Construction Students Receive $4,000 in Additional Donations

The West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association delivered two substantial gifts for Pennsylvania College of Technology construction students at its holiday banquet this week: donations totaling $4,000 to help defray the costs of competing at January's International Builders' Show in Florida.

During a dinner meeting at the Genetti Hotel and Convention Center in downtown Williamsport, outgoing group president (and 1998 Penn College carpentry graduate) Steven S. Sechrist, of Sechrist Construction in Cogan Station, presented a $3,000 check to the college from the National Association of Home Builders.

He was accompanied by Melody Harrison, of Harrison Construction in Cogan Station, who added $1,000 from the WBSBA Women's Council.

"I see news articles almost every day about the shortages of skilled construction people and the lack of young people entering the field. You have taken up the task of doing something about it, and I congratulate you on your amazing continued efforts supporting our students, serving as models of professionalism and examples of the wonderful, caring people that are a very important part of our community," said Tom F. Gregory, dean of construction and design technologies.

"On behalf of Penn College and the School of Construction and Design, I sincerely thank you for your generosity and the continued support of construction education."

The $3,000, awarded as part of $211,400 in NAHB grants nationwide, matches an identical amount contributed by WBSBA in September. The money will assist members of the Penn College Construction Association who will compete during the 2006 International Home Builders Show at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center in mid-January.

A group of two-year construction students claimed its second consecutive first-place finish at this year's show and were the subject of an episode of "Penn College & You," the college's public affairs television show, that premiered in April. Another two-year team, as well as a group of students in the four-year program, will compete during next month's event.

"Since its inception, NAHB has supported construction education by reaching out to students across the country," an association representative explained. "Building upon the proud history of the NAHB Past Presidents Scholarship Fund, NAHB, the National Housing Endowment and the Home Builders Institute will continue to find avenues to educate students on the many opportunities a career in construction offers."

For more information about majors in the School of Construction and Design Technologies, call (570) 327-4518, send e-mail or visit the school's Web site .