Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Photos by Cindy D. Meixel, writer/editor-Penn College News
Lauren D. Peck addresses the crowd at the annual Donor Recognition Reception. A member of the Air National Guard, the aviation maintenance technology junior is also a Wildcats tennis player.
The transformative impact of giving was celebrated at Pennsylvania College of Technology's annual Donor Recognition Reception. The gathering honors the alumni, corporate partners, employees, parents and friends whose contributions empower tomorrow's workforce.
Loni N. Kline, senior vice president for college relations, welcomed the guests in the lobby of the Davie Jane Gilmour Center on Monday evening. Penn College President Michael J. Reed and Lauren D. Peck, an aviation maintenance technology junior from South Williamsport, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the life-changing experiences students receive, thanks to donors' generosity.
"Your support is incredibly important and makes a transformative impact on many," Reed said. "We could not do what we do for our students without you. With all sincerity, as we strive to place students in the most competitive position for sustainable, long-term success, I want to personally thank you."
Peck, a member of the Air National Guard and a Wildcats tennis player, shared her wide range of inspiring military experiences and collegiate pursuits. She noted that scholarships have helped to supplement academic expenses not covered by her Air Force service and financial aid.
"Because of Penn College's scholarships, I no longer need to work an extra job, and I can fully focus on school, tennis, the military and my family," she shared. "I am so thankful for the help I have received, and it has been a weight off my shoulders to not have to worry about money. I want to thank all of you for your generous donations to the college. Because of donations, I am getting real-life experience that I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. Thank you for investing in me and my future and for helping me and so many other students achieve their dreams."
Reed presents a token of appreciation to Joann Kay to honor the Ambassador’s Society-level commitment of Joann and her husband, David. The Kays are college retirees.
The Donor Recognition Reception honors various categories of giving, including the 1914 Society (annual contributions of $1,000 or more), scholarship benefactors, the Pillar Society (individuals who have named the college as an estate gift beneficiary), and donors with 20 or more consecutive years of giving. The college also pays permanent tribute on its donor wall to the individuals, families, organizations and businesses whose lifetime contributions, entrustments of equipment and technology, and estate commitments exceed $25,000.
This year's honorees, newly joining the wall or moving to a higher level of giving are:
The Millionaires Society ($1 million)
Coterra Energy
The Golden Society ($500,000 to $1 million)
ABB Inc.
Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik /Bihler of America
Dale & Christina Hoover (also recognized for their legacy intentions as part of the Pillar Society)
Inductive Automation
Nationwide Insurance Company
Plastic Flow, LLC
Schaedler Yesco Distribution, Inc.
The Visionary Society ($100,000 to $499,999)
Brubacher Excavating, Inc.
C&N
Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Mark & Denise Cunningham
EQT Corporation / EQT Foundation
Fidelity Building Services Group
Fluke Corporation
Marvin Fry
Hardinge Inc.
Kenneth F. & Kristie M. Healy
Steve & Mary Ann Johnson
Patrick & Trisha Marty
Terry Messer
The Jack E and Joann S Rishel Estate
Schneider Electric
Tatsoft LLC
The Heritage Society ($50,000 to $99,999)
Antique Automobile Club of America Museum
Groff Tractor & Equipment, LLC
Johnson Controls Navy Systems
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
Thomas C. & Rhonda R. Miller (also recognized for their legacy intentions as part of the Pillar Society)
Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation
Pace-O-Matic
The Family of Jacob D. Parkes
Pennsylvania Department of General Services
Dr. & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust
David & Maggie Roche
Sandvik Coromant
Software Toolbox
William G. Spangle DMD USAF (retired)
The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust
Victaulic Company
Francis "Skip" Vogel & Kathleen Solley Vogel
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
The Ambassador’s Society ($25,000 to $49,999):
Adam & Angie Alexander
Baker Tilly US, LLP
Harold L. Chance
Colours, Inc.
Costy's Energy Services
First Citizens Community Bank
Exergen Corporation
Fidelity Charitable
First Citizens Community Bank
Geisinger
Carol M. & Herbert W. Hausmann
Raymond James Charitable
David & Joann Kay
The Liberty Group
Don M. Lundy
Shannon Massey
National Fuel / Seneca Resources Company, LLC
Primex Plastics Corporation
S&J Recycling Inc.
TC Energy Foundation
The Witmer Group
ZOLLER Inc. North American Headquarters
Following the formal portion of the program, donors enjoyed food prepared by hospitality students and professional staff from Le Jeune Chef Restaurant.
Guests mingle in the lobby of the Davie Jane Gilmour Center.
On reception tables, business cards featuring Penn College students offer donors the opportunity to engage in the inspiring stories.
The college president thanks the donors for their contributions to students.
Peck expresses appreciation for the ability to pursue her dreams.
Tokens of appreciation reflect the light of giving.
Kline reads the names of this year's donor honorees.
Samantha White and Lance Bucha step to the front to accept Groff Tractor & Equipment's recognition as part of the Heritage Society.
Chesapeake Energy Corp. representatives Betty Jo Morris and Seth Caputo pose with the president for their company's Visionary Society designation.
Dale and Christina Hoover receive recognition for their Golden Society commitments and their legacy intentions as part of the Pillar Society.
Charles Suchanec, chef de partie, carves up some roast beef for Joseph and Judy Rishel, who represented the Jack E. and Joann S. Rishel Estate, recognized at the Visionary Society level. Suchanec is a junior in applied management.
Retirees enjoying the evening (from left): alumnus Fred Gilmour, emeritus faculty; Chef Mike Ditchfield, faculty retiree and current part-time instructor; and Davie Jane Gilmour, Penn College president emeritus.
The student speaker and president are joined at the donor wall by her father, Matthew, a 1988 alumnus in electronics technology: fiber optic/communication emphasis.
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