A family known for its popular businesses in downtown Williamsport will be providing financial-aid support for students in Pennsylvania College of Technology's School of Hospitality.Siblings Maria, Fred and Francis Daniele have established the Daniele Family Scholarship Fund at Penn College. The endowed fund will be a permanent source of scholarship awards for students.
First preference for the awards from the Daniele Family Scholarship Fund will be for full-time students who have completed at least two semesters in Penn College's associate-degree majors in culinary arts technology or baking and pastry arts, and who have a home residence in Lycoming, Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga or Union counties. Secondary preference goes to students in the college's hospitality management associate-degree major.
The Danieles operate Joanna's Italian Bakery and Specialties and Franco's Lounge in Williamsport. The businesses are named for their parents, Joanna and Franco Daniele.Proceeds from the voting for the Franco's Lounge nominee for Williamsport's 2009 Mardi Gras King/Queen Penn College hospitality management student Lauren L. DiMassimo, of Williamsport will benefit the Daniele Family Scholarship Fund.
"We are extremely grateful to the Daniele family for endeavoring to establish an endowed scholarship that will benefit Penn College students for many years," said Robert C. Dietrich, executive director of the Penn College Foundation. "This will be a tremendous resource for students facing the financial challenge of paying for their education."
Penn College is a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University, committed to applied technology education. With more than 6,500 students enrolled in bachelor-degree, associate-degree and certificate majors, it has the second-highest enrollment in the Penn State system.
Along with the associate degrees in culinary arts technology, baking and pastry arts, and hospitality management, Penn College's School of Hospitality also offers a bachelor's degree in culinary arts and systems, as well as competency credentials in professional baking, professional cooking and dining room service.
For more information about Penn College, visit online, e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.
For more information about making a donation or establishing a scholarship fund to support Penn College and its students, visit on the Web, e-mail or call the Institutional Advancement Office toll free (866) GIVE 2 PC.