Johnson College to Host Event at Simplex Homes Johnson College is hosting a Closer Look at its popular 2-year Electrical Construction Technology program on December 13, 2023, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in its unique industry lab space at Simplex Homes at 1 Simplex Drive in Scranton, PA. The event will feature opportunities to learn about the degree program, career opportunities, and the enrollment process. The Johnson College Enrollment team, Electrical Construction Technology students and staff, and representatives from Simplex Homes will be available to answer questions. The two-year Electrical Construction Technology Associates Degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians for the operation, inspection, installation, calibration, repair, maintenance, and safety of residential and commercial electrical equipment. Register for the event at johnson.edu/closerlook. For more information, contact the College’s Enrollment department at (570) 702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s Scranton campus. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited! The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation. To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/forklift/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.
Johnson College Offers CDL Driver Training Course Johnson College in partnership with Ancora Education is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on November 27, 2023, at the College’s satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township. Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022. To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit https://johnson.edu/hazleton/hazleton-cdl/ or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.
Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, November 9, at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. The event was held to recognize the scholarship recipients and thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to students. The College awarded 53 students with scholarships. Stephanie Ropietski, a student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of Hawk Family Foundation Scholars and the Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarships served as the student speaker at the event. “The scholarships that have been awarded to me and so many of my classmates exhibit how Johnson College and all of the generous scholarship donors care about the success and hard work of today’s students,” Ropietski said. She stated that these scholarships will help to alleviate the burden of the cost of school for many students, allowing them to focus on their students and strive for success. The event also featured keynote speaker, Nicholas J. Scarnato ’80, Treasurer of the College’s Board of Directors and long-time supporter of the College and its students. The breakfast concluded with the presentation of the scholarship awards by Katie Leonard, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included: AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Brenden Sutton; Alekna Memorial Scholarship, Nathan Dixon; Edgar and Ida Alekna Scholarship Fund, Luke Galli; Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Jallen Wilks; Bartolai Family Scholarship, Robert Jenkins; John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Rachel Butler and Mackenzie Gavin; Margaret Briggs Foundation Scholarship, Jonathan Merlen; Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Gabriel Gonzalez; CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Trinaya Parker; Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Blake Praschak; P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Jonathan Hunsberger; John T. Gerod Scholarship, Richard Reed and Emily Royce; Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Stephanie Ropietski; Hawk Family Foundation Scholar, Stephanie Ropietski and Jordan Stine; Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Zachary Menichello; Frank & Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Chase Ferranti; Jefferson Township Lions Club Scholarship, Tess Maher; Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Jordan Bowen and Harrison Kubulis; Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Andrew Abrams, Michael Andrews, and Devin Walsh; Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Jacqueline Albano; Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Gavin Noll; F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Robert Jensen; Moffat Merit Award, Richard Bowen and Dravyn Falsone; Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Kodee Bates; Moses Taylor Foundation Careers In Care Scholarship, Neyleen Lugo, Tess Maher, Jonathan Merlen, Trinaya Parker, Bryce Shorten, Malana Vega, and Kayla Ward; Motorworld Lexus Scholarship, Carter Albanese and Paolo Fiorini; John R. O’Hara Scholarship, King-Shakim Rose; Christopher Pambianco ’65 Book and Tool Award, Benjamin Flowers and Jacob Holmes; Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Abby Bowen; John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship, Jade Mcdermott; Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Aaron Hall and Alyssa Nicholas; Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Jarrel Johnson and Ryan Phillips; Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Brenden Sutton and Hunter Landers; Richmond Merit Award, Emma Danowsky; Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Alyssa Crawford; Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Tobio Gallucci; Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Michael Novotka; Technology Merit Award, Tyler Connolly; Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Dylan Degroat; Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Hunter Landers and Brenden Sutton; And Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Laura Alleva-Cox.
Johnson College to Hold Instant Decision Day for Veterans and Current U.S Military Service Members Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. virtually and inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit johnson.edu/instant. During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending. Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.
Johnson College Reveals Scranton Campus Expansion Johnson College announced today that construction will soon begin on a new advanced technology facility to house its growing Building Trades programs, specifically Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology and Electrical Construction Technology. The new facility will double the size of the existing HVAC laboratory and provide additional training facilities for Electrical Construction Technology on the College’s Scranton campus. During a community event on the Scranton campus, Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College President & CEO, unveiled artist renderings and plans for the new facility as she announced that the building expansion will be named Bracey Hall, in recognition of the Bracey family’s service to Johnson College. The Braceys recently pledged a major gift to the College’s capital campaign, “Innovation at Work,” to support its building trades programs. This gift will allow the College to continue meeting the needs of its students, industry partners, and the community with advanced real-world, hands-on, industry-driven education. In addition to the transformational gift from the Bracey family, the College was awarded a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the City of Scranton. This grant will help the College to expand its workforce development programming for high-tech and in-demand fields, including HVAC and Electrical Construction. The HVAC and Electrical Construction Technology programs also benefitted from a $280,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant for campus technology upgrades. Dr. Leonard stated Bracey Hall will feature ample space to provide dedicated, permanent areas for all significant training equipment. The facility will feature a more advanced interdisciplinary programming laboratory that will teach students the importance of learning to work in teams with each other and those from differing programs. The building trades programs at the College have seen continuous growth throughout the past few years. The College’s HVAC program director and chair of the Building Trades division, Walter Wood ’11, shared that the significant demand in industry has led to an increase in enrollment and the need to expand. Additional classrooms and lab space will provide more students the opportunity to enroll in the College’s hands-on Building Trades programs to meet industry needs throughout the region and beyond. For more information about Johnson College’s comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work,” visit johnson.edu/innovationatwork.
