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Fall 2020
®
MAGAZINE
LIVING LANDMARK
College welds walls for Vatican project
SEE PAGE 12
8 Makerspace brings ideas to life 18 Designer of signs 20 Responding to COVID-19
Penn College Magazine, a publication of Pennsylvania College
of Technology, is dedicated to sharing the educational development,
goals and achievements of Penn College students, employees and
alumni with one another and with the greater community.
Contents
VOLUME 29 NUMBER 2
degrees that work.
Visit Penn College Magazine online at magazine.pct.edu on the coVeR
James N. Colton II, assistant
EDITOR PENN COLLEGE MAGAZINE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE professor of welding, slides a
Jennifer A. Cline
wall section into the foundation
6
Nicholas D. Biddle ’07
CONTRIBUTING graphic designer, web developer for the “Living Chapel.” The
EDITORS Biddle Studios and Sage Age Strategies structure, a project of the Vatican
Matt Blymier Joshua Bonner ’03, ’14 Trading Uniforms ecology division, was welded
Cindy Davis Meixel creative director
With spring sports canceled and by Penn College students and
Tom Speicher Mount Saint Mary’s University
Tom Wilson classes moved online, athletes faculty and shipped overseas for
L. Lee Janssen ’82
Joseph S. Yoder editor-in-chief trade jerseys for scrubs. display in Rome and the Vatican,
The Williamsport Sun-Gazette where it is to be blessed by
ISSUE DESIGNER the pope, before moving to its
Lana K. Muthler ’70
Sarah K. Patterson ’05 managing editor permanent home near the World
DESIGN & DIGITAL
The Express, Lock Haven
Julie Stellfox ’06
8 Heritage Site birthplace of St.
PRODUCTION Francis of Assisi. See Page 12.
Making Makers
Ken Engel assistant director of media relations
Lock Haven University
Larry D. Kauffman
Tina M. Miller ’03 Robert O. Rolley ’83 Makers from all majors learn from
attention, alumni
publisher one another as they bring ideas to
Deborah K. Peters ’97 The Express, Lock Haven
life in The Dr. Welch Workshop: A Share your story and catch
and The Williamsport Sun-Gazette
WEB DESIGN up with classmates online at
Joseph Tertel ’02 Makerspace at Penn College.
Phillip C. Warner ’06
manager, eCommerce Marketing magazine.pct.edu/cn
CONTRIBUTING
Rite Aid
PHOTOGRAPHERS 12 Go PaPeRleSS
Matt Blymier PENN COLLEGE MEMBERS
Jennifer A. Cline Barbara A. Danko Living Landmark To receive an email when
Larry D. Kauffman retired director of alumni relations we publish new editions at
A plant-laden open-air chapel, with walls
Cindy Davis Meixel Katherine A. Downes
fabricated by Penn College faculty and magazine.pct.edu, email
Tom Speicher vice president of public relations
students, is bound for the World Heritage alumni@pct.edu. Include your
Tim Wegman Student Government Association
Site home of the patron saint of ecology. name, class year (if alumni),
Tom Wilson Sandra Lakey
retired faculty
address and email address,
Other photos as credited
speech communication and composition and put Online Magazine
Brad L. Nason 18 Subscription in the subject.
faculty You will stop receiving the
mass communications
Designer of Signs printed Penn College Magazine.
Alexandra D. Petrizzi
student Work is a thrill ride for industrial
designer Cory D. Karges, ’14, whose
aDDReSS coRRectionS
Davie Jane Gilmour, Ph.D. work for Sign Producers Inc. is seen
PRESIDENT by millions at theme parks Universal, If you are receiving more than one
PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE Disney and others. copy of Penn College Magazine,
OF TECHNOLOGY
or if it is addressed to a daughter
20 or son who has established a
separate permanent residence,
Responding With Resolve please notify Alumni Relations at
Penn College’s community of problem solvers alumni@pct.edu, or call toll-free
rises to the challenges posed by COVID-19. 877-PCT-ALUM (877-728-2586).
You can also update mailing info
at magazine.pct.edu/update.
Penn College Magazine, published by Public Relations &
Marketing, considers for publication materials submitted
by students, alumni, faculty, staff and others including Campus News 2
letters to the editor, alumni notes and other information.
We reserve the right to edit or refuse items for publication.
Penn College Family 5
To submit items for consideration,
or to subscribe, contact: Sports Replay 7
Penn College Magazine DIF 30
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Niche 24
One College Avenue Raised on a dairy farm, landscape/horticulture technology
Williamsport, PA 17701-5799 student Courtney M. Wilcox chose her major because she loved
PHONE 570-321-5527 watching her family’s crops grow. The lettuce she helps to raise Class Notes 26
EMAIL magazine@pct.edu in the hydroponic garden at the college’s Schneebeli Earth
WEB magazine.pct.edu Science Center is served in dining facilities on campus. Expert Tips 32
Penn College ® and degrees that work ® are registered
in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS
Michael S. Shreiner, a 2019 forest technology graduate, joins
Ceramics III students Natascha G.
Pennsylvania College of Technology forestry personnel alongside
Art installation shows work of 500-plus students Santaella, left, and Amber Kreitzer
the hand-fed chipper that he delivered to the college just a month
show off the final piece after helping
after graduating. From left are Nathan D. Avery, laboratory assistant
Over 500 students and more than 500 ceramic tiles in the making, to place the finishing touches on the
for forest technology; forestry instructor Eric C. Easton; Shreiner;
another stunning example of Penn College art is complete and ready Campus Center stairwell project.
and Andrew Bartholomay, assistant professor of forestry.
for rave reviews and views.
“It was my idea to have students make something to leave behind as
part of a permanent art piece,” said David A. Stabley, instructor of Forestry grad facilitates equipment donation
ceramics and wood sculpture, who started the project with students in
Thanks to the resourcefulness of December graduate Michael to us is that it was initiated by a student who saw a need
Fall 2013. “It’s an interesting idea of working on a group project over
S. Shreiner, now employed full time by his family’s business, for his program,” said Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of
such a long period of time.”
Shreiner Tree Care, forest technology students at Penn diesel technology and natural resources. “Michael paved
The ceramics sensation adorns a wall in the north stairwell of the College’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center will have access the way for future students to have what he thought would
Bush Campus Center. to a 150XP Bandit Tree Chipper that the alumnus solicited enhance the program. He, Stephenson Equipment and
from the manufacturer. Bandit all went out of their way to make sure our forestry
“Industry donations like this are so important to the students have the opportunity to learn from one of the best
chippers on the market.”
