‘World’ welcomes Penn College concrete science students

Six students and two faculty members from Pennsylvania College of Technology recently attended World of Concrete 2019, the only annual event for the nation’s concrete and masonry industry, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 44th annual WOC, held Jan. 22-25, boasted over 1,500 exhibiting companies and more than 58,000 registered industry professionals congregated in a sprawling 745,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Among those making the trip were students James P. Dailey and Grant J. Straiton, of Williamsport; Joseph F. DiBucci, of Glenshaw; Jeremiah Dyer, of State College; Adam J. Korona, of Reedsville; and Keith C. Long, of Pitman.

The students are enrolled in the concrete science technology degree, launched in the Fall 2018 semester. They are taking advantage of dual-degree opportunities at Penn College, and completing associate or bachelor’s degrees in related fields.

Along with the two-year concrete science technology degree, DiBucci is earning an associate degree in building construction technology and a bachelor’s in applied technology studies with a minor in sustainable design.

The students were accompanied by construction instructors Franklin H. Reber Jr. and Harry W. Hintz Jr., who also had the opportunity to complete coursework toward certificates during educational sessions at the event.

Grant funding from a Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (the philanthropic arm of the National Association of Home Builders) provided the support for faculty to earn industry-valued credentials with the intent to build additional certifications into the curriculum.

World of Concrete features indoor and outdoor exhibits and demonstrations, a trade expo showcasing thousands of new products, hands-on training and competitions.

“My favorite part about the trip was being able to have one-on-one conversations with the vendors about their products. Along with learning about the products, we were actually allowed to try out a good amount of them,” DiBucci said. “This allowed us to get a hands-on experience with the future technology in our career field.”

The Penn College contingent was sponsored in its travels by Forcine Concrete and Construction Co., Durable Surfaces, Lithko Contracting Inc., and Aspen Square Management.

“The acceptance and excitement that came from all of the different vendors that we were college students was refreshing,” Straiton added. “They recognized that we are the future of the industry and treated us with respect.”

While on their westward journey, the group visited the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Hoover Dam – a monument to concrete construction on the Nevada/Arizona border.

For more about Penn College’s School of Construction & Design Technologies, including the only concrete science degree program on the East Coast, or call 570-327-4518.

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