About 50 graduates of Williamsport Technical Institute, a Pennsylvania College of Technology forerunner, attended a 15th annual reunion on April 17.
The event, held in the college’s Thompson Professional Development Center, provided an opportunity for alumni and their guests to enjoy lunch, reminisce and hear presentations by six students enrolled in aviation maintenance, automotive restoration and construction technology majors.
The student presenters were Tylor J. Burkett, of Middleton, aviation maintenance technology; Vincent S. DelMonte, of Berlin, New Jersey, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration; and Ryan T. Fry, of Nazareth, residential construction technology and management; as well as automotive restoration technology students Sean M. Hunter, of Livingston, New Jersey, and Joseph M. Kretz, of Plymouth, New Hampshire.
The group was welcomed by Tammy M. Rich, alumni relations director.
Established in 1941, WTI gained a national reputation for its defense industry training during World War II and for retraining returning veterans – many of whom were disabled – for new positions in business and industry.
The institute also became one of the country’s most prominent providers of training for individuals with physical disabilities.
WTI educated thousands of students from 1941-65. The foundation for WTI was established in 1914, when Williamsport High School expanded its vocational-education programs to include adult students. Classes were conducted at the current college site, as well as other nearby locales.
In 1965, the institution became known as Williamsport Area Community College. In 1989, the college became Pennsylvania College of Technology, a special mission affiliate of Penn State.
The 100-year history of the institution’s enduring commitment to the dignity of work is highlighted in the award-winning documentary, “Working Class: 100 Years of Hands-On Education,” co-produced by Penn College and WVIA Public Media.
The documentary has aired on WVIA and other public television stations, as well as the Pennsylvania Cable Network. It’s also available on the college’s YouTube Channel.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue
Alice and Edward Danneker, ’56, sheet metal, are checked in by Becky J. Shaner, ’03, alumni relations specialist, and Valerie L. Fessler, annual giving manager.
From left, student Vincent S. DelMonte, of Berlin, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration; emeritus faculty members and alumni Paul Schriner, ’63, welding; Joseph Murphy, ’72, drafting, WTI, carpentry; and Chalmer Van Horn, ’58, drafting; student Ryan T. Fry, of Nazareth, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration; and Marc E. Bridgens, dean of construction and design technologies. The students provided a presentation about their major.
Alumni look over a selection of photos brought by two of the guardians of the Penn College archives, Nicole S. Staron, library operations public services coordinator (shown) and Patricia A. Scott, librarian.
Alumni Allen Yearick, ’46; Fred Kramer, ’45; and D. Frederick Wascher, ’56, chat after check-in.
Edward Danneker, ’56; Walter Doebler, ’62; and Doebler’s wife, Margie, discuss former teachers and shop locations. (Danneker studied sheet metal, while Doebler studied pattern making. Both went on to own their own businesses in the Williamsport area: AM Metal Specialties Inc. in South Williamsport and the Williamsport Foundry on Maynard Street.)
A strong showing of grads from the 1940s raise their hands.
Tylor J. Burkett, an aviation maintenance technology student from Middletown, offers a photo tour of the Lumley Aviation Center and what he has learned there.
Automotive restoration technology students Sean M. Hunter (left), of Livingston, New Jersey, and Joseph M. Kretz, of Plymouth, New Hampshire, are among student presenters for the reunion.