Veteran cultural arts, fundraising executive programs they serve, but what makes this donation special
to head Community Arts Center
IT student presents College to offer building
PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
Following an extensive search, the Community Arts Center
Board of Directors selected Chuck Still to become executive at conference performance training in western PA
director of the center, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pennsylvania
Sophomore Carson D. Seese co- Pennsylvania College of Technology’s
College of Technology that has served 1.5 million guests for
presented “Hands-On Writing Malware National Sustainable Structures Center is
more than 1,000 productions since opening in 1993.
in Go” at Security B-Sides DC, an annual adding a training site in Westmoreland
Still comes to the Community Arts Center from the Midtown regional open security conference for and County to enhance its delivery of building
Arts & Theater Center Houston in Texas, where he oversaw the
PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK MASON PHOTOGRAPHY
by information security practitioners. science and energy efficiency training for the
startup of the facility and helped complete a $25 million capital U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization
Seese, a Dean’s List student, is seeking
campaign as MATCH’s founding executive director. Assistance Program.
a bachelor’s degree in information
From 2008-14, Still was founding executive director of the assurance and cyber security. He co-presented with Stuart The leased 7,500-square-foot facility in
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (“The Kate”) in Old McMurray of IronNet Cybersecurity, a worldwide leader in Latrobe will enable the center to offer the
Saybrook, Connecticut. Prior to that, Still served as executive network traffic analysis. Seese worked with McMurray during his same services provided in Williamsport.
director of Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach, Florida. summer internship. NSSC is contracted by the state Department
Seese wrote two of the software libraries referenced during of Community and Economic Development
the session and created most of the slides. The 30-minute to provide certification training and testing to
presentation outlined the steps to write malware with Go, an building performance professionals.
open source programming language developed at Google. Learn more at www.pct.edu/nssc.
2 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 3
CAMPUS NEWS PENN COLLEGE FAMILY
ROTC cadet honored
Penn College Army ROTC cadet Austin S.
Weinrich (right), of Jenkintown, receives the
RECONDO badge for displaying superior
skills at Advanced Camp. Held at Fort Knox,
Kentucky, Advanced Camp is considered
ROTC’s most significant training experience,
PLAYFUL DIVERSION
and successful completion is a requirement to
earn a commission as an Army officer. Weinrich
was one of 14 cadets out of approximately 600
in the 4th Regiment to receive the RECONDO
Badge. Presenting the RECONDO badge is
Brig. Gen. Antonio V. Munera.
“Every day I was faced with a new problem,
and, as a leader, I quickly discovered that it
was my duty to be the all-around problem-
solver,” Weinrich said. “Overall, my Advanced
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUSTIN S. WEINRICH
Camp experience revealed to me that I want
to be challenged in my future career and that
I want to be assigned to the difficult tasks
because I am confident in my abilities as a
leader and problem-solver.”
Weinrich was among eight Bald Eagle
Battalion Army ROTC cadets commissioned
as second lieutenants in mid-May.
IMAGES COURTESY OF ELIZA R. WHYMAN
MAKERS
President, provost launch fund for new-student scholarships
The Tomorrow Makers Fund, created with philanthropic support from Penn College President Davie Jane
TOMORROW
Gilmour and Michael J. Reed, vice president for academic affairs/provost, will be promoted by alumni
Find the USB stick in the makeshift home office.
participating in the college’s Tomorrow Makers Program as they help recruit the next generation of Penn
M
College students.
embers of the Penn College Family across the “I was surprised it reached so far. … I was glad to
“Our alumni are an invaluable resource in recruiting new students,” Gilmour said. “What better way to
globe used their skills in a variety of ways to see so many people having fun and engaging with
convince someone to enroll here than by having them hear directly from a graduate who had a great
help others during the global pandemic, including my work,” she said.
experience at Penn College and went on to find success in his or her professional career? I am proud to
graphic design alumna Eliza R. Whyman, ’17, a A dual citizen of the U.K. and U.S., Whyman
support a program that facilitates this unique scholarship opportunity.”
designer at MediaCom in Manchester, England. relocated to England shortly after graduating from
The Tomorrow Makers alumni members carry Admissions Office business cards to provide to prospective
Whyman designed and illustrated six visually Penn College and landed a job at MediaCom within
students. Each card promotes a $500 scholarship, awarded upon acceptance by the college. The
appealing brain teasers for Brits to enjoy during a month. Whyman says her Penn College education
scholarship awards, managed by the Financial Aid Office, will come directly from the fund established by
shelter-in-place orders. “thoroughly prepared” her for a successful and
the president and provost.
She and her MediaCom teammates produced the rewarding career in the demanding graphic design
colorful creations for their client Plumbs, a 60-year- profession.
Find complete articles on PCToday old reupholstery company in the United Kingdom. “I like being a graphic designer because of how
They were so popular, they were republished I can be creative and feel confident in my work,
To find more comprehensive versions of the articles
by large media outlets across the U.K. and in knowing I’ve followed the rules of design. It’s
in Campus News – and to read other news stories
about Penn College – visit PCToday, the college’s the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Malaysia defined and ordered creativity,” she said. ■
news-and-information website, at pctoday.pct.edu and Singapore. See more “Penn College Family”
profiles at family.pct.edu
4 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 5
SPORTS REPLAY
Trading ATHLETES SWAP
CANCELED SPRING
SPORTS FOR HEALTH
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The Wildcats reached the North Eastern Athletic
Conference postseason for the first time in
Uniforms
basic, but critical, tasks such as preparing program history. Ben Sosa closed his four-year
CARE WORK patients for operations, drawing blood and career with 1,286 points, securing fourth place
taking vitals. on the Penn College men’s scoring list. Sosa, who
“It was pretty packed the first few averaged 17.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game
days when I returned,” Burke said of the in 26 games, also earned All-NEAC Second Team
by Matt Blymier, assistant director of athletics Sosa
for compliance & athletics communication emergency room. “It was in the early stages honors, which was the highest all-conference
of the virus, and we had the normal cases selection in program history. Elijah Vazquez,
we generally see in the ER and people with who transferred from the Community College
COVID symptoms. Once quarantine was of Rhode Island, concluded his overall collegiate
imposed and the overall numbers of people career with 1,374 points – 634 of them in a
I t was an easy decision for two Sinnott, who aids the staff in serving mother made a full recovery from mild infected in the area came down, it’s been Wildcat uniform.
