A NURSE'S CALLING Determined graduate reaches goal of flight SEE PAGE 20 - MAGAZINE - Penn College
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Spring 2021
®
MAGAZINE
A
NURSE’S
CALLING
Determined graduate
reaches goal of flight
SEE PAGE 20
6 Reclaiming STEM 12 Revolutionizing robotics 16 Machining lab transformed
Penn College Magazine, a publication of Pennsylvania College
of Technology, is dedicated to sharing the educational development,
goals and achievements of Penn College students, employees and
alumni with one another and with the greater community.
Contents
VOLUME 30 NUMBER 1
degrees that work.
Visit Penn College Magazine online at magazine.pct.edu on the cover
Stephanie Suzadail, ’14, cares
EDITOR PENN COLLEGE MAGAZINE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE for patients in the confines of a
Jennifer A. Cline
Nicholas D. Biddle ’07 helicopter, but she hopes to make
CONTRIBUTING graphic designer, web developer 5 an impact that can’t be contained.
EDITORS Biddle Studios and Sage Age Strategies See Page 20.
Student-athlete covers
Matt Blymier Joshua Bonner ’03, ’14
Cindy Davis Meixel creative director
Tom Speicher Mount Saint Mary’s University all ‘bases’ attention, alumni
Tom Wilson L. Lee Janssen ’82 On the field, first baseman Tyler S. Rudolph
Joseph S. Yoder editor-in-chief Share your story and catch
The Williamsport Sun-Gazette is speedy for his size, but he is quicker
up with classmates online at
ISSUE DESIGNER behind the wheel of his rear-engine dragster.
Lana K. Muthler ’70 magazine.pct.edu/cn
Deborah K. Peters ’97 managing editor
6
The Express, Lock Haven
DESIGN & DIGITAL
PRODUCTION Julie Stellfox ’06 go paperless
assistant director of media relations
Ken Engel
Larry D. Kauffman
Lock Haven University Reclaiming STEM To receive an email when
Robert O. Rolley ’83 There are many misperceptions about we publish new editions at
Tina M. Miller ’03
Sarah K. Patterson ’05
publisher
what science, technology, engineering magazine.pct.edu, email
The Express, Lock Haven
and The Williamsport Sun-Gazette and math careers are. At Penn College, alumni@pct.edu. Include your
WEB DESIGN name, class year (if alumni),
Joseph Tertel ’02 they’re part of a century-old foundation.
Phillip C. Warner ’06 address and email address,
manager, eCommerce Marketing
CONTRIBUTING
Rite Aid and put Online Magazine
PHOTOGRAPHERS
8
Subscription in the subject.
Matt Blymier PENN COLLEGE MEMBERS You will stop receiving the
Jennifer A. Cline
Adding hope to math printed Penn College Magazine.
Barbara A. Danko
Larry D. Kauffman retired director of alumni relations
Cindy Davis Meixel Charlee R. Marshall An experiment launched in 2016 to
Bryan Sheffield vice president of public relations model a math course on the lecture-lab address corrections
Tom Speicher Student Government Association
template of other Penn College courses
Tom Wilson Sandra Lakey If you are receiving more than one
is multiplying student success.
Other photos as credited retired faculty copy of Penn College Magazine,
speech communication and composition or if it is addressed to a daughter
12
Brad L. Nason or son who has established a
faculty
mass communications
separate permanent residence,
Revolutionizing robotics please notify Alumni Relations at
Davie Jane Gilmour, Ph.D. alumni@pct.edu, or call toll-free
Extraordinary curiosity led Fletcher Ewing, ’98,
PRESIDENT 877-PCT-ALUM (877-728-2586).
PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE
from childhood Soap Box Derbies to an
You can also update mailing info
OF TECHNOLOGY innovation-filled career. His latest role is senior
at magazine.pct.edu/update.
mechanical engineer for X, developing
robots with the humanlike capacity to learn.
16
Grad’s gift transforms
machining lab
A gift from a grateful Larry A. Ward, ’66,
Penn College Magazine, published by Public Relations & has transformed one of the oldest labs on
Marketing, considers for publication materials submitted campus, leading the college’s manufacturing
by students, alumni, faculty, staff and others including majors into the next generation.
20
letters to the editor, alumni notes and other information.
We reserve the right to edit or refuse items for publication.
Campus News 2
To submit items for consideration, A flight nurse’s calling
or to subscribe, contact: Having weathered many challenges Penn College Family 4
Penn College Magazine DIF 30 herself, Geisinger Life Flight’s Stephanie
Pennsylvania College of Technology Suzadail, ’14, loves to provide calm in Sports Replay 5
One College Avenue About 80 students from a wide range of majors crafted ceramic masks the center of the storm.
Williamsport, PA 17701-5799 for “Regarding the Mask …,” a display surrounding The Victorian Niche 24
phone 570-321-5527 House in October. Ceramics students taught by David A. and Deborah
email magazine@pct.edu L. Stabley were offered the project as a mode of creative expression Class Notes 26
web magazine.pct.edu related to the face coverings being worn due to the pandemic. “My idea
stems from the physical masks we’re all wearing and our inability to Expert Tips 32 Penn College ® and degrees that work ® are registered
in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
communicate the way we used to,” David Stabley said.
CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS
College works to
ensure inclusion
The college made the strategic
decision to recommit to ensuring
that all members of the college
community can live, work and College offers
learn in a safe environment, free
from harassment, discrimination new manufacturing
and prejudice. certificate
As part of this effort, President
Davie Jane Gilmour created an
Inclusion Task Force to focus on
ways Penn College can better
educate and support all members
Teaching teachers
of its community, especially those
from historically marginalized
about manufacturing backgrounds. The task force
includes representative faculty,
staff and students from across
Emily Wagner, a counselor at South Williamsport Area Junior/ and machining and speak with those who teach in those areas, campus. The college is accepting applications for its CNC machinist certificate, offered for
Senior High School, works on building a robotic arm during so I can better promote the industry as a career choice.” The task force will assist college the first time in Fall 2020.
a Manufacturing Externship Camp at Penn College. Funded The educators’ hands-on exercise required them to build a leadership in identifying and “Industry needs skilled machinists and CNC operators. This program can be
by the National Science Foundation, the weeklong camp robotic arm, featuring several 3D-printed parts. They used a responding to problems that completed in nine months, so students can quickly obtain the skills required
– devised and led by Penn College faculty – exposed high CNC milling machine to manufacture the robot’s aluminum hamper efforts to create a more by industry and get right to work,” said Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering
school educators to various aspects of manufacturing, so they base before relying on CAD documents to assemble the arm. socially just campus. The group technologies.
can communicate the promising career possibilities in that The teachers employed Windows software to program the will work with a consulting firm
Coursework includes mill and lathe operations, precision measurement, blueprint
sector to their students. robot – a scaled version of an industrial robot – to pick up a to conduct a systemic campus
reading, and CNC programming. The certificate feeds into the college’s associate
“I’ve been aware of the demands in manufacturing but haven’t metal ball. The exercise can serve as a manufacturing module climate study, with the goal of
degrees in machine tool technology and automated manufacturing technology and
been sure how to talk about it with kids,” Wagner said. “This for the educators at their home schools. developing strategic plans for
its bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering technology.
has provided a good opportunity to experience manufacturing direct action to improve the
Penn College experience for all. A portion of a three-year $685,297 National Science Foundation grant paid for the
development of the certificate.
Hands-on and strong
The college returned to hands-
Faculty member shares innovation expertise internationally
on, in-person classes for the fall
semester with safety measures In two virtual sessions for a United Arab Emirates entity, Anita R. Wood, associate
in place. The semester opening professor of computer information technology, advocated for organizations to embrace an
included an “If you want hands- “innovative mindset” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
on, you will need masks on”
“History has always shown us that nothing is the same after a crisis, so we must prepare,”
campaign – and the campus
said Wood, who participated from Florida. “An innovative mindset is critical in defining
complied, enabling on-campus Find complete what the new normal is and to allowing organizations to move into this new era.”
coursework to continue as articles on PCToday
scheduled. The presentations were produced and offered by Beacon Red, a subsidiary of Edge, a UAE-
To find more comprehensive
owned conglomerate. Edge seeks to revolutionize the UAE’s defense industry by bringing
versions of the articles
innovative technologies and services to market with greater speed and efficiency.
in Campus News – and
to read other news stories
about Penn College –
visit PCToday, the college’s
news-and-information website,
at pctoday.pct.edu
2 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 3
PHOTO COURTESY OF RACEWORKS.COM
PENN COLLEGE FAMILY SPORTS REPLAY
WHEELIES TO
Tyler S. Rudolph celebrates after winning
the Professional Drag Racers Association
world finals in the Bracket Bash class. In
RADIOGRAPHS
addition to drag racing, Rudolph, who is
majoring in engineering design technology,
plays on the Penn College baseball team
and recently co-founded a clothing line.
67 SELECTED AS NEAC
SCHOLAR-ATHLETES
A fter being out of high school
for more than 10 years, Michael
Cargile decided it was time for a
Student-athlete Penn College set a school record with
67 student-athletes selected as North
change. Ready for new opportunities
covers all 'bases'
Eastern Athletic Conference Scholar-
and a fresh start, he enrolled at Athletes. The Wildcats topped their
Penn College. He graduated with an previous mark of 60 selections in 2018-19.
associate degree in radiography in by Tom Speicher, writer/video producer
”This is the third straight year that we
August 2020 and is working toward a
topped our previous number of scholar-
bachelor's in applied health studies. BASEBALL COACH CHRIS HOWARD’S ”I really like the hands-on aspect,”
athletes, and it’s a trend we strive to
years playing professional baseball and he said. ”In my program (engineering
continue. The achievements of our
WHY RADIOGRAPHY? coaching the Wildcats convinced him design technology), you are able to get
student-athletes in the classroom are
“I have always loved to ride that 6-foot-5, 220-pound first basemen right into it and start designing on the
always the most rewarding,” Director of
motorcycles,” Cargile says. “While aren’t typically fleet of foot. computer.”
Athletics John Vandevere said.
learning to do different tricks, I have Then he saw Tyler S. Rudolph run. On the diamond, Rudolph earned
broken a lot of bones. I would always To be selected, a student-athlete
”His power at the plate jumped out at considerable playing time at first
have to get X-rays done and was competing in a conference-sponsored
me, but I was surprised and impressed base and was hitting .286 when the
fascinated by how the X-ray can see sport must achieve a combined GPA
how fast he was for a kid that size,” a COVID-19 pandemic canceled his
inside of my body.” of 3.4 or higher for the fall and spring
delighted Howard said. ”Foot speed freshman season after just 10 games.
semesters and must be in good standing
isn’t essential for what we expect of But Rudolph had plenty to fill the
HIS ADVICE FOR OTHERS on his or her team.
him, but it’s certainly a plus. He might baseball void, like launching Hill Top
CONSIDERING A RETURN
even get a few stolen bases before he’s Clothing with his friend Max Yale. TWENTY INDUCTED INTO
TO SCHOOL
done at Penn College.”
“I would say definitely to do it. You Rudolph designed the Hill Top logo, CHI ALPHA SIGMA
can never be too old to learn new From Rudolph’s perspective, the which pays homage to the hilly
The Athletics Department inducted
things and improve your life. It was ”speed” he exhibited for Howard was landscape surrounding their hometown:
its second class of Chi Alpha Sigma
one of the best decisions I have turtle-esque. The experienced drag Hemlock, New York. The logo is screen
athletics honor society members
made.” racer is used to being a blur. printed or embroidered on clothing
following the Spring 2020 semester. The
”My two favorite things to do really are they secure from various suppliers.
honorees included 20 student-athletes,
THE BEST PART OF PENN baseball and drag racing," Rudolph One of the marketing vehicles for representing 10 teams and a grade point
COLLEGE RADIOGRAPHY said. ”It’s the competition. You have Hill Top is Rudolph’s rear-engine average of 3.59.
