Ten Presidential, Penn College Scholars Chosen for 2005-06

Seven students enrolled for the Fall 2005 semester at Pennsylvania College of Technology have been honored as "Presidential Scholars" for academic excellence and service to their respective schools and communities.

In addition, three adults who are returning to the classroom have been selected as "Penn College Scholars" for their achievements.

During a dinner at Penn College's Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, the newest scholars were welcomed and presented with gifts by President Davie Jane Gilmour and other college representatives. The students each of whom also receives a $2,500 annual scholarship all will serve as Student Ambassadors, representing Penn College in a variety of on- and off-campus outreach activities throughout the coming academic year.

The incoming Presidential Scholars, their academic majors and their initial perceptions of Penn College are:

Seven students enrolled for the Fall 2005 semester at Pennsylvania College of Technology have been honored as "Presidential Scholars" for academic excellence and service to their respective schools and communities.

In addition, three adults who are returning to the classroom have been selected as "Penn College Scholars" for their achievements.

During a dinner at Penn College's Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, the newest scholars were welcomed and presented with gifts by President Davie Jane Gilmour and other college representatives. The students each of whom also receives a $2,500 annual scholarship all will serve as Student Ambassadors, representing Penn College in a variety of on- and off-campus outreach activities throughout the coming academic year.

The incoming Presidential Scholars, their academic majors and their initial perceptions of Penn College are:

Erin E. Brown, culinary arts and systems Central Mountain High School, Mill Hall

An officer in both the French and Spanish clubs, Brown also was a volunteer for the Susque-View Home, the Lock Haven YMCA and the American Cancer Society.

"I live relatively close, the classes are small, the campus is great ... I have no doubts about my college career. The college cares about its students by way of placement testing, constant contact, orientations, advisement meetings and so on. Penn College is the perfect place for me to learn, hands-on, the skills that I will be expected to have in the culinary field."

Lacey M. Daubert, accounting Pine Grove Area High School, Pine Grove

Daubert was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and the Future Business Leaders of America. Among her other activities, she was a member and officer of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, a drill-team commander, and she aided the "Troop Fan Mail" effort to send holiday cards to servicemen and servicewomen.

"Penn College's learning and teaching techniques are compatible with my own . . . (and) the housing is a dream come true. Choosing a place to live for four years and to earn a degree in accounting is a hard task to tackle, but I am confident I have chosen the right college that will benefit me in the long haul to success."

Micah A. Metzel, diesel technology Dallastown Area High School

Metzel's resume includes awards from the Boy Scouts of America, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion. He also was a member of the National Honor Society, concert choir, musical stage crew and swim team, and he was a Red Cross youth volunteer and mentor.

"The knowledge of the instructors, the facilities and the campus all impress me. As a self-proclaimed 'computer geek,' Penn College's computer friendliness and accessibility are quite impressive. The quality of the facilities dedicated to diesel technology and related majors also continue to astound me."

David M. Moseley, automotive technology Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal, Va.

Moseley was a member of Air Force JROTC, the lacrosse team, band and his school's yearbook club, and he participated in the Walk for Diabetes.

"The main reason I chose to go to Penn College is because of its incredible course offerings. You can take anything from culinary arts to auto-body repair and degrees from two years to four years. The campus is immaculate...the facilities took my breath away. In my mind, there was no other choice than Penn College."

Benjamin W. Thompson, aviation maintenance technology Penn Manor High School, Millersville

Thompson's civic contributions include stints as a food-drive volunteer, cleanup activities along roadsides and hiking trails, Eagle Scout community service projects and serving Thanksgiving dinner to Lancaster County's underprivileged.

"I spent months looking for schools that provided the best education for the best value; I also was looking for a school that could provide the ability to get a job rather quickly after college. I took the initiative to ask people working at the local airport to find out what, if any, reaction I would get by mentioning a degree from Penn College. All of the mechanics recognized the high quality of that degree."

Brian D. Walton, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology Downingtown High School West Campus

An active member and certified lay speaker at his church, Walton also was a student ambassador to Spain, a member of his high school football team, a Kiddy Camp volunteer, a peer-mediation counselor, a recipient of the Freshman Pride Award, and a nursing-home volunteer.

"The low number of students per class will encourage me to learn at a faster pace because the lessons will feel more personal. Penn College offers much financial aid and is more than willing to help those who are serious about attending. This college demands excellence and I would never give anything less. (It) will make me step outside my little world and into a new world of large challenges. I have faith that Penn College will help me succeed."

Monika L. Weader, business administration-management Montoursville Area High School, Montoursville

A member of the National Honor Society, Weader also took part in choir, band, Key Club, Spanish Club, Theatre Arts Club and church bell choir.

"Finding a student-centered learning environment was important to me. Penn College has the right combination of academic study and hands-on experience that will truly allow me to get the best education available. The quality of the business program, the caring attitude toward students and the many opportunities on campus are some of the many reasons I chose Penn College."

Penn College Scholars for 2005-06:

John J. Curry, manufacturing engineering technology Washington, D.C.

"I believe that Penn College is the place that will help me reach my professional goal. The technology of the fabrication shop is rapidly changing, and I need to stay on the cutting edge of the profession. Penn College balances the latest innovations in computer-automated technology with the traditional hands-on methods: a program that suits my needs."

Christopher J. Munoz, nursing Bellefonte

"I understand how important it is to not only learn from committed, proficient instructors, but to be surrounded by intelligent, enthusiastic peers. Penn College provides just that, and in smaller classes, which greatly enhances my learning. Their caring faculty and staff and intellectually accomplished student body ensure that hardworking, dedicated students can achieve an ideal education and become appropriately prepared for the real world."

Albert C. Campbell, forest technology Williamsport (not present)

"I am aware of the hard work and dedication needed to reach my goals. However, I have a driving factor that many others do not have: my children. I want this for them, our future security as a family. I want this for me, so I can look into their eyes and know they are proud of me. I want college to be a possibility for them, as well, and this is the first step in making all of it happen."