Summer Summer 2014 2014
The Tower
Serving Alumni, Parents and Friends of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
COLLEGE is a POSSIBILITY President William William Griscom Griscom and and President V.P. Betty Tompos are committed V.P. Betty Tompos are committed to “educational “educational gardening”, to gardening”, as as they enthusiastically plant seeds they enthusiastically plant seeds of hope of hope and and opportunity opportunity in in the minds and hearts of the the minds and hearts of the graduating class of 2014 graduating class of 2014 from from our our Adopt-A-Kindergarten program. Adopt-A-Kindergarten program.
See “From theXxxxxxx Presidents Desk” See Xxxxxx on Page on Page3.X.
SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS! Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner Friday, October 3, 2014
Stevens Homecoming Saturday, October 4, 2014
• Homecoming Cruise Car Show (see back cover) • Street Fair/Children’s Games • Homecoming Football Game – 1:30 pm
Fall Admissions Open House Saturday, October 25, 2014
Get up-to-date information and details on the College’s website at www.stevenscollege. edu. Also check out the Alumni Association Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ TSCTAlumni.
The Tower is a service of the Thaddeus Stevens Foundation and Alumni Association. It is published quarterly. Current circulation is 7,500 to alumni, parents, trustees, faculty, corporations and friends.
D. Scott Trower ’80, Foundation President David B. Wolf ’85, Alumni Association President Alex B. Munro ’60, Executive Director amunro@stevenscollege.edu Sophia E. Weibel, Editor seweibel@stevenscollege.edu Mike Brady ‘05, Graphic Designer
740 East End Avenue Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 295-9666 1-800-571-7324 Fax: (717) 295-9652 Federal Tax I.D. #23-6406980
The Thaddeus Stevens Foundation is registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in compliance with its charitable organization law, and copies of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1-800-7320999. Registration does not imply endorsement by the Commonwealth.
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The cover of this edition of the Tower highlights the College’s Adopt-A-Kindergarten program that was initiated in 2001 by Vice President Tompos with one kindergarten class of 25 students. Today the program has grown to ten classes with over 300 students. The program is part of the College’s strategic K-12 Initiative designed to insure the enrollment of an adequate number of qualified underresourced students in the future; the single greatest threat to fulfilling our mission. As I have mentioned in previous columns, today’s technology is constantly increasing the math, science, reading and writing requirements for our programs. The days of the shade tree mechanic have vanished. If a student is not competent in college-level algebra and trigonometry they cannot master the electronics required to do anything on a modern automobile other than clean it, and even that is becoming more complex. This same example holds true across all of our programs. The consequence is we find large numbers of under-resourced students applying for admission but lacking the requisite general education skills to be successful. Our short term strategy is to admit and remediate academically deficient students in a one-year Pre-Major program when feasible. Our long term strategy is to partner with schools that have a high population of under-resourced students in an effort to insure the students are academically qualified for admission when they graduate from high school or before.
From The President’s Desk William E. Griscom
The first and foundational component of the K-12 Initiative is Adopt-A-Kindergarten. This program involves faculty from the College going out to the various kindergarten classes and giving presentations and demonstrations on their technical programs. For example students have silk screened logos on to mouse pads, built wooden see-saws and put on welding helmets and gear as they learn more about graphics, carpentry and welding. During the year each class receives three presentations. In the spring all of the classes come to the campus and are given hard hats, goggles, t-shirts and tape measures followed by a tour of all of the shops and lunch. During the year representatives of Enrollment Services visits parent nights and provides information about the College and the Stevens Grant. The College also helps in other ways such as printing anti-bullying t-shirts or and brochures and inviting all of the students and their families to the College’s open house days. At the end of the year all of the students and their families are invited to a commencement program held in the College’s gymnasium. The students are dressed in caps and gowns receive diplomas, an ID card, stuffed bulldog, “key to success”, and backpack followed by lunch. The underlying message delivered at commencement and throughout the program has three components: • It is possible to attend Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology regardless of your financial situation but you need to work hard, take the correct courses, get good grades and make the right choices. • It is important for a child to have a goal or positive powerful vision for their future. More than I.Q. or family background it is often the determining factor of a child’s success in life.
“In order for a child to be successful they need at least one person in their life who loves and supports them”
• In order for a child to be successful they need at least one person in their life who loves and supports them; this is critical! Following kindergarten the College maintains contact with the students by inviting them to our two Open House events held each year as well as other special events. At the beginning of Middle School (fifth grade) the College invites the students to attend two-week summer camps named the Stevens’ Experience. This program provides a variety of hands-on experiences that expose the students to a number of technical areas as well as cultural and recreational activities. During these camps the message to work hard and do well in school is reinforced as the path to attend college in general and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology specifically. Contact is maintained with students throughout high school in a number of ways. Some students participate in a program called Exit Lancaster that is based in Hand Middle School and supports students through a number of academic, social and recreational activities, with strict requirements on attendance and performance. The College provides facilities for this program in the summer and has an agreement that any student who successfully completes the program will receive a Stevens Grant. The College also has an Early Enrollment program with a number of schools in which qualified students attend TSCT full time in their senior year; completing the first year of an associate’s degree and simultaneous fullfilling the requirements of their senior year of high school. The College is currently developing plans to enhance its K-12 Initiative to provide more engagement with the students in the program. The initial results of our efforts to date are very encouraging. A number of students who have participated in part or the entire program have enrolled and graduated. We believe our strategy is viable and will resolve the threat it was intended to address. Best regards, The Tower • 2014 Summer 3
From The
Tower
Class of 1965 Congratulations to Richard Keeney ’65 (Machine) on his recent induction into the Capital Area Charter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Rich’s baseball coaching career began in 1966 in Williamstown, PA for Little League Baseball. He then coached undefeated 1971 Tower City-Millersburg V.F.W. All Star Baseball Team and Elizabethville Teener All Star Girls Softball Team 1982-84. He coached for the Upper Dauphin Area High School Girls Softball Team 19852010. They played in the State Championship games in 2007 and 2008. Since the death of Dave Minns ’65, Rich has taken over the class website (stsclassof65.com).