“The clinical experience for me was that one-on-one aspect I like a lot. In dragster. Most weekends from April
Student-athletes must be in their junior
the best. Being able to work with baseball, it’s you against the pitcher, through October, Rudolph races the
or senior year with a minimum cumulative
patients and also being able to put and in racing, you have to be better 2,000-pound car at Empire Dragway in
GPA of 3.4 to be eligible.
classroom teaching to practical use than the person next to you in each Leicester, New York, and at other tracks
went hand in hand for me.” round.” throughout the mid-Atlantic. ”While each individual is accomplished
and talented in unique ways, they share
Rudolph has excelled at both sports Thanks to that pursuit, his academic
one common characteristic – striving
but doesn’t let either overshadow his and athletic endeavors at Penn College,
to do their best in everything they
See more “Penn College Family” ultimate goal of becoming a design and co-founding a clothing line,
undertake in their studies and in their
profiles at family.pct.edu engineer, preferably in the automotive Rudolph is covering all bases for future
sports,” Faculty Athletic Representative
industry. success.
Tom Zimmerman said.
4 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 5
RECLAIMING
F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T
by Davie Jane Gilmour, president
WHY MISPERCEPTIONS PERSIST Pennsylvania and beyond includes WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
A recent PEW Research Center survey According to the PEW research,
STEM—
World War I veterans who retrained for
found that more than half of adults believe new careers after returning from Europe; growth of employment in STEM has
students don’t pursue STEM careers businessmen who lost their jobs during markedly outpaced the growth of overall
because they think the subject matter will the Great Depression and were retrained employment.
WHO REALLY WORKS IN the acronym coined by the National Science be too difficult. At Penn College, parents for the skilled positions that remained STEM workers with some college
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, Foundation two decades ago to mean “science, have similarly expressed that they initially unfilled in Williamsport-area industry; education make 26% more than those
technology, engineering and mathematics” – is did not investigate STEM careers for their and countless students who have come in non-STEM fields. Interestingly,
ENGINEERING AND MATH practically a household term. children because they believed they were to the college’s campus in the ensuing STEM training in college leads to higher
Schools have been working hard to ensure for the elite few who are willing to spend decades seeking “degrees that work.” compensation whether the individual
K-12 students are receiving solid STEM years pursuing advanced degrees. In the era of COVID-19, their impact winds up in STEM fields or not.
programming. STEM Days help to connect Given the way that STEM is has been proven as graduates fill But the importance lies beyond the
kids with fun science, technology, engineering frequently discussed, those essential roles and help paycheck.
and math activities. misperceptions may entities around the STEM jobs are essential.
Educators, legislators and business leaders be forgiven. As globe find new ways “In an ever-changing and complex
are all on board. There are countless complex the PEW survey of doing business. world, it’s more important than ever that
problems waiting to be solved. To confront explains: Those our nation’s youth are prepared to bring
them, we need citizens who are well-versed in “There is IF A PREDICTION degrees have knowledge and skills to solve problems,
STEM. no single that 47% of today’s jobs may worked for make sense of information and know how
But for all the recognition STEM has standard simply vanish in the next graduates, to gather and evaluate evidence to make
received, evidence shows that many high for which decade proves true, workers’ industry and decisions,” posits the U.S. Department
school students still cannot imagine careers jobs count society, thanks of Education. “These are the kinds of
willingness to adapt to new
that relate to those subjects. as STEM, to partnerships skills that students develop in science,
In one example, a survey by Randstad and this may technology will be vital to the college technology, engineering and math.”
North America found that 56% of students age contribute success in the workforce. established with About half of STEM workers are
11 to 17 do not know what kind of math jobs to a number of industry in its employed as health care practitioners and
exist, yet 64% rate creating video games as misperceptions earliest days. technicians, including nurses, physicians
STEM
“very fun.” about who works in Those partnerships and surgeons, as well as medical and
That disconnect appears to indicate that STEM and the difference that remain crucial as Penn College health services managers. Those positions
there is confusion – or at least a lack of clarity having a STEM-related degree can make students acquire professional career skills must be filled for the health of our
– about what a STEM career is. in workers’ pocketbooks.” in hands-on courses taught by faculty communities.
Among many, there is a misconception that The reality is that STEM is a way of with relevant real-world experience. Outside of health care, there are
STEM careers are only those that include a thinking and problem-solving that applies That instruction takes place in facilities more than half a million open jobs in
long list of credentials after a person’s name or to a wide range of fields. and labs that feature industry-standard manufacturing today, according to a
entail solitary work in a research laboratory. Penn College offers 100 majors that equipment provided by industry-leading study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing
But STEM encompasses far more. It does lead to careers in many of those fields. companies. Institute. The state Department of
include licensed professional engineers and In fact, Penn College’s roots are in Business and industry representatives Education reports more than 17,000
registered architects, but it also includes the STEM education (although the popular serve on the college’s academic advisory unfilled computer science and software
surveyors, estimators, project managers, acronym didn’t exist until 2001). Since committees, providing expert counsel on development jobs in Pennsylvania.
carpenters, HVAC technicians, electricians 1914, when the Williamsport School curriculum-related matters. And when And if a prediction by Deloitte and
and others who are part of their teams. District began offering hands-on classes workforce cues indicate the college needs The Manufacturing Institute that 47% of
Indeed, cardiothoracic surgeons are in woodworking and machining in its to change course with its expansive menu today’s jobs may simply vanish in the next
part of the STEM workforce, but so are new high school building, the institution of academic offerings, it nimbly makes decade proves true, workers’ willingness
radiographers, nurses, surgical technologists, that evolved into today’s national leader those changes. to adapt to new technology will be vital to
paramedics, physical therapists and countless in applied technology education has The result is an overall graduate- success in the workforce.
others responsible for successful patient been teaching students to use science, placement rate of 98%, which reaches To meet the increasing need for
outcomes. The kind of professionals who are technology, engineering and mathematics 100% in many majors. tomorrow makers with problem-solving
educated at Penn College. as tools to impact industries and More and more colleges are choosing skills, STEM Days that teach younger
The STEM workforce includes a well- communities – and sustain their own to follow the model Penn College and students about the real world of STEM
rounded mix of employees with associate, livelihoods. its predecessors have had in place for a careers are vital. And at Penn College,
bachelor’s and advanced degrees. The difference it has made in century. every day is STEM Day. ■
6 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 7
MATH CLASS
by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
There’s something akin The mathematical wizards behind
this conversion are Ed Owens and Lisa
to a quiet revolution D. Jacobs. Three other Penn College
happening inside the professors joined the endeavor as it evolved:
Klump Academic Center – Lauren Rhodes, Tiffany Schwanger and
Nathan Trick.
