Gift From Lycoming Engines Boosts College’s Aviation Instruction

Longtime Pennsylvania College of Technology partner Lycoming Engines has donated 15 aircraft engines to be used for instructional purposes in the college’s aviation majors.

The donation, valued at $317,500, will benefit students enrolled in the aviation maintenance technology bachelor’s degree, the aviation technology associate degree and the aviation maintenance certificate major.

Over 100 Penn College alumni are employed by Lycoming Engines, a leading piston-engine producer for the general aviation industry that employs approximately 400 people.

The company sponsors three scholarships annually for Penn College aviation students and also provides tool donations to the college’s Baja SAE Club, which participates annually in off-road vehicle competitions nationwide.

Lycoming Engines is also a member of the college’s Visionary Society, which recognizes lifetime gifts totaling $100,000 to $499,999.

Lycoming Engines employees serve as advisory committee members at Penn College and host students on factory tours and career-related activities. The college also is designated as the authorized training center to offer hands-on Lycoming Piston Engine Service School training annually for more than 200 attendees from around the world.

“This generous gift from Lycoming Engines is emblematic of the company’s ongoing support of our educational mission,” said President Davie Jane Gilmour. “Whether it is by creating access for students through scholarships, enriching the instructional experience with equipment donations, providing industry-informed curriculum insight, or offering internship and employment opportunities to our students and graduates, Lycoming Engines is a much-valued partner of Penn College.”

“Lycoming has a long history of supporting the aviation program at Penn College,” added Walter V. Gower, assistant dean of transportation and natural resources technologies. “The recent donation of engines shows that Lycoming is committed to support the education of our students and success of the program. The engines will greatly enhance the educational opportunity for our current and future students.”

“Lycoming Engines and the local community are fortunate to have a world-class educational resource in our area like Penn College, and we are glad we can support their hands-on classroom training needs,” said Michael Kraft, senior vice president and general manager of Lycoming Engines. “Our collaborative work with the institution dates back decades. From their degreed programs in aviation, machining and manufacturing to their ongoing workforce development offerings, Penn College is a strategic resource for companies like ours to remain competitive in the global marketplace.”

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.