Northern Ireland guests begin visit with TV interview, tours

Students studying welding and electrical at North West Regional College, in Derry, Northern Ireland, arrived at Pennsylvania College of Technology on Tuesday. The 10 NWRC students and two faculty chaperones will explore campus and the region through April 21.

The first day kicked off with a welcome from Penn College President Michael J. Reed, followed by an interview with WNEP-TV journalist Mackenzie Aucker, who asked the students about their goals for the visit. Her report aired on the local ABC affiliate Tuesday evening. View the story here.

Featured in the piece are Anthony J. Pace, Penn College's vice president for enrollment and academic operations, and NWRC's welding lecturer Shannon Cartin and electrical student Andrew Moore. The story also shows the visitors touring Penn College's 55,000-square-foot welding lab with Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies.

The Derry dozen's morning included exposure to Rotorfest, hosted by the emergency management & homeland security major. After lunch in Capitol Eatery and the welding tour, they settled into their on-campus home base in the Bush Campus Center.

The next two weeks will bring opportunities for the travelers to explore the similarities and differences in their chosen crafts in the U.S. and Northern Ireland, as well as chances to meet Penn College students and enjoy sightseeing and local cuisine.

This is the third year a group from North West Regional College has visited Penn College. A preview article on their immersive experience was released on April 4.