Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Fall 2024 graduates. A commencement ceremony was held Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.
The award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are:
President’s Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Thomas Christopher DeGeyter Jr., Long Valley, N.J., building construction technology.
Board of Directors’ Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Tamaka F. Carter, Williamsport, business administration: management concentration; and Haley Damgaard, Bellefonte, nursing.
Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Sara A. Halligan, Mohnton, engineering CAD technology.
Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented to graduates who exemplify the ideals of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness and high ideals): Matthew Deane, Oley, mechatronics technology; and Cameron S. Musser, Gilbertsville, engineering CAD technology.
Chef Leah Chase Excellence in Hospitality Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates the late Chef Chase’s commitment to being a positive role model for the hospitality industry, work and scholastic excellence, stewardship of personal and professional resources, respect for self and others, and excellence and leadership in hospitality education: McKenna Joan Morgan, Marlin, applied management.
Hospitality Faculty Award, presented to graduates who demonstrate academic achievement, exemplify professionalism and are committed to excellence in hospitality: Kendal Lily Johnson, Scranton, baking & pastry arts; and Amanda E. Pennington, Wernersville, baking & pastry arts.
Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to graduates of the associate-degree nursing major for outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and communication skills: Erica J. Fitzwater, New Albany, nursing; and Jody Sue Girio, Williamsport, nursing.
Spirit of Nursing Award, presented to graduating associate-degree nursing students who exemplify the caring, compassion and empathy that are the very spirit of nursing and embody the spirit of the Penn College nursing philosophy – professional identity, comprehensive person-centered care, teaching and learning, nursing process, information literacy, collaboration, and evidence-based practice: Patrick Lacher, Roulette, nursing; and Ama Serwaa, Port Royal, nursing.
Linda F. Clark, BS RN, Memorial Nursing Commencement Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and commitment to lifelong learning: Lauren R. Bleistein, Williamsport, nursing.
Shirley Novosel Memorial Award, presented to a nursing graduate who has demonstrated excellence in clinical performance, clinical leadership, promotion of client advocacy, proficiency in clinical skills, a desire to learn and help others learn, a positive professional attitude, and a caring, compassionate, empathetic attitude toward clients: Nancy Chan, Milton, nursing.
Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibits the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Estefania DeCoursey, Muncy, nursing.
UPMC Program Award for Applied Health Studies, presented to a graduate of the applied health studies program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Alyssa Ann Martz, Middletown, applied health studies: radiography concentration.
Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year welding major who exemplifies the college's philosophy of excellence: Trevor R. Mauk, Pleasant Gap, welding & fabrication engineering technology.
Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to a graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Trevor R. Mauk, Pleasant Gap, welding & fabrication engineering technology.
Penn College Machine Shop Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year automated manufacturing, machining, or toolmaking major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence and exhibits devotion to duty, helpfulness to others and friendliness: Jeffrey L. Martin Jr., Pittsburgh, manufacturing engineering technology.
Heavy Construction Equipment Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies professionalism within the field: Bryce M. Andrews, Dillsburg, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.
William E. Curry Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies the late William Curry’s pursuit of technical excellence and his enthusiastic passion for the diesel technology industry: Roberto Martinez-Rosales, Levittown, diesel technology.
Aviation Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of aviation maintenance: Dominic Valentine, Brockton, aviation maintenance technology.
Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive associate degree major: Jackson E. Basom, Dillsburg, automotive technology.
Axalta Excellence Award, presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Ethan T. Martin, Freehold, N.J., collision repair & restoration.
Automotive Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of an automotive associate degree program who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of automotive maintenance: Jason Todd Rice Jr., Orefield, automotive technology.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.