The first five graduates of Pennsylvania College of Technology's diesel technology/Mack emphasis major recently were honored by Mack Trucks, Inc. at its headquarters in Allentown.
Penn College and Mack launched the diesel technology/Mack emphasis major in the fall of 1997. It is the only degree program of its kind in the nation involving an integrated heavy-duty truck manufacturer and an accredited college.
The Mack graduates honored were: James Flohr, Dover; James Farleigh, Hazleton; Gregory Moser, Watsontown; Matt Schepp, Stonington, Conn.; and Eric Schenck, Bloomsburg.
At the awards ceremony in Allentown, each received a $2,500 Snap-On gift certificate and Mack Trucks jacket. Flohr was honored for achieving the highest grade point average and will have his name engraved on a plaque to be displayed at the College.
The students completed summer internships at sponsoring dealerships. Flohr was sponsored by York Truck Center, York; Farleigh, Moser and Schenck were sponsored by Susquehanna Motor Co., West Milton, and Schepp's sponsoring dealer was Ballard Mack Sales & Service, Worcester, Mass.
The association between Mack and Penn College provides students with "real world" experience to prepare them for careers in the diesel field. In addition to the paid work and learning experiences, the students received assistance with their educational expenses, exposure to the latest in diesel and vehicle technology, certification in five areas of Mack specialization, paid Automotive Service Excellence test registration fees, and employment upon graduation.
Mack developed the specialized major with Penn College in order to stem what the company sees as a severe shortage of qualified diesel technicians.