the oldest building on the Pennsylvania From Fall 2016 through Fall 2020, 45
College of Technology campus and home sections of the revised course have been
to innovation since 1914. taught by the five participating faculty
This transformation has been going on members.
for about five years and has touched over The educators are excited to see
1,100 students enrolled in an enhanced students’ math comprehension and
version of MTH 180 – College Algebra and confidence rising and their math scores
Trigonometry 1. increasing, along with opportunities for
Consistent with similar college classes success in their chosen majors and careers.
across the nation, success rates in this “Our big question was: How do we
course have been historically low, but with reach the struggling student with a weak
the recent concerted effort, scores have background and high math anxiety?”
risen in striking proportions. Owens explained.
Hearing about Penn College’s “We know that the A and B students will
achievement, other universities are calling, most likely always be successful, but how
asking for advice. They, too, want this can we target the C, D and F group?” Jacobs
equational elixir. added. “Our focus was: How do we get that
According to the Mathematical group to be more successful?”
Association of America, only about 50
percent of students enrolled in college More Time =
“Our primary
Mathematics faculty
algebra earn a grade of A, B or C. As
gateways to many STEM majors, algebra
Collaboration + Confidence
The first strategic change was to add more goal in all our
members Ed Owens,
associate professor, and
Lisa D. Jacobs, instructor,
courses are crucial for preparing students to
benefit society in a range of occupations.
time to the class each week in the form of a
lab component. effort was to
piloted an experiment to help
students who were struggling
Penn College’s experimental MTH
180 course has increased the percentage
“All of their major courses follow the
lecture-plus-lab model, with the lab tied to provide hope
and empower
in mathematics courses by of students earning an A, B or C to 65% the lecture. We were simply modeling that
adding a lab component to a and those receiving a D or better to 84%. structure, but in a mathematics context,”
math class that is required in Building science and sustainable
students for
(Grades of D and higher permit students Jacobs said.
many majors. In the five years design student Christine A. Limbert
since, the percentage of to pass.) One semester, the percentage of Following lab time, students are says the course has helped her to
success.”
students passing the course students earning a passing grade climbed encouraged to continue collaborating complete calculations in her core
has soared. to 90%. at study spaces outside their professors’ » architectural classes.
8 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 9
HAT STUDENTS ARE SAYIN offices. More than 50% of students have taken
advantage of this extra offering.
similar experiences. The conceptual
coursework helped him relate better and
The elevation of students’ hope has
positively merged with the one thing that
concepts being taught, which ultimately
helps them become better problem solvers
With lab and study time allowing for retain the information longer. benefits students the most within their in general.”
enhanced interaction among students and “The biggest thing this course helped mathematics courses: homework. This academic effort that began as
between students and professors, a strong me complete within my major was how Many students, especially if they a singular quest has moved in myriad
sense of community and camaraderie has to work out problems given to me when it struggle with math, have difficulty directions and resulted in numerous
emerged. came to figuring out unknown dimensions taking the material learned in class and unexpected benefits – similar to an
“The lab time, as well as the time spent within a certain sketch or design,” completing their homework. They often equation yielding infinite solutions.
with the professor and the other students McElhenny shared. run into challenges finishing homework “The MTH 180 project demonstrates
outside of the class, was the biggest and most Another concerted effort has focused alone, get frustrated and give up on their not only that the faculty at Penn College
beneficial surprise,” said Scott R. Seneca, a attention on the depth of the content in assignments. This can “snowball” on them are experts in their field, but also that they
civil engineering technology student from lieu of the breadth of material within the throughout the semester, leading to high are dedicated to their students,” said Sue A.
Lewisburg. “The structure of that class taught course. withdrawal or high failure rates. Kelley, dean of the School of Business, Arts
me to seek out help from the professors, as Additionally, the faculty implemented “Out of the confidence and content & Sciences. “I am continually impressed
“The lab created a more practical sense well as the student sitting next to me. The lab lecture guides aimed at helping students mastery from lab time, students are then with the innovative methods that they
to the course, where we could apply the time broke the ice for students to realize that stay organized. Jacobs says the guides more engaged and determined to complete develop to foster student understanding
lesson before it was lost in our brain. The just because the person sitting next to you may provide students time to think and their homework,” Jacobs said. “Completion and success. The faculty involved in this
have a better score on an assignment, doesn’t process without frantically trying to write of homework is one of the best catalysts for project found a way to make math relevant
relationships that were built during the time
mean they didn’t struggle and seek help or that everything down during a lecture. success within a mathematics course.” and meaningful for students. The growth
were beneficial, too.”
they wouldn’t help you in return.” This supplement to instruction helped that they cultivated is remarkable. Perhaps
This culture of support has circled back Kaylei L. Hildebrandt, an electrical Faculty Are Learning, Too the most extraordinary piece of this story is
“Math has been turned from seemingly into lecture time, where students feel more technology graduate who is enrolled Trick says he joined the effort as a new the fact that the math faculty are applying
impossible to something that I look forward comfortable asking questions or responding in building automation engineering faculty member because the level of what they learned through the MTH 180
to doing. After this 180 course, I’m helping to questions without fear of embarrassment. technology. Hailing from St. Leonard, student success was evident, and he was project to improve other courses within
students in other MTH 180 courses. I have Students’ math anxieties have decreased and Maryland, Hildebrandt is a Navy veteran. interested in the opportunity to interface the department.”
NEVER been able to help others with math.” their confidence has flourished. “With how the note sheets were laid with the other four professors teaching the The evolution of individual students
out and with how well my professor was enhanced MTH 180 model. continues to inspire Jacobs.
