Scholarship Luncheon highlights donors, dreams
Friday, March 28, 2025
Photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
Morgan T. Bartholomew (left), student speaker for the 2025 Scholarship Luncheon, is joined by Penn College President Michael J. Reed (center) and Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the college's Board of Directors.
An inspirational networking opportunity was served up with the 2025 Scholarship Luncheon, held March 23 in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Field House. Donors and students supported by scholarships enthusiastically embraced the chance to connect alongside family, friends and college advocates. More than 370 guests were in attendance.
Penn College President Michael J. Reed noted that a record-breaking 40 new scholarships were established this past year, and the scholarship program now offers more than $2 million annually to approximately 700 students across campus – nearly a 100% increase from just two years ago. “Simply stated, your generosity is helping more students obtain the careers of their dreams,” Reed said.
One of those students who has been uplifted by donors’ devoted giving – Morgan T. Bartholomew, a senior in plastics & polymer engineering technology – delivered inspiring remarks, sharing her path to Penn College and the informative and impressive experiences she has enjoyed on campus, with global travel, at professional conferences and in her internships. Bartholomew will be graduating in May and has attained her “dream job” as a manufacturing and process development engineering in a rotational program at TE Connectivity.
A senior in plastics & polymer engineering technology, Bartholomew details her impressive college experiences, made possible by the generosity of scholarship donors.
“I will forever be honored and thankful for these donors and how they have helped me become the individual that I am today,” she stated. “I want to thank everyone here for supporting the students of Penn College and providing us all the opportunity to feel empowered and to take the leap of faith to get closer to that dream.”
Throughout her academic experience, Bartholomew has received eight Penn College scholarships – Alberts Family Scholarship, Patsy and Glenn L. Beall Chicago S.P.E. Scholarship, Bruce R. Borgensen Plastics Technology Scholarship, Global Experiences Scholarship, Kuzio Family Internship Fund, Penn College Pre-College Program, SEKISUI KYDEX Workforce Development Scholarship, and James L. Throne SPE Rotational Molding Division Scholarship – as well as a number of external scholarships.
Also addressing the gathering was Kenneth F. Healy, executive vice president/director of engineering at PMF Industries, Inc. An alumnus of the college’s manufacturing engineering technology and engineering drafting majors, Healy serves on Penn College’s Foundation Board. Aiming to empower innovative students, he and his wife created the Ken and Kristie Healy Foundation Scholarship and provided generous funding to renovate the Baja Room for the Baja SAE student team.
Donor and alumnus Kenneth F. Healy, executive vice president/director of engineering at PMF Industries, Inc., addresses the value of giving to Penn College.
Healy gave a shout-out to a fellow donor attending the Scholarship Luncheon – professor emeritus of drafting and 1958 mechanical drafting graduate Chalmer Van Horn. Years ago, during a college Open House, the educator introduced Healy to mechanical drafting, and that conversation set him on a prosperous path. “My education opened incredible opportunities,” Healy shared. “I was fortunate to travel across the Pacific Rim, setting up manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Eventually, I returned home to become a partner in a manufacturing company, where I now assist in designing and producing parts for the aerospace, food and nuclear containment industries.”
The annual Scholarship Luncheon serves as an opportunity for donors, scholarship recipients and guests to see the impact scholarship support has on tomorrow’s workforce. Those interested in empowering Penn College’s “Tomorrow Makers” by establishing a scholarship fund or contributing to one are encouraged to visit the scholarships site or call College Relations at 570-320-8020.
Diwash Dahal (center), network administration & engineering technology, joins the namesakes of the scholarship he receives: Dr. Richard C. and Mrs. Rebecca A. Hornberger Family IT Scholarship. Dahal is also recipient of the Alumni Tomorrow Makers Scholarship.
It's a full Field House with over 370 guests in attendance at the annual celebration.
Student Leader Legacy Scholarship recipient Kellor Schooley, business administration, is seated with his mother, Ruth.
Architecture student Laura Mausteller (right) poses with Dorothy J. Gerring, associate professor of architecture, and benefactor of the Dorothy Gerring and William Geyer Architecture Scholarship.
The luncheon is prepared by culinary students and professional staff of the college's Le Jeune Chef Restaurant.
Nichole Crawford (left) represents the John and Karen Blaschak Family Endowed Scholarship and meets with recipient Luke Donlin, heavy equipment technology: technician emphasis.
Kyle A. Smith, senior executive director of college relations, welcomes the audience and says the event "serves as an opportunity to see firsthand the impact scholarship support has on tomorrow’s workforce."
Nylah Hill (center), an aviation maintenance technology student and recipient of the NSF S-STEM Transportation Scholarship, brought along her parents, Erica and Curtis.
Ana Gonzalez-White (right), college relations officer, enjoys the company of Dusty Zeyn (in green), an alumnus and representative for the C&N Bank Scholarship, and applied management student Alicia Kaster (second from left) and her parents, Jason and Kay. Kaster receives the Penn College Visiting Chef Scholarship.
William J. Martin (center), senior vice president emeritus, connects with two of his scholarship recipients: Emma Bower (left), graphic design, Harvey A. Martin Memorial Scholarship, and Morgan Regan, business administration, Carolyn G. Martin Memorial Scholarship.
President Reed says, "To the scholarship recipients and their families joining us today, thank you for taking the time to connect with those who believe in your relentless work ethic and problem-solving spirit, and are personally investing in your Penn College experience. To the scholarship supporters with us today, your investments are breaking down financial barriers and helping our students chase their dreams."
Scholarship donors Annmarie Phillips (left), representing the Phillips Family Scholarship, and Ann Brouse (right), representing the Gary E. Brouse Memorial Scholarship, make a memory with applied management student Alyssa Perez, a multi-scholarship recipient.
Guests line up for nourishment.
Nursing student Kelly Friel (right), recipient of the Geisinger Gap Scholarship, pauses for a photo op with scholarship representative Wendy Batschelet.
Emergency management & homeland security student Mikya Stake (at right) savors the day with her parents, Jason and Kari. Stake receives the Admissions Scholarship.
Leah Bear (left), engineering design technology, unites with her scholarship's namesake: Chalmer Van Horn Engineering CAD Technology Scholarship. Van Horn is a college alumnus and professor emeritus of drafting.
The annual tradition is a springtime gratitude session.
Bartholomew celebrates the special event with her parents, Ollie and Karen. In her speech, she admitted she was initially reluctant to follow her father in a plastics & polymer engineering career, but she's glad she did.
The student speaker enjoys a photo op with the college president ...
... and President Reed joins the College Relations team that supports the empowering giving!