Ignited, inspired, committed
Published 02.13.2023
Heard at Penn College’s Presidential Inauguration
Evoking the institution’s rich history and committing to serve as an innovative trailblazer for tomorrow, Pennsylvania College of Technology inaugurated Michael J. Reed as its eighth president on Oct. 21 at the Community Arts Center. Reed assumed his duties on July 1.
The varied regalia of Penn College faculty, as well as that of visiting delegates from other institutions, adds color to the inaugural scene as Nesli Alp, vice president for academic affairs and provost, welcomes attendees.
“MJR has shown a relentless nature and spirit to be better: to improve. And that’s a pretty inspirational thing, it’s a pretty infectious thing, and a pretty good model and method for all of us to follow. And if we can collectively commit to embracing that same relentless spirt of getting better, hustling without complaining, the students will benefit all the more for it, and so will we, individually and institutionally.”
John F. Chappo, assistant professor of history/history of technology
Reed receives Penn College’s presidential medallion from his predecessor, President Emeritus Davie Jane Gilmour, and state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the board of directors, in front of about 400 attendees, including faculty and staff, students, alumni, industry partners, his family members, and visiting college and university delegates.
“In business, return on investment is critical to success. I can assure you that Lycoming Engines, along with other industry partners, recognize our return on our investment from our collaborations with Penn College. … Mike, on behalf of the college’s industry partners, I thank you for your vision and commitment to creating the next generation of tomorrow makers. Industry depends on the talent you are creating to help us build our workforces, as well as the products and services we provide to our customers across the globe.”
Shannon L. Massey, senior vice president, Lycoming Engines
Reed hugs his teenage children, Cali and Gavin, after they surprised him by delivering speeches of their own at the ceremony.
“These are especially challenging times in higher education, but with challenges come opportunities. Let me be clear. The next chapter in our institution’s rich history is not about its president: It remains steadfastly focused on students, mission and team. A chapter ignited by our past, inspired by tomorrow and committed to a ‘Future Made by Hand.’ With your invaluable input and support, I look forward to us seizing opportunities and solidifying Pennsylvania College of Technology’s standing as an innovator, trailblazer and national leader in applied technology education.”
Michael J. Reed, president
Giving
A world of opportunity awaits
Thanks to the generosity of alumni, corporate partners, employees and friends, experiences and horizons are expanding for Penn College students. Empower tomorrow’s workforce by making a gift to support Global Experiences, Internships, and Student Competition.
Expanding Horizons – Global Experiences Fund
“Without a doubt, I would encourage any student who has the opportunity to go on a global experience. Life is precious, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and these opportunities do not happen often. … It forces one to see life from a different perspective, from the lens of other people, places, and things, something a person can only gain through a global/traveling experience.”
Colin G. Browne Jr. ’22, human services & restorative justice, who traveled to Alaska as a student in Service Learning in Human Services & Restorative Justice
Encouraging Exploration – Internship Fund
“While I had many exciting experiences and projects, one that stuck out the most was my first solo project. I was given a case involving a murder, and as I started doing my investigations and due diligence, I began to find inconsistencies and a possible defense for our client. This project was the first time I could investigate, provide evidence, develop a strategy, and make a PowerPoint informing the attorney on the case of everything I had found. I fully immersed myself in preparing for a trial’s daily tasks and foundation.”
Ashlee Felix-Taveras ’22, human services & restorative justice, beneficiary of the Internship Fund, on her internship with the Lycoming County Public Defender’s Office
Empowering Competition – Student Competition Fund
“I view leadership not as individuals filling roles left behind, but as driven members of a team recognizing their own talents and where they can be applied. No one on this team leads alone. We are a collective of pillars in our community who bear the weight of our team. As each generation takes over for the last, new pillars are inspired by those before them.”
Dakota Harrison ’22, manufacturing engineering technology, machinist with Flex-Cell Precision Inc., on his experience as part of the college’s successful SAE Baja team
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