Pennsylvania College of Technology and caring for residents, had her work symptoms, and Sinnott and her father less busy.”
student-athletes, despite myriad plans detoured when her mother, who tested negative for the virus. Both students had their sports seasons WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Cassi Kuhns averaged 12.2 points and eight
emotions following the cancellation of works at a different nursing home, tested Burke works three eight-hour shifts cut short in March when the decision was
rebounds per game, while Ja’Quela Dyer
their sports seasons due to the coronavirus positive for COVID-19. All three Sinnotts per week from 11 p.m.-7 a.m. He works made to cancel the remainder of the spring
averaged 8.5 points and 9.2 rebounds. The team Kuhns
pandemic in early March. quarantined themselves for 14 days. Her alongside doctors and nurses completing season. Burke’s baseball team was off to a
ended its first season under coach Britni Mohney
They would trade one uniform for 5-5 start – including three straight wins
PHOTO COURTESY OF GILLIAN SINNOTT
another. during its Spring Break trip to Myrtle with its most wins (seven) since 2014-15.
Sophomores Connor Burke and Gillian Beach, South Carolina, while Sinnott’s WRESTLING
Sinnott returned home when Spring Break softball team was 5-4 during the trip. The Wildcats placed 15th at the NCAA Division
was extended, traded in their baseball and The baseball team had already completed III Mideast Regionals. Dylan Gettys placed
softball jerseys for scrubs, and immediately its week when it was told of the decision, eighth at 165 pounds.
went to work in their respective health “I would want my while the softball team still had two games
service fields, Burke as an emergency to play. BASEBALL
room technician near his hometown parents to be “Everyone was bummed,” Burke said Penn College was 5-5 before its season was
in Pottsville, and Sinnott as an aide at cared for in that of his team’s reaction. “We were off to halted by the coronavirus pandemic. Brittan Gettys
a nursing home near her hometown of a good start, put a lot of work in with Kittle earned NEAC Player of the Week honors
Sykesville, Maryland. situation, so I practice and workouts and developed in the Wildcats’ only week of the season.
Gillian Sinnott traded her softball jersey for scrubs,
want to help
“I was in a position to help make a relationships among the team. We wanted
difference,” Burke, a nursing student, said. returning to her job as an aide at a nursing home
to continue what we started, play for SOFTBALL
when spring sports seasons were canceled and
other people’s The Wildcats were 5-4 before their season was
“It was an easy decision to help out during classes were moved online.
a conference championship and play
canceled. Morgan Heritage was named NEAC
this difficult time.” together as a team.”
parents be Pitcher of the Week in the season’s lone week.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CONNOR BURKE
Sinnott, who is also majoring in Sinnott and Burke both see the
nursing, had similar sentiments and left
cared for and similarities in being a member of an ANNUAL AWARDS
for work almost immediately after she athletics team and part of a team in the Penn College presented its annual athletics
returned home. Her father, who works at stay safe.” health field. Communication, teamwork, awards in a virtual ceremony in May. Hayden Kittle
the same facility, told her that the nursing sacrifice and adaptability are skills Beiter (cross-country) and Taylor Gonzales
home already had some COVID-19 cases, reinforced by sports and transferred into (women’s soccer) were named Scholar-Athletes
and Sinnott dropped her belongings off at the workforce. of the Year; Brittan Kittle (baseball) and
her house and went right to work. “Working as a team is a huge thing in Morgan Heritage (softball) earned Athlete of
“I want to be able to help people that the health field,” Sinnott said. “Everything the Year honors; and Ryan Bauer (wrestling) and
can’t fully help themselves,” Sinnott will not always go the way that you might Sloane Tressler (women’s soccer) were named
explained. “I would want my parents to expect, and you need to be able to rely Newcomers of the Year.
be cared for in that situation, so I want to on those around you. Knowing that
Nursing student Connor Burke, a sophomore on
help other people’s parents be cared for the Wildcat baseball team, returned to work as an you have a team behind you makes all
and stay safe.” emergency room technician. the difference.” ■ Heritage
6 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 7
something – a tantalizing variety of from whose presentations the winning
“somethings” – and recreating themselves configuration was chosen. (Even the
MAKING MAKERS
in the process. runner-up ideas showed an intuitive grasp
One’s ability to inspire someone else of the project’s intent. One of them carried
>
is a credible barometer of what’s been the working title of “Broken TV,” a pointed
learned, and these students can add reminder to turn off the television and do
“mentor” to their resume. something with one’s hands.)
“One of the nicest things I have seen “The students were trying to
MAKERS MAKING
happen in the space is the collaboration encourage, by their delightful designs,
among students from all different majors,” a space where students who wouldn’t
explains Tom F. Gregory, assistant normally come into a ‘shop’ would feel
dean of construction and architectural “THE DR. WELCH comfortable to enter this space,” Ask says.
technologies. “You might see machining WORKSHOP HAS “And I think they succeeded!”
students teaching business students how TAUGHT ME THAT MY Long interested in the underlying
to use the lathe, or perhaps welding PATH TO HAPPINESS motives for the human desire to build
students teaching construction students things, the faculty member (and adviser
how to weld, or construction students
IS FINDING A PLACE to the college’s Society of Inventors and
teaching electronics students how to use THAT I CAN SHARE Mad Scientists) wrote a paper for the
a table saw, etc. MY KNOWLEDGE 2016 International Conference for Design
“It is a space that promotes and builds WITH OTHERS.” Creativity in Atlanta. His “Philosophical
relationships among students with many Foundations of the Maker Movement”
different interests and skills.” explored the interlocking concepts of
It is also a space that is accustomed usefulness, beauty and fun.
to traffic. “The joy of the designing and building
With projects in hand, a parade of process can be of greater importance than
makers often gathers in the hall, and the object’s utility. The world of hands-on
weekly themed sessions are offered to the design teaches the heroics of the nail gun,
campus at large on topics from rubber the intimacy of the soldering iron, the
by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday Students Barbara J. LeGeyt, left, welding and fabrication engineering technology; Anthony
mold making to centuries-old Vietnamese magic of casting and the crunching sound
F. O’Koren, center, applied technology studies; and Mason Peters, applied management
and heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology, learn and lead using equipment in embroidery technique. of failure,” Ask wrote. “Makers know the
The Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College. “I have seen students waiting for it to dance of deep thinking and wonderful
open up, and there always seems to be journeys.”
