Nursing graduate honored at Chamber ‘Education Celebration’
Published 03.03.2023
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A 2007 graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology's nursing program received an Alumni of the Year Award at this week's 22nd annual Education Celebration hosted by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.
Andrea Reed, director of nursing and patient safety officer at UPMC Muncy, was among those honored at Thursday's event, which recognizes exemplary alumni, educators and students nominated by their respective educational institutions. The Education Celebration also recognizes the linkage among Lycoming County schools, colleges and business/industry community.
Reed was introduced by President Michael J. Reed, who said the Chamber's Education Celebration has become a leg, of sorts, in a spring Triple Crown – joining Career Fair and commencement as credible barometers of how well Penn College is meeting its mission of long-term student success.
"It’s something we’ve known throughout our century-plus history and it was certainly reinforced during the pandemic," he said. "Our Tomorrow Makers comprise a vibrant and vital segment of the workforce, blazing brightly in essential fields across the board." He characterized Andrea Reed as a "shining star in health care, an undeniable necessity in any thriving community."
After earning her associate degree in nursing from Penn College, she received a bachelor’s in nursing from University of Phoenix in 2014 and a master’s of nursing – with a focus in leadership and health care administration – from Grand Canyon University in 2018.
She has held a variety of key roles over the years at UPMC (and its Susquehanna Health predecessor), has received a number of official accolades from her employer, and maintains professional affiliations that regularly affirm her credible leadership.
She has served as a member of the Penn College Nursing Advisory Committee, helping to inspire nursing students, and was the Summer 2019 recipient of the college’s Mentorship Award. Later in 2019, she was presented with the “Rural Health Hero of the Year” award from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health.
"I was set up for success ... and have continued to be successful due to the solid foundation that was set during my time at Penn College," she told the Williamsport Country Club audience. "I try to be the best role model – to represent myself, my family, my employer and Penn College well – and will continue to do so throughout my life."
And while she has passed the Advisory Committee torch to another UPMC nurse leader, she takes seriously her role as mentor and supporter.
"My absolute favorite part of my job is being able to mentor, teach and watch people grow," she said. "Professional development is what inspires me day-to-day. I have had the pleasure of working with many nurses, nursing students and others throughout the health-care arena."
Lycoming College's chosen alumnus was Joe Feerrar, Class of 2002, co-owner of Bald Birds Brewing Co.
The evening also included a Business Partner in Education Award to T-Ross Brothers Construction, as well as Outstanding Educator and Student Recognition accolades for representatives of eight county school districts and St. John Neumann Regional Academy.
Honored students included Elijah C. Bower, who will begin his pursuit of a Penn College degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology this fall after graduation from Jersey Shore Area High School.
Andrea Reed, director of nursing and patient safety officer at UPMC Muncy, was among those honored at Thursday's event, which recognizes exemplary alumni, educators and students nominated by their respective educational institutions. The Education Celebration also recognizes the linkage among Lycoming County schools, colleges and business/industry community.
Reed was introduced by President Michael J. Reed, who said the Chamber's Education Celebration has become a leg, of sorts, in a spring Triple Crown – joining Career Fair and commencement as credible barometers of how well Penn College is meeting its mission of long-term student success."It’s something we’ve known throughout our century-plus history and it was certainly reinforced during the pandemic," he said. "Our Tomorrow Makers comprise a vibrant and vital segment of the workforce, blazing brightly in essential fields across the board." He characterized Andrea Reed as a "shining star in health care, an undeniable necessity in any thriving community."
After earning her associate degree in nursing from Penn College, she received a bachelor’s in nursing from University of Phoenix in 2014 and a master’s of nursing – with a focus in leadership and health care administration – from Grand Canyon University in 2018.
She has held a variety of key roles over the years at UPMC (and its Susquehanna Health predecessor), has received a number of official accolades from her employer, and maintains professional affiliations that regularly affirm her credible leadership.
She has served as a member of the Penn College Nursing Advisory Committee, helping to inspire nursing students, and was the Summer 2019 recipient of the college’s Mentorship Award. Later in 2019, she was presented with the “Rural Health Hero of the Year” award from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health."I was set up for success ... and have continued to be successful due to the solid foundation that was set during my time at Penn College," she told the Williamsport Country Club audience. "I try to be the best role model – to represent myself, my family, my employer and Penn College well – and will continue to do so throughout my life."
And while she has passed the Advisory Committee torch to another UPMC nurse leader, she takes seriously her role as mentor and supporter.
"My absolute favorite part of my job is being able to mentor, teach and watch people grow," she said. "Professional development is what inspires me day-to-day. I have had the pleasure of working with many nurses, nursing students and others throughout the health-care arena."Lycoming College's chosen alumnus was Joe Feerrar, Class of 2002, co-owner of Bald Birds Brewing Co.
The evening also included a Business Partner in Education Award to T-Ross Brothers Construction, as well as Outstanding Educator and Student Recognition accolades for representatives of eight county school districts and St. John Neumann Regional Academy.
Honored students included Elijah C. Bower, who will begin his pursuit of a Penn College degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology this fall after graduation from Jersey Shore Area High School.