Student awards presented to Fall 2023 graduates

Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Fall 2023 graduates.

A commencement ceremony was held Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State.

The award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are:

President’s Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Samir Khalid Pringle, Philadelphia, business management.

Board of Directors’ Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Jay Kanaiyalal Patel, Canton, Mich., manufacturing engineering technology and automated manufacturing technology.

Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Jordan Specht, Frederick, Md., nursing.

Chef Leah Chase Excellence in Hospitality Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates the late Chef Chase’s commitment to being a positive role model for the hospitality industry, work and scholastic excellence, stewardship of personal and professional resources, respect for self and others, and excellence and leadership in hospitality education: Austin David Schlegel, Honey Grove, culinary applications.

Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major for outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and communication skills: Kayla M. Vincent, West Milton, nursing.

Spirit of Nursing Award, presented to a graduating associate-degree nursing student who exemplifies the caring, compassion and empathy that are the very spirit of nursing and embodies the spirit of the Penn College nursing philosophy – professional behaviors, consumer-centered care, teaching and learning, nursing process, informatics, communication, and evidence-based practice: Ryan Joseph Bressler, St. Marys, nursing; and Jeffrey M. Johnson, Yeagertown, nursing.

Linda F. Clark, BS RN, Memorial Nursing Commencement Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and commitment to lifelong learning: Jordan Specht, Frederick, Md., nursing.

Shirley Novosel Memorial Award, presented to a nursing graduate who has demonstrated excellence in clinical performance, clinical leadership, promotion of client advocacy, proficiency in clinical skills, a desire to learn and help others learn, a positive professional attitude, and a caring, compassionate, empathetic attitude toward clients: Charisma C. Weaver, Mifflinburg, nursing.

Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibits the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Tammy Marie Killinger, Jersey Shore, nursing; and Katelyn Marie Weber, Williamsport, nursing.

Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year welding major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence: Stephen F. Goodwin, Ellicott City, Md., welding & fabrication engineering technology and metal fabrication technology.

Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to a graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Stephen F. Goodwin, Ellicott City, Md., welding & fabrication engineering technology and metal fabrication technology.

Engineering CAD Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Jacob Pirhalla, Downingtown, engineering CAD technology.

William E. Curry Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies the late William Curry's pursuit of technical excellence and his enthusiastic passion for the diesel technology industry: Benjamin Pennings, Williamsport, diesel technology.

Earth Science Center Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the majors at the Earth Science Center: Andrew J. Page, Coudersport, heavy construction equipment technology: operator and technician emphases.

Aviation Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of aviation maintenance: Dennis Michael O’Donnell, Williamsport, aviation technology.

Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive associate-degree major: Keefer L. McGee, New Columbia, automotive technology.

Automotive Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of an automotive associate-degree program who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of automotive maintenance: Clayton Amey, Birdsboro, automotive technology.

Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to a graduate of the heavy construction or diesel program who demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician: Jacob A. Keller, Cross Junction, Va., heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis; and Andrew J. Page, Coudersport, heavy construction equipment: operator & technician emphasis.

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