College Presents 'Master Teacher' Award to Chef Paul Mach

The Master Teacher Award, the highest honor accorded to a Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty member, was presented Saturday to Chef Paul E. Mach, an assistant professor in the School of Hospitality and co-host of the College's award-winning PBS cooking series "You're the Chef."

Mach, who joined the Penn College faculty in 1992, received the award during Summer Commencement ceremonies at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.

Mach has earned associate's degrees from the Culinary Institute of America and Erie Community College and a bachelor's degree from Empire State College of the State University of New York.

Students and faculty colleagues who submitted nominations offered these comments about Mach, an assistant professor of food and hospitality management/culinary arts:

"He is a whirling dervish in class, able to interact on multiple levels with multiple students."

"His commitment to high standards is without question, and it shows as he presents himself to his students."

"He establishes unique and motivating real-life experiences for his students."

Each May at commencement, Penn College recognizes the outstanding work of faculty through the Distinguished Teaching Awards. Since the inception of the program, 61 Penn College faculty members have been honored for their excellence in the classroom.

Mach was unable to attend the May ceremonies due to a conflicting professional obligation.