Penn College News

Mentorship Award Presented to McClarin Plastics

Saturday, August 4, 2012

McClarin Plastics Inc., a company that has partnered with Pennsylvania College of Technology through its plastics and polymer technology majors and the college’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center, was honored with a Mentorship Award at Saturday’s Summer Commencement ceremony.

The Mentorship Award recognizes alumni or businesses that have made significant or ongoing contributions to the education and development of Penn College students by providing mentorship opportunities and/or professional guidance.

McClarin Plastics, a premier plastics manufacturer based in Hanover, provides large thermoplastic and fiberglass-reinforced plastic components, serving customers throughout the United States, as well as five other countries.



Todd R. Kennedy, president of McClarin Plastics, accepts the Mentorship Award from Pennsylvania College of Technology President Davie Jane Gilmour.The company has been a significant partner with Penn College for more than a decade, providing ample opportunities for students to work on real-world projects through the PIRC and gain access to industry. The company also provides Penn College students and graduates with opportunities for internships and full-time employment at its facility in Hanover.

McClarin Plastics’ participation on the Plastics and Polymer Technology Advisory Committee at Penn College has helped to enhance curriculum and has provided additional industry connections for students. The company is a strong proponent of the development of the Thermoforming Center of Excellence at the college, which provides additional opportunities for students’ real-world experiences through industry partnerships.

Todd R. Kennedy, president of McClarin Plastics, has supported a number of fundraising and grant-matching initiatives to enable the purchase of new equipment and provide hands-on opportunities for Penn College students. He also serves on the Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology Advisory Committee at the college.

Kennedy encouraged his son, Todd P., to enroll in the college’s plastics and polymer engineering technology baccalaureate major. Since graduating in 2006, Todd P. Kennedy has been an active participant on the Plastics and Polymer Technology Advisory Committee, served as a guest speaker in the classroom and mentored Penn College students.

Roger Kipp, vice president of marketing and engineering with McClarin Plastics, has served on the Plastics Innovation & Resource Center Advisory Committee at the college. As a Society of Plastics Engineers Thermoforming Division board member, Kipp has been instrumental in connecting Penn College students with SPE. The alliance has resulted in increased support for the program and student scholarships.

Todd R. Kennedy accepted the Mentorship Award from Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour at the Summer Commencement ceremony, which was held at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.

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