Landscape Student Chosen as Ambassador for National Conference

The president of Pennsylvania College of Technology's Horticulture Club served as a student ambassador at the recent Green Industry Conference in Louisville, Ky.

Jeremy L. Thorne, of Sugarloaf, majoring in landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis in the college's School of Natural Resources Management, was one of eight students chosen nationwide for the Oct. 26-29 event.

"Jeremy exhibits the enthusiasm and drive that make him stand out as a leader in his class," said Carl J. Bower Jr., the Penn College horticulture instructor who nominated Thorne as an ambassador. "His interest and willingness to do what it takes to be successful are apparent as a student and in the field."

Ambassadors assisted Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) staff by introducing speakers in the educational sessions, helping members with registration, participating in a trade show and a variety of other duties. The students also are placed in direct contact with the industry leaders who will seek out candidates for future employment opportunities.

"Meeting and talking to industry professionals gave me great direction for my future in this industry," Thorne wrote about his experience. "The willingness of the PLANET members to network and share their ideas with me as a student really showed that the green industry is about growing and being successful as a whole group, not just an individual."

He said his ambassador duties built his leadership and communication skills a vital part of the industry and gave him access to future employers who assured him that jobs await across the country.

Thorne's most important takeaway from the week was a fitting one, given the nature of his chosen career field: "If you want something, go get it, because it's time to grow."

Penn College's two-year landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis major is accredited by PLANET, which comprises more than 3,700 member companies and affiliates. Those businesses' employees from lawn-care professionals to golf-course superintendents amount to more than 100,000 green industry jobs.

For more about the School of Natural Resources Management, visitonline or call 570-320-8038.

For information about Penn College, visit online, email or call toll-free 800-367-9222.