Hydraulics Lab celebrated amid tribute to Foley Inc. partnership

The two-decade alliance between Pennsylvania College of Technology and Foley Inc. was punctuated Oct. 10 with formal recognition of the Foley Hydraulics Lab in tribute to the first Caterpillar dealer to brand its territory at the college’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center.

Designation of the lab is just one part of Foley’s five-year, $250,000 commitment to Penn College’s heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis, heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis and electric power generation technology: diesel emphasis programs.

“Penn College and Foley share a proud industry partnership, one that is now fully visible to anyone touring our facility,” said Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources. “This branding will serve as a steadfast reminder of Foley’s investment in the next generation of industry leaders and the return that they experience with an applied technology education.”

Beishline pointed out the prevalence of Caterpillar equipment in nearly all of the ESC’s larger labs – from generators to engines to heavy equipment and components – and its instructional use in such coursework as engine overhaul, powertrain, air conditioning, electrical troubleshooting and hydraulics.

“Foley Inc. would not share its brand unless it was convinced of the quality of our program and the impact that our graduates have within industry,” he added, noting that the company has hired more than two dozen Penn College students and alumni as interns and full-time technicians.

“Let me be the first to officially call this newly branded space the ‘Foley Hydraulics Lab,’” Beishline said, joking that, “for many years, we have called this room ‘the Hydraulics Lab,’ ‘Hydraulics III Lab,’ ‘Hydraulics Troubleshooting Lab,’ ‘ESC 167’ or even ‘the lab by the toolroom.’”

Student Ben Rich V, a recent summer intern at Foley’s Bensalem location, shared his experiences with the audience that filled the instructional space for the Corporate Partner Recognition Day – an audience that included many of his classmates, a number of Foley officials and members of Penn College’s President’s Council.

“I chose to intern with Foley Inc. because they are one of the most established and well-maintained organizations that I’ve ever witnessed,” said the Titusville, New Jersey, resident, who is pursuing degrees in diesel technology and power generation. “During my time there, I assisted in many engine overhauls, went through preventive maintenance intervals, learned and used many different diagnostic procedures, and had great experiences.

“Thank you for investing time in me and this college.”

Beishline presented a certificate of appreciation to Jamie Foley, chief executive officer of Foley Inc. since 2009, acknowledging the company’s inspiration to current and future students envisioning rewarding and sustainable careers with such a high-performing employer.

“There is no more important investment than in our employees,” Foley said, adding that half of the company’s 750-member workforce have been on board for 15 years or longer. “This is a win-win for us and for Penn College, a strategic and successful partnership that will endure for years to come.”

The brief ceremony was followed by a pair of presentations to students by Jon Souliere, vice president of service operations, and Louis DiDonato, technical communicator/training instructor, and a 2000 graduate of Penn College’s heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar emphasis major.

Foley Inc. – with locations in New Jersey; southeast Pennsylvania; Staten Island, New York; and northern Delaware – is a Corporate Tomorrow Maker, recognized as a Visionary Society member ($100,000-$499,999) on the college’s Donor Wall.

For more about diesel technology and related majors in Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

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

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

Future careers beckon from Christopher Collins' recruitment table ...

A crowd begins to gather prior to festivities in the Foley Hydraulics lab, already documenting the import of the occasion.

... to a receptive audience of peers, college employees and Foley officials.

Ben Rich V, who "knew this was where I wanted to be" on his first visit to Penn College, shares a student/intern perspective ...

Beishline is met with applause when he affirms Foley's commitment to the value of an applied technology education. "Our students, prospective students, parents and K-12 educators want to see employment opportunities postgraduation," he said. "They want to see that the investment in a technology degree will pay for itself."

Jamie Foley, the embodiment of a valued corporate partner, shares remarks.

Penn College students – among the most direct beneficiaries of Foley's generosity – show their appreciation.

... that attracted a crush of interest, as students grabbed giveaways and sound advice.

Jon Souliere, Foley's vice president of service operations, offers an overview of the company, including such benefits to students as tuition assistance and sign-on bonuses.

Intently listening to one of the academic presentations are Colby James McHugh (left), of Jim Thorpe, and Thad Reid Boyer, of Westfield, sporting a Foley hat he picked up when the company visited earlier this semester. Both are in their first semester of the heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis major.

Alumnus Louis DiDonato delivers a primer on hydraulics and electricity, reflective of a 22-year career that began at Ransome CAT and has continued since that firm was acquired by Foley in 2018.