“High school mathematics felt like being Practical Problems = able to explain the concepts, I was able to “I was very interested in the “The most significant impact that
given the keys to a door, but with college Elevated Understanding focus more on the lesson being taught,” opportunity to collaborate with the other I have noticed has been a complete
mathematics, you finally use the key to open The second component of the retooled MTH she said, explaining that the lecture guides committee members on a weekly basis transformation of students’ attitudes as the
the door. This course is very structured and 180 course model has focused on content. offer questions that work in tandem with to discuss what was working and any semester unfolds. Every semester begins
Owens and Jacobs had a strong desire to the material the professor is covering; changes that the group felt would better the same way: a class full of individual
helpful.”
stress conceptual learning through the use additional space for note-taking is also serve the course,” he said. “Discussing students. However, as the semester
of practical algebraic problems relating contained in the guides. the different components of the course progresses, they slowly transform into a
“The extra class time and reviews make me
to students’ daily lives and fields of study. with my colleagues and sharing ideas with cohesive community working together to
feel like the instructor truly cares. … I also (Students in a transportation-related major Adding Hope to the Equation each other really helped me grow as an complete the course,” she said. “It is also
like knowing why something works, not just might be determining measurements of a A third area of emphasis for the enhanced instructor.” my hope that, through the many classroom
the formula. I almost failed math in high piston, while students in health sciences could course model has been to inject a sense of The group’s weekly meetings have interactions between the students, they
school; now I look forward to this class. The be calculating dimensions of vertebrae.) hope into the classroom. supported the educators in creating are not only garnering the mathematical
different types of questions helped me truly Through the use of relevant problems, the Aware that many students arrive on consistency among their classrooms conceptual knowledge, but also taking
understand the problems. Having extra time faculty hoped students would see the value as the first day of math class already feeling and providing an opportunity to share away many of the soft skills that will make
each class to interact with other students was it applies to their future careers. defeated or set up for failure, the educators experiences, heading off challenges during them productive participants in whatever
amazing.” “In architecture, there are many believed it was necessary to infuse a the semester as opposed to waiting until field they find themselves in in the future.”
calculations that have to be done to ensure nurturing atmosphere into the classroom the end. With the incredible success of the MTH
“Homework is really how you get to structural safety, and learning some of these from day one, creating a place where “Teaching MTH 180 in the lecture/ 180 pilot course, Jacobs is spearheading
understand the information. Lab time concepts in MTH 180 better helped me in students feel safe to make mistakes. lab format has convinced me of how a new initiative to revise MTH 006 –
my core classes, especially when my math “I tell the students: ‘You only learn important it is for the students to have the Elementary Algebra II.
prepares you more for the homework. ... I felt
professor would make the equations a real- when you’re making mistakes. If you’re opportunity to collaborate with each other “It was our desire that this would be
like homework wasn’t needed because it isn’t
life scenario,” said Christine A. Limbert, not wrong, I have nothing to teach you,’” and me during the lab time,” Trick added. a catalyst to experience the same level of
graded – until I realized how much it helped a building science and sustainable design Owens said. “I have found that the more the students success and transformation in our STEM
me to prepare for quizzes and exams.” student from Curwensville. Jacobs added: “Our primary goal in have the opportunity to discuss and work developmental course,” she said. The fully
Engineering design technology student all our effort was to provide hope and the mathematics with each other and their revised course will be renamed MTH 008
— from anonymous student evaluations Evan L. McElhenny, of Bainbridge, had empower students for success.” instructor, the more they understand the and implemented in Fall 2021. ■
10 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 11
PHOTOS COURTESY OF X, THE MOONSHOT FACTORY
R E V O L U T I O N I Z I N G
“Robots can learn
tasks in the real
Building robots that
learn is grad’s latest world through
engineering venture practice versus
by Tom Speicher,
writer/video producer having to code
every new task,
exception or X’s experiments at its headquarters in
Mountain View, California, include robots
improvement.” sorting waste into bins dedicated to landfill,
recycling and compost. The goal of the
Everyday Robot Project is to produce machines
that possess the humanlike capacity to learn
and adapt. Fletcher Ewing, ’98 (opposite page),
is senior mechanical engineer for the project.
unpredictable settings, such as homes It’s difficult to determine “the Nathan (a 2002 automotive technology several events and earning sponsorship six institutions nationwide offering
CURIOSITY FUELS and offices. Unlike today’s robots, which beginning” from Ewing’s resume. Is it his graduate of Penn College), and father, from Delta Manufacturing. plastics degrees that are accredited by the
are built to perform specific functions graduation from Penn College’s renowned Dalas, Ewing spent countless hours in his They learned the enduring virtue of Engineering Technology Accreditation
FLETCHER EWING. in structured environments, X wants plastics program? His development of a native Selinsgrove manufacturing Soap patience while testing their mechanical Commission of ABET. The college is
As a kid, it drove him to meticulously its machines to possess the humanlike device that identified the remains of the Box Derby and remote control cars. Both aptitude and ingenuity. also home to the Plastics Innovation
build and competitively race Soap Box capacity to learn and adapt. world’s most-wanted terrorist? His work endeavors taught him to embrace, not “My father was extremely fussy and had & Resource Center, an internationally
Derby and remote control cars. As a “We’re focused on developing an end- on components for a high-end vehicle? shrink from, challenges. a lot of pride in quality and workmanship, recognized provider of plastics training,
college student, it pointed him to plastics. to-end robot system that requires us to His creation benefiting swimming pool The Soap Box Derby cars required along with a positive attitude,” Ewing research and development, and industry
As a professional, it led him to devise and integrate many different components like owners? The answer is “none of the above.” handling wood and fiberglass to finalize recalled. “So in the process of working on partner programs.
