Offering a welcome to the guests, Kyle A. Smith, executive director of the Penn College Foundation, thanked donors for their belief and commitment to Penn College's mission of serving students. In her opening remarks, President Davie Jane Gilmour said, “Your philanthropic commitment provides motivation needed for students to remain focused on their coursework, complete their educational journey and begin a new journey as tomorrow makers in their communities and chosen fields.”
Penn College Foundation Board of Directors Chair Marshall D. Welch III noted that over $700,000 in scholarships was awarded for the 2017-18 academic year and introduced keynote speakers offering scholarship donor and recipient viewpoints.
Keith Kuzio, president and chief executive officer of Larson Design Group and a supporter of two scholarships, remarked on the shared visions and values of his company and the college. Noting the more than 150 Penn College graduates who’ve chosen to put their “degrees that work” to work at LDG, Kuzio added, “Larson Design Group finds great satisfaction in paying its success forward by supporting future generations of Penn College students, and we look forward to continued success that will come to the college, to LDG and, most importantly, to students that benefit from the scholarship programs at Penn College.”
Zachary J. Kravitz, a construction management student from Berwyn, the recipient of three scholarships, discussed his role as a student development assistant, calling on alumni and college friends for support. “The greatest privilege of the job is being able to speak with alumni and friends of the school and to hear their stories about how Penn College impacted them. Speaking with them helped me realize how much of a blessing we really have here,” he said, adding that he wanted to “communicate the immense gratitude and appreciation that this student body feels toward all of you who helped make our education possible.” Kravitz received the Dr. Kenneth E. and Mrs. Marion C. Carl Scholarship, the Penn College-College Store Scholarship, and the Penn College Foundation Scholarship.
Those interested in contributing to a scholarship fund – or establishing one – may visit or call the Institutional Advancement Office toll-free at 866-GIVE-2-PC (866-448-3272).
– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
Nicholas C. Howland (center), recipient of the Allegheny Mountain Region Antique Automobile Club of America Scholarship, enjoys networking with Brett A. Reasner, dean of transportation and natural resources technologies, and Patricia B. Swigart, president of the William E. Swigart Jr. Automobile Museum and a scholarship supporter.
Frank M. Polumbo (left), recipient of the Gary Levan and David Letscher Memorial Scholarship, converses with his scholarship’s supporters, college retirees Larry and Ginni Michael.
Alumnus Darryl Kehrer shares a laugh with his tablemates. Kehrer and his wife, Dawn, also a grad, established the Daniel J. Doyle Scholarship and traveled to the luncheon from their home in Virginia.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Paul L. Starkey (left) and Nathaniel H. Lyon, recipient of the Dr. Bill Feddersen Leadership Scholarship, discuss campus activities.
Donna Flaig, supporter of the Charles M. Flaig Memorial Scholarship, and her brother Gary Day listen to stories shared by students.
The Field House floor fills with luncheon guests.
Scholarship donor Keith Kuzio, president of Larson Design Group, comments on the shared visions and values of his company and the college.
Marshall D. Welch III, chair of Penn College’s Foundation Board of Directors, introduces the gathering’s keynote speakers.
Zachary J. Kravitz, a construction management student from Berwyn and recipient of three scholarships, shares with the crowd his “immense gratitude and appreciation."
President Davie Jane Gilmour and Morgan B. Heritage, recipient of the Gilmour Scholarship, share a photo op.
Everett B. Appleby, recipient of the Gerring Geyer Scholarship, extends appreciation to Dorothy J. Gerring, associate professor of architectural technology. Appleby is also a recipient of the Student Leader Legacy Fund scholarship.
Eton M. Spancake (center), recipient of the Richard & Mildred Taylor Memorial Scholarship, is joined by his scholarship supporters, Walter and Erin Shultz, college employees.
Noah J. Hornberger, recipient of the Ryan and Karen English Marcellus Measurement Scholarship, spends the afternoon with his parents, Rhonda and Larry.
Nia M. Romanowicz, recipient of the Carolyn G. Martin Memorial Scholarship, is joined by her scholarship’s benefactor, William J. Martin, who served as the college's senior vice president and is chairman of the Community Arts Center Board of Directors.
Cameron T. Powers, recipient of the Robert and Patricia Shoff Rambo Scholarship, enjoys a moment with her donor, Patricia Rambo, a retired professor and 1994 Master Teacher honoree.
Dianna R. Weaver (center), recipient of the Marie E. Knecht Scholarship Fund, shares the limelight with her donors, Marie and William Knecht.
Steven P. Johnson (left), benefactor of the Steve and Mary Ann Johnson Scholarship and a member of the Penn College Board of Directors, shakes the hand of his recipient, John A. Gondy.
Gavin P. Seip strikes a pose with his parents, Laurie and Blaine. Seip received the Highway Equipment & Supply Co. Scholarship.
Brittany M. Weiskopff, recipient of the Citizens & Northern Bank Scholarship, pauses to pose with Brad Scovill, president and chief executive officer of C&N.
Jennifer L. McCracken (center), director of The College Store, is joined by two recipients of the Penn College – College Store Scholarship: Zachary J. Kravitz and Shemeka K. Bruce.