Unprecedented Gift Among Those Acknowledged at Donor Reception

Contributions to Penn College – some monetary, others in-kind ... and all of them crucial to students obtaining "degrees that work" – were celebrated at Wednesday’s 10th annual Donor Wall Recognition Reception in the Student and Administrative Services Center. “I am humbled to once again thank each and every one of you for your support and interest in Penn College." President Davie Jane Gilmour said. "As you look around our campuses, you should take pride in knowing that your gifts have made a significant impact on the quality of programming and academic life that we offer, and that our student body is here, in part, because of your generosity." Added to the top level of the Donor Wall was Amerikohl Mining Inc., which endowed a $1 million scholarship in memory of 2007 alumnus Steelyn G. Kanouff. On hand were Amerikohl representatives John Stilley, owner and president, sons Jake and Jamie, and Todd Fiedor; Steelyn's parents, Gary and Ramona, and his fiancee, Hailey Fink. (Earlier in the day, during a brief and bittersweet ceremony at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center, Gilmour introduced the first recipient from the scholarship fund: Forrest S. Martin, a diesel technology student from Greencastle.) Many of the donors are participating in the Penn College Scholarship Campaign, a multiyear initiative that coincides with the college's 2014 Centennial. "I am pleased to inform you that this campaign has raised over $5.3 million in scholarship support through gifts, pledges and planned gifts," the president noted. "This additional support means that, in 2014-15, the Penn College Foundation will be able to more than double the amount of scholarship support provided to students prior to the start of the campaign in 2011." Joining the Ambassador's Society were Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Brentwood Industries, Computer Designs, Dennis and Verna Correll, Bruce and Cindy Emig, Anita Gibbons, Hudock Moyer Wealth Resources, the Family of Jacob D. Parkes, Schneider Electric, Sikorsky Aerospace Services, Al and Judy Styrcula, Waste Management and Watsontown Brick. Added to the Heritage Society roster were American Gas Association and UGI Utilities. Moving into the Heritage Society were Brubacher Excavating Inc. and Patricia Shoff Rambo (a faculty retiree and 1994's Master Teacher); rising into the Visionary Society were EcoSave Automation, Tuck and Marilyn Frazier, FTS International, Honeywell, M&T Bank, The College Store and the West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association.

– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

Principals of Amerikohl Mining Inc. and the family of Steelyn G. Kanouff gather near the SASC Donor Wall.

Beautifully arrayed and colorfully accented, sesame tuna tempts reception-goers.

A staple on buffet tables everywhere, a meat-and-cheese tray becomes a cascading piece of art in Penn College Hospitality hands.

Save room for dessert!

Amerikohl Mining Inc. joins the Millionaire's Society (alongside last year's impressive addition of Penn College employees).

President Davie Jane Gilmour pays tribute to all those "whose gifts make a positive impact across our campuses."

The president gratefully greets Cindy Emig, who endowed a scholarship in memory of husband Bruce A., an assistant professor of HVAC technology. At left is Lenore G. Penfield, director of facilities utilization and college events.

Colin W. Williamson, dean of transportation and natural resources technologies, leads an ESC tour.

Mary A. Sullivan, ESC executive director, takes the group through instructional space where Steelyn G. Kanouff worked toward his degree in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

Before an audience of students, faculty and friends of the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies, the Steelyn Kanouff/Amerikohl Mining Inc. Scholarship is formally announced.

John Stilley, owner and president of Amerikohl Mining Inc., extols the work ethic of Steelyn Kanouff and challenges current and future students to honor that legacy.

Forrest S. Martin, who "shares many of the qualities that were so important to Steelyn," is introduced by the president.

The fund's first awardee meets his benefactor. At left is Justin W. Beishline, instructor of diesel equipment technology.

With flowers and overwhelming gratitude, Forrest S. Martin meets Steelyn G. Kanouff's parents, Gary and Ramona. At right is Debra M. Miller, Penn College's director of corporate relations.