Johnson College to Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold an on-campus Open House on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
Johnson College Receives EITC Contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust Johnson College received a $12,000 EITC contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust to support the College’s Industry Fast Track program. Peoples Security Bank & Trust’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program offers businesses a tax credit for supporting state-approved educational improvement programs. Johnson College is approved to accept EITC contributions in support of its STEM outreach programs and Industry Fast Track program. Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program offers high school students from participating area school districts an opportunity to enroll simultaneously in secondary and post-secondary coursework at Johnson College. The course meets state requirements for high school graduation while providing college-level courses. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes on the College’s campus. To learn more about Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program, visit johnson.edu/dual-enrollment-at-johnson-college.
Johnson College to Host Community Trunk of Treat Event Johnson College invites the community to a Trunk-or-Treat event on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at its Scranton campus. The College’s students, staff, and faculty, as well as community organizations, will be handing out candy in the upper parking lot by the Moffat Student Resource Center. The lot can be accessed via the North entrance across from Schiff’s Marketplace. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear their favorite costume! This free event will provide families with a safe space to enjoy Halloween fun. For more information, please email studentsuccess@johnson.edu or call 570.702.8953 or 570.702.8912.
Johnson College Announces New Board Members and Officers Johnson College’s Board of Directors has appointed seven new members and newly elected officials. The recent additions to the board include William Bochicchio, Jr., COO and General Manager of Five Star Equipment; Laura Bracey, Director of Human Resources and Operations at Bracey, Inc.; Kim Fanning, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Martz Bus; Thomas Kirkpatrick, Fixed Operations Director at Toyota of Scranton; Justin A. Marchuska II ’94, co-founder and member of Marchuska Brothers Construction; Grace McGregor Kramer, Director of Strategy and Operations at McGregor Industries, Inc.; and Mark Reese, President of Schiff’s Restaurant Services, Inc. Newly elected officials as of 2022 include J. Patrick Dietz, Senior Vice President of Peoples Security and Bank, as Chairperson; Atty. Kris E. Fendrock, Esq., partner at Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP, as Vice Chairperson; and Nicholas J. Scarnato ’80, retired business executive, as Treasurer. William Bochicchio, Jr. joined the board in 2022. Attending Villanova University, he received a bachelor’s degree from its business school before attaining a master’s degree in accounting/consulting. Bochicchio also holds a CPA license. He resides in Peckville, Pa. Laura Bracey joined the board in 2023. In addition to this role, she has recently been elected as a member of the Chamber of Commerce Life Board and currently serves on the Wakefern Produce Committee. She graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. She resides in Moscow, Pa. Kim Fanning joined the board in 2023. Outside of Johnson College, she also serves as the Treasurer of the Moosic Redwings Softball Association. She attended the University of Scranton where she attained her MBA in Finance. She resides in Moosic, Pa. Thomas Kirkpatrick joined the board in 2023. This is his first time serving as a board member. He resides in Clarks Green, Pa. Justin A. Marchuska II ’94 joined the board in 2023. He also serves as a member of Broome-Tioga Workforce NY, Community Potential, and Binghamton University Athletic Board. He is an alumnus of Johnson College where he attained an associates degree in Building Construction Technology. He resides in both Binghamton and Skaneateles, N.Y. Grace McGregor joined the board in 2023. She is an active member of the community, serving as a board member of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Scranton Tomorrow. She is an executive committee member of Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resources Center (NEPIRC) and the New York/Philadelphia Advisory Board of the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT). McGregor also serves as President of the Alumni Board of Governors at Scranton Preparatory School and Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. In previous years, she served on the Transition Advisory Committee on Economic Development for Governor Josh Shapiro and Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where she attained a bachelor’s degree in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Operations. She resides in Scranton, Pa. Mark Reese joined the board in 2023. He has previously served the College as a member of the Perkins Committee. He completed four years of plumbing apprenticeship while working in the Local Plumbers Union. He resides in Peckville, Pa. J. Patrick Dietz is the Chair of the board. He joined the Johnson College board in 2017 and is also a member of the Audit, Operational Excellence, and Governance Committees. Mr. Dietz is also the Chairman of the Salvation Army of Scranton Advisory Board. He obtained his MBA from Marywood University and is a Senior Vice President / Commercial Loan Officer at Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company. He resides in South Abington Township, Pa. Atty. Kris Fendrock is entering her eighth year on the board and is serving as the Vice Chair. Previously, she was the Governance Committee Chair. Fendrock is a partner at Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP in Scranton. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas and a Juris Doctorate from Penn State Dickinson Law School. She resides in Waverly, Pa. Nicholas J. Scarnato ’80 is the Treasurer of the board. He recently retired from his role as Chief Commercial Officer at Producto in Endicott, NY. He graduated from Johnson College in 1980 with an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics and Fluidics. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Binghamton University. Before joining Producto, Scarnato held positions in Engineering, Project Management, Business Development, and Strategic Development for major Aerospace Corporations spanning 40 years. He resides in the Southern tier of New York.
