Penn College News

Alumni Achievement Award presented to human services grad

Saturday, August 7, 2021

LaQuinn N. Thompson, a 2016 alumnus of Pennsylvania College of Technology, was honored with an Alumni Achievement Award at the college’s Summer 2021 Commencement ceremony at the Community Arts Center.

The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to a graduate of the past 10 years in recognition of noteworthy career accomplishments that demonstrate the importance of a Penn College education. Thompson, who was born and raised in York, earned a bachelor’s degree in applied human services from Penn College.



LaQuinn N. Thompson, of York, recipient of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Alumni Achievement Award, displays the honor with President Davie Jane Gilmour.He recently became the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) elective instructor for fifth- and sixth-grade students at Lincoln Charter School, York.

Previously, he served as director of community outreach for St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York, where he oversaw the Food Choice Pantry, the St. Matthew Assistance Ministry, as well as The Matts' youth programs, which include the after-school club for grades one to five, The Matts evening teen program for grades six to 12, and The Lighthouse at The Matts summer camp for grades one to eight.

Thompson is also the founder of The B.E.A.S.T. Initiative, an esports/gaming youth program with the mission to bring the community together through gaming. B.E.A.S.T. stands for “Be yourself, Experience life at its full potential, Achieve greatness, Shine like no other, Testimony.”

Additionally, Thompson is the author of “Mind of the B.E.A.S.T.,” a 2016 publication of motivational and inspirational poems written “to help readers understand and believe in themselves enough to take control of their lives and create their own success.”

While at Penn College, Thompson was a four-year member of the men’s basketball team, a Scholar Athlete of the Year, a Resident Assistant and president of Students Making a Contribution. He also volunteered in the local community.

For more about Alumni Relations at Penn College, email or call toll-free 877-PCT-ALUM.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.