Johnson College

On October 12, 2011, the Johnson College community honored the 2011-2012 scholarship recipients as well as their donors with a special recognition luncheon. Over 125 students, family and friends, donors, faculty, and staff gathered in the College’s Moffat Building for the event.

Dr. Ann L. Pipinski shared, “As I reflect on Johnson College’s impact on the community I look into the future – the next 100 years – and with confidence know that the College will continue to provide a much needed technology-driven education for a technology-centered world. It is through education and collaboration we are able to watch our students achieve their dreams. Each student that walks our halls has their own unique story to tell. Thank you to our donors for recognizing and supporting these students.”

From left to right: Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President and CEO; Tyrik Gass ’12, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship Recipient, Philadelphia; Pat and John Atkins, F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship

From left to right: Lori Gramberg and Irene Talcott, The Alekna Memorial Scholarship and The Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Scholarship; Justine Olsommer ’12, Veterinary Technology, Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Scholarship Recipient and Northeastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship Recipient, Canadensis; Sierra Smith ’13, Veterinary Technology, Alekna Memorial Scholarship Recipient, Springville

On September 18, 2011, Johnson College was home to Cars on Campus 2011.

The event raised $5,277 for the Johnson College Cars on Campus Scholarship, exceeding the $5,000 goal. This scholarship is awarded to a second-year student with financial need who shows persistence in his or her studies in a technical trade area.

Over 120 registrants displayed their classic cars and unique vehicles to the delight of hundreds of car lovers, alumni, students, and community friends.

Co-chair Rudi Dickinson ’11, shares, “One of the best aspects of Cars on Campus is the variety of vehicle classes that it attracts. We see everything from semi-trucks to muscle cars.”

Attendees enjoyed refreshments and music provided by DJs Brian Langan and Conor McGuigan while they walked around the vehicles exhibited on the Johnson College campus. Highlights included the Nostalgia Super Stock Fords displayed by 422 Motorsports and Charlie Conrad’s 1964 Chevy Corvette which won the Best in Show Award in 2010 and was the 2011 Show Car.

Awards were presented in a variety of categories. Big winners included Sam Zangardi of Wyoming, PA, whose 1961 Corvette won the Best in Show Award for 2011, and Anne Rosiello of Milford, PA, whose 1965 Cobra won the President’s Pick Award.

Plans for Cars on Campus 2012 are underway. Check the Johnson College website at www.johnson.edu for the latest news.

 
Sam Zangardi, Wyoming, PA, won the Cars on Campus 2011 Best in Show Award for his 1961 Corvette.

Anne Rosiello, Milford, PA, won the Cars on Campus 2011 President’s Pick Award for her 1965 Cobra.

Over 120 registrants displayed their classic cars and unique vehicles to the delight of hundreds of car lovers, alumni, students, and community friends at Johnson College’s Cars on Campus 2011.

Cars on Campus 2011 raised $5,277 for the Johnson College Cars on Campus Scholarship!
From left to right: Katie Leonard, Johnson College’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement; Dave Manasek, Manasek Auto Parts, Inc. (a NAPA Dealership); Dave Hopkins, Dalton Garage; Heather Stuart, Johnson College’s Advancement Services Administrator; Mary Ann Novak, McGrail, Merkel & Quinn; Greg Sucheski ’12, Precision Machining Technology Student, Peckville; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, Johnson College’s President & CEO

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

In August, Johnson College hosted its President’s Spirit of Giving Reception at the Colonnade in Scranton. This annual event celebrates the past year’s achievements and thanks the donors who made it all possible.

At this year’s Spirit of Giving Reception, three students shared their inspiring stories with the College’s faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.

“I think of Johnson College like the hand that drops a pebble into a pond. It may just be a little pebble, but the ripples that are created go on and on,” stated Carly Leach ’12, Radiologic Technology student.

Justine Olsommer ’12, Veterinary Technology student, shared, “Because of my experiences, I have the opportunity to meet many new faces and form close relationships with not only classmates, but faculty, staff, board members, community members and possible future employers. In my book of life, these relationships are not just temporary; they all help me write my chapter here at Johnson College.”

Patrick O’Neill ’12, Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning Technology student, said, “Once you join the Johnson College family, you feel like you never want to leave.”

From left to right: Patrick O’Neill ’12, Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President & CEO; Carly Leach ’12, Radiologic Technology, Scranton; Justine Olsommer ’12, Veterinary Technology, Canadensis

From left to right: Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President & CEO; Suzi Shea; Joseph Shea ’85, Shea Demolition; Katie Leonard, Vice President of Institutional Advancement

From left to right: Patrick A. Fricchione, Sr. and Adeline Fricchione, P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship; David F. Boniello ’84, Simplex Industries, Inc.; Katie Leonard, Vice President of Institutional Advancement

From left to right: Dr. Robert Naismith; Claudia Naismith; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President & CEO; Ken Marquis, Marquis Art and Frame

Johnson College will hold Cars on Campus 2011 on Sunday, September 18, 2011. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. The car show will take place rain or shine on the College’s campus, located off exit 190 on I-81. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Johnson College Cars on Campus Scholarship, which provides aid to qualified and deserving students.

