Eight incoming freshmen at Pennsylvania College of Technology have been chosen to receive Presidential Scholarships, an honor awarded for academic excellence and service to school and community.
The Presidential Scholars, who were among the top students at their respective high schools, each will receive a $2,500 scholarship for the 2000-01 academic year. Presidential Scholars also are given the opportunity to work on special projects, such as the Student Ambassador Program at Penn College.
At a recent dinner at Le Jeune Chef Restaurant on the main campus, Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour and other administrators welcomed the 2000 Presidential Scholars and their parents or guests.
The 2000 Presidential Scholars are:
William C. Brownlee, Stoneboro: Brownlee, a graduate of Lakeview Senior High School, has enrolled in the bachelor of science Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology major. His honors and activities include: Honor Roll, VICA (Placed first in class at competition), 4-H Swine Club, church youth group, participant in a mission program to Lancaster, works on the family farm, wrestling and football.
Of his college choice, Brownlee offered: "Realizing how important a good education is for my future, I was very cautious about deciding what college to attend. After previewing a few other schools, it was obvious that Pennsylvania College of Technology was my best option. As I started looking into Penn College, I found that, just as I had been told, it's highly respected among colleges in Pennsylvania. Visiting the campus, I was surprised by the serious, yet friendly, atmosphere. From what I saw, the campus and housing facilities were extremely appealing. By the end of the day, my family and I were convinced that Penn College is the school for me."
David V. Buss, McSherrystown: Buss, a graduate of Delone Catholic High School, has enrolled in the bachelor of science Computer-Aided Product Design major. His honors and activities include: Honor Roll, top 10 percent of freshman class, highest average in computer applications (1999), Cards, Chess & Checkers Club, Puzzles & Logic Club, Computer Club, Basic Electricity Club, assisted fellow students in drafting classes, typed notes and worksheets for teachers, church youth group, played guitar in church, retreat support staff, volunteered at Brethren Service Center and volunteered in distributing voter-education guides.
"I had heard great things about Penn College, but when I visited, I was very impressed right away," Buss said. "I liked the high-tech atmosphere, and the campus was big enough but not too big. I was amazed at the advanced technology labs. The faculty explaining the Computer-Aided Product Design program convinced me this degree was what I really wanted and that Penn College was the place to achieve it. Upon leaving the campus, I felt good about what I had seen and learned. I was excited and felt comfortable that this was where I would feel at home."
Brooke F. Dewalt, Herndon: Dewalt, a graduate of Line Mountain High School, has enrolled in the associate of applied science Pre-Dental Hygiene major. Her honors and activities include: National Honor Society (secretary), Distinguished Honor Roll, Class Secretary, National Science Merit winner, All-American Scholar, Big Brother Big Sisters of America program, Future Business Leaders of America, chorus, yearbook staff, Conservation Club, Prom Committee and field hockey.
"Within the last two years, I was faced with the most important decision of my life: 'What do I want to do with my life after high school?'" Dewalt said. "I began looking into private colleges, but was astonished by the prices. When I discovered Penn College's costs, I was surprised finally, a good school with reasonable tuition. Since I was interested in dental hygiene, I turned to my dentist for guidance. At his office, I spoke with two hygienists who graduated from Penn College. Both were highly complimentary of the school. Without a doubt, Penn College proved to be the best college choice for me.
Matthew D. Horn, Catawissa: Horn, a graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School, has enrolled in the bachelor of science Data Communication & Networking major. His honors and activities include: National Honor Society, Who's Who Among American High School Students, U.S. Achievement Academy's National Honor Roll, Building Leaders for the Susquehanna Valley, Computer Technology Team, Ski Club, varsity basketball, varsity track and field, cross country (co-captain) and acolyte and member of Ash Grove United Methodist Church.
"Pennsylvania College of Technology is an outstanding institute with a highly regarded reputation," he said. "It is here that I believe I will be truly challenged so as to attain the pinnacle of my academic potential. The quality education I know I can pursue at Penn College will allow me to reach my personal goal of outstanding career success. While attending Open House last spring, the beautiful College campus left a lasting impression upon me. The strong reputation, the demanding course offerings and the perfect suburban setting with its comfortable atmosphere made me realize this is where I want to study."
Scott M. Jacobs, Enola: Jacobs, a graduate of East Pennsboro Area High School, has enrolled in the associate of applied science Toolmaking Technology major. His honors and activities include: National Honor Society, Student of the Quarter in auto mechanics at Cumberland Perry AVTS, varsity soccer (co-captain), Mid-Penn Second Team All-Star (1998-99) and Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Soccer All-Star Team (1999).
"I chose to attend Penn College for several reasons," Jacobs said. "I was first intrigued by the curriculum. It was exactly what I was looking for in a college education. The classes were well-balanced between the shop and the classroom, providing hands-on experience in addition to theory. I was also influenced by the various extracurricular activities that Penn College offered. Several friends have previously attended Penn College, and I have heard nothing but good things about the school. I've been told firsthand about the excellent quality of education and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the instructors."
Erin K. Laub, Lewistown: Laub, a graduate of Lewistown Area High School, has enrolled in the associate of applied science Physical Fitness Specialist major. Her honors and activities include: National Honor Society, Student Council, Student of the Month (February 2000), Biology Club, Ski Club, varsity softball, varsity volleyball (captain), Panther Pride Award and volunteer driver for Home Delivered Meals.
"As an honors student throughout high school, I was expected to attend a four-year college," Laub said. "After I studied the statistics, I noticed that, contrary to popular belief, a high percentage of available jobs were not for students who attended colleges or universities. In fact, many of the better jobs were open to students who earned degrees from technical schools. Pennsylvania College of Technology had several programs that appealed to me. Most appealing was a new major called 'Physical Fitness Specialist.' Considering my developing interest in fitness and athletics, this two-year program was perfect for me."
Kristen M. Leidy, State College: Leidy, a graduate of State College Area High School, has enrolled in the associate of applied science Architectural Technology major. Her honors and activities include: High Honor Roll, Honor Roll, Mathematics Award (1998), Technology Education Award (1998), Power of the Paws Award, All-Night Volleyball for the Leukemia Society, Pioneer Basketball League (coach for fifth and sixth grades), Awana helper for church program, participant in mission programs in Mexico and New York City, softball and track.
"In making one of the most important decisions in my life up to this point, there were many factors that led me to Pennsylvania College of Technology," Leidy said. "First and foremost is the fact that it is the best fit for my field of interest in Architectural Technology. I was impressed with not only the College's program in that field, but also with the very high career-placement results of graduates. I was also impressed with the facilities, including classrooms, equipment, student activities and the housing. I feel that Penn College gives me the greatest chance for success in my field of study."
Jesse R. Viani, Dillsburg: Viani, a graduate of Northern Senior High School, has enrolled in the bachelor of science Data Communication & Networking major. His honors and activities include: Honor Roll, Future Business Leaders of America (reporter), DECA (secretary), National Physical Fitness Award, 1998-99 Outstanding Performance Award, volunteer editor for high school Web page committee, Cisco Networking Academy Self-Study and volunteer at a local community center (organized Christmas party).
"The decision to attend Penn College was an easy one for me," Viani said. "This institution has the resources, staff and curriculum to help me meet my educational goals. My chosen career demands a great deal of industry knowledge as well as classroom theory. Penn College is experienced enough to know this and applies it to their curriculum. The state-of-the-art equipment and inspirational staff have weighed significantly in my decision-making process. Small class sizes and a low faculty-to-student ratio guarantee that assistance will be there."