Synthes, a global medical-device company that has supported Pennsylvania College of Technology by donating instructional equipment and hiring numerous graduates of its automated manufacturing and machining program, is the 2010 recipient of the college's Mentorship Award.
Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour presented the award to Mike Sticklin, human resources manager for Synthes' Brandywine manufacturing facility, duringSaturday's Summer Commencement ceremony held at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.
The Mentorship Award is given annually to alumni or businesses making significant or ongoing contributions to the education and development of students through mentoring opportunities and professional guidance.
Synthes has been a key supporter of the college and its automated manufacturing and machining program for many years, hiring 19 graduates, 17 of which are still employed at the company's five U.S.-based plants. The positions held by the Penn College alumni range from machinist to manufacturing engineer to supervisor to product-development engineer. The company has provided internship opportunities to more than 25 Penn College students or alumni, including several this summer.
In addition, Synthes has donated more than $200,000 worth of tooling and equipment, helping the college contain costs and ensuring that the automated manufacturing and machining program offers the most up-to-date instructional facilities for students.
Sticklin serves as a member of the college's Automated Manufacturing/Machining Advisory Committee, providing valuable insight regarding industry needs and curriculum issues.
Synthes also played a major role in the Advanced Manufacturing episode of the college's "degrees that work." series on public television, which earned a Bronze Telly Award for its depiction of the growing need for skilled manufacturing technicians.
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