develop innovative products. Today, it the hand, arm, body, head and computer Childhood activities inspired by deep the body and troubleshooting pulleys, bell the cars and racing, he instilled that same “I wanted to get into new product
inspires him to “shoot for the moon.” to work together to do something reliably curiosity conceived his engineering cranks and cables to install the control and mindset into my brother and me. development involving plastics materials
The 1998 Pennsylvania College of over time in real-world, unstructured acumen. Growing up, Ewing’s prized brake systems. Painting the car so its finish “You have to be patient and make sound or composites in some shape or form,”
Technology graduate is thriving as a senior environments,” Ewing said. “We see robots possession wasn’t a toy. It was a used set of produced the least aerodynamic drag also decisions. Rushed judgments on product Ewing said. “The labs and hands-on work
mechanical engineer in Silicon Valley at as tools that we can put to work to extend the Encyclopaedia Britannica. consumed considerable time. Testing and design or engineering can cost companies allowed us to physically test theories or the
X, The Moonshot Factory. The company humanity’s capabilities.” “For as long as I can remember, I’ve fine-tuning preceded the races, which took thousands of dollars and their reputation.” material science and gave us the freedom
formerly known as Google X comprises X describes the development of such had intellectual curiosity in things, people Ewing’s family throughout Pennsylvania Shortly after graduating from high to choose related paths and interests.
engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs general-purpose robots as “tackling and and history. Before you could ‘Google it,’ and to the national championships in school, Ewing put his engineering “I’m very thankful for my experience
whose expectations defy gravity. Their integrating some of the hardest hardware I would have my face buried in books to Akron, Ohio. aspirations on hold. The passing of his at Penn College. It has given me the right
lofty objective is to build and launch and software challenges in the field of find out things,” said Ewing, who earned a When he was 11, Ewing “graduated” father prompted him and his brother to tools and direction to become what I am
“technologies that aim to improve the lives robotics.” The herculean job description bachelor’s degree in plastics and polymer to remote control cars. But they weren’t become full-time employees of the family’s today.”
of millions, even billions of people.” doesn’t spook Ewing. Instead, he savors it. engineering technology. “I’ve always been ordinary RC cars to run on the kitchen building products company. The family Combining theory with extensive
Current initiatives at X – a subsidiary “With problems come solutions, and very interested in how things work and floor. He built one-eighth scale, nitro sold the business’s assets a few years later, hands-on training in labs dedicated
of Alphabet, Google’s parent company – X’s mission is to solve difficult problems,” the science behind it. I grew up during a gas-powered cars for road races that opening Ewing’s opportunity to attend to various plastics processes is what
include driverless cars, delivery drones he said. “You have to accept you may not time when kids were outside playing and could exceed an hour. Choosing and Penn College. distinguishes Penn College’s program,
and internet access via light beams and get it right after multiple attempts. In my figuring things out on their own, which incorporating optimal tire compounds, The “uncommon and specified focus” according to Kirk M. Cantor, professor of
balloons. Ewing’s assignment is the opinion, failure is part of being an engineer left an incredibly broad and blank canvas fuel type, motors, gearing and exhaust of the plastics and polymer engineering plastics and polymer technology.
Everyday Robot Project, which aims and has been part of my experience since to fill.” systems were critical for racing success. technology program attracted him to “I tell my students all the time that
to create robots that can operate in the beginning.” Fill it he did. With his older brother, Ewing and his brother excelled, winning the school. Penn College is one of only there are folks who understand the science »
12 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 13
really well but can’t run the machines. reliance on plastics to reduce vehicle he designed and developed the Polaris PC combined with proprietary biometrics challenging project. Machine learning and “We have tens of thousands of virtual
Then there are people who can run the weight for better gas mileage. He was a Quattro, an autonomous submersible pool hardware – to positively identify bin robotics could one day help us find new robots running in the cloud to learn this
machines but aren’t as strong with the product development engineer for top cleaner, launched commercially in January Laden’s remains after their successful raid solutions to some of the biggest challenges task nightly,” Ewing revealed. “What’s
science,” he said. “Our students straddle suppliers of under-hood and interior 2020. of his compound in Pakistan. facing the world – from finding new ways gained in experience and learning is then
both worlds. They understand the science, components. The role included trips to “It involved a big team of people to Since it was built to withstand drops, to live sustainably, to caring for loved ones, transferred and shared to the physical
can run the machines and troubleshoot Germany for the Mercedes-Benz W164 make it happen,” Ewing said. “It was a water and sand intrusion, and extreme to tasks we’ve not even imagined.” robots. We have reduced contaminated
effectively.” program, which produced the second great experience and has had great reviews temperatures, Ewing’s team realized its Whether he is prototyping inside X’s waste from 20% to less than 5%. This
Cantor remembered “Fletcher Ewing generation M-Class luxury SUV. after one season on the market.” invention would appeal to the military. 20,000-square-foot workshop in Mountain proves that robots can learn tasks in the
the student” as diligent and possessing “It was fun going to Germany and With its four big wheels and plastic They didn’t know about the device’s role View, California, or designing from home real world through practice versus having
a good attitude. He described “Fletcher working directly with Mercedes-Benz in body, the machine resembles a toy monster in identifying the Al-Qaeda leader until a due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ewing’s to code every new task, exception or
Ewing the alumnus” as the embodiment Sindelfingen, getting behind-the-scenes truck in size and shape. Powered by a company-wide meeting a few weeks after days consist of hands-on work with improvement.”
of the varied, rewarding opportunities tours and seeing vehicles that were not yet booster pump, the Polaris Quattro scours the raid. components, interactions and meetings It could be several years before the
available to graduates of the plastics released to the public,” he said. “I loved a pool’s bottom and climbs its sides to “It gives me great pride to have been with team members, and hours devoted to robots envisioned by X become part of
program. Germany, but eventually the hours and devour any debris. The pool owner doesn’t involved in the development of something research and development. That effort has the fabric of society. That reality doesn’t
“Pretty much everything dealing with travel were not a great fit for me. break a sweat. For them, it’s like hiring that aided the nation’s fight against produced tangible results. faze Ewing, thanks to lessons learned in
electronics and technology has plastic “Working in the industry was Aquaman to vacuum. terrorism,” Ewing said. The company’s offices are populated childhood, augmented at Penn College
components involved,” he said. “Because a good start and taught me much Between his two stints in aquatics, Aiding humanity is Ewing’s ultimate by several robot prototypes, all of which and cemented in his various professional
our students are working with state- about manufacturing and design for Ewing helped to create a tool used by goal in his current role with the Everyday bear a slight resemblance to the “Number experiences.
