Pennsylvania College of Technology presented "Distinguished Staff" and "Part-Time Teaching Excellence" awards Thursday and honored retirees and the newest members of the college's "Quarter Century Club."
The Distinguished Staff Awards, now in their 11th year, recognize the contributions of Penn College's full-time employees, who are nominated for the honors by their peers. Awards were presented to one employee from each of the college's three staff classifications: APT (Administrative, Professional and Technical); Classified; and Service.
Awards were presented to Jennifer L. Hammond, coordinator of tutoring, APT; Mary Jane Baier, secretary to the School of Business and Computer Technologies, Classified; and Barry L. Loner, custodian-first shift, Service.
Hammond began her employment with the college in 1989 as a part-time tutor of English. From 1992-97, she was a temporary full-time Act 101 instructional specialist. From 1997-2001, she was a temporary full-time Act 101 academic and career specialist. She was temporary full-time coordinator of tutoring from 2001-04, and she has been full-time coordinator of tutoring since July 2004.
Of Hammond, her nominators wrote: "She is a brilliant and gifted employee who takes pride in her supervision of the Tutoring Center.... my admiration of her is boundless." "(She) exhibits integrity, an exceptional attitude and many other commendable traits." "Jennifer's many strengths include her enthusiasm, dependability, willingness to act as a team member and dedication to Penn College." "She works with the college community to help students become active, responsible and successful learners."
Baier began her employment with the college in 1999 as a part-time secretary for the School of Business and Computer Technologies. She became a full-time secretary for the school in 2003, and also served temporarily as full-time secretary to the assistant dean of the school.
Of Baier, her nominators wrote: "She is an extremely motivated and hard-working individual. Mary Jane is that glowing, bubbly and energetic person that greets you each and every day when you enter the Business and Computer Technologies School Office." "Mary Jane has the ability to work in a very busy environment with constant interruptions. She handles questions from both faculty and students in a pleasant and efficient manner." "Mary Jane adds those extra special personal touches to the school office to help make everyone's day more pleasant."
Loner began his employment with the college in 1999 as a part-time/substitute custodian. He became a full-time custodian in June 1999.
Of Loner, his nominators wrote: "Barry possesses a 'can-do' attitude that enables him to accomplish tasks that others deem impossible. He continually demonstrates a positive attitude and is always willing to lend a hand to help a fellow employee." "He shoulders a great deal of responsibility providing a multitude of services that are often overlooked. It is his dedication to doing the job right the first time that makes him respected by his co-workers and supervisor." "Barry is a fine example of what hard work and 'going the extra mile' can do on campus."
A Part-Time Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Arthur V. Campbell, part-time instructor of business administration. Campbell received a bachelor's degree in English from Towson University and has completed additional course work at Dartmouth College and the University of Pennsylvania. He has been employed by the college since 2003. Previously, he was vice president and division executive manager (and one of the founding investors) for Lunaire Limited (now TPS).
Of Campbell's teaching abilities, his student nominators wrote: "Mr. Campbell was probably one of the best teachers I have ever had. He was able to take a subject outside of my major and make me very interested in it." "It was fun to go to his class; he motivates his students to learn." "He was a wonderful teacher, and he taught his subject so that it was interesting and fun."
Quarter Century Club members (honored for 25 years of service to the college) are: Edward J. Bergstrom, carpenter; Dennis L. Dunkleberger, registrar; Perry R. Gotschal, assistant professor of electronics; Elaine J. Lambert, director of college information and community relations; Mary Ann R. Lampman, associate professor of reading; Bonnie M. Powell, secretary to the senior vice president; and Gary A. Rising, electrician.
Retiring Penn College employees who were honored are: Medford F. Barton Jr., assistant professor of automotive technology; Benjamin H. Eldred, assistant professor of heavy construction equipment technology; Judith M. Folmar, financial aid clerk; Virginia L. Jolloff, regular part-time food service worker; James C. McMahon, controller; Florence M. Peterson, toolroom attendant, machine shop; Powell, secretary to the senior vice president; Richard W. Rankinen, associate professor of forestry; Jere R. Rentzel, associate professor of graphic communications; and Richard J. Weilminster, professor of horticulture.