Recipients of Pennsylvania College of Technology's Spring 2026 collegewide graduation honors were celebrated during the Excellence in Student Leadership and Service Awards Ceremony, held at Le Jeune Chef Restaurant in advance of weekend commencement exercises. From left are Luke C. Whipple, of Shamokin Dam, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service; President Michael J. Reed; Alexis K. Manhart, of Bloomsburg, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service; Gaven D. Sexauer, of Williamsport, Rose Staiman Memorial Award; Theresa M. Real, of Cogan Station, Board of Directors’ Award; Mason W. Horner, of Huntingdon Valley, Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award; Miranda S. Mohammad, of Philadelphia, student commencement speaker; Robert H. Heath, of Lansdale, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service; Cierra D. Miller, of Dover, Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award; Robert L. Parker II, of Jersey Shore, Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award; Lauren D. Peck, of South Williamsport, President’s Award and student commencement speaker; Emily L. Fink, of Jersey Shore, Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award and Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service; Emily E. Pavusek, of Palmyra, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service; Giovanni A. Barbarossa, of Bridgeville, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service and student commencement speaker; and Karissa M. Prosser, of Kane, Board of Directors’ Award.
Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Spring 2026 graduates.
Commencement ceremonies were held May 15 and 16 at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, Williamsport. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State.
The award winners and their hometowns and academic majors are:
President’s Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Lauren D. Peck, South Williamsport, aviation maintenance technology.
Board of Directors’ Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Karissa M. Prosser, Kane, business administration; and Theresa Marie Real, Cogan Station, allied health.
Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Cierra D. Miller, Dover, welding & fabrication engineering technology; and Robert Lee Parker II, Jersey Shore, accounting and software development & information management.
Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community, and scholastic achievement: Gaven Daniel Sexauer, Williamsport, nursing.
Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented to graduates who exemplify the ideals of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness and high ideals): Emily Lee Fink, Jersey Shore, human services & restorative justice; and Mason W. Horner, Huntingdon Valley, applied management.
Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service to Penn College, presented to graduates who exemplify Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour’s legacy of outstanding leadership and contributions to the student experience: Giovanni Antonio Barbarossa, Bridgeville, building automation engineering technology; Emily Lee Fink, Jersey Shore, human services & restorative justice; Robert Heath, Lansdale, mechatronics technology; Alexis Kay Manhart, Bloomsburg, nursing; Emily E. Pavusek, Palmyra, nursing; Luke C. Whipple, Shamokin Dam, applied management.
Accounting Faculty Award, presented to a graduate on the basis of academic standing for exceptional achievement in accounting: Robert Lee Parker II, Jersey Shore, accounting and software development & information management.
Business Faculty Outstanding Graduate Award, presented to the top graduate majoring in a business program: Isabella M. Lyon, Warren, business administration.
Business Management Faculty Award, presented for achievement in the field of business management, leadership qualities and cooperation with faculty and peers: Morgan E. Regan, Pleasant Gap, business administration.
Chef John Folse Excellence in Hospitality Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates Chef Folse's commitment to being a positive role model for the hospitality industry, work and scholastic excellence, stewardship of personal and professional resources, respect for self and others, and excellence and leadership in hospitality education: Luke C. Whipple, Shamokin Dam, applied management.
Hospitality Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, exemplifies professionalism and is committed to excellence in hospitality: Amanda E. Pennington, Wernersville, applied management.
Mary Ditchfield Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who exemplifies Mary Ditchfield’s commitment to family and community through kindness, friendliness and unselfish service and who demonstrates devotion to local foods through participation in growers markets, gardening, community service and celebration of local food festivities: Shanti Alexandra Acencio, Arverne, New York, baking & pastry arts.
Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement in mathematics: Robert Lee Parker II, Jersey Shore, software development & information management and accounting.
Dean Solomon Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates a desire for a profession in mathematics and/or computer science; who demonstrates good character, an affable personality and concern for fellow human beings; and who has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher: Robert Lee Parker II, Jersey Shore, software development & information management and accounting.
Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to a graduate of the associate degree nursing major for outstanding academic achievement and exceptional ability in clinical and communication skills: Sofiia V. Kamenshchykova, South Williamsport, nursing.
