Gear-giving alumnus returns to his roots

A Pennsylvania College of Technology industrial design alumnus returned to his roots recently and witnessed students reaping the benefits of his past generosity. 

Aidan J. Turner, a 2021 graduate, visited the industrial design lab and saw students using elements of a video setup (a changeable backdrop with lighting systems and tripods) he had donated. 

That gift was one of a series of donations Turner has made to the major. He’s also gifted two virtual reality headsets, a clay oven, a microcontroller startup kit, microphones and drawing instruments. 

Turner is a product manager/department supervisor/quality manager at State Electronics Parts Corp. in East Hanover, New Jersey.

“Aidan’s career has been going well, and he wanted to share the rewards,” said Thomas E. Ask, professor of industrial design. “We replied to Aidan’s request for a wish list with simple things, such as charcoal pencils and carving foam. However, Aidan had bigger plans and ended up contributing top-notch gear. His generosity illustrates the deep connection Penn College enjoys with its students.”