Endowment gift memorializes area teacher, mentor

The renamed Center for Academic Excellence at Pennsylvania College of Technology will bear the name, and honor the lifelong service, of Michael J. Hudock Sr., a beloved and dedicated area educator, coach and mentor.

The Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence will benefit from a $250,000 endowed gift from his wife, Barbara, CEO and founding partner of Hudock Capital Group LLC, a leading financial advisory firm headquartered in Williamsport, which has been recognized as one of the highest-ranked financial advisors in the nation.

Barbara and Michael Sr. have been long-time supporters of the college through scholarships and financial assistance to academic programs, and this gift is a perfect extension of the Hudock family’s commitment to making a profound and positive impact on the community. Barbara and Michael Sr.’s son, Michael J. Jr., is president and also a founding partner of Hudock Capital Group LLC, and he serves on the Penn College Foundation Board.

Barbara Hudock’s generous endowment in honor of her late husband will support the Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence’s programs and services for Penn College students. While there are no restrictions on the use of the funds donated for this purpose, Barbara has a strong belief in, and commitment to, supporting first-generation college students.

Michael Hudock Sr.’s enthusiasm for teaching and coaching and his commitment to the success of his students epitomized his 31-year career as a health and physical education teacher at Williamsport Area High School. He also coached football and basketball for a combined 31 years at Belmont High School in North Carolina, Williamsport Area High School and Lycoming College. A 1963 graduate of Palmerton Area High School, Michael Sr. continued his education at Wesley Junior College and then at Appalachian State University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Following a distinguished teaching and coaching career, and an unparalleled commitment to his family and community, Michael Hudock Sr. passed away unexpectedly in June 2023.

“Mike was an amazing husband, father and grandfather,” Barbara Hudock said. “Thanks to Mike, our family has been blessed with a sense of purpose, a zest for life, and an immeasurable happiness that was built on Mike’s patient, profound and practiced belief in mindfulness, kindness and humility and in the opportunity to impact another’s life in a positive way. Mike’s impact was felt well beyond our family. Mike was a devoted educator and coach, interacting with students and athletes from all walks of life. No matter the individual or their circumstance, his greatest desire was to positively impact their lives in some way. And he did.  This gift is a way to honor the many ways that Mike made a lifelong difference for others by offering a helping hand to generations to come.”

“We are most grateful to Barbara Hudock for this generous gift honoring her late husband, Michael,” said Penn College President Michael J. Reed. “Michael Hudock Sr. earned his trademark reputation as an exceptional educator who put forth extensive effort in helping students learn not only necessary content, but also how to effectively manage stress, balance life, achieve goals and maximize opportunities. How appropriate that this gift will provide a similar benefit to students here at Penn College.”

The newly named Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence will continue to offer students an array of services to help navigate the college experience, including tutoring, study skills, peer mentoring, student advocacy, international support, and veteran and military services. A fitting legacy for not only a man who believed in the tremendous power of education, but also a family that is dedicated to helping others.

“This generous gift from Barbara Hudock, in honor of Michael Sr., enables us to provide the type of support services that will help Penn College students thrive and remain on track to earn their degrees,” said Loni N. Kline, senior vice president for college relations. “First-generation college students, in particular, will benefit greatly as they avail themselves of these services to help acclimate to the rigorous higher-education environment. This endowment helps makes the dream of a first-rate education possible.”

For more about giving opportunities at Penn College, email College Relations or call 570-320-8020.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.