College Honors Distinguished Staff, Part-Time Faculty Member

Pennsylvania College of Technology recently presented its Distinguished Staff Awards and a Part-Time Teaching Excellence Award, while also honoring retirees and the newest members of the College's "Quarter Century Club."

The honors were bestowed Thursday, May 17, in ceremonies at Penn's Inn in the Alvin C. Bush Campus Center at Penn College.

The Distinguished Staff Awards, now in their sixth year, recognize the contributions of Penn College's full-time employees, who are nominated by their peers. Awards were presented to one employee each from the College's three staff classifications: Administrative, Professional and Technical; Classified; and Service.

For the APT classification, the 2001 Distinguished Staff award was presented to Steven P. Jacobson of Williamsport, director of residence life since July 1996.

One nominator wrote of Jacobson: "He is a superb example of complete professionalism and dedication.... He is an example of what every young professional should aspire to be. He is simply the best our profession and our College has to offer."

Another nominator wrote: "I believe that very few people on this campus have done a better job or made a more positive impact at Penn College over the last few years than Steve Jacobson. In just over four years, he has taken a college with no on-campus housing to one with a comprehensive and nationally respected residence life program."

This year's Distinguished Staff award for a Classified employee went to Kristy L. Gordon of South Williamsport, secretary to the assistant dean of the School of Business and Computer Technologies. Gordon began at the College in various part-time capacities in 1990 and became full-time that August as the secretary for Support Services for Disadvantaged Students. She transferred to her current position in 1993.

One nominator wrote of Gordon: "Her performance in the School (of Business and Computer Technologies) office has been consistently outstanding in every respect. She is a highly intelligent and creative individual who is self-motivated to work hard and do well. She sets very high standards for herself and then always insures that they are met or exceeded."

Another nominator wrote, "Her education, knowledge, communication skills, personal/professional demeanor and concern for others are obvious in her job performance and are an asset not only to Business and Computer Technologies, but to the College as a whole."

The 2001 Distinguished Staff award winner in the Service classification was Donald J. Luke of Williamsport, facility assistant/lead person for General Services. Luke started working as a custodian in September 1990 before being promoted to his current position.

One nominator wrote of Luke: "I don't think you can find a person on this campus that Don hasn't helped directly. It is commonly known that if you need something done right, Don will make sure it is. I truly do not believe that there is anyone on our campus that is more deserving of this recognition, so it is my sincere pleasure to nominate Don Luke for this special award."

Another nominator wrote: "When various work orders are completed expeditiously and cheerfully, it's usually because of Don's planning and leadership. When one of the College's many special events are flawlessly executed, with set-ups, staff coverage and cleanup all anticipated and provided for, it's due to Don Luke's planning and leadership."

The Part-time Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Barbie D. Hoover of South Williamsport, an instructor of nursing/practical nursing, who started at Penn College in September 1999. Hoover, a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing from Lycoming College, also works for Susquehanna Health System as a staff nurse in the Cardiopulmonary Step Down Unit at Williamsport Hospital. She has worked in various capacities with Susquehanna Health System since 1982.

Some nominating comments for Hoover were: "Barbie demonstrates infectious enthusiasm, which the students easily respond to and then demonstrate themselves." ... "Students consistently rate Barbie as 'one of the best instructors I have ever had.' ... "Barbie exudes a contagious excitment, not only for immediate learning, but for continued, lifelong improvement."

Faculty members honored for 25 years of service to Penn College and its predecessor, the Williamsport Area Community College, were: Scott B. Appleman, heavy construction equipment technology; Elizabeth A. Dahlgren, business administration; and Glenn F. Kline, diesel technology.

APT staff members honored for 25 years of service were: Diana L. Kuhns, acting dean for integrated studies; Linda M. McFadden, assistant bursar; and Donald O. Praster, assistant dean for industrial engineering.

Employees who announced their retirement in the 2000-01 academic year were also honored at the ceremonies. They are: Thomas V. Bair, custodian, general services; Dr. Grant M. Berry Jr., vice president for development; Dan C. Emick, heavy construction equipment technology faculty; Sheldon A. Fairfax, shipping/receiving and supplies worker; Frederick T. Gilmour III, director of instructional technology and distance learning; Connie R. Horne, director of the advisement center; Dr. Ralph A. Horne, dean of instructional support/outreach; Weldon W. Michael, counselor/instructor; Barbara J. Osenkarski, surgical technology faculty; Frederick J. Rankinen, civil engineering technology faculty; Dr. Jean E. Roberts, psychology faculty; Paul S. Schriner, welding faculty; Robert W. Stull, electrical technology/occupations faculty; and David W. Varner, chief of police.