'Groff Day' reintroduces diesel students to growing corporate partner

Published 02.09.2023

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During her presentation with Bucha (standing at left), O'Donnell-White details Groff's various locations, a footprint that grew larger with the recent acquisition of Plasterer Equipment and its network of John Deere dealerships.O'Donnell-White and Bucha aided students' career readiness through an enhanced Jenga competition, in which potential job-interview questions were written on game pieces.

Wednesday was "Groff Day" at Penn College's Schneebeli Earth Science Center, where about 50 diesel technology students benefited from three learning sessions – along with enjoying a pizza lunch and a slew of giveaways. The day was made possible by Groff Tractor & Equipment, which sent four employees to the Allenwood-area campus to meet with students in advance of this month's Career Fair.

David Coakley, a field service technician and Penn College alumnus, expertly delivered instruction in schematics; Kyle Sarvis, a machine control specialist, taught an informative session on communication among components; and Samantha O'Donnell-White, director of human resources, and Lance Bucha, operations manager, provided corporate background and helpful interview tips.

Follow-up meetings were conducted with interested students; Groff, one of the college's valued Corporate Tomorrow Makers, will also visit main campus on Feb. 28 for the Spring Career Fair.

Diesel students lean in for Sarvis' talk on machine integration.Coakley, a December 2006 graduate of Penn College's heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis major, drew rave reviews for his knowledgeable demo.