of-the-art plastics technology, they are manufacturing and assembly, which aided real heroes. Working for Cross Match Robot Project at X. His innate curiosity 5” robot featured in the 1986 classic film “The challenge is what drives me
exposed to ancillary types of technologies. my career path.” Technologies in Palm Beach Gardens, and unquenchable thirst for innovation “Short Circuit.” Unlike that fictional and inspires me to be both creative and
Many graduates do migrate from working The aquatics industry was the next stop Florida, he played a key role in designing, convinced him to apply for the senior machine, these mobile robots don’t talk, inventive in solving problems,” he said.
directly with plastics to focus on other on that path. For two companies, Ewing developing and selecting materials for the mechanical engineer position in the fall of but they are sleeker and smarter. Current “I aim to be a lifelong learner and feed my
technologies, and they do well. The served as lead mechanical engineer of SEEK Mobile Biometric Device. U.S. Navy 2019. testing requires the prototypes – relying curiosity as much as possible.”
opportunities are always there for anyone new product development. At Aquatron Seals employed the instrument during the “X has a long history of bringing on artificial intelligence software and Consider it fed. ■
like Fletcher, who is good at what they do Robotic Technology in Delray Beach, 2011 mission that killed Osama bin Laden, together hardware and software to create equipped with cameras, sensors and one
and works hard.” Florida, he produced robotic swimming the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, which breakthrough solutions,” he explained. “I “arm” – to grasp and accurately sort waste
Ewing’s degree steered him to the pool cleaners and water treatment devices. claimed nearly 3,000 lives on U.S. soil. was thrilled to join a renowned company into bins earmarked for landfill, recycling
automotive industry and its increasing Nine years later, at Fluidra in San Diego, The Seals relied on the device – a small working on such a rewarding and and compost.
Ewing proudly displays
“I grew up during a time
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLETCHER EWING
some of his Soap Box
Derby trophies outside
when kids were outside his Selinsgrove home
in 1977. He credits
playing and figuring things building Soap Box Derby
and remote-control
cars for developing his
out on their own, which mechanical aptitude and
learning the value of
left an incredibly broad patience.
and blank canvas to fill.”
Ewing patiently waits for
Above: Ewing, left, and his brother, Nathan, the start of a Soap Box
’02, show off their remote control cars Derby race at Bucknell
before a race at a Selinsgrove parking lot, University in the mid-
circa 1980. At right: They adjust the fuel/ 1970s. At right is Ewing’s
air mixture of Fletcher’s car. The cars were father, Dalas, who with
powered by nitro gas. his two brothers owned
Ewing Brothers Inc., a
custom home builders
business. Ewing’s dad
eventually branched off
to form his own company:
Ewing Building Products.
14 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 15
transsforms
tran
GRAD’S GIFT A grateful Larry A. Ward, a 1966
engineering drafting
technology graduate, used
Larry Ward, ’66, the hands-on skills he honed
at the college to eventually
helps revamp lab
invent new packaging
machinery and found
Packaging Progressions Inc.
MACHINING LAB in which he learned
by Tom Speicher,
writer/video producer
stocked with
M
drill bits, end mills,
ost people micrometers, wrenches
stepping inside and other tools required for
a machine shop tolerate a each piece of equipment. About
cacophony of sounds. When Larry 90 students from five manufacturing-
Ward enters, he embraces sweet music. related majors receive vital hands-on
For him, the noise generated by mills, describe experience in the space each semester.
lathes, computer numerical control it,” said “I’m extremely grateful,” said a
machines and related equipment coalesces The Loni N. Kline, smiling Christopher M. Schweikert,
into a soothing beat. Ward’s senses are so entrepreneur’s vice president for majoring in manufacturing engineering
keen to the echoes of manufacturing that donation of more
“Throughout my
college relations. “The technology and one of about 50 students
he can diagnose a machining problem than $1 million – the new lab sets us apart from other who greeted Ward with thunderous
just with his ears, like a proud conductor largest alumni gift in the
history of the college – financed
career, I’ve always programs and is really leading us applause at the lab’s unveiling. “These
identifying the source of a symphony’s into the next generation.”
looked for a return
new machines really do make a difference
rare sour note. the recent revamping of one of the “Mr. Ward, with this donation, has set to our program.”
Machinery has produced the
soundtrack for Ward’s rich, 50-plus-year
oldest instructional spaces on campus
– the machining lab. The 14,299-square-
on my investment, up the Penn College machining program “It looks amazing. It’s better than what
for the next 50 years,” emphasized I was ready to walk into,” added Dakota
career, and thanks to his generosity, foot facility features fresh lighting, and when I see Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering C. Harrison, a fellow manufacturing
these kids here at
Ward has ensured that his “music” will flooring, fixtures and, most importantly, technologies. “I think Mr. Ward’s engineering technology student. “It has
be everlasting at his alma mater. Future new equipment in the recently christened The Larry A. Ward donation is critical to our ability to just completely transformed the entire
generations of Pennsylvania College of Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Machining Technologies
Center – one of the oldest
Penn College, I just continue to put out skilled machinists for lab, and we really couldn’t have done it
Center.
Technology students will play Ward’s
favorite “songs” on “instruments” “This gift is truly transformational,
labs on campus – received fresh feel like I’m getting all of society.”
The machining lab contains nearly 50
without Mr. Ward.”
lighting, flooring, fixtures and, Without Penn College’s predecessor
furnished by his gift. and that is the very best word I can use to most importantly, new equipment. my money’s worth.” new mills and lathes, as well as cabinets Williamsport Technical Institute, Ward »
16 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 17believes he wouldn’t have been in a position packaging industry. The automated The responsibility for choosing machinist. We start students there and
to bestow such a gift. The Corning, New equipment accurately inserts paper replacements fell to Troup with input from move up into the CNC applications,”
York, native who liked to work with his between food items, such as sliced Philly Ward. Webb explained. “The dual-purpose
hands enrolled at WTI in the mid-1960s steaks, hamburgers, pizza and bacon. “Howard was instrumental for the machines allow our students to get a much
because of its strong reputation for With Ward as maestro, Packaging vision of this space, thinking through all broader experience, beginning in their first
producing graduates with real-world skills. Progressions became a hit, growing the equipment and necessary renovations,” semester.”
