Dedication celebrates college’s additive manufacturing center

Pennsylvania College of Technology formally dedicated the Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing July 3 in the College Avenue Labs facility on main campus.

The Soars family has supported Penn College and the Penn College Foundation in a multitude of ways over the years, including scholarships, summer learning experiences for middle school students via the My Tomorrow camp and more.

Jean McMahon Soars, who graduated from Williamsport High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Penn State, “instilled the value of education in her children, encouraging them to never stop learning,” Kyle A. Smith, senior executive director of college relations, told those gathered for the dedication ceremony, adding that she has volunteered her time often throughout the Williamsport community.

“Jean McMahon Soars, thank you for instilling the value and importance of education within your family, ultimately inspiring them to make a gift in your honor – an investment that will create new opportunity for students to discover their greater potential,” Smith said. “The Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing will warmly welcome the next generation of workforce leaders.”

“We are honored and extremely grateful for the Soars family’s support of our students,” added Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies. “We take great pride in our applied technology educational strategy, and your investment brings our collective visions to life. Our students come to campus with passion and drive, and it is up to us to fuel their innovative spirit. Your commitment is helping us do just that. Because of you, we now have a new space that supports technologically advanced additive manufacturing processes.”

Additive manufacturing uses CAD software to direct material, layer upon layer, to create intricate shapes, Webb explained. The process of adding material provides the perfect complement to traditional reductive manufacturing methods, in which objects are created by removing material.

“This is a powerful combination for our academic portfolio and the students who will use this enhanced laboratory,” Webb said. “Students will be exposed to the various possibilities of additive manufacturing earlier in their academic journey. They will learn FDM (fused deposition modeling), including experiencing FDM with fiber reinforcement, selective laser sintering, PolyJet and stereolithography.

“They will have a collaborative space to design, dream and do. They will have the opportunity to refine their skills through trial and error. They will learn what looks good in 3D print isn’t always the best option – or easy to manufacture. They will innovate things that we only dream of today, and they will become better problem-solvers and communicators. And, because they have the theory and hands-on expertise, they will be highly sought by industry.”

“We firmly believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much,” said Blair D. Soars, Jean McMahon Soars’ son, president/CEO of Pneu-Dart Inc. and a member of the Penn College Foundation Board. “This is just one way to honor a woman who has inspired us most.”

Attendees for the dedication ceremony watched a slide show and then toured the facility to see firsthand the manufacturing processes it will support.

Visit the School of Engineering Technologies for more information on manufacturing engineering technology and other programs.

For more about Penn College, a special mission affiliate of Penn State and a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.