activity. It has a good balance of craft- LeGeyt’s journey began on a
IN DR. WELCH WORKSHOP, STUDENTS SHARE WHAT THEY KNOW AND ABSORB WHAT THEY DON’T friendly working areas and a heavy-duty Barkhamsted, Connecticut, horse farm
fabrication shop,” says Thomas E. Ask, and included a side trip to Davenport,
B
professor of industrial design and – like Iowa, where she served a summer
lack walnut and cherry, milled just before teaching metal inert gas welding to images to replicate in vinyl. Gregory – an early proponent of bringing internship with John Deere. She learned
over the mountain at Pennsylvania a pair of fellow students. The buzz is effectively managed by the maker movement to Penn College. to stick-weld during a course at her high
College of Technology’s It’s a beehive of activity on any given attendant Jeremiah C. Johnson and The makerspace is named in memory of school, overcoming the fear of burning
Schneebeli Earth Science Center, cascade day at The Dr. Welch Workshop: A assistant Roberta Schwenk, whose Dr. Marshall Welch Jr., a local orthodontist down the shop and running a serviceable
to the floor in ribbon curls as Mason Makerspace at Penn College, student- combined counsel gives makerspace with a knack for tinkering and a penchant rookie bead on a lap joint.
Peters wields his favorite gouge on the designed and dedicated in August 2018 patrons the boost of confidence to bring for philanthropy. It is outfitted with “Are you sure you’ve never done this?”
turning lathe. as an impetus to collegewide innovation even the wildest ideas to life. equipment provided by a roster of her impressed instructor inquired – and
At a nearby computer numerical control and collaboration. “I spend my days dodging drones beneficence, divided into The Gilmour welding, she says, “became my thing.”
router that he assembled, Anthony F. This particular afternoon includes a and tripping over robots,” Schwenk says, Tinkertorium (including computers, LeGeyt has combined her natural
O’Koren watches as programmed letters brewing and fermentation science student a tongue-in-cheek appreciation of the 3D printers, sewing machines and vinyl ability with her equestrian background
are cut into a slab of wood, forming a etching a club logo onto pint glasses for a inventiveness that’s afoot within the Carl cutters) and The Logue Fabritorium for a crafty side hustle, repurposing worn
fitting mantra for his surroundings: “Learn fundraiser; an amateur fashion designer, Building Technologies Center facility. (lathes, CNC machinery, saws, routers, horseshoes into wine racks, decorative
the unknown. Make the unseen. Teach the stylishly clad in one of her own creations, Lavishing their increasingly voluminous drill presses, welders, and the like). four-leaf clovers or pumpkins, wedding
unspeakable.” pinning fabric to a dress form; and a group body of knowledge on the busy crowd, The overall space was laid out by favors – even a Christmas tree.
On the other side of the wall, Barbara J. of students huddled over a butcher-block Schwenk and Johnson smile in recognition assistant professor Rob A. Wozniak’s She and several classmates developed
LeGeyt delivers a mandatory safety lecture table, scouring the web for just the right of students caught in the act of creating architectural design technology students, the makerspace welding curriculum, with »
8 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 9
>
a PowerPoint presentation on proper
precautions before moving to small-
group instruction in the dedicated space.
satisfaction.
Woodworking is but one of his passions
– “I haven’t bought a Christmas gift in
be smoothed with 2,000-grit sandpaper
and donated to the Student Government
Association’s silent auction. Tuned to the
Williamsport resident used centuries-old
hemlock in his replicated version, which
was appropriately bought by college
barn wood and destined for the
Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber
of Commerce Visitors Bureau.
warmer a month later at Open House,
and volunteered to teach soldering and
other skills at makerspace workshops.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in welding five years,” he points out – and he feeds it music flowing through his noise-canceling President Davie Jane Gilmour (among the Like LeGeyt and Peters, he finds His demeanor is one of pure helpfulness,
and fabrication engineering technology, through making pens from exotic species headphones, he finesses each curve, colleagues whom Muzic embraced and reward in passing along his bountiful furthering the cooperative tone that flows
she would like to teach when she’s done (Mexican kingwood, anyone?), custom- instinctively following a mathematically inspired) and displayed at a June 2019 life talents and insight. throughout the creative arena.
working in her chosen field. crafting a racing trophy in a checkered- sound schematic that he sketched out on celebration on campus. “The makerspace has given me the “We have our own little family in here.
She is, in a word, unfazed about flag motif and helping to teach dozens of poster board, a symphony of alternating O’Koren earned a bachelor’s degree blessing of many quality friendships that It’s a great place to bounce things off
meeting qualifications: “If I can coordinate veterans at the Williamsport Community grain and color. in applied technology studies in May. will result in long-lasting relationships,” one another,” LeGeyt says, a perspective
a 5-year-old on a pony, I can handle college Woodshop in the Pajama Factory artisan O’Koren, too, has delivered artistry to He focused his learning on automation, O’Koren says. “But most importantly, the shared by Peters.
students.” complex not far from main campus. the annual scholarship benefit. Among the electronics and networking, and that is Dr. Welch Workshop has taught me that “You don’t have to know what you’re
Equally at home in sharing his “It’s like having 30 grandpas,” he said highlights of the 2019 auction was a reborn apparent in one of his latest makerspace my path to happiness is finding a place that doing,” he notes. “There’s so much
expertise is Peters, a 2018 graduate in of that Wednesday gig. “And who wouldn’t piece of campus tradition: a “Why Not projects: an automated coin identifier, I can share my knowledge with others and knowledge in one place, so many different
heating, ventilation and air conditioning want to give back to them?” Women” sign that floated among faculty designed to bring order to the chaos of instill in them the same confidence that fields represented in one area, such a
technology from Shickshinny, who is He also competes in micro sprint car offices for decades. pocket change – or entire collections. the makerspace did for me.” diversity of people.
adding an applied management bachelor’s racing on area speedways, keeps rare The original was first displayed by the Standing by the churning CNC A regular since the facility’s beginnings, “All the tools are there; materials, too –
degree to his toolkit. While excelling tropical fish in a saltwater aquarium and is late and legendary Veronica M. Muzic, a router on a late-winter afternoon, he he has capably represented the makerspace metal, wood, vinyl – and all that’s left to
academically, it is outside of school – in learning how to tend bonsai trees. former English instructor, longtime college shows off a collaborative showpiece: a in a YouTube video and before an April do is ask, ‘Can you show me?’” ■
venues like the makerspace and beyond But today, he is shaping a native administrator and (with husband, Bill) a breathtakingly intricate topographical 2019 gathering of Williamsport Technical
– that he finds a teeming reservoir of cherry and black walnut piece that will noteworthy donor to the makerspace. The map of Pennsylvania etched in 1830s Institute alumni, exhibited a honeycomb Watch a video highlighting makers in the
Dr. Welch Workshop at magazine.pct.edu/mm
In The Gilmour Tinkertorium,
welding students pore over Operations in The Logue Fabritorium generally involve cutting
online images that can be wood, metal and plastics, as well as welding and joining.
readily rendered in vinyl Equipment includes drill presses, lathes, milling machines,
to adorn their toolboxes. sanders, table and miter saws, routers, and grinders.
