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Larry Ward stood before a gathering of Pennsylvania College of Technology administrators, faculty and students, community leaders, and member of his family, on a sun-splashed spring afternoon on the grounds of the campus to remind everyone that manufacturing is alive and well in America.
Behind him stood the Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center, a newly revamped facility thanks to a donation of over $1 million, the largest alumni gift in the school's history.
Ward, a 1966 graduate, made it clear that it was the college he returned to Tuesday that helped mold him.
"Penn College is what America needs to bring manufacturing back to America," he said.
Through Ward's donation, the school's machining lab has been redone to house 50 new mills and lathes, as well as cabinets stocked with drill bits, end mills, micrometers, wrenches, and other required tools.
Improvements to the 14,299-square-foot facility include new lighting, flooring, and fixtures.
The school's five manufacturing-related programs enroll about 90 students.
Ward, who studied engineering drafting technology at a Penn College predecessor, Williamsport Technical Institute, went on to become an engineer, manufacturing designer, and business owner.
He noted he learned a skill and a full-rounded education while enrolled there.
His second company, Packaging Progressions Inc., helped market his invention, the Arc-Tronic Hole Perforator, a device using an electric arc to create vent holes in plastic film. The company later designed and manufactured high-speed interleaving and stacking machinery for the food package industry.
"Our machines are the best and most productive in the world," he said.
Ward told students to aim high.
"It's not how tall you are," he said. "Be what you are and be successful. Make things happen."
He reminded students they represent the future.
"With technology, we can compete with anyone in the world," he said
Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour noted that Ward has stayed connected to the school through the years and has hired students to work at his company.
Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies, noted that Ward's donation will go a long way toward preparing students for the future.
"Our graduates are highly sought after," he said. "They learn from doers."
Lori N. Kline, vice president for college relations, said Ward's gift is "truly transformational."
She noted Ward was the first person that came to mind when she and others considered the building project.
Others praising Ward included Dakota Harrison, a manufacturing engineering technology student.
Harrison said Ward has set a great example with all that he has done for the school.
Ward said the three keys to success are teamwork, balance and common sense.
He noted the teamwork that it took to make the building project happen.
"We got the job done," he said.
Balance, he said, can mean accepting change while relying as well on existing practices.
Regarding common sense, he said, "I've been amazed how easy it is for smart people to avoid common sense."
Controlling spending and learning to diversify are just two examples of using common sense in business, according to Ward.