Industry partner donates concrete mixer to Penn College lab

A Hanover-based general contractor has donated a new concrete mixer to Pennsylvania College of Technology, equipment that enhances the educational experience for students attending classes in the Construction Masonry Building at the northwestern edge of main campus.

The donation by Conewago Enterprises Inc. is a welcome gift to students and faculty in the college’s innovative two-year concrete science technology major.

“This gives us the ability to work out of another location with updated equipment,” said Franklin H. Reber Jr., instructor of building construction technology. “The previous mixer has many years under it, so this expands the ability for students to do much more, especially with decorative concrete.”

That older mixer is several buildings away in the Carl Building Technologies Center, which houses basic concrete classes.  The newer lab in the CMB runs a number of other courses – primarily Decorative Concrete, Structural Concrete and Concrete as a Building Material, Properties and Testing of Concrete, and Concrete Construction – that will benefit from Conewago’s generosity.

“Penn College educates the next generation of our workforce, and we are pleased to provide this donation to help support this education,” said Chris Livelsberger, human resources manager. “Graduates of this program have so many opportunities for rewarding careers, and we hope they consider Conewago as their top option.”

The company, one of Penn College’s Corporate Tomorrow Makers, has recruited construction students for years and aided a number of college initiatives – participating in the annual Build My Future event for high schools and career and technical education centers, engaging with Penn College Dual Enrollment, and supporting students with travel to the World of Concrete conference and trade show.

In addition, Reber noted, Conewago representatives regularly speak to classes about technical projects and industry trends, and help students position themselves for careers in the industry.

“We appreciate the support of Conewago for our concrete science students,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, Penn College’s senior corporate relations director. “Industry partnerships are a key part of our students’ success that leads them to rewarding careers.”  

For more about construction majors at the college, visit the School of Engineering Technologies or call 570-327-4520.

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