10 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 11
Living Landmark I
t’s two days before Christmas.
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s
campus is still, save for the sparks
illuminating the expansive welding facility
by Tom Speicher, writer/ and a “once in a lifetime” project.
video producer Inside, a handful of faculty forgo the
serenity of winter break to tackle a tight
deadline. On this day, like many before
and after, they meticulously measure
and cut a seemingly endless supply of
aluminum. The resulting pieces are The Living Chapel
arranged before one of thousands of measures about 45 feet
COMPLETED CHAPEL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONSUELO FABRIANI
welds joins them together, forming a long by 30 feet wide,
geometric symphony of angles. The with heights ranging
between 10 and 15 feet.
dedicated instructors are fabricating the
The structure will remain
foundation of a dream meant to enlighten at the Botanical Garden
for generations. of Rome until social
During a 10-week window, nine distancing rules permit
welding instructors and 15 students a stay at the Vatican
before being moved to
worked a collective 3,500-plus hours
its permanent location in
and used an aluminum supply that could Assisi, Italy.
be stretched for nearly a mile to birth
the Living Chapel. The Penn College
contingent built the four walls that make Once COVID-19 pandemic social- the aluminum walls. Most of the metal
up the structural framework for the distancing rules are relaxed, the Living is exposed as a visual element for the
modular spiritual sanctuary, unveiled in Chapel will be placed at the Vatican before fourth wall. It features discarded, small
ILLUSTRATION BY KENNEDY L. ENGLERT
May at the Botanical Garden of Rome and being moved to its permanent location in steel pans serving as “drums,” stamped
online at www.livingchapel.com as part Assisi, Italy, the birthplace of St. Francis, steel automotive scrap repurposed into
of Global Catholic Climate Movement whose small church provided the footprint decorative metal screens, and suspended
activities, United Nations World for the Living Chapel. cross cutouts made of metal waste.
Environment Day celebrations and the “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, what The section is called the “Chime Wall,”
FACULTY, U.N. Trillion Tree Campaign. it’s going to mean to everybody,” said because the hung crosses chime when
Made from recyclable and repurposed James N. Colton II, assistant professor moved by the wind.
STUDENTS WELD materials and integrating art, music, of welding, who led the Penn College According to organizers, nature will
architecture and nature, the Living Chapel fabrication team. “It’s definitely a big deal.” engulf the senses of those who visit the
VATICAN-BOUND is a sacred space that encourages acts In the Living Chapel’s final form, open-air chapel. The swirling design of
of ecological restoration. The project more than half of the structural skeleton the flowers and light reflecting from the
LIVING CHAPEL is inspired by the United Nations 2030
sustainable development agenda and Pope
fabricated by Penn College is hidden.
Three of the sections are covered with
crosses will color their view. The aroma
emanating from the perennials will
Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si,” the a mix of 3,000 evergreen leaves and encourage them to inhale life. Vertically
papal letter that calls safeguarding the flowers inserted into recycled fleece fabric stacked steel pan drums – struck by
planet an “urgent priority.” stapled to PVC boards that are bolted to mallets powered by water – produce a »
12 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 13
natural melody that will nurture their
soul. The experience should touch them
at Penn State; Vatican and U.N. officials;
Italian landscape architects and botanists;
contacted a former graduate-school friend
from the University of Cambridge: Gillean
“No way, no
spiritually and move them to join others in
caring for the world.
as well as other individuals and entities.
“It’s a very multidimensional project,”
Denny, an independent architectural
designer in Toronto, who has a background how, did the
chapel get
“It’s just amazing to be like, ‘I have said Julian Revie, creative director of the in sustainable design, urban agriculture
a couple welds on that,’” said Sara D. Living Chapel and associate director of and theater production.
built without
Stafford, a welding and fabrication music at the Center for Music and Liturgy “I’m always looking for interesting
engineering technology student from West of St. Thomas More Chapel at Yale projects, and this definitely falls in the
Chester. “Penn College creating a huge University. “Once Penn State was involved, category of interesting,” said Denny, a
structure and piece of art for Italy. Who
would have thought?”
they told us, ‘The team to get this done is
at Penn College. They have the capacity to
2007 Penn State alumna. “Julian said, ‘We
need to recreate St. Francis’ chapel but out them. Period.
They were
The four walls built by the college take on something that is quite ambitious of plants, and it needs to go together and
measure approximately 45 feet long by 30 and large-scale on a tight time frame.’” come apart and move several times.’ The
amazing.”
feet wide with heights ranging between Revie, who has composed for two jigsaw puzzle of trying to figure out how
10 and 15 feet. They are joined at various papal masses, presented the Vatican that would work was intriguing.”
angles, with the exception of two portions ecology division with an idea to employ The uniqueness of the project led
that separate to form a space in the shape instruments – made from recycled Denny to seek support from one of her Gillean Denny,
of a cross. materials – to create a musical piece that Penn State mentors, James Kalsbeek, chief architectural designer
“The initial PDF that we saw didn’t would celebrate the “serene harmony associate professor of architecture, who
show the complexity of the project,” between humanity and nature.” Those has been involved with the Department
Colton said with a smile. “We were conversations led to the concept for of Architecture’s study abroad program
definitely a little bit more overwhelmed the Living Chapel, a physical structure in Rome since 1991. In late summer,
once we got into it.” combining music with architecture Kalsbeek hand-picked a small team,
The myriad pieces of aluminum that influenced by Porziuncola, the chapel in comprised mostly of graduate students
Colton and his crew connected to form the Assisi rebuilt in the early 13th century by and research assistants, to provide design
Living Chapel served as a metaphor for the St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. support with the intent of fabricating and
disparate forces that joined to make the “Music is ephemeral. I think the real building the entire chapel at University
project a reality. power of this project happens in the Park.
