Automotive Alumnus Shares Voice of Experience in Return to Alma Mater

A retired automobile executive, whose illustrious and influential career began with an associate degree in automotive technology from Penn College's immediate predecessor, this week returned to campus for the first time in nearly 40 years. Building on lessons learned while employed by Mercedes-Benz USA and BMW of North America (among others), Thomas C. Baloga shared "10 Tips for Career Success" with nearly 250 students, employees and alumni Tuesday afternoon in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium. The practical and informative presentation – a well-received gift to the college community, fashioned from Baloga's decades of distinguished and high-profile service – culminated a two-day return to a campus vastly changed since his 1974 graduation from Williamsport Area Community College. The alumnus and his wife, Gayle, toured the Advanced Automotive Technology Center, College Avenue Labs (including instructional areas within the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies and the School of Transportation Technology), Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, the Parkes Automotive Technology Center, the School of Natural Resources Management diesel technology program (a special request, given Baloga's experience at Mack Trucks) and The Victorian House. Baloga's visit was also featured in Wednesday's editions of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

– Photos by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer,
and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday