Wednesday, April 22, 2026
photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor, except as credited
President Michael J. Reed expresses his thanks to the more than 100 guests in attendance at the April 20 Donor Recognition Reception. Behind him is the college's Donor Wall. Those who newly joined the wall or moved to a new giving level were recognized.
Those whose gifts help fuel Pennsylvania College of Technology’s mission were celebrated during Monday’s annual Donor Recognition Reception.
“The support Penn College receives is what allows us to flourish to our highest potential,” student speaker for the event Gio A. Barbarossa, of Bridgeville, told the more than 100 attendees. “Every screwdriver, welding stick, computer, stethoscope, circuit board, cookbook – everything works together to better the future of every industry.”
Barbarossa is a campus leader who is set to receive a bachelor’s degree in building automation engineering technology in May and begin full-time work as a controls engineering specialist for Southland Industries. He is president of the college’s Diesel Performance Club, the student organization responsible for transforming a 1959 Mack semitruck into a drag-racing machine that competes with the fastest trucks in the East.
Barbarossa, who also completed an associate degree in electric power generation technology, first saw the truck when he toured the college’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center as a prospective student.
“In that moment, I knew I wanted to attend Penn College, not because of a race truck, but because the truck showed what Penn College produces,” he said. “The truck showed that students are encouraged to apply what they learn, ask questions, find limits only to set new ones, innovate, work together, and keep learning outside of the classroom. I knew I wanted the opportunity that students are given here.”
Over the past four years, Barbarossa said, the opportunity to work with hundreds of students from different programs and backgrounds showed him the importance of variety and teamwork, and he thanked those who’ve likewise teamed with Penn College to help provide students with industry-focused, real-world experiences.
“We thank you for believing in us and our cause. We thank you for investing in our future to better the world. From all of us students, thank you for supporting Penn College and helping us build tomorrow,” he said.
President Michael J. Reed also thanked supporters for their role in providing incredible opportunities for students.
“We continue fulfilling our educational mission in no small part because of your support,” he said. “Our ongoing partnership helps us place students in the most competitive position for long-term success – strengthening tomorrow’s workforce. With all sincerity, thank you.”
The reception celebrated 1914 Society members (those who make annual contributions of $1,000 or more); Pillar Society members (who have named the college as the beneficiary of an estate gift); donors who have contributed for 20 or more consecutive years; and the businesses, individuals and organizations whose lifetime contributions exceed $25,000, garnering a position on the college’s Donor Recognition Wall.
Student Gio A. Barbarossa shares his Penn College experiences and his goals. He said those goals wouldn't have been possible without Penn College and all those who contribute to its mission.
Those newly joining the Donor Wall or moving to a new giving level are:
Millionaires Society ($1 million)
Bihler of America
Plastic Flow LLC
Golden Society ($500,000 to $999,999)
Hudock Capital Group LLC
The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation Inc.
Miller Welding Automation
Tatsoft LLC
Visionary Society ($100,000 to $499,999)
Altair
Control Solutions Group Inc.
David & Betsy Dodge
Fidelity Charitable
Raymond James Charitable
Todd Kersting
Jennifer R. Martin ’03, 05
William Spangle
Skip ’75 & Kathleen Solley Vogel
Gene Yaw & Ann Pepperman
Heritage Society ($50,000 to $99,999)
Harold Chance ’62, ‘63
Ciocca Automotive
Ciocca Toyota of Williamsport
E-Tech Industrial Corp.
FlackTek SpeedMixer Inc.
iTool Co. LLC
Shannon Massey
Sheldon & Denise Schwartz
Wayne Twp. Landfill
Ambassadors Society ($25,000 to $49,999)
API
Automated Logic East Region
Bergey's Truck Center
Jan Cheslock
Eaton Corp.
Paul Kerr
Thomas Kerr
Donald Metzker ’57
R&E Automated Systems
Mark & Connie Sitler
Spanco
Timothy & Christine Weigle
World of Concrete by Informa Markets
Stephanie Wissman, representing API, accepts a token gift and the president’s thanks. API joined the Ambassador’s Society.
Bergey’s Truck Centers is represented at the event by (from left) Don Evans, Kevin Alderfer, Derrick Bowersox and Mark Stathopoulos. Bergey’s joined the Ambassadors Society.
Eaton Corp., represented by Matt Goodling, joined the Ambassadors Society.
Timothy and Christine Weigle joined the Ambassador’s Society. Timothy is director of facilities maintenance for the college.
Spanco, which joined the Ambassadors Society, is represented by Shawn Trexler (left) and Tim Bambrick.
John and Nanette Estep. John is a 1974 mechanical drafting graduate and owns E-Tech Industrial Corp., which joined the Heritage Society.
Jay Alexander represents Wayne Twp. Landfill as the organization joins the Hertiage Society. Alexander also serves on the Penn College Foundation Board of Directors.
David Dodge moved into the Visionary Society.
Jennifer Martin, who completed an associate degree welding technology in 2003 and a bachelor's in welding & fabrication engineering technology in 2005, joined both the Visionary Society and the Pillar Society. She is an engineering manager for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America.
William Spangle, who joined the Visionary Society.
Ann Pepperman accepts the college's recognition. She and husband Gene Yaw joined the Visionary Society. They are longtime supporters of Penn College, Yaw serving as the college’s Board of Directors chair and Pepperman serving on the Penn College Foundation Board.
Reed and Barbarossa wrap up the reception with a photo together. (Photo by Becky J. Shaner, alumni and donor relations director)
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