Johnson College

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

On October 14, 2009, Johnson College faculty, staff, and donors, honored their 2009-2010 Scholarship Recipients with a special luncheon at Fiorelli’s in Peckville.

Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, Ed.D., President and CEO, spoke about the significance of the Annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon, where students and their guests are able to meet scholarship donors and personally thank them for their generosity. Dr. Pipinski stated, “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.” Addressing the scholarship recipients, she declared, “These scholarship funds are an important investment in your future and a compliment to your abilities.”

As one of the afternoon’s guest speakers, Mr. William J. Calpin, Jr. described his dedication to Johnson College and its students. Mr. Calpin has served on the Board of Directors and his wife, Mrs. Susan Calpin, is the daughter of former Johnson College President John R. O’Hara. The couple is extremely active in the College and enthusiastic about contributing to students’ futures.

Biomedical Equipment Technology student Mr. Daniel Taylor ‘10, a Presidential Scholarship recipient, also addressed the crowd and expressed his gratitude. Mr. Taylor shared that he was “very honored and humbled” by the recognition. He explained, “Besides a numerical value, there is much more to a scholarship. This is an investment in something that is much harder to quantify.”

At the conclusion of the event, each scholarship recipient was called forward to be acknowledged. The students received a special scholarship certificate signifying their 2009-2010 scholarship awards.

Dr. Ann L. Pipinski poses with the Richmond Merit Award recipients.
From left to right: Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, Ed.D., President and CEO; Kassey Kuhns ’10, Veterinary Technology, Mifflinburg; Michael Biduck ’10, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Inkerman; Jordan Lupini ’11, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Jessup; Kevin Parkhurst ’11, Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology, Dingmans Ferry

Katie Leonard, Director of Development, thanks William J. Calpin, Jr. and Daniel Taylor ‘10 for speaking at the event.
From left to right: William J. Calpin, Jr., Margaret Briggs Scholarship; Katie Leonard, Director of Development; Daniel Taylor ‘10, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Lake Ariel

Donor Jean Hubbard meets a Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship recipient.
From left to right: Jean Hubbard, Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship; Christopher D’Amico ’11, Electronic Technology, Moscow

Donors Mr. and Mrs. Calpin meet the John R. O’Hara Scholarship recipient.
From left to right: Cory Santoro ’11, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Dunmore; Susan Calpin, John R. O’Hara Scholarship; William J. Calpin, Jr., Margaret Briggs Scholarship