Monday, March 20, 2023
Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
Pennsylvania College of Technology's steadfast donors and their grateful beneficiaries came face-to-face at Sunday's annual Scholarship Luncheon, held in the campus Field House in celebration of the doors that philanthropy opens for students.
"Our hope is that this event is an opportunity to see firsthand the impact that scholarship support has on tomorrow's workforce," said Kyle A. Smith, senior executive director of college relations. "For scholarship supporters to feel proud of your investment and for students to feel inspired by the alumni, corporate partners, employees and friends who surround you today and who have made such a tangible impact on your Penn College journey."
That positive influence was referenced throughout the event – by President Michael J. Reed, who shared his own experience as a first-generation college student from a sizable family, as well as a "thank you" card from a scholarship recipient and in-person remarks from a "passionate and innovative" tomorrow maker.
The gathering’s headliners celebrate the conclusion of the luncheon with a group photo (from left): Reed, Patel and Roupp.
"To our scholarship supporters, your generosity creates greater access for those passionate about their craft and breaks down financial barriers — opening doors to our unique and innovative educational model," Reed said. "Cost is a common barrier for our hard-working students and their families, and your support oftentimes is the difference maker, allowing a student to develop and then accelerate in a sustainable career."
Emphasizing the role that donors play in easing that fiscal burden, the president highlighted some of the 30 new Penn College scholarships created by benefactors from across the country and shared an aid recipient's letter with those in attendance.
"Being the recipient of two amazing scholarships ... has really taken the stress off of me," the student wrote. "I am able to focus on homework, study for exams, stay after class for help, and so much more."
Reed noted that $1.4 million in scholarship funds were awarded by the Penn College Foundation this academic year, and introduced Jay Patel – a member of the Deaf community who holds an associate degree in precision manufacturing technology from Rochester Institute of Technology, is pursuing a bachelor's at Penn College in manufacturing engineering technology, and who was supported at the event by Heidi E. Roupp, disability and access resources specialist/staff interpreter.
"It's no secret college is an expense, a worthwhile one in my opinion," said Patel, who has been helped by multiple scholarship awards and whose stirring story was featured in a video shown at the luncheon. "The skills I have learned at Penn College are invaluable, and directly match what industry is seeking in new graduates. However, there are options to subsidize the costs, thanks to the generous donations we students can earn in scholarships."
Also of benefit was National Science Foundation support for a "once-in-a-lifetime" Global Experiences trip to Germany, where he and his classmates got a closer look at precision machining.
"I want to personally thank each and every scholarship donor here today who allows students like me to take full advantage of what Penn College has to offer, and to shape our future by hand," he added. "The impact of student scholarships is significant, and I am fortunate enough to have been on the receiving end. Your generosity is appreciated by all, and we as students will strive to make you Penn College proud."
Smith welcomes the gathering.
Nathan C. Brinker (right), an automotive restoration student from Fleetwood, poses with James Yemzow, representing the Harrisburg Area Volkswagen Owners Club Scholarship, of which Brinker is a recipient. Brinker already holds a degree in collision repair technology and is the recipient of two additional scholarships.
Jeffrey L. Erdly (center), a supporter of two scholarships and a 2004 recipient of Penn College's Distinguished Alumnus Award, enjoys conversation at his table with fellow guest Beth Myers (right), and Elaina M. Lawson, an architecture & sustainable design student from Erie. Erdly, a nationally renowned authority on masonry preservation technology, is co-founder of Masonry Preservation Services. He is a 1972 engineering drafting graduate of Williamsport Area Community College, a predecessor institution.
Brett B. Seelig II enjoys the day with his parents and grandmother. A network administration & engineering technology student from Haverford, Seelig was awarded the Admissions Scholarship.
Aviation maintenance technology students (center) Alicia Martinez (in white top), of Allentown, and Lauren D. Peck, of South Williamsport, enjoy table talk with Brenda and Marlin Cromley (at left), and Peck’s mother, Amy (far right). Martinez is the recipient of the Marlin and Brenda Cromley Veteran Scholarship. Peck is the recipient of three other scholarships.
Recipient of the Phillips Family Scholarship, Owen D. Knepp, connects with benefactor Annmarie Phillips. Knepp, of Jersey Shore, is enrolled in robotics & automation and already holds a degree in building automation engineering technology.
