Johnson College

Patrick A. Fricchione, Sr., retired President and CEO of Simplex Industries, Inc., and Adeline Fricchione recently visited Johnson College to celebrate the establishment of The P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a student in good academic standing, who has financial need and is majoring in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology program.

The Fricchiones shared, “Many worthy workers at Simplex Industries, Inc. came from Johnson College and we are showing our gratitude to the College. We are trying to perpetuate the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning knowledge that our father and brothers began many years ago in this community.”

From left to right: Katie Leonard, Vice President of Institutional Advancement; Patrick A. Fricchione, Sr. and Adeline Fricchione, P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President and CEO

The October 2011 issue of Happenings Magazine features
Johnson College student Pat O’Neill ’12
as one of NEPA’s Rising Stars.

Grab an issue today or read it online here.

Since 1978, an integral part of Johnson College’s Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology (CCMT) Program has been the construction of a modular home that is then sold.

Over the years, Johnson College’s modular homes have been purchased by first time homeowners, families, and those looking for vacation homes. Many times, the customer has been part of the planning process and specified the number of rooms and layouts themselves.

The College’s CCMT Program prepares students as entry-level technicians in layout, estimation, construction, and erection of residential construction including installation of trim, furniture, stairs, and cabinets. Each year, the modular home construction process allows students to apply their skills in an authentic setting using industry standard tools and equipment. The students build a typical modular home, which includes drywall, cabinets, windows, electricity, and plumbing. Modular homes are different than mobile homes. They are created in boxes. These prefabricated boxes are then transported to the building site for the completion of construction.

John L. du Fief III ’79, a graduate of Johnson College’s CCMT Program, says of the construction of the modular home, “It afforded us, as students, to learn to actually construct a house from the ground up. To fit all the components together and understand how each step relates to the previous step… we learned that each step had to be completed with accuracy, in order to go on to the next step.”

After Mr. du Fief graduated in 1979, he began working at John L. duFief, Inc., a small family-owned construction company that his father established in 1958. In 1988, he took over as President of the company. He explains, “While at Johnson College, I learned that good workmanship will always be rewarded… My work holds up and my reputation for my attention to detail is without equal.”

Simplex Industries, Inc., of Scranton, partners with Johnson College in order to commence the engineering and building process. Additionally, students from the Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology, and Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology programs provide their expertise during construction. The homes are inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Industrial Housing Department in order to ensure that the building meets all local and state regulations before sale.

Joseph Musheno ’78, CCMT Program Chairperson, states, “There is a tremendous amount of knowledge gained from real live work experiences. Our students benefit immensely by building the modular home. It is also something that the students will be forever proud of.”

Construction of this year’s modular home is currently underway. The home, which will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms, is available for purchase. Interested home buyers can contact Mr. Musheno at 570-702-8933 or jmusheno@johnson.edu for more details.

Members of Johnson College’s Class of 2011 are constructing this year’s modular home.
From left to right (Front): Jeffrey Walter ’11, Factoryville; Tyler Rosko ’11, Taylor; Lawrence Foster ’11, Scranton; Vincent Rowe ’11, Honesdale
From left to right (Back):  Justin Munley ’11, Scott Township; Matt Vacendak ’11, Clarks Summit; Lateck Miles ’11, Scranton; Michael Zangardi ’11, Scranton; Gary VanVranken ’11, Tunkhannock; Richard Norgard ’11, West Caldwell, NJ; Simon Frailey ’11, New Milford; Christopher Smith ’11, Havertown; Denny DeWolf ’11, Tunkhannock

The Class of 2010 hard at work on last year’s modular home.

Johnson College has been awarded a $100,000 matching grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The grant benefits the Training Equipment Purchase Project for the College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program and its Center for Sustainability.

ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Established by an act of Congress in 1965, ARC is composed of the governors of the thirteen Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the President. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. ARC awards grants to projects that address one or more of the four goals identified by ARC in its strategic plan and that can demonstrate measurable results.

The ARC funding is designated for the purchase of equipment in order to prepare students for the great employment demand for HVAC Technicians and Certificate of Completion Programs under the Center for Sustainability at Johnson College.

