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Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Spring 2025 graduates.
Commencement ceremonies were held May 16-17 at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State.
Among the award winners are:
Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community, and scholastic achievement: James T. Zagurskie, Mifflintown, civil engineering technology.
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): Kellor Schooley, Turbotville, business administration.
Accounting Faculty Award, presented to a graduate on the basis of academic standing for exceptional achievement in accounting: Noah Richard Hunt, Muncy, accounting.
Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement in mathematics: Erick David Thompson II, Williamsport, electronics & computer engineering technology.
Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major for outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and communication skills: Leha Gadd, Lock Haven, 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: Kristy L. Creasy, Muncy, 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: Hailey Jean DeBrody, Cogan Station, nursing.
Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to graduates of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibit the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Abigail Leah Port Simon, State College, nursing; and Amanda Christine Tricka, Jersey Shore, nursing.
FLIGHT Award: Fearless Learning in Good & Hard Times, presented to a graduate of the BSN program who has overcome the greatest adversity: Wendy Gee, Muncy, nursing.
Michael J. Brady Dental Hygiene Compassion Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates exceptional care, empathy and conscientiousness when performing patient assessment: Sarah Pacheco, Williamsport, dental hygiene.
The Larry A. Ward Excellence in Mechatronics Award, presented to a graduate of an electromechanical and/or mechatronics major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: Joseph Thomas Hemighaus III, Dushore, mechatronics technology.
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: Benjamin D. Regester, Mansfield, welding & fabrication engineering technology and welding technology.
Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of electronics and computer engineering technology based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Erick David Thompson II, Williamsport, electronics & computer engineering technology.
Building Automation Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of building automation engineering technology who has demonstrated outstanding ability, work ethic, professionalism, and achievement in the field, classroom and lab: Tyler Edward Jasper, Lewistown, building automation engineering technology.
Industrial Design Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Nolan Robert Frederick, Blossburg, industrial design.
UPMC Program Award for Information Technology, presented to a graduate in the information technology 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: Zackery Fleming, Williamsport, software development & information management.
Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to the graduate showing the highest degree of proficiency in the diesel technology major: Matthew Paul Kauffman, Lewistown, diesel technology.
William E. Curry Award, presented to graduates who most exemplify the late William Curry's pursuit of technical excellence and his enthusiastic passion for the diesel technology industry: Stephanie Bean, Lakewood, diesel technology; and Joseph M. Proctor, Mill Hall, diesel technology.
Earth Science Center Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the majors at the Earth Science Center: Thomas J. Buck, Warminster, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.
Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who best exemplifies academic achievement, service and professionalism within the field of forestry: Christian D. Furman, Coudersport, forest technology.
Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to graduates who best exemplify academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of horticulture: Lila A. McKeon, Montoursville, landscape/plant production technology.
Honda PACT Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Honda PACT major: Jake Nicolich, Jersey Shore, automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis.
Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service to Penn College, presented to graduates who exemplify Davie Jane Gilmour's legacy of outstanding leadership and contributions to the student experience: Morgan Taylor Bartholomew, Etters, plastics & polymer engineering technology; Chyanna Lynn Galagarza, Williamsport, human services & restorative justice; *Samantha Hess, Williamsport, Nursing; *Hayden Lester, Jersey Shore, business administration and business management; and Kellor Schooley, Turbotville, business administration.
*Graduating in December 2025