticulture: Dustin E. Zook, Lancaster, ornamental horticulture: landscape technology emphasis.

Aviation Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of aviation maintenance: Clint Hinton, Lock Haven, aviation maintenance technology.

Ford Asset Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major (manufacturer emphases and collision repair excluded): Brandon M. Kramer, Sinking Spring, automotive technology: Ford ASSET emphasis.

Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive major (manufacturer emphases and collision repair excluded): Kent A. Williams, Mountville, automotive technology.

DuPont Performance Coatings Excellence Award, presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Justin Zachary Crider, Fairfield, collision repair technology.

Orelli Supply Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Owen Ronald Boyle, Bloomsbury, N.J., collision repair technology.

Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Aaron C. Dressler, Mount Pleasant Mills, collision repair technology.

Marilyn G. Bodnar Library Award for Excellence in Research for Theoretical Research, recognizes a student who demonstrates exemplary research and information literacy skills in a theoretical or applied project in his or her field of study: John Lee Walter, Doylestown, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

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