Building a great reputation for their college, Pennsylvania College of Technology construction students traveled to Dallas recently to compete at the 1999 International Builders' Show. The team of six students placed fourth, capturing the competition's sole "honorable mention."
Representing Penn College were: Jarod Ambrosino, Kingston; Beth Davis, Hughesville; Scott Romberger, Carlisle; Joseph Rybnick III, Blakely; Jeremy Anderson, Punxsutawney, and Oliver Wise, Camp Hill. All are enrolled in Penn College's building construction technology associate degree major except for Wise who is enrolled in the construction management bachelor degree major.
The students are members of the Penn College Construction Association, the College's student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders. In addition to College sponsorship, the student group received private donations from Leonard Block Co., Jersey Shore; Karaffa Construction Inc., Cogan Station, and Susquehanna Supply Co., Williamsport, to support their trip.
Richard Druckenmiller, instructor, building construction technology, accompanied the students on the educational outing. While there, the Penn College entourage also attended the International Builders' Show 55th Annual Convention & Exposition at the Dallas Convention Center.
Sponsored by the student chapters program of the NAHB, the show's competition is designed to test the knowledge students have regarding construction and management of home building projects. Prior to the contest, teams were provided with details of a real-life residential construction project and given two to three weeks to prepare a proposal. The teams used advanced computer presentation software and other high-tech displays to bring to life their proposals for managing a home building project. Judges evaluated each entry for accuracy, clarity of purpose, advanced knowledge of construction management techniques and the level of professionalism. Teams from across the country competed at two-year and four-year degree levels; the Penn College students competed in the two-year category.