Penn College News

Construction Dean Helps Campus Youngsters Build a Memory

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Visitors check out the structural integrity of students' construction work – including an assessment of whether the roof is sturdy enough "to hold Santa Claus."With the dean's assistance, each of the children donned the requisite eye protection and operated a power screwdriver. Morgan Hersh (whose father, Michael J., is assistant director of student activities for programming and Greek life) shows skill and determination in assembling a souvenir toolbox.Gathering around their mentor, members of the class proudly display their woodworking success.Seven youngsters from the Dunham Children's Learning Center toured a Penn College carpentry lab Thursday morning, learning about the literal tools of the trade and assembling mementos to take back to their classroom for paintbrush personalization. Marc E. Bridgens, dean of construction and design technologies, acquainted his guests with a variety of topics – including rafters, drywall, forklifts, staircases and (always) safety – and helped them build toolboxes as a lasting reminder of their visit.