Allison Invests Another $5,000 in Penn College Diesel Students

A world leader in the design, manufacture and sale of automatic transmissions has reinforced its commitment to Pennsylvania College of Technology, delivering another donation in support of diesel-technology education and faculty training.

Representatives of Allison Transmission, Division of General Motors, and Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison recently visited the School of Natural Resources Management at Penn College's Earth Science Center to present the $5,000 check. This year's contribution brings to $37,500 the total amount that Allison has made in support of the diesel curriculum since 2000.

"Allison Transmission and Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison have assisted us in updating the Diesel Technology curriculum with the appropriate equipment, special tools and certifying of faculty to address the growing popular choice of Allison transmissions in on-highway heavy-duty trucks," said Dr. Wayne R. Longbrake, dean of Natural Resources Management. "We are proud to partner with (them) to be a leading provider of certified technicians of Allison transmissions."

An Allison official said the company's investment gives Penn College graduates the edge in a competitive job market and reduces training costs for the franchised dealers that hire them.

"I don't know of any technical school that can match what Penn College is doing," said Tom Pratt, territory manager-Allison Transmissions for Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison. "We're very pleased that our affiliation helps make students a more valuable commodity, and gives Allison a reliable source of certified technicians."

With more and more Allison transmissions in circulation 350,000 will be delivered to the worldwide marketplace in this year alone, Pratt said comes heightened demand for dependable technicians. The company's recognition of Penn College's program means diesel graduates already are certified in servicing Allison Transmissions, he explained, saving dealers the time and money of additional instruction.

Joining Pratt in making the presentation were Patricia S. Wheeler, sales account manager, eastern region, for Allison Transmission; and Dennis J. Dolan, vice president of engine and transmission sales for Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison.

Accepting on behalf of the College were Longbrake; Debra Mader Miller, director of corporate relations for the Office of Institutional Advancement; and Mark E. Sones, instructor of diesel equipment technology.

For more information about the Diesel Technology Program at Penn College, call the School of Natural Resources Management at (570) 320-8038, or visit on the Web.