Penn College Army ROTC cadets earn commission

Two Army ROTC cadets at Pennsylvania College of Technology marked a milestone two days before receiving their baccalaureate degrees. MacKenzie L. Collins, of Pitman, New Jersey, and Michael J. Giordano, of Palmyra, were commissioned as second lieutenants and assigned to their Army component and branch.

Upon commissioning, the cadets committed to four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserve or National Guard.

Collins, who will receive a degree in aviation maintenance technology, has been branched aviation in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Giordano, a soon-to-be construction management graduate, was selected for active duty and branched transportation. He also received the Distinguished Military Student Award, given to cadets in the top third of their commissioning class based on high moral character, military aptitude and demonstrated leadership ability.

“We are always very proud of our ROTC graduates. MacKenzie and Michael are the latest to represent ROTC and the college with distinction. The dedication to both their ROTC obligations and their academic pursuits is inspiring,” said Anthony J. Pace, vice president for enrollment and academic operations at Penn College. “The college community knows that MacKenzie and Michael will serve our nation with pride and honor.”

In addition to their regular college courses and activities, ROTC cadets take classes on military science and leadership and train three days a week to meet conditioning requirements. Each semester also includes a three-day field training exercise.

The Penn College Army ROTC program is part of the Bald Eagle Battalion, headquartered at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania-Lock Haven, which hosted the commissioning ceremony. Other members of the battalion are Lycoming College and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania-Lock Haven and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania-Mansfield.

The four schools of Bald Eagle Battalion will transition to become affiliates of the Bison Battalion, hosted at Bucknell University, in Fall 2025.

In addition to Collins and Giordano, Lock Haven’s Luke Reitz and Lycoming’s Tyler Hartsock were commissioned during the May 15 ceremony.

Penn College President Michael J. Reed was the keynote speaker at the commissioning. Master Sgt. David E. Tice, instructor of military science at Lock Haven, presided over the event.

For information on ROTC at Penn College, email.

Penn College was ranked No. 1 in the Best Colleges for Veterans-Regional Colleges North category in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings and recently received “Military Friendly” designation.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.