Spirit of Nursing Award, presented to graduating associate degree nursing students who exemplify the caring, compassion and empathy that are the very spirit of nursing and embody the spirit of the Penn College nursing philosophy – professional identity, comprehensive person-centered care, teaching and learning, nursing process, information literacy, collaboration, and evidence-based practice: Scott E. Lynn II, Turbotville, nursing; and Emily E. Pavusek, Palmyra, nursing.
Shirley Novosel Memorial Award, presented to a nursing graduate who demonstrates excellence in clinical performance, clinical leadership and proficiency in clinical skills; promotes client advocacy; demonstrates a desire to learn and to help others learn; displays a caring, compassionate and empathetic attitude toward clients; and maintains a positive professional attitude: Kayle Jo Frantz, Bellefonte, nursing.
UPMC Program Award for Nursing, presented to a graduate of a nursing major who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Julia Madison Colton, Gillett, nursing.
Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to a graduate of the associate degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibits the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Kate Kristen Krebs, York Springs, nursing; and Emily E. Pavusek, Palmyra, nursing.
FLIGHT Award: Fearless Learning in Good & Hard Times, presented to a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in nursing program who has overcome the greatest adversity: Kristin N. Oliver, Mifflinburg, nursing.
UPMC Program Award for Applied Health Studies, presented to a graduate of the applied health studies program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Tonaya Murray, Lewisburg, applied health studies.
UPMC Program Award for Dental Hygiene, presented to a graduate of the dental hygiene program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Sarah Elizabeth Kanagy, Belleville, dental hygiene.
Dr. Clarke J. Hollister Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who has shown outstanding ability and achievement in dental health education: Cassidie J. Olson, Madison, Minnesota, dental hygiene.
Colgate (S.T.A.R.) Student Total Achievement Recognition Award, presented to a graduate who exhibits enthusiasm and pursuit of excellence in dental hygiene and dedication to patients: Lauren Nicole Brauer, Punxsutawney, dental hygiene.
Dental Hygiene Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who demonstrates the most growth and development throughout their course of study: Novalee Anne Leonard, Montoursville, dental hygiene.
Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, presented to the graduate with the highest clinical average in dental hygiene: Tomi Kristyn Branyan, Shippensburg, dental hygiene.
Patricia L. Saxton Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award, presented to a graduate who exhibits dedication to the profession through personal growth, self-development and support of others: Angelina Marcella Silletti, Howell, New Jersey, dental hygiene.
Michael J. Brady Dental Hygiene Compassion Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates exceptional care, empathy and conscientiousness when performing patient assessment: Hannah Hirleman, Millville, dental hygiene.
Construction Management Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, perseverance, participation, work ethic and commitment to the field: James C. Fretz, Collegeville, construction management.
Construction Management Advisory Committee Achievement Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates professionalism, perseverance, a positive attitude and service to the construction management program: Jason Wiedl, West Pittston, construction management.
NorthCentral PA Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award - Construction Management, presented to a graduate of construction management who demonstrates excellence, professionalism and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: James C. Fretz, Collegeville, construction management.
West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association Award, presented to a graduate in building construction technology with an outstanding GPA, strong work ethic, ability to communicate well with faculty and a strong commitment to the residential building industry: Brandon Joseph Russell, Montrose, residential construction technology & management.
Architecture Faculty Award for Academic Achievement, presented to a graduate of the Associate of Applied Science in architecture for outstanding academic performance: Jordan Ace, Franklin, architecture.
Architecture Faculty Award for Academic Excellence, presented to a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in architecture & sustainable design for outstanding academic performance: Isabella R. Brown, Youngsville, architecture & sustainable design.
Electrical Excellence Award, presented by Schaedler-Yesco Distribution Inc. to a graduate who has exhibited outstanding capabilities within the electrical field: Gavin M. Cott, Montoursville, electrical construction.
Electrical Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the electrical field: Jack D. Beyer, Kersey, electrical technology.
The Larry A. Ward Excellence in Mechatronics Award, presented to a graduate of an electromechanical and/or mechatronics major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: Kale Deklan Stimely, Lewistown, mechatronics technology.
American Welding Society Student Chapter Award, presented to a member of the student chapter who has shown leadership and dedication in the field of welding: Reed R. Overholser, Collegeville, welding & fabrication engineering technology.
Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year welding major who exemplifies the college's philosophy of excellence: Lewis E. Fike III, Mifflinburg, welding & fabrication engineering technology.
Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to the graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Victor Nezvesny, Collegeville, welding & fabrication engineering technology.
Plastics Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies the characteristics of excellence in education, dedication to the profession and commitment to service: Jay C. Hilferty, Collegeville, plastics & polymer engineering technology.
Automated Manufacturing Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year automated manufacturing, machining, or toolmaking major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence and exhibits devotion to duty, helpfulness to others and friendliness: James Thomas Johnson, Manheim, manufacturing engineering technology.
Charlie Oldt Memorial Machining Award, presented to a graduate in the field of machining in memory of Charlie Oldt, who served as the tool room attendant for 22 years: Nicholas Jay Benninger, Bloomsburg, manufacturing engineering technology.
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates of electronics & computer engineering technology based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Brian Patrick Inman, York, electronics & computer engineering technology.
Automation Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of automation engineering technology based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Michael Charles Carpenter, Wellsboro, automation engineering technology: mechatronics.
Building Automation Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of building automation engineering technology who has demonstrated outstanding ability, work ethic, professionalism and achievement in the field, classroom and lab: Giovanni Antonio Barbarossa, Bridgeville, building automation engineering technology.
Engineering Design Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Logan Dale Shepard, New Bloomfield, engineering design technology.
Engineering CAD Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Leah Renee Bear, Carlisle, engineering CAD technology.
Industrial Design Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Charles W. Hornburg, Pittsburgh, industrial design; Morgan Catherine Solano, Shavertown, industrial design.
M&T Bank Award, presented to a graduate of an information technology associate degree program who has demonstrated a high degree of leadership ability and excellence in programming, networking and other information technology curricula; has maintained a consistently high level of scholastic achievement; and plans to enter the information technology field: Gage A. Rotz, Waynesboro, network administration & engineering technology.
Information Technology Faculty Award, presented for scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Robert Lee Parker II, Jersey Shore, software development & information management and accounting.
UPMC Program Award for Information Technology, presented to a graduate in the information technology program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Evan Miller, Auburn, software development & information management.
Allan Myers Award, presented to the top-performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis: Brody Lee Gregory, Dalton, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis.
Allan Myers Award, presented to the top-performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis: Liam Mitchell Lyons Barr, Freehold, New Jersey, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.
Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to a graduate of the heavy construction or diesel program who demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician: Justin T. Ervin, East Northport, New York, diesel technology and electric power generation technology: diesel emphasis.
Heavy Construction Equipment Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies professionalism within the field: Samuel J. Dean, Coudersport, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.
Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to graduates showing the highest degree of proficiency in the diesel technology major: Dane M. Laky, Dalmatia, diesel technology; and Christian Tyler Yingling, Danville, diesel technology.
William E. Curry Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies the late William Curry's pursuit of technical excellence and his enthusiastic passion for the diesel technology industry: Jakub Dominik Mielko, Wyckoff, New Jersey, diesel technology.
William J. Stitzel Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of a diesel technology major who best exemplifies William J. Stitzel's dedication to Penn College through service to the college community, service to fellow students and academic achievement: Ryan James Baldwin, Dover, diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis; and Christian J. Jaslar, Sellersville, diesel technology.
Earth Science Center Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the majors at the Earth Science Center: Justin T. Ervin, East Northport, New York, diesel technology and electric power generation technology: diesel emphasis.
Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who best exemplifies academic achievement, service and professionalism within the field of forestry: Jesse Richard Knell, Vandergrift, forest technology.
Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who best exemplifies academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of landscape/plant production technology: Alex J. Bentz, Bethel, landscape/plant production technology.
Aviation Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates who demonstrate academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of aviation maintenance: Jocelin Isabelle Kinsey, State College, aviation maintenance technology; and Braydon Christopher Wise, York, aviation maintenance technology.
Honda PACT Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Honda PACT major: Richard Alexander Gomez, West Milford, New Jersey, automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis.
Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive associate degree major: Grant J. Overbeck, Haddonfield, New Jersey, automotive technology.
Axalta Excellence Award, presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Christian J. Engler, Warminster, collision repair technology.
Orelli Supply Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Benjamin L. Williams, Peach Bottom, collision repair technology.
Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major: Addison M. Zick, Norristown, collision repair technology.
Automotive Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of an automotive associate degree program who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of automotive maintenance: Erik William Burdyn, North Abington Township, automotive technology.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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