Pennsylvania College of Technology presented its Distinguished Teaching Awards, including the Master Teacher Award, in commencement ceremonies held Saturday, May 13, at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport.
The Master Teacher Award, the highest level of faculty recognition conferred by the College, was bestowed upon Benjamin H. Eldred, of Montoursville, an assistant professor of heavy construction equipment technology in the School of Natural Resources Management.
An Excellence in Teaching Award was received by William H. Schaefer, of Jersey Shore, assistant professor of automotive technology in the School of Transportation Technology.
Eldred, a Penn College alumnus, joined the College in 1973 as an instructor. He has played a key role in the College's association with Caterpillar, which serves as an industry sponsor of a Heavy Construction Equipment Technology associate-degree major.
Of Eldred, a nominator said, "He has the ability to convey material with enthusiasm, clarity and a great deal of self-confidence."
Other comments from Eldred's nominating documentation included: "He has a very unique and interesting way of making students understand and want to keep learning about what it takes to get ahead in the business of heavy equipment," and, "He has been a leader in his department, working with the advisory committee to maintain a quality curriculum."
Schaefer has been with Penn College since 1988. He earned two credentials from the College: a certificate in 1975 and an associate's degree in 1994. He has additional education and training through industry programs and has served as liaison between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and the College's Toyota Toyota-Technical Education Network program in Automotive Technology.
Some comments from his nominating documentation:
"He is always ready to help students solve any automotive or academic problem they have." Also: "The students relate to him and cannot get enough of his presence."
A colleague said of Schaefer, "He is one of the best technicians and best automotive instructors I have ever met."
Since 1982, 56 Distinguished Teaching Awards have been presented at the College. Thirty-nine of those honored continue to teach at Penn College.