Getting to know one another! Ella V. Meckley (right), a welding & fabrication engineering technology student from Williamsport, converses with Marsha and Michael Cunningham, who are among donors to the Cunningham Family Scholarship that Meckley receives.
Appreciative of his support, Cory D. Johnson makes a memory with Ramona Kanouff, representing the Steelyn Kanouff/Amerikohl Mining Inc. Scholarship. From North Huntingdon, Johnson is enrolled in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.
Guests line up for a delicious lunch catered by the college’s culinary experts.
Loni N. Kline (center), senior vice president of college relations/chief philanthropy officer, joins two Kline Family Scholarship recipients: Monique C. Anderson-Parker (left), human services & restorative justice, and Imir Webb, engineering CAD technology. Both students reside in Williamsport.
Angelica J. Parrocho (center), recipient of the Dr. Kenneth E. and Mrs. Marion C. Carl Scholarship, listens to Kimberly R. Cassel (right) talk, as Susan Best looks on. Best is one of the donors to the scholarship in honor of her parents; her father was a former president of the institution. Parrocho, of Jersey Shore, is enrolled in electronics & computer engineering technology.
All in the family! Parrocho gathers with the three daughters of Kenneth and Marion Carl (and two of their spouses) to honor the family’s scholarship.
A daffodil points to spring’s arrival.
A longtime patron of the college (and a former senior administrator), William J. Martin poses with scholarship recipient Emma Jean Bower, a graphic design student from Montoursville. Bower is recipient of the Harvey A. Martin Memorial Scholarship.
A beloved former drafting faculty member and dual scholarship donor, Chalmer C. Van Horn, smiles for the camera.
Recipient of the Penn College General Services Scholarship, Logan Z. Almeida (left), connects with Timothy O. Rissel, executive director of general services. Almeida, electrical technology, hails from Montgomery.
The Field House buzzes with communion and connectivity.
Amanda F. Ritter (left) and Lily D. Ward (right) join Larson Design representative Terry Krezmer for a photo op. Ritter, building science & sustainable design: architectural technology concentration, is recipient of the Larson Design Group/Ken Larson Scholarship. Ward, civil engineering technology, receives the Larson Design Group/Robert W. Ferrell Jr. Memorial Scholarship. (Ritter also receives the John C. Lundy Scholarship.)
Attending on behalf of the DuBoistown Garden Club are Joyce Wenner (left) and Lisa Bock, a retired computer information technology faculty member.
The college president joins Penn College Presidential Scholarship recipient Jake G. Skarbek and his parents. Skarbek, of Punxsutawney, is in heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology.
Enjoying the company she keeps – Alexis M. Burrell, recipient of the Brian and Joanna Flynn Scholarship and a graphic design senior from Danville. Brian A. Flynn, assistant professor of graphic design, is at right.
Representing the Williamsport Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship are Janet Hessert (left) and Linda Cromley (right), along with their scholarship recipient Riley Reed. Reed, of Elysburg, is a nursing student who is also receiving two other scholarships.
Reed addresses the gathering, as Disability and Access Resources' Roupp (right of podium) signs. The Spring Scholarship Luncheon had not been held since 2019 due to the pandemic.
Making a memory with Mom and Dad! Kade N. Chrostowski, applied management, from Moorestown, N.J., receives the Penn College Visiting Chef Scholarship.
The large crowd falls silent and is intensely engaged as a video of Patel plays, sharing his inspiring life story.
Representing the Brenda E. Saylor AMT Memorial Scholarship are Heidi and Steve Messner (on left) with recipient Braydon C. Wise, aviation maintenance technology, from York.
Patel signs his compelling address ...
... as Roupp expertly assists.
“He was the best! And I’m sure many other students would say that, too.” So were the words of Nicholas J. Telesky (right) of his former professor, Kenneth C. Kuhns (center). The two enjoyed reuniting at the event, along with Nicholas’ daughter, Sydney M., a college relations student assistant who helped with luncheon logistics. Sydney, human services & restorative justice, is president of Penn College's Student Government Association. Nicholas, ’04, building automation technology, and ’02, electrical technology, also remarked about how “patient” Kuhns was.
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