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.

Johnson College and CAN DO Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Grand Opening

In a joint celebration held today, September 27, CAN DO and Johnson College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’. This celebration comes after the two institutions announced their partnership to bring a technical school to the Greater Hazleton Area earlier this year.

The ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’ ribbon cutting event showcased the expansive 20,000 sq. ft. facility – which was once home to the former McCann School of Business and Technology. Guests were invited to tour the new school, including classrooms, lab spaces, and the campus resource center that is open to all students. Capriotti’s Catering and Little Treats and Cakes by Janna catered the event with light lunch fare and desserts.

Dr. Katie Leonard, President and CEO of Johnson College, and Joseph Lettiere, President and CEO of CAN DO, were both present and spoke about how this partnership is a monumental achievement for the Greater Hazleton Area, its residences, and its businesses.

Dr. Katie Leonard spoke of the importance of the College’s industry partners throughout her remarks. “I like to say that we are founded and grounded in industry”, she mentioned. “The industry partnerships we’ve fostered here in the Greater Hazleton region helped us identify the need for skilled technicians and technologists in the area and the need for us to create unique, hands-on, industry-driven experiences for students who want to work within those industries.”

During his remarks, CAN DO President and CEO, Joseph Lettiere, stated, “CAN DO’s partnership with Johnson College is monumental for the Greater Hazleton Area and its residents as a whole. Through the various programs available on this campus, our community will have direct access to the necessary training and education our industries are in need of…these programs truly move the needle for members of our community by providing industrial education that will ultimately lead to family- and life-sustaining careers.” 

Other key members of this partnership and esteemed dignitaries also in attendance included Charles Burkhardt, Chair of the CAN DO Board of Directors, Pat Dietz, Chair of the Johnson College Board of Directors, Pennsylvania State Senator David Argall, representing Pennsylvania’s 29th Senatorial District, and members from both CAN DO and Johnson College’s Board of Directors.

With its strategic positioning inside of the Humboldt Industrial Park, Johnson College’s Hazleton campus will provide students with advantageous proximity to nearly 70 industries currently employing more than 11,000 individuals. The campus is also now a central education hub for communities within lower Luzerne and surrounding counties.

While classes officially began on August 28, the new school offers a robust curriculum aimed to cater to the diverse academic and industry needs of the Greater Hazleton Area community. Notable program offerings include a 2-Year Associate Degree in Applied Science for Electrical Construction Technology and 1-Year Academic Certificate programs in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, and Building and Property Maintenance. Additionally, the school offers continuing education certificate courses in Medical Assistant, Computer Support, and Security Specialist, as well as Class A CDL Driver Training.

For more information about these upcoming programs, visit johnson.edu/Hazleton.

Johnson College to Host Regional College Fair

Johnson College is hosting the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre College Fair on Wednesday, October 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center Gym on the College’s Scranton campus.

This public event will give attendees the chance to learn more about local colleges and universities, connect with admission representatives from across the region, and have questions about everything from academics to campus life answered.

Participating schools include Johnson College, Keystone College, Kings College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State Scranton, University of Scranton, and Wilkes University.

To register for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre College Fair, visit Johnson.edu/collegefair or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Johnson College Offers Welding Courses

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is enrolling students in its Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Welding courses at the Scranton campus. The Fundamentals course will begin on October 5, 2023, followed by the intermediate course beginning on October 19, 2023.

The Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Welding courses provide specific instruction in Oxy-Fuel, Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG, Gas Metal Arc (MIG), and Shielded Metal Arc (Stick) welding processes. The course consists of 40% theory and 60% hands-on practice. Additional lectures are given on basic metallurgy, welding codes, nondestructive examination, and welding symbols.

The fundamentals course fee is $1,870 and includes a PPE kit. The intermediate course fee is $2,750 and includes certification testing fees. The courses can be bundled for a reduced cost of $4,251.

To learn more or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. To register for the course, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.