Pennsylvania College of Technology presented a Distinguished Alumnus Award to Robert O. Rolley Jr. and an Alumnus Achievement Award to Robert V. Blauser during Spring 2009 Commencement ceremonies held May 15 at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.
The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award is given annually in recognition of personal and professional accomplishments, contributions toward furthering the efforts of the college and the high regard in which the recipient is held in the community.
The Alumnus/Alumna Achievement Award is presented annually to a Penn College graduate from the past 10 years. The award recognizes noteworthy career accomplishments that demonstrate the importance of a Penn College education and honors graduates who continue to support the mission of the college.
Rolley, of Lock Haven, received an associate degree in journalism from Penn College predecessor Williamsport Area Community College in 1983. He is the publisher of The (Lock Haven) Express community newspaper.
Blauser, of Lancaster, received a bachelor's degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology from Penn College in 2000 and an associate degree in welding technology in 1996. He received a Master of Business Administration in general management in 2008 from York College of Pennsylvania. He is employed by Harley-Davison Motor Co., York, as engineering leader.
Rolley began his career in 1981 as a delivery driver for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, where he also completed an internship as a general assignment reporter. After graduation, he became a full-time general assignment reporter at the newspaper. Rolley was appointed associate editor of the Sun-Gazette in 1989, region editor in 1995, news editor in 1998 and executive editor in 2000. He also served as interim publisher of the paper while continuing to serve as publisher of The Express (both publications are owned by Ogden Newspapers).
Rolley is board president of the Woodward Township (Clinton County) Recreation Committee; co-chair of the Clinton County Riverfest recreation fundraiser (1996-present); co-founder and adviser for The Student Express newspaper at Central Mountain High School; board president of Downtown Lock Haven Inc.; a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Lock Haven; a member of the Chamber Committee of the Clinton County Economic Partnership; a board member and secretary for the Keystone Central Foundation (2003-present); and president of the Central Mountain Lady Wildcats Basketball Booster Club. He was president of the former Susquehanna River Association, Williamsport.
In 2004, he received the President's Award for Campus/Community Service from Lock Haven University and the Downtowner of the Year honor from the Downtown Lock Haven Rotary Club.
He is a member of the One College Avenue Advisory Committee at Penn College, which provides input for the publication of the college magazine.
Rolley and his wife Pam, the food service director for the Keystone Central School District since 1988, have a daughter, Katelyn.
Before working for Harley-Davidson, Blauser held several positions as a senior welding engineer, weld specialist, welder/fitter, reinforcement iron welder, maintenance welder and general laborer.
His professional affiliations include the American Welding Society, American Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the American Society of Nondestructive Testing.
His awards and recognitions include: Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Quality Recognition Award, 2005; the Penn College Welding Faculty Award-Philosophy of Excellence, 2000; Dana Corp., Quality Recognition Award, 1997; AWS Student Chapter Award for Leadership and Dedication, 1996; and first place, AWS welding contest, 1995.
Blauser serves on the Welding Advisory Committee at Penn College.
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