Penn College News

Big-hearted alum heartened by plane's flourishing transformation

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Photos by Kimberly R. Cassel, college relations director

An electrical technology alumnus, part of a multigenerational family of graduates from Pennsylvania College of Technology and both of its predecessor institutions, paid a visit Thursday to the Lumley Aviation Center – and the Cessna 175C that he and co-owner Chuck Michaelis gifted to Penn College a decade ago.

Gary J. Gable, president of Paul Gable & Sons Electric Inc., was reportedly "over the moon happy" that students and faculty are making such good instructional use of the donated plane.

Gary J. Gable, alongside the donated Cessna 175C in the AVC hangar
Gary J. Gable, alongside the donated Cessna 175C in the AVC hangar

He was also quite impressed with the meticulous repaint job that Kate M. Ruggiero and Grace M. Snyder completed before their graduation from the aviation program.

He also toured The Center for Career Design, stopped by The College Store, spoke to students of electrical instructor Eric W. Newcomer and attended a meeting of the Electrical Technology Advisory Committee. Gable, who earned a certificate in electrical technology from Williamsport Area Community College in 1974, joined that group the following year and has served continuously for the nearly 50 years since.

 

Taking a cellphone photo of the aircraft
Taking a cellphone photo of the aircraft
Gable talks with William F. Stepp IV, assistant professor of aviation maintenance ...
Gable talks with William F. Stepp IV, assistant professor of aviation maintenance ...
... and stands at the center of a group of students in Stepp's Aviation Science II class. From left are Brayden A. Yount, of Winfield; Ryan G. Kothe, of Harrisburg; Gable; Lilia M. Crowder. of Shippensburg; and Sean McGovern, of Middletown.
... and stands at the center of a group of students in Stepp's Aviation Science II class. From left are Brayden A. Yount, of Winfield; Ryan G. Kothe, of Harrisburg; Gable; Lilia M. Crowder. of Shippensburg; and Sean McGovern, of Middletown.