Employee recognition ceremony honors achievements

Pennsylvania College of Technology presented faculty and staff with a variety of awards and recognized employees who have achieved noteworthy milestones as the 2024-25 academic year concludes.

President Michael J. Reed celebrated the honorees during a May 15 all-college meeting in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium.

Master Teacher Award
Ed G. Owens, associate professor of mathematics, was presented with the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award, the highest honor accorded to a faculty member at the college.

Owens is the leader behind changes in a college algebra and trigonometry class that drastically improved students’ performance and quelled their math anxiety by relying on increased collaboration with classmates, brainstorming and small-group problem-solving. Owens also serves as the math coordinator for a five-year $2.14 million federal grant that seeks to implement a redesign of the math curricula that aims to become a national model for best practices.

“As his students tell us, Ed is always available and never too busy to help anyone,” Reed said. “No one is more student-centered than Ed Owens. He is truly invested in the math program and works tirelessly to better the experience of students.”

Owens received an Excellence in Teaching Award in 1995 and 2018.

Excellence in Teaching Awards
Three full-time faculty members received 2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards: Adam C. Barilla, assistant professor of plastics technology; Brandon L. Group, instructor of construction management; and Tushanna M. Habalar, assistant professor of nursing programs.

“Adam Barilla is overall a very kind teacher who is willing to go above and beyond to help his students, inside and outside of the classroom,” a student nominator wrote.

One of Group’s student nominators said, “He is an excellent role model as a person and as a mentor in the construction industry. His classes are the most fun and the most engaging I have ever taken in my college career thus far.”

Habalar’s nomination included: “Mrs. Habalar made this experience for me easier and helped me understand why I am trying to achieve this dream, along with why I should always strive to do my best. … (She) will be the reason I will make a great nurse.”

The Master Teacher and Excellence in Teaching awards are presented to full-time faculty at Penn College who have been nominated by students and colleagues for excellence in instruction. Including this year’s honorees, there have been 132 recipients since the program began in 1982: 35 Master Teacher Awards and 97 Excellence in Teaching Awards. They are part of Penn College’s Distinguished Faculty Awards, which also include Part-Time Teaching Excellence, Excellence in Counseling and Excellence in Library Service awards. Among those, two were presented as follows:

Part-Time Teaching Excellence Award
The college presented a Part-Time Teaching Excellence Award to Joseph C. Straw, diesel equipment technology equipment technician.

A student nominator noted how Straw provided “an incredible support system, encouraged success, and fostered an effective and enjoyable learning environment.” (Straw retired from full-time teaching in 2023.)

Excellence in Counseling Award
For the first time, the Excellence in Counseling Award was presented for outstanding service to Penn College students. The recipient is Kathy W. Zakarian, counselor and associate professor.

A student nominator wrote: “I have been working with Kathy for a few years now, and she has genuinely saved my life. She has helped me and continues to help me through so much. She cares so deeply about the students she sees.”

Distinguished Staff Awards
Distinguished Staff Awards were presented in the college’s Administrative, Professional and Technical classification and Service classification.

There were two recipients from among the Administrative, Professional & Technical category: Maria N. Piselli, registrar, and Patricia A. Beckman, acquisitions specialist continuing resources.

Piselli was praised for her leadership during the challenging implementation of a new, college-wide management software system: “Through all the stress and obstacles, she has shouldered everything with grace, patience and humor. Instead of complaining, she puts her nose to the grindstone to find solutions … to best serve our students.”

Of Beckman, a nominator said she “is one of the many rarely seen champions of student support we have at Penn College. Every day, Patty uses her experience and skills to provide uninterrupted access to the online library resources our students, faculty and staff depend on to carry out their assignments and work.”

The Distinguished Staff honoree for the Service classification was presented to Alyssa R. McGraw, horticulturist, first shift. “If there is one thing that stands out more than anything else when it comes to Alyssa, it would be her exceptional work ethic,” a nominator stated. “Alyssa demonstrates true commitment to everything we do. … It does not matter if it is sunny, raining or snowing, her attitude is always positive, and there is nothing that she shies away from.”

President’s Award for Assessment
The President’s Award for Assessment, recognizing process reviews and actions resulting in successful outcomes in student learning, improved services and operational effectiveness, was bestowed upon the Office of Disability & Access Resources.

The DAR staff was applauded for employing innovative and impactful initiatives to improve retention and success for students with disabilities. “These outcomes directly contribute to our institution’s retention efforts, aligning with the broader goals of student success,” the recommendation read.

Excellence in Academic Advising
Justin Shelinski, instructor of horticulture, was the Excellence in Academic Advising Award honoree. A student nominator applauded him for being an approachable and effective academic advisor who always finds creative solutions to help his students. “He is very helpful,” the student added. “You can even text him if you need help outside of class.”

‘Why Not Women’
Loni N. Kline, senior vice president for college relations, was named the recipient of the “Why Not Women” award, recognizing exceptional women professionals who are making significant contributions in their work on campus. This accolade also acknowledges individuals who have played a pivotal role in promoting gender equity and inclusion, be it through mentorship, advocacy or other impactful efforts.

“Loni is a natural leader and deeply committed to mentoring others, especially other women,” her nomination stated. “Her leadership role has allowed her to create a supportive environment, specifically among her own team, that encourages and empowers women to embrace their unique skill sets.” Her community service as a mentor and coach to young softball athletes was also noted.

Personnel Milestones
Honored for reaching 45 years of college service was: Thomas A. Linn, with the following employees recognized for 35 years of service: Kirk M. Cantor, Kevin R. Derr, Vincent R. Fagnano, Dorothy J. Gerring, Don J. Luke, Ed G. Owens and Susan A. Welshans. Employees reaching 30 years of service: Jean M. Bremigen, Richard K. Hendricks Jr., David S. Richards and Susan L. Shuman.

Quarter Century Club inductees celebrated for 25 years of service were: Edward J. Almasy Jr., Renee Y. Bitler, Angela S. Frontz, Bryan R. James, William P. Kiessling II, Shawn A. Kiser, Joseph E. LeBlanc, Christopher J. Leigh, Kathleen V. McNaul, Denise R. Miller, David M. Moyer, Mark A. Rice, Erin S. Shultz, Barbara Winner and Joseph S. Yoder.

The college said farewell to 30 employees retiring with nearly 600 years of experience in total: Judith L. Barr, G. Andrew Bartholomay, William J. Bashista Jr., Patricia A. Beckman, Jean M. Borowiec, Kirk M. Cantor, Angela H. Colley, Janice Freezer, Christopher J. Gagliano, John M. Good III, Sandra Gorka, Jill Hanford, Barbie D. Harbaugh, Richard K. Hendricks Jr., Carol A. Hostrander, Richard L. LaCerra, Thomas A. Linn, Timothy J. Mallery, Karen L. Martin, Darlene K. McCoy, Cindy D. Meixel, Scott D. Neuhard, JoAnn H. Pacenta, Tina M. Route, Suzanne T. Stopper, Jan E. Twardowski, James R. Vaughn, Helen L. Yoas, Joseph S. Yoder and Mervin C. Zimmerman.

Promotion in Academic Rank
Seven faculty members earned promotion in academic rank in advance of the 2025-26 academic year. They are: from instructor to assistant professor: Rick R. Crossen, Alex E. Marconnet and Jennifer R. Wahl. From assistant professor to associate professor: David J. Fedor, Shelley L. Myers and Kevin Yokitis. From associate professor to professor: Valerie A. Myers.

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