Two Pennsylvania College of Technology students have received $1,000 national scholarships to help them purchase tools for their emerging careers in heavy construction equipment technology.
Ronald A. Kepple, of Russell, and Alexander C. Rozon, of Cochranville, were awarded the funds through the mikeroweWORKS Foundation in partnership with the AED Foundation, an affiliate of Associated Equipment Distributors.
Mike Rowe is the creator and host of the “Dirty Jobs” series on the Discovery Channel and a widely recognized proponent of closing the gap between skills and available jobs. AED is an international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental and support of equipment used in construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industrial applications.
“What makes this scholarship so special is that the students know who Mike Rowe is and have respect for what he has done in industry to highlight ‘Dirty Jobs,’” said Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of transportation and natural resources technologies. “I have no doubt that Ronald and Alex will, in fact, have ‘Dirty Jobs,’ but they will also both have successful careers in the heavy-equipment Industry. We are proud to have outstanding students like Alex and Ronald representing Pennsylvania College of Technology.”
The scholarships are available to students enrolled in diesel equipment technology or related programs that are AED-accredited. Penn College is the only Pennsylvania institution on that list, attaining accreditation for its two-year majors in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis and heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis majors – the latter of which includes Kepple and Rozon.
“In all honesty, this scholarship means more to me than just money,” Kepple said. “Acknowledgement, in itself, is a win in my book. Having the opportunity to receive this scholarship means both AED and Pennsylvania College of Technology have recognized the hard work and dedication I put forth into my education and academics.”
A total of 11 Penn College students have been awarded tool scholarships in the past six years.
“Basic tooling is essential and pivotal for a career in the heavy equipment technician field,” Rozon said, noting that finances are a significant factor in students’ ability to buy the proper and necessary equipment. “The mikeroweWORKS scholarship (is) invaluable and unparalleled assistance in expanding my tool set so I will be well-prepared for the tasks that lie ahead. I assure you I will use every penny to secure the tools I will need to become an outstanding heavy equipment technician.”
For information about heavy-equipment majors in the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies, call 570-327-4516.
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.
Ronald A. Kepple, of Russell, and Alexander C. Rozon, of Cochranville, were awarded the funds through the mikeroweWORKS Foundation in partnership with the AED Foundation, an affiliate of Associated Equipment Distributors.
Mike Rowe is the creator and host of the “Dirty Jobs” series on the Discovery Channel and a widely recognized proponent of closing the gap between skills and available jobs. AED is an international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental and support of equipment used in construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industrial applications.“What makes this scholarship so special is that the students know who Mike Rowe is and have respect for what he has done in industry to highlight ‘Dirty Jobs,’” said Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of transportation and natural resources technologies. “I have no doubt that Ronald and Alex will, in fact, have ‘Dirty Jobs,’ but they will also both have successful careers in the heavy-equipment Industry. We are proud to have outstanding students like Alex and Ronald representing Pennsylvania College of Technology.”
The scholarships are available to students enrolled in diesel equipment technology or related programs that are AED-accredited. Penn College is the only Pennsylvania institution on that list, attaining accreditation for its two-year majors in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis and heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis majors – the latter of which includes Kepple and Rozon.
“In all honesty, this scholarship means more to me than just money,” Kepple said. “Acknowledgement, in itself, is a win in my book. Having the opportunity to receive this scholarship means both AED and Pennsylvania College of Technology have recognized the hard work and dedication I put forth into my education and academics.”
A total of 11 Penn College students have been awarded tool scholarships in the past six years.
“Basic tooling is essential and pivotal for a career in the heavy equipment technician field,” Rozon said, noting that finances are a significant factor in students’ ability to buy the proper and necessary equipment. “The mikeroweWORKS scholarship (is) invaluable and unparalleled assistance in expanding my tool set so I will be well-prepared for the tasks that lie ahead. I assure you I will use every penny to secure the tools I will need to become an outstanding heavy equipment technician.”
For information about heavy-equipment majors in the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies, call 570-327-4516.
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.