Penn College is linked with an confluence of the musical element and the “Those early sketches were a little
Australian-Canadian music composer; physical reality, so people can come into rough,” Kalsbeek said. “I think the
a Toronto-based architect; faculty the Living Chapel and have a holistic, all- complexity, the design, the shadows, the
and students from the Department of encompassing experience,” Revie said. layers, the metal work were not quite
Architecture within the Stuckeman School To turn concept into reality, Revie represented.”
The sketches morphed into a detailed,
PHOTO COURTESY OF PENN STATE
250-page construction document that
guided the work of Penn College welding
faculty and students after Kalsbeek
realized that Penn State didn’t possess the
resources to fabricate the walls.
Penn College enjoys a long history with
the architecture program at Penn State.
Each year, Penn State Stuckeman School
students – including Denny in 2002 –
receive hands-on building experience by
visiting the college’s masonry lab to cut
stone and lay brick.
Kalsbeek’s request in September to
extend the opportunity to Penn College’s
welding and metal fabrication department From Penn College’s Lycoming Engines
Metal Trades Center, the disassembled
was well-timed. The college recently
walls are loaded into a truck, destined
Members of the Penn College and Penn State teams pose with the completed chapel opened its expanded 55,000-square-foot for Penn State. Several days later, the
in Penn State’s Laundry Building prior to its shipment to Rome in February. welding lab, believed to be the nation’s» walls are sent to Italy.
14 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 15
largest. The facility provided ample space weight in half and eliminate the need to 1-inch welds to erect the structure. James N. Colton II, through the details of the assembly via
and fabrication equipment to get the powder coat, a time-consuming process. “All of us had to go back and rethink assistant professor email and Skype from Canada.
job done, such as electric cold saws, That input foreshadowed the give-and- about fabrication and how we fabricate of welding, who led In this social-distancing time, the
the Penn College
portable band saws, grinders and MIG take between architect and builder things, especially in aluminum, because Living Chapel – surrounded by recycled
fabrication team,
welding units. throughout the ensuing weeks. aluminum will move and distort,” Colton applies one of oil barrels containing 2,500 saplings of 46
It was also home to the most crucial “Not only were they instrumental in said. thousands of welds tree species from Central and Southern
components for success: the expertise actually fabricating it, but they helped us The learning extended to students, who to the structure. Europe – will remain at the Botanical
and will of welding faculty and students. work through the design of it, to make assisted with the required cutting, welding Garden of Rome, waiting for its eventual
They embraced what Kalsbeek called changes, to make it easier and better to and grinding. move to the Vatican and Assisi.
a “mammoth, gargantuan task,” despite build, and stronger,” Denny said. “They “It was amazing that we got our hands hour workdays became the norm. 2.6 tons of water, housed in the walls’ Colton and other members of the
a looming deadline. were incredibly creative.” on it,” said Nolan Durecki, a welding “They literally were working miracles bases, nurtures the plants and “plays” Penn College team had planned to visit
“The faculty saw this as a huge Fabrication began in November when and fabrication engineering technology on that campus through Christmas break the steel drums. the Living Chapel in May at the Vatican.
opportunity for students and the the first of many design modifications student from South Lyon, Michigan. “I and into the new year,” Denny said. Throughout the fall, Kalsbeek’s While disappointed, they are heartened
institution,” explained Bradley M. were sent to the college. hadn’t done a whole lot of MIG welding “But no way, no how, did the chapel get crew combed through 1,500 pounds of that it will be assembled at the Vatican
Webb, the college’s dean of engineering “It was definitely challenging because on aluminum, so it was good hands-on built without them. Period. They were scrap donated by two automotive metal when the pandemic dissipates. They’re
technologies. “It would help students the structure was still evolving as we were learning. I like to learn by getting thrown amazing.” stamping plants to devise “framed” screen also honored it will be placed permanently
with their practical skills and, given the fabricating it, so we would get the plans for on something and trying to figure out the “Toward the end, we were wondering patterns to be fastened on the chime wall. near the grounds of the Basilica of St.
significance of the project, carry the Wall A, and while we were working on that best way to do it.” if we would make it on time,” Colton They also inserted some of the 15-inch Mary of the Angels in Assisi, which was
Penn College name for generations. wall, Gillean would finalize the plans for “It was great to see our teachers so admitted. “We were still welding on steel pan drums in the wall before all the built around St. Francis’ chapel. The
They would not let this fail.” what Wall B would look like, and so on,” involved and so committed to something, pieces as they were loading the truck. sections were shipped by boat to Italy in United Nations Educational, Scientific
“It was an obvious and brilliant solution Colton said. because their dedication made me more There was a lot of stress released when early February. and Cultural Organization has designated
(to contact Penn College),” Denny said. Based on Denny’s drawings, Jacob B. dedicated to the project,” Stafford added. it was gone.” The Penn State students were to the basilica as one of about 1,100 World
“While I was waiting for him (Kalsbeek) Holland, instructor of welding, led the “They did an amazing job, and it was That truck delivered the walls to the assemble the Living Chapel in Rome Heritage Sites for its universal value.
to make that call, I was sort of crossing my effort to calculate the various lengths and flattering and humbling to say that I Laundry Building at Penn State, where during spring break and assist in its “A lot of us looked at it as a project that
fingers going, ‘Please say yes.’” angles of aluminum tubing required for worked with them on that.” Kalsbeek’s team had spent months planned move to the Vatican in May. we wanted to do for the school and for
Denny got her wish after an October each section and spent countless hours Because of finals and winter break, assisting Denny with various design The COVID-19 pandemic eliminated the program. It was something neat to be
meeting at Penn College when the welding making the cuts. Colton; Cody W. Wolfe, students weren’t available during some aspects, focusing on the chime wall, the those opportunities. A Rome-based a part of,” Colton said. “I don’t think it’s
faculty suggested building the walls with instructor of welding; and a slew of other weeks, which put the pressure on faculty to drums’ music function and the solar- architectural firm, Sequas, stepped in for really sunk in until we see it up close and
aluminum rather than steel to cut the faculty and students applied nearly 5,000 meet the late-January deadline. Ten-to-12- powered irrigation system. More than the students, with Denny coaching them go, ‘Hey, we helped build that.’” ■
Watch a video of the making of the
Living Chapel at magazine.pct.edu/LL
CORE FACULTY FABRICATION GROUP FACULTY ASSISTANTS STUDENT ASSISTANTS
THE PENN COLLEGE
LIVING CHAPEL
FABRICATION TEAM
From left, Jacob B. Holland, Cody W. Wolfe and From left: Matthew J. Bell, Matthew W. Nolan, From left: Philip N. Shipe, Johnsonburg; Ian M. Yon,
James N. Colton II. Michael J. Nau, Michael C. Schelb, Ryan P. Good Altoona; Gavin W. Young, Elkton, Md.; Kyle J. Weaver,
and Michael R. Allen. Morris; Austin G. Hampton, Watsontown; Jim A. Barker,
Easton; Sara D. Stafford, West Chester; Nolan Durecki,
South Lyon, Mich.; and Christian A. Novick, Hickory.