Johnson College teaches technical skills through exposure to real world applications and equipment. These equipment purchases will enable students to receive the most current training available and enhance their learning experience and employment skills. HVAC students will continue to learn heating and cooling principles and skills on the latest various makes and models of equipment and components actually found in the industry. The Center of Sustainability at Johnson College will continue to offer training on state-of-the-art equipment at its Welding Training Center for individuals seeking opportunities in the Natural Gas Industry. In the near future, the Center will also be developing programming to address the burgeoning renewable energy field.

A team of representatives from ARC, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), and NEPA Alliance recently visited Johnson College to tour the HVAC facility and to meet with the College staff to discuss the Training Equipment Purchase Project.
From left to right (Bottom): Adam Turner, HVAC Department Chairperson; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President and CEO; Earl Gohl, ARC Federal Co-Chair
From left to right (Stairs): Jeffrey Box, NEPA Alliance CEO; Dominick Carachilo, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Doug Hampton, Sustainability Curriculum Liaison to Faculty & Biomedical Equipment Technology Department Chairperson; Rick Fornes ‘94, Electronic Technology Department Chairperson; Jeffrey Novak, Chief Financial Officer; Marie Allison, Director of Continuing Education; Shirley Helbing, Director Program & Institutional Research; Jackie Parker, DCED Deputy Secretary Community Affairs; Roseann Martinetti, Associate Director of Career Services; Katie Leonard, Director of Institutional Advancement

Representatives from Johnson Controls recently visited Johnson College’s campus to speak with Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) students.

Johnson Controls is a global company that specializes in Building Efficiency, Automotive Experience, and Power Solutions. Its Building Efficiency branch is a leading provider of equipment and controls for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration.

Stephen Midura, Building Efficiency Systems Branch Manager, and Paul Trygar ’96, Building Efficiency Systems Director, gave students a presentation on Building Automation and HVAC controls.

Mr. Midura also spoke of the value of a technical education like the one offered at Johnson College. Speaking from a managerial standpoint, Mr. Midura feels as though hands-on training offers individuals a vital understanding of and connection to every aspect of their field. He shared, “My technical background has allowed me to excel.”

Visit www.johnson.edu or call 570-342-6404 to learn more about the HVAC Program at Johnson College.

From left to right: Jesse King ’11, Tunkhannock; Jason Kulick ’11, Throop; Joseph Hartman ’11, Clarks Summit; Richard Burnett ’11, Carbondale; Corey McHale ’11, Dunmore; Adam Turner, HVAC Chairperson, Johnson College; Paul Trygar ’96, Building Efficiency Systems Director, Johnson Controls; Michael Loeffler ’11, Scranton; Stephen Midura, Building Efficiency Systems Branch Manager/Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Office, Johnson Controls; Liam Boylan ’11, Scranton; Joseph Demark ’11, Exeter; Nicholas Onzik ’11, Shavertown

On November 18, 2009, Johnson College students in the programs of Automotive Technology, Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology, Diesel Truck Technology, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, and Precision Machining Technology gathered to observe a tool demonstration given by NAPA Auto Parts.

Sterling Oddo, a representative from NAPA, gave the students a brief overview of the company’s vision, resources, and locations. NAPA is a leader in its industry with more than 380,000 parts, 6,000 store locations, and 64 distribution centers.

Mr. Oddo exhibited a variety of tools. At the close of the demonstration, students were able to examine these items and take a look inside the NAPA Tool Truck. Each student was also presented with a NAPA Student Discount Card. The card offers significant savings, allowing them to build up their own professional tool collection while still in college.

David Manasek, President of Manasek Auto Parts, Inc./NAPA Auto Parts, values the partnership between NAPA and Johnson College. Mr. Manasek explained to the students, “The quality of education you are receiving here at Johnson College is a great asset to you in the job market today. You have great instructors who care about your future.”

For more information on Johnson College’s programs of study please visit the College’s website, www.johnson.edu, or call (570) 342-6404 or (800) 2WE-WORK.