He chose engineering drafting from $250,000 in first-year sales to a Kline said. “And Larry had some great “There’s going to be a wide array of
technology, which required work in the $30 million-a-year operation. In 2017, ideas. His recommendation to us was to get machines that I can say that I know how to
same machine shop transformed by his the company moved to Souderton and as much automation as possible, because use,” Harrison said. “When I show up for my
recent donation. He successfully juggled a 35,000-square-foot facility, mostly that’s where we are in industry.” first week of work and they are expecting
night classes with various jobs to be consumed by stainless steel machinery Troup assembled a team consisting to train a kid who doesn’t know how to do
among the first graduates of Williamsport produced in-house. Today, it’s the world’s of Ron H. Beck, machine shop toolroom anything, I can show them that I actually
Area Community College in 1966. (WTI leading manufacturer and supplier of high- attendant; Bryan C. Schaefer, maintenance know a thing or two.”
became the community college the speed interleaving and stacking machines. mechanic/millwright specialist; Allan Ward appreciates the college’s
previous year.) Ward sold Packaging Progressions M. Meck, electronics service specialist; approach, which has resulted in a near
“I got a skill I could actually use, and to the Middleby Corp. in July 2019, and and automation engineering technology 100% placement rate for graduates of
they offered a full-rounded education,” his son, Drew, assumed leadership of the students Brian J. Daniels, Conner J. manufacturing-related programs.
Ward said. “All through my working company. Nickerson and Levi E. Pomeroy to lead the “The students that come out of here are
career, I have thought back when I’m doing While increasing his workforce from renovation throughout the summer. well-trained,” he said. “With manufacturing
something, ‘Oh yeah, I remember covering five to about 70 employees, Ward actively The crew disconnected and removed coming back, Penn College is giving
this at Tech.’ I can still draw on things I recruited Penn College graduates, desiring about 100 pieces of instructional America what we need. We don’t have
learned here, today. I just can’t say enough their hands-on technical experience. equipment – for the painting, flooring and enough people with technical skills. Penn
about the education I got here.” In recent years, he donated materials LED lighting to be completed – before College teaches them those skills.”
That education led to an eclectic career. and equipment for the machining and returning about 40 machines and installing Deloitte and the Manufacturing
Ward designed typewriters for Smith welding programs and began sponsoring nearly 50 new ones. Institute estimate that more than half of
Corona, served as a Navy deep-sea diver a commencement award for mechatronics “We had to attach power to the the projected 4.6 million manufacturing
and worked as a hyperbaric engineer at the students. machines. Most of the time that meant new job openings during the next decade won’t
University of Pennsylvania and a project “When we sat down and thought about wire and connectors,” Troup said. “We also be filled because of the skills gap. The new
Penn College’s automated
engineer at Exide Battery. He assisted this project, the immediate name that had to connect compressed air lines to the lab full of drill presses, surface grinders,
manufacturing & machining
in the design, layout and startup of two came to mind for us that we wanted to new machines.” dual-purpose CNC lathes and mills, and
majors
manufacturing plants before transitioning display on this building was Larry Ward,” In addition to that work, the students electrical discharge machines will enhance
to sales and service of packaging Kline said. “He’s been supportive of Penn used a CNC router in The Dr. Welch In the newly updated Larry A. Ward Penn College’s pivotal role in shrinking that
machinery and supplies in the late 1970s. College in many ways over the years, and Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College Machining Technologies Center gap.
The realization that automation and so what better way to engage someone so to fabricate 200 tool holders – made of and the Automated Manufacturing “The students now have access to the
efficiency were key for manufacturing wonderful.” wood and foam – for the drawers of the Lab (in the College Avenue Labs new technology on their own machine,
success inspired Ward to create his own “Throughout my career, I’ve always lab’s new cabinets. building), Penn College offers: learning and operating that machine during
business, Packaging Films and Equipment looked for a return on my investment,” “If it wasn’t for those three students Manufacturing engineering
their class period,” Webb said. “They also
Co., out of his home in 1981. Ward said moments after walking through and our own staff, the lab would not technology (bachelor’s degree) still have access to the manual skills and to
He designed automated packaging lines, the refurnished lab for the first time. “And have been ready for the start of the fall faculty who have worked in industry. Our
Automated manufacturing
installed and serviced equipment, and sold when I see these kids here at Penn College, semester,” Webb said. “It was a feat. We students are ready when they leave here to
technology (associate degree)
the materials that ran on the packaging I just feel like I’m getting my money’s were behind by at least a month because of really hit the ground running.”
machines. worth.” the pandemic. There were long days and Machine tool technology
Just like Ward was more than 50 years
In the mid-1980s, Ward invented the Howard W. Troup, instructor of weeks.” (associate degree) ago.
Arc-Tronic Hole Perforator, which employs automated manufacturing and machining, The college auctioned 44 old machines Metal fabrication technology
“They taught me here to do a good job,
an electric arc to produce clean vent holes likened Ward’s gift to winning the lottery before purchasing the new equipment. The (associate degree) stand behind what you do and you’ll do
in plastic film for all types of packages, with the mortgage due. replacements include more than two dozen well,” he said.
CNC machinist (certificate)
including food products. He founded “It was just fantastic! That feeling dual-purpose CNC mills and lathes that “I have done very well, so I want to give it
Packaging Progressions Inc. in Collegeville was shared by all my coworkers,” he said. facilitate both manual and – adhering to back for the next generation.”
in 1989 to market the device. “The machines that we had were being Ward’s wishes – automated operations. Bravo. ■
A few years later, the company began overwhelmed by students. There weren’t “While CNC is great, we have a
designing and manufacturing interleaving enough workstations. The machinery was fundamental belief that understanding Watch a video about the lab’s
and stacking machinery for the food getting old. It just needed to be replaced.” the manual process makes you a better unveiling at magazine.pct.edu/gg
18 Penn College Magazine Spring 2021 19You can also read