Those interested in exhibiting their vehicle can pre-register by August 31, 2011 for $8.00 or register the day of the show for $10.00. Approximately twenty different classes are welcome. Awards will be presented in a variety of categories. Click here for more information or to download a registration form.

Admission to Cars on Campus is $5.00 per car. The family-friendly event will feature food, refreshments, and entertainment. This year, 422 Motorsports will have its Nostalgia Super Stock Fords on display.

Please note that no alcoholic beverages or pets will be permitted on campus.

The event’s Presenting Sponsor is Manasek Auto Parts, Inc. (A NAPA Dealership) in Dickson City. Additional sponsors include: Kenworth of Pennsylvania; A&A Auto Stores; Genetti Manor; Johnny’s Car Wash; McGrail, Merkel, Quinn & Associates; Highland Associates, Ltd.; B&S Refrigerated Transport, Inc.; Marquis Art & Frame; Snyder & Clemente; Dalton Garage.

To learn more, contact Heather Stuart at 570-702-8963 or hstuart@johnson.edu.

Honorary Co-chairs of Johnson College’s Cars on Campus 2011
From left to right: Rudi Dickinson ’11, Dalton; Greg Sucheski ’12, Peckville

Charlie Conrad, owner of a 1964 Chevy Corvette, won Best in Show at Cars on Campus 2010. His car will be the Show Car for Cars on Campus 2011.
From left to right: Michael Meoni ’75, Archbald; Rudi Dickinson ’11, Dalton; Charlie Conrad, owner of a 1964 Chevy Corvette, Larksville

A Shot from Cars on Campus 2010

The 19th Annual Johnson College Open will be held on Friday, May 20, 2011 at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountaintop, PA (rain or shine).

Proceeds from this annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Each academic year, Presidential Scholarships are awarded to four or more qualified and deserving, full-time students.
Serving as honorary co-chairs for the event are John P. Kearney and Robert P. Sheils, III, Esq., both members of the Johnson College Board of Directors, as well as alumnus Robert DeMeck ’08.

Mr. Kearney shares, “The Johnson College Open is a great way for alumni and community friends to join together for a day of fun with the positive outcome of providing financial aid to future students.”

Sponsors of the 19th Annual Johnson College Open include:
Presenting Sponsor - Highland Associates
Radio Sponsor - Entercom Communications
Advertising Sponsor - Lamar Advertising, Inc.
Platinum Sponsors – Shea Demolition, Inc. and Gerrity’s Supermarkets
Platinum Marketing Sponsors - Blackout Design & Sweda Advertising
Gold Print Sponsor - Sprint Print
Gold Sponsors - R.N. DeMeck Roofing & Siding and L.R. Costanzo Construction Services, Co., Inc.
Dinner and Gift Sponsor - Manasek Auto Parts, Inc.
Silver Sponsors - John P. Kearney & Associates, Inc. and B&S Refrigerated Transport, Inc.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. Golfer registration deadline is May 8th. Those who register before April 20th can take advantage of special early bird prices. To obtain more information or to register to play in the tournament, click here or contact Stephanie Orzalek, Coordinator of Institutional Advancement, at 570-702-8908 or sorzalek@johnson.edu.

From left to right (Top Row): Jack Reager, Blackout Design; Joe Shea, Shea Demolition, Inc.; Robert P. Sheils, III, Esq., Sheils Law Associates, P.C.; John P. Kearney, John P. Kearney & Associates, Inc.
From left to right (Middle Row): Stacey Ondik, Sweda Advertising; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, Johnson College; William Stevens, Sprint Print; Rick McGee, Lamar Advertising, Inc.; Stephanie Orzalek, Johnson College
From left to right (Front Row): Katie Leonard, Johnson College; Don Kalina, Highland Associates; David Manasek, Manasek Auto Parts, Inc.

Friday, May 20, 2011
Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club

For more information:
Stephanie Orzalek
570-702-8908
sorzalek@johnson.edu

Registration information to follow!

On October 13, 2010, Johnson College faculty and staff honored the 2010-2011 Scholarship Recipients as well as their donors with a special recognition luncheon at Fiorelli’s in Peckville.

Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President and CEO, welcomed everyone to the luncheon and offered her heartfelt appreciation to all of the donors for their generosity to the students. “Never forget that you are making a difference in the lives of our students. You know first hand that the simple act of making a gift has an impact that often lasts a lifetime,” Dr. Pipinski shared. Dr. Pipinski also commented that Johnson College could not be any prouder of its students. “These scholarship funds are an important investment in your future and a compliment to your abilities. Your continued effort to succeed will enable future students to seek and obtain scholarship assistance… It is quite a legacy to leave behind.”

The afternoon’s events also included remarks from one of Johnson College’s donors. Ms. Amy Shingler, a representative for the Bill Puntar Memorial Scholarship, shared fond memories of her brother, the late Bill Puntar Jr., a 2000 graduate of the Automotive Technology Program. Three years ago, Bill was taken away suddenly in a car accident. To honor Bill’s life and to pay tribute to his love for the outdoors, the Puntar family established an annual golf tournament in his memory. The money raised from the tournament goes toward a scholarship to be awarded to Johnson College students. Ms. Shingler stated, “I can only hope that we can carry on year after year sharing in this wonderful tribute of Bill’s life, and giving worthy students a scholarship so they may start a career and love their life nearly as much as Bill did.”

Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology student Mr. Lawrence Foster ‘11 also addressed the crowd from a scholarship recipient perspective. Mr. Foster is as an Ambassador for Johnson College, which allowed him to learn the ins and outs of the College, as well as build relationships with the faculty and staff. “This relationship is something that is rare in many colleges, and it is because of our donors that many students get to experience this relationship,” Mr. Foster said. He added, “I am truly grateful and will continue to come back to see Johnson College excel, and share my experience with future students.”

At the conclusion of the event, each scholarship recipient was called forward to be acknowledged and to receive a scholarship certificate signifying their 2010-2011 scholarship award.

From Left to Right: Melissa Ide, Director of Enrollment Management; Bill Puntar, representative for the Bill Puntar Memorial Scholarship; Katie Leonard, Director of Institutional Advancement; Barb Puntar, representative for the Bill Puntar Memorial Scholarship; Amy Shingler, representative for the Bill Puntar Memorial Scholarship; Lawrence Foster ’11, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Scranton, recipient of the Lackawanna Homebuilders Association Scholarship; Dominick Carachilo ’82, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President & CEO

From Left to Right: John Sweeney, Sr., representative for the John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship; Kavina Wentland ’11, Radiologic Technology, Carbondale, recipient of the John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship; Jean Sweeney, representative for the John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship

Johnson College will hold Cars on Campus on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The car show will take place rain or shine on the College’s campus, located off exit 190 on I-81. All proceeds from the event will benefit Johnson College funded scholarships.

Johnson College last held its car show in 2005. Current Precision Machining Technology student and car enthusiast Rudi Dickinson ’11, of Dalton, approached Tami Pease, Johnson College’s Associate Director of Development, about reviving the event. Mr. Dickinson is now serving as one of the event’s honorary co-chairs along with Alumnus Michael Meoni ’75 of Archbald.

“Bringing the car show back to Johnson College is truly exciting,” Mr. Dickinson shared. “And to have all of the proceeds go directly back to students in the form of scholarships makes it even more meaningful and worthwhile.”

The event’s Presenting Sponsor is Manasek Auto Parts, Inc. in Dickson City. Owner David Manasek is a dedicated community friend and member of Johnson College’s Automotive Technology Program Advisory Board. Mr. Manasek stated, “It’s an honor to sponsor an event that allows Johnson College to bring the community together for a great cause.” Additional sponsors include McGrail, Merkel, Quinn & Associates and Snyder & Clemente.

Admission to Cars on Campus is $5.00 per car. The family-friendly event will feature food, refreshments, and entertainment. Please note that no alcoholic beverages will be permitted on campus.

Those interested in exhibiting their car can pre-register by August 30, 2010 for $8.00 or register the day of the show for $10.00. Approximately twenty different classes are welcome. Awards will be presented in a variety of categories.

For general information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please call Tami Pease at 570-702-8909 or email carsoncampus@johnson.edu.

From left to right: Rudi Dickinson ’11, Precision Machining Technology, Dalton; Michael Meoni ’75, Archbald; David Manasek, Owner, Manasek Auto Parts, Inc.; Michael Novak, Department Chairperson, Diesel Truck Technology Program

Recently, John and Patricia Atkins graciously made a gift to Johnson College to establish an endowed scholarship on behalf of their dear friend and local carpenter, F. David Mercanti. The Atkins, along with the Mercanti family, met with Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President and CEO of Johnson College, to share stories about David and receive an up-close look at the Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology Program area. The F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a student each year from the Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology Program.

Patricia Atkins, Waverly; John Atkins, Waverly; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President and CEO, Johnson College