Scholarship symbiosis celebrated at weekend luncheon

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.

"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."