David W. Conklin of Montoursville has been chosen as Pennsylvania College of Technology's "Outstanding Alumnus" for 2001.
Conklin received the award, which is presented by the Penn College Foundation and the Alumni Association, during commencement ceremonies held Saturday, May 19, at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.
Conklin is the president of C&I Boiler Repair Co. in Montoursville. He enrolled in the mechanical drafting course at Williamsport Technical Institute, a Penn College predecessor, in 1963. He graduated in 1965, after the institution became known as Williamsport Area Community College. He also completed courses in mechanical engineering from the International Correspondence School in 1965-68.
From 1963-66, Conklin worked for E. Keeler Boiler Manufacturing Co. as a mechanical draftsman. He was a mechanical draftsman for Avco Lycoming Aviation from 1966-68. From 1968-77, Conklin was employed by L&L Boiler Maintenance as a mechanical draftsman, field engineer and estimator. He started C&I Boiler Repair Co. on July 11, 1977, with just three employees. Today, the company employs 50 full-time and 100 part-time and temporary workers. The firm is a mechanical contractor specializing in the repair of co-generation boilers and mechanical equipment at facilities throughout the Northeast.
Conklin's memberships include the West Branch Manufacuturers Association; The Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce; the Masonic Order, Lodge 397; and Zafar Grotto. He is a 33rd-degree Mason. He also sponsors four members from area high school and college golf teams in Penn College's annual Spring Golf Classic.
Charities he has supported include the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, the Penn College Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He also has sponsored two Romanian immigrants through Tressler Lutheran Services.
Conklin is a member of the Church of the Savior Lutheran church, Williamsport.
An avid hunter, fisherman and golfer, Conklin is a member of the National Turkey Federation, The Mill Run Fishing Preserve, the Mill Hill Hunting Club and the Williamsport Country Club.
Conklin and his wife of 35 years, Judy, have two sons, Jeffrey, 31, and Timothy, 29, and five grandchildren.