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology students examine some NAPA Tools.
From left to right: Michael Zangardi ‘11, Scranton, PA; John Abbott ’11, Susquehanna, PA;  Lawrence Foster ’11, Philadelphia, PA; Jeffrey Walter ‘11, Factoryville, PA; Simon Frailey ’11, New Milford, PA

From left to right: David Manasek, President of Manasek Auto Parts, Inc./NAPA Auto Parts; Michael Novak, Diesel Truck Technology Chair; Robert Murray ‘82, Automotive Technology Chair; Andrew Zwanch ‘82, Precision Machining Technology Chair; Sterling Oddo, NAPA; Joseph Musheno ’78, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology Chair; Adam Turner, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology Chair

9.22.09
WNEP 16

9.22.09
WBRE 28

The goal of Johnson College’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning program is to provide students with the skills needed for entry-level positions in the installing, repairing and troubleshooting various heating and cooling equipment.
Students will work with industrial standard tools associated with equipment such as oil & gas furnaces, refrigeration units, and air conditioning equipment. For more information, click here or call our Admissions Office at 1-800-2WE-WORK or 570-702-8900.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Johnson College held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating its new Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Building.

Among those in attendance were:

• State Representative Ken Smith
• Lackawanna County Commissioner A.J. Munchak
• Mr. Edward Zygmunt ‘74 of U.S. Representative Christopher Carney’s Office
• Ms. Cathy Wechsler of U.S. Representative Paul Kanjorski’s Office
• Mr. Mark Seitzinger of Mayor Chris Doherty’s Office 

Ann L. Pipinski, Ed.D., President and CEO, welcomed the crowd and expressed, “Our students believe in the quality, hands-on education provided by our dedicated faculty to give them marketable skills for the workforce.” With 238 incoming students – the largest freshman class to date – total enrollment for Johnson College has reached 405 full-time students.

Johnson College’s HVAC program is a result of established industry demand. Ground was broken for the building in November 2007 and many Johnson College Alumni worked on the project. 2009 marks the first year for the program, which is aimed at providing students with the skills needed for entry-level positions in the installing, repairing and troubleshooting various heating and cooling equipment.

The first HVAC class exceeded its enrollment goal of 10 and currently has 18 registered students. “There is an industry need and we are proud to be here responding to that need,” explained Dominick Carachilo, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Chairman of the Board, Donald Kalina of Highland Associates applauded the efforts of the Board and the dedication of the students. Explaining the HVAC program, Adam Turner, HVAC Department Chairperson, touched on what the students will learn and stressed the importance of hands-on education. Additionally, Kevin Coolican, Class of 1985, spoke about working on the HVAC Building project as an alumnus.

Student Walter Wood, Dickson City, shared why he chose to be part of the inaugural Johnson College HVAC class. Worried about job security, Wood decided to go back to school. He was impressed by the College’s hands-on learning approach and has always had an interest in HVAC. He stated, “Some people are here because they did lose their jobs. Others were just fed up with dead-end jobs. Many came directly from high school. It may have taken awhile for me to get here, but I know I’ve made the right choice.”

At the close of the ceremony, all of the HVAC students were asked to join the day’s speakers and helped perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Guests were then able to tour the facilities and speak to students, faculty, and staff about the HVAC Building and program.

Pictured: Johnson College HVAC Class of 2011; Adam Turner, HVAC Department Chair; Johnson College; Dominick Carachilo, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Johnson College; Donald Kalina, Chairman of the Board, Johnson College and Partner, Highland Associates; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President and CEO, Johnson College; Kevin Coolican ‘85, L.R. Costanzo Construction Services

HVAC student Walter Wood ’11 of Dickson City shares why he chose Johnson College.

Kevin Coolican ’85 speaks about working on the new Johnson College HVAC Building as an Alumnus.

From Left to Right: Board Member David Boniello ’84, Simplex Industries; Board Member Deborah Milliron, Milliron Associates; State Representative Ken Smith; Paul Caruso, Simplex Industries

From Left to Right: Kevin Coolican ’85, L.R. Costanzo Construction Services; Edward Zygmunt ’74, U.S. Representative Christopher Carney’s Office

Johnson College is pleased to announce that this year it has officially welcomed its largest incoming class to date. Final numbers indicate that the full-time equivalent (FTE) total for this year’s freshman class is 237. Total enrollment FTE has hit 405.75. FTE is determined by adding the total number of credits being taken by part-time students and dividing by 12 (a full-time student).

This is also the first year for Johnson College’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) program. The program has exceeded an enrollment goal of its own. Sixteen students have registered, surpassing the initial aim of 10. A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new HVAC building and the start of the program is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22nd at 10 o’clock a.m.

“Between the great enrollment news and the successful start to the HVAC program, Johnson College is looking forward to an extremely exciting academic year,” states Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President and CEO.

A welcome banner signed by the inaugural Johnson College HVAC class hangs on the program’s building.