Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its August 2010 graduates.
A Summer Commencement ceremony was held Aug. 7 at the Community Arts Center.
The award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are:
President's Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Larissa Dawn Kryder, Jersey Shore, physician assistant.
Board of Directors' Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Michael E. Michaud, Montoursville, physician assistant.
The Academic Vice President and Provost's Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Julianne C. Grega, Weatherly, physician assistant.
Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who exemplifies the ideals of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness and high ideals): Alesha S. Frazier, Tipton, information technology: web and applications development concentration.
Mount Nittany Medical Center Excellence in Customer Service Award, presented to a graduate of radiography who has consistently demonstrated exceptional customer service and commitment to excellence during his or her clinical practicum at Mount Nittany Medical Center: Shane Alan Murray, Hartleton, radiography.
Dennis R. Dougherty Memorial Award, presented to the graduate of the paramedic program who has achieved the highest cumulative field-performance grade average during the course of his or her education: Matthew Benjamin Kershes, Quakertown, emergency medical services.
Evangelical Community Hospital Radiography Student Achievement Award, presented to a graduate of radiography who demonstrates a demeanor of compassion, caring, thoughtfulness and clinical expertise. The recipient also demonstrates unquestionable ethics, customer courtesy, dependability and loyalty to the profession: John Huston Hunter, Lock Haven, radiography.
Thelma S. Morris Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of a practical nurse in the clinical area: Meredith Anne Coleman, Montoursville, health arts: practical nursing emphasis.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of the occupational therapy assistant major who demonstrates dedicated service to the program: Rachael Maria Bahner, Myerstown, occupational therapy assistant.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Major Award (academic achievement), presented to a graduate of the occupational therapy assistant major who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement: Katie Elizabeth Buhrman, Greencastle, occupational therapy assistant.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Major Award (improvement and professional growth), presented to the graduate of the occupational therapy assistant major who demonstrates the most improvement and professional growth: Stacey L. Bolt, Millerton, occupational therapy assistant.
Paramedic Humanitarian Award, presented to the graduate of the paramedic program who has best demonstrated the traits and behaviors of a "humanitarian," as determined by a vote of staff, faculty and preceptors: Michael David Eshbach, York, emergency medical services.
Paramedic Director's Award, presented to the graduate of the paramedic program who has the highest grade-point average and demonstrates superior performance in all phases of the paramedic curriculum: classroom, clinical and field: Robert Edward Jones, Williamsport, emergency medical services.
Physician Assistant Achievement Award, presented to graduates of the physician assistant major who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement: Danielle M. Bennett, Laceyville, physician assistant; Melissa N. Dobson, Elysburg, physician assistant.
Russell M. Trapp Professionalism Award, presented to a graduate who exemplifies ideals consistent with the physician assistant profession as exhibited by exceptional commitment, comportment and attitude: Alex V. Mezentsev, Williamsport, physician assistant.
The Radiography Major Faculty and Staff Award, presented to a graduate of radiography who exemplifies outstanding clinical attributes and technical skill as evidenced through the 24-month clinic practicum: Tammy M. Bergquist, Montoursville, radiography.
Susquehanna Imaging Associates Award, presented to the graduate of radiography who most exemplifies the ideals of selflessness; unusual devotion to duty; sensitivity to the patient's comfort and needs; and service to colleagues, patients, and the hospital beyond the ordinary: Sean T. Felty, Hummelstown, radiography.
Surgical Technology Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, presented to a graduate of surgical technology who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement: Amber L. Eck, Williamsport, surgical technology.
Surgical Technology Outstanding Program Achievement Award, presented to a graduate of surgical technology who demonstrates exemplary characteristics of a surgical technologist, outstanding clinical performance, professional behaviors and academic achievements: Sara Vallese, Montgomery, surgical technology.
Surgical Clinical Performance Award, presented to a graduate of surgical technology who has demonstrated outstanding clinical performance and professionalism in surgical technology: Zachary Roy Putman, Westfield, surgical technology.
Mentorship award
presented to Synthes
Synthes, a global medical-device company that has supported Pennsylvania College of Technology by donating instructional equipment and hiring numerous graduates of its automated manufacturing and machining program, is the 2010 recipient of the college's Mentorship Award.
Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour presented the award to Mike Sticklin, human resources manager for Synthes' Brandywine manufacturing facility, during Summer Commencement.
The Mentorship Award is given annually to alumni or businesses making significant or ongoing contributions to the education and development of students through mentoring opportunities and professional guidance.
Synthes has been a key supporter of the college and its automated manufacturing and machining program for many years, hiring 19 graduates, 17 of which are still employed at the company's five U.S.-based plants.
The positions held by the Penn College alumni range from machinist to manufacturing engineer to supervisor to product-development engineer. The company has provided internship opportunities to more than 25 Penn College students or alumni, including several this summer.
In addition, Synthes has donated more than $200,000 worth of tooling and equipment, helping the college contain costs and ensuring that the automated manufacturing and machining program offers the most up-to-date instructional facilities for students.
Sticklin serves as a member of the college's Automated Manufacturing-Machining Advisory Committee, providing valuable insight regarding industry needs and curriculum issues.
Synthes also played a major role in the Advanced Manufacturing episode of the college's "degrees that work." series on public television, which earned a Bronze Telly Award for its depiction of the growing need for skilled manufacturing technicians.