16 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 17possess the requisite passion. Several himself in the major, which today boasts concrete that resembles wood. (The theme
months of research and soul searching over 40 students. He helped start a club parks prohibit wood because of the fire
reminded him that he had always enjoyed for the college’s creative community, the hazard.)
taking things apart and putting them back Society of Inventors and Mad Scientists, Signage is engineered to “five times
together in a fresh way. and relished challenging projects, what it would actually take to fail,”
Designer of Signs
“I had glue-gun burns on my hands consistently making the Dean’s List. according to Karges. The signs must
when I was 5 years old,” he chuckled. “Cory wanted to do more than just withstand tropical storms and hurricanes
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Eventually, Karges discovered finish assignments,” Ask said. “He wanted in Florida, earthquakes in California
the perfect match for his inventive to do an excellent job at whatever he and the weight of overeager tourists
mind: industrial design, the practice worked on. During his time at Penn everywhere.
of transforming ideas into designs of College, he combined hard work and “Any sign close to the ground, we
Alum’s work points way for millions at iconic resorts marketable projects and systems. A tour passion in a powerful way.” assume somebody is going to jump on it,
“I never felt like I had homework lean on it or hang from it because they’ve
assignments, because when you’re there, been waiting so long in line for the ride,”
by Tom Speicher, writer/video producer
you’re doing what it is you want to be Karges explained with a smile.
doing,” Karges said. “So you were always One of Karges’ recent projects at
“I never felt like I inventing something, creating something, Universal was the aluminum marquee for
had homework doing some type of study. You learned by The Bourne Stuntacular, a new show based
T he memory is timeless for Cory
D. Karges.
He and a couple of his Pennsylvania
Florida, manufacturing facility. In a quiet,
open-office space, he employs computer
aided design software to master his latest
Some of the signs consume several
feet in both height and width; others are
narrow and vertical. Some fit perfectly
assignments.
… You were
going out and doing it, which was every
single day.
“Penn College was there to make sure
on the “Jason Bourne” film franchise.
Karges called the design – featuring the
attraction’s title in three shades of blue and
always inventing
College of Technology classmates were creations. Recent projects include signage atop a low-rise building’s facade; others I became all that I could be. I’m very varying amounts of raised lettering – both
clustered in a campus lab, working on for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a 14-acre are fastened to structures high in the sky. something.” thankful for everything I’ve learned.” “fun and challenging.”
a cooperative education project for the showcase at Disney World and Disneyland So is Sign Producers. The family- So was keeping the work a secret.
General Electric Co. As they imagined inspired by the “Star Wars” movies, and owned firm hired Karges in 2018 after Theme parks keep a lid on coming
possible means to expand GE’s design of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike he spent a few years working in Orlando attractions until an official announcement
a miniature ultrasound system, a knock at Adventure, an immersive coaster of Penn College and interaction as a design engineer for a fabricator of is strategically scheduled.
the door served as a reality check. experience added to The Wizarding World with Thomas E. Ask, the professor architectural specialties. “You’re working on stuff that you can’t
A College Police officer poked her of Harry Potter at Universal. spearheading the school’s then-new “Sign Producers strives to hire talk about, which sometimes is the hardest
head in to inform the students it was past For Karges, the job is a thrill ride. industrial design major, convinced and maintain a level of quality in our part of the job,” Karges said. “The new
11 p.m., and they needed to vacate the “Since I’ve started here, pretty much Karges to use that program as a career employees that can’t be matched,” said Harry Potter ride was hush-hush for two
building. Karges was stunned it was that every single project that’s happened at the building block. Daniel Scimé, company director. “When years when we were working on it.”
late. Time escaped him because he was park (Universal), we’ve been involved in,” “He had as much passion for it as I did,” Cory was referred to us, it was evident that To prove his point, Karges cheerfully
so enthralled with the industrial design he said. “Not too many people can say that Karges said. he possessed the work ethic, experience preempted any discussion of future
experience. they worked on Harry Potter!” One of five students in the inaugural and education we needed to continue to projects.
“We were having fun, making cool When Karges strolls through the industrial design class, Karges immersed build our department of strong designers. “There is a lot of cool stuff coming up.
stuff,” Karges recalled. “That’s when it Universal Orlando Resort, he can point Cory’s passion for what he designs is not That’s all I can say.”
clicked: ‘This is what I’m going to do for to a smorgasbord of signage made by only displayed in the details, but also But Karges revealed his favorite
the rest of my life.’” Sign Producers for branding (the letters Karges designed signage for Bigfire throughout the design process.” experience related to the job.
Six years later, Karges is on his way on the rotating Universal globe), rides restaurant at Universal CityWalk Orlando. Whether a job calls for a two- “When you go into the park and you’re
to fulfilling that revelation. Unlike (including Harry Potter and the Escape day turnaround or a couple years of standing next to something that you’ve
his GE endeavor, which couldn’t be from Gringotts, Despicable Me Minion Some illuminate at night; others sparkle painstaking work, the process usually made, and a family comes up and takes a
shared publicly because of proprietary Mayhem and The Incredible Hulk in the sunlight. All fulfill Karges’ longtime involves the same basic steps. picture of it, you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s cool!’
information, his work today as an Coaster) and restaurants (Red Oven Pizza desire to “make really cool stuff.” The type of material is a key The thing that I made that nobody thinks
industrial designer is seen by millions. Bakery and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. “If you have a passion for something, consideration. Aluminum and steel are about is probably in hundreds, thousands
The 2014 graduate is the design among them). you go for it, and you’re going to get good used often, but if wood signage matches an of pictures on Facebook and Instagram.”
