Penn College Magazine

A publication of Pennsylvania College of Technology
Magazine Fall 2024

Recent Articles

Fall 2024, Volume 33, Number 2

Game analytics

Ryan Lockman ’20, a Tesla Energy engineer and semi-pro athlete, plays basketball with an engineering mindset.

Two of a Kind

Twin brothers Jake and Jon Twardowski complete their Penn College bachelor’s degrees just like they’ve done most everything else: together.

Rough Competition

More than 100 colleges from across the U.S. – and beyond – bring student-built all-terrain vehicles to Penn College’s Heavy Equipment Operations Training Site for mud-flinging fun.

Portrait of an Illustrator

The illustrations of Brian Lutz ’08 have been featured in New York Magazine, Time and Entertainment Weekly. Through Oct. 4, they are featured in an exhibit at The Gallery at Penn College.

Dental Hygiene hails largest group of male grads

Five students who received their degrees on May 10 make up the largest group of men to graduate from the college’s 45-year-old dental hygiene program.

Our People

Class Notes

See what your classmates are up to, and share your story!

Read Class Notes

Photographic Memory

Can you help us identify this group of students making their way across campus? Email magazine@pct.edu or call 570.327.5527.

Archives

In the last Photographic Memory

Many thanks to Michael Dincher for identifying Forestry Club advisers Donald R. Nibert (kneeling in the lower left of the photo), an assistant professor of forestry who retired in 2009 after 40 years of teaching at the college, and Richard W. Rankinen (on right), an associate professor of forestry who retired in 2006 with 37 years of service. Nibert died in 2023.

Printed Issue

Download PDF

Inside Front Cover

Madisen H. Donlin, a baking & pastry arts student from Branchdale, chops herbs on the Culinary Connection Stage at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Faculty and students in Penn College’s hospitality majors have supported Farm Show demonstrations since the early 1990s.

Surgical Technology Lab Niche

Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center, Room W236

Featuring scrubs sinks, mock operating rooms, and plenty of “tools,” the surgical technology lab prepares students for serious work. “Imagine being part of a life-saving mission every day,” says program director Elizabeth S. Gizenski. “It’s a high-pressure, fast-paced environment that demands precision and focus.” Hands-on learning equips students with valuable skills like sterile technique, surgical instrument knowledge, and excellent communication.

A mayo stand is a moveable table used to hold sterile surgical instruments and supplies during procedures. This is the primary workspace for the surgical technologist. Surgical technologists play a vital role on the surgical team.

Students Nicki L. Lauver (left), and Emily E. Pavusek practice a laparoscopic procedure. Lauver, already a certified flight paramedic and licensed practical nurse, chose to explore surgical technology after her youngest son entered a surgical technology program and talked with her about what he was learning. The space – housed in the classroom next door – is equipped with a variety of instrumentation specific to laparoscopic surgery, allowing students to simulate several procedures (in this case, a hysterectomy).

Surgical technologists are at the heart of the action. “You get to witness medical miracles firsthand,” Gizenski says. “From complex organ transplants to minimally invasive procedures, surgical technologists are there to support the team and contribute to patient recovery. It is a career where you can truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

Support Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity

of alumni, corporate partners, employees and friends, the Penn College Foundation administers more than 350 scholarship funds and generates annual awards to more than 600 deserving students.

Make an Impact
Archives

Past Issues

Browse issues from 2002 to present.

Read Past Issues

About Penn College Magazine

Penn College Magazine, the magazine of Pennsylvania College of Technology, is dedicated to sharing the educational development, goals and achievements of students, alumni, faculty and staff with one another and with the greater community.

Subscription Update

Would you like to be added to our mailing list? Need to update your address? Prefer to receive new issues by email?

Submissions

Penn College Magazine, published by Public Relations & Marketing, considers for publication materials submitted by students, alumni, faculty, staff and other individuals.

Share a story idea or Write a letter to the Editor

Contact

Penn College Magazine accepts letters to the editoralumni notes and other information from its readers. We reserve the right to edit or refuse items for publication.

Contact Penn College Magazine or Submit a Class Note