Monday, July 8, 2024
Photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
Pennsylvania College of Technology formally dedicated the Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing July 3 in the College Avenue Labs facility on main campus.
The Soars family has supported Penn College and the Penn College Foundation in a multitude of ways over the years, including scholarships, summer learning experiences for middle school students via the My Tomorrow camp and more.
Students at Pennsylvania College of Technology now have an enhanced facility on main campus where they can learn the principles of additive manufacturing: The Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing. The process uses CAD software to direct material, layer upon layer, to create intricate shapes.
Jean McMahon Soars, who graduated from Williamsport High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Penn State, “instilled the value of education in her children, encouraging them to never stop learning,” Kyle A. Smith, senior executive director of college relations, told those gathered for the dedication ceremony, adding that she has volunteered her time often throughout the Williamsport community.
“Jean McMahon Soars, thank you for instilling the value and importance of education within your family, ultimately inspiring them to make a gift in your honor – an investment that will create new opportunity for students to discover their greater potential,” Smith said. “The Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing will warmly welcome the next generation of workforce leaders.”
“We are honored and extremely grateful for the Soars family’s support of our students,” added Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies. “We take great pride in our applied technology educational strategy, and your investment brings our collective visions to life. Our students come to campus with passion and drive, and it is up to us to fuel their innovative spirit. Your commitment is helping us do just that. Because of you, we now have a new space that supports technologically advanced additive manufacturing processes.”
The Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing at Penn College is named for a graduate of Williamsport High School and Penn State who has volunteered throughout the community and has instilled the value of education in her children, encouraging them to never stop learning. She was honored during a surprise celebration at the college on July 3.
Additive manufacturing uses CAD software to direct material, layer upon layer, to create intricate shapes, Webb explained. The process of adding material provides the perfect complement to traditional reductive manufacturing methods, in which objects are created by removing material.
“This is a powerful combination for our academic portfolio and the students who will use this enhanced laboratory,” Webb said. “Students will be exposed to the various possibilities of additive manufacturing earlier in their academic journey. They will learn FDM (fused deposition modeling), including experiencing FDM with fiber reinforcement, selective laser sintering, PolyJet and stereolithography.
“They will have a collaborative space to design, dream and do. They will have the opportunity to refine their skills through trial and error. They will learn what looks good in 3D print isn’t always the best option – or easy to manufacture. They will innovate things that we only dream of today, and they will become better problem-solvers and communicators. And, because they have the theory and hands-on expertise, they will be highly sought by industry.”
“We firmly believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much,” said Blair D. Soars, Jean McMahon Soars’ son, president/CEO of Pneu-Dart Inc. and a member of the Penn College Foundation Board. “This is just one way to honor a woman who has inspired us most.”
Attendees for the dedication ceremony watched a slide show and then toured the facility to see firsthand the manufacturing processes it will support.
Visit the School of Engineering Technologies for more information on manufacturing engineering technology and other programs.
For more about Penn College, a special mission affiliate of Penn State and a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Smith (at podium) welcomes the guests gathered for the dedication in the College Avenue Labs.
The honoree is presented with a gift crafted in the center that bears her name. Webb is on left, and Krishna C. Vistarakula, instructor of automated manufacturing and machining, is on right.
The keepsake honors various aspects of the additive manufacturing technologies housed in the center and features a replica of the facility's new signage. The replica sign can be removed from the "printer bed," just as a finished print of a prototype design can be removed and examined by students. The design is topped with the nozzle of a 3D printer (adorned with the Wildcat logo).
Blair D. Soars escorts his surprised mother into the newly named Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing.
During a tour of the lab, Webb describes how 3D printers work.
The center features Formlabs stereolithography (SLA) printers.
Vistarakula engages guests with additional fascinating facts about the advanced technologies.
Jean takes in a plaque placed on the wall in her honor.
The information shares details on her life in Williamsport, including her academic and professional pursuits.
The Soars family gathers with their inspiring matriarch.
Webb explains the "layer upon layer" principle of additive manufacturing.
The tour audience is riveted by Webb's clear-cut explanations.
A Prusa fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer builds a grateful message ...
... to Jean and her family: "Jean, thank you for this gift"
Joining their brother and mother in a photo op are siblings (from left): Valerie Soars Hernandez, Robyn Soars Bonaquist and Rodrick McMahon Soars.
The lab boasts approximately 18 3D printers.
Students will use these computers and CAD software to design projects to be printed.
Jean delights in viewing the signage in the CAL hallway.
“We firmly believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much,” said Blair, a member of the Penn College Foundation Board. “This is just one way to honor a woman who has inspired us most.”
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