manager for Sign Producers Inc., a custom Karges designed the signs greeting at it, or else you’ll find something else,” attraction’s theme (as in Universal’s Skull For Cory Karges, it’s another timeless
designer, builder and installer of signs for visitors at Universal’s Aventura Hotel and he said. Island: Reign of Kong), Sign Producers memory. Only this time, it’s shared. ■
Universal, Disney and other entertainment Surf Side Inn & Suites Endless Resort, Growing up in Whitney Point, New employs polygem epoxy, an artistic
destinations throughout the world. adorning the restaurants Bigfire and Today York, Karges flirted with an information Read an expanded version of this
Karges’ “playground” is inside the Café, and promoting attractions such as technology career at a local community Karges’ design work on story and watch a video featuring
Universal’s Aventura Hotel.
company’s 25,000-square-foot Orlando, Universal Cinemark and Central Park. college. He was good at IT but didn’t Karges’ work at magazine.pct.edu/ds
18 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 19A s the spread of coronavirus
compelled communities across
sustaining businesses, including college
campuses, to close their physical locations
desperately need our skilled graduates
to continue operations in uncertain
compassionate outlets in a means to adapt
during this chaotic time,” he added.
many fronts.
“Most would claim the most obvious
Responding
the globe to drastically change and told residents to stay home as much economic times.” ‘uncertainties’ are: Do I have the virus?
their approach to daily life, the as possible. Within two weeks, the entire Still, the abrupt change in plans – and ESSENTIAL WORKERS Will I transmit the virus to my family?
community of problem solvers state was subject to a stay-at-home order. everyday life – was jarring. In health care, manufacturing and Is my protective equipment – gloves,
at Pennsylvania College Remote learning is a particular Jordan S. Wise, a health information any number of service fields, a vast group face shields, gowns, etc. – protecting
of Technology rose to the challenge for a college of technology that technology student, had hoped to prove of Penn College alumni, students and me? Is there enough personal protective
W ITH challenge, revealing new levels specializes in hands-on education. In fact, himself during his final season on the employees continued their work while the equipment to sustain this rapidly
Resolve
of compassion and ingenuity. it was hands-on industrial arts courses golf team. News that the North Eastern majority of the nation attempted to thwart unfolding virus? While those are the
“This unconventional form at Williamsport High School (now the Athletic Conference was canceling all the virus’s spread by staying home. most current ‘uncertainties,’ there is the
of education is the exact opposite college’s Klump Academic Center, the spring sports seasons made his heart sink. “If you look at the list of essential one unique ‘uncertainty’ of: Will I lose
of what our college’s hands-on oldest building on campus) that grew into “It was my last opportunity, and for businesses that are open, both at the my job?”
based instruction requires,” said the Williamsport Technical Institute, that to be taken away like that – it hurt,” he federal level and the state level, you would While the work has always held
residential construction technology which later transitioned to Williamsport said. “As a competitor, I want to go out and be hard-pressed to not find a Penn College inherent dangers, the new concerns are
and management student Jack E. Stahley, Area Community College and then to compete. That’s my favorite thing on the major on that list,” Gilmour said. She real, and are faced by EMS personnel on
“however, we have come together to adapt today’s Penn College. planet to do – compete.” called those workers “our true heroes. every call, Stavinski said. “And to top
to these changes that have been forced Fortunately, innovation and A personal disappointment for SGA They are working on the front lines to off these ‘uncertainties,’ providers are
Penn College alumni, upon us.” determination are also part of the college’s President Patrick C. Ferguson was the deliver patient care and important services radically changing the way they confront
students, employees face In March, as the coronavirus emerged foundation. cancellation of a summer internship. that have to happen for all of us while we patients during an emergency.”
COVID-19 challenges in Pennsylvania, Penn College extended “Adaptability remains another Penn “A lot of us feel anger, fear and work through this pandemic.” Emergency management and homeland
Spring Break for a second week, asking College trademark,” President Davie Jane frustration with how 2020 has turned out For 2015 graduate Kyle Stavinski, a security student Brooke M. Strubel worked
by Jennifer A. Cline, students to remain at their permanent Gilmour said. “We are mindful, as well, and are anxiously waiting for the danger to critical care flight paramedic and educator as an emergency medical technician in her
writer/magazine editor
residences while faculty prepared to teach of our commitment to provide students subside so we may make up for lost time,” for Geisinger’s Life Flight, a part-time Lancaster County hometown while taking
online for at least a few weeks. with the type of instruction for which we he said of the student body. paramedic for Susquehanna Regional EMS remote classes.
As the situation quickly progressed, are renowned, and of our responsibility “However, many of us have converted and part-time instructor at Penn College, “I, along with thousands of other
Gov. Tom Wolf asked all non-life- to fulfill the needs of employers, who our frustrations into novel and the pandemic has caused uncertainty on EMTs, have signed up to take these risks, »
A well-traveled Chris
Warren, instructor of
PHOTO BY MASTER SGT. GEORGE ROACH, COURTESY OF
building construction
technology, completes
a drop-off to student
Jack Stahley in a
PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL GUARD
vacant parking lot
PHOTO COURTESY OF WYATT C. FOREST
during a 500-mile
trip to deliver project
Eric K. Albert, materials to students.
now retired Below: Brady T.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GEISINGER
associate professor Wolfe, who traveled
Penn College student Kristien Quintanilla, fifth from left, of automated with his mother from
is part of a Joint Force Medical Strike Team deployed by manufacturing, holds Myersville, Md., to
the Pennsylvania National Guard to assist at a nursing three of the eight Harrisburg, signals Penn College employees load about 850 potted flowers
home in Delaware County. ventilator splitters another successful and hanging baskets for delivery to UPMC hospitals in the
he made with his transfer of materials. Williamsport area for distribution to nurses during National
A Geisinger employee home 3D printer. On Nurses Week in May. The flowers were originally cultivated at
demonstrates the use of an EMS campus, he 3D-printed the college’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center for a sale in the
airway hood. Franklin D. Gillis, more than two dozen center’s greenhouses and as a learning project for students in
’13, ’18, a construction/building face shields. plant production courses.
science instructional specialist for
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRIS WARREN
the college’s National Sustainable
Structures Center, assembled
the framework for five hoods for
Geisinger Medical Center.
20 Penn College Magazine Fall 2020 21You can also read
