An alumnus whose name is a familiar sight on highways from New York to Illinois to North Carolina made his first visit to the college this week since graduating 42 years ago.
Mike Ward, who graduated from Williamsport Technical Institute's Diesel Technician program in 1963, recently retired as executive vice president of the Altoona-based Ward Trucking Corp. Ward Trucking is a family-owned business that was started in 1931 by Mike's father, William W., with one truck and two employees. Today, Ward Trucking has a 10-state service area, with more than 1,100 employees, a fleet of over 500 power units and 19 service centers.
Ward toured Penn College's Diesel Technology facilities at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center with Wayne R. Longbrake, dean of natural resources management, Barry R. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement, and Debbie M. Miller, director of corporate relations. After lunch at the College's Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, the group toured facilities on the College's main campus, including the College Avenue Labs. Accompanying Ward was Denny Moughemer, director of fleet/facility/purchasing for Ward Trucking.
Mike Ward said he was very impressed with what he found after 42 years away from the campus. He noted that, while there are some familiar sights, most of the buildings in which he had classes are now gone.
Although this is his first trip back since graduating, Mike Ward has been very supportive of the college and its programs, especially the Diesel Technology program. Last fall, Ward Trucking Corp. donated to the college an International diesel engine, and , earlier this year, the company donated five transmissions to the College.
For more information about Ward Trucking Corp., visitits Web site .