Class of 1984 Michael Goldy (Architecture) has published a book entitled, “Ten Days in the Glades.” The book is a memoir of a 1998 adventure Goldy and five friends took when they shoved off in canoes and a johnboat deep in Everglades national Park for a grueling 10-day, 120-mile meander through the “river of grass.” As a young man, he was a member of Millersville’s Boy Scout Troop 99 and its indefatigable leader Jim Wenger. Here he took his first paddling trips. After graduating as class valedictorian from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in 1984, Goldy moved to South Florida for the next 28 years where he had a job administering government construction contracts. Goldy, who has two grown boys, recently moved back to Lancaster city.
Blairsville Reunion
On May 17th, twenty Stevens alumni, representing 5 graduating classes, met for lunch at Chestnut Ridge Golf Course in Blairsville. Plans are in the works for another gathering in October.
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Laughlin Reunion
At Stevens, Hospitality Is Our Specialty
Just a few notes about the alumni reunion activities at Laughlin, NV from March 24 to 27, 2014. We had some new activities this year which were quite a hit. They included going to Kingman, AZ to visit a rum/vodka distillery. They were making rum that day and we had samplings of various rums. From there we went to Oatman, AZ to see the wild burros and while there saw a gun battle show. In the evening we went to Avi Casino on an Indian reservation and had an excellent Italian dinner. We will be going there next year. Wednesday evening we went to the Riverside Casino to see a show that was a tribute to Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. The show was called “Winter Dance Party” which was the name of the tour they were on when the plane crashed in Iowa and all were killed. Most of us were singing or humming along with the songs that we remembered. We closed Thursday night with our traditional Mexican Dinner at the Baja Mexican Restaurant at Harrah’s. Everyone said they enjoyed themselves and would return next year, health permitting. So keep the week of March 23rd to March 27, 2015 open for our reunion next year!
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology was honored last month to have a welcomed visit by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, pictured on left, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. President Griscom gave an outstanding and informative briefing about our mission and the College’s current status on institutional enrollment. In addition, comments were given on how the technical employment opportunities for our graduates have drawn national recognition. This information is most relative to our newly approved Master Plan for our college’s structured growth and program expansions. This is just a few of the defining forces for the major increase in student applicants seeking specialized training in meeting the corporate demands for skilled technicians and most of all they know the Stevens experience works.
Don ‘55 and Sheila Hopkins: sheihopkins@aol.com
Clothing Donations Needed
Class of 1964 Reunion
If you’re cleaning out your closets this summer be sure to remember our female students here at Thaddeus Stevens College! We’re looking for professional women’s business attire to add to our “Clothes Closet.” This could include a blazer and skirt, or a blazer and pants in gray, navy, black, or beige. Blouses and shoes are welcome also. Donations may be dropped off at the Student Services office or in the Women’s Center. Thank you!
In Memoriam
Thanks to the efforts of Mike Gerfin, Reunion Chairman, there was a great turnout of the Class of 1964 at the Host Resort on Friday, April 25 for an informal gathering prior to their 50th Reunion at Saturday’s Alumni Banquet.
Get In Touch Many of our readers have told us how much they enjoy reading the “Class Notes” section of this publication. The news and accomplishments of our alumni are of great interest to fellow alumni, faculty, staff and others. We want to hear from you! Send us news of your businesses, careers, promotions, marriages, births, etc. Email to seweibel@stevenscollege.edu.
Harry Chester Dull Class of 1941 – Carpentry January 28, 2014
Ronald Megaham Class of 1960 – Masonry February 28, 2014
Dean Lowry Class of 1944 – Machine May 2, 2014
Walter O’Donnell Class of 1961 – Carpentry February 13, 2014
Robert Mears Class of 1945 – Machine April 6, 2014
John Branas Class of 1968 – Electric April 12, 2014
William Howell Class of 1955 – Machine May 13, 2014
Dawson Souders Class of 2010 Metals Fabrication & Welding February 24, 2014
Joel Stickler Class of 1959 – Electric September 28, 2013
The Tower • 2014 Summer 5
PPL Donation
Notes from Cabinetmaking
This past March, the Electrical Technology program received an excellent donation from PPL Utilities: A high voltage circuit breaker. Our second year Electrical instructor, Brian Kochan, coordinated this effort via various individuals at PPL, and with the much appreciated help of Metals Fabrication and Welding instructor Steve Hower and PPL substation personnel, we were able to off-load and move this large and top-heavy piece of equipment into the electrical lab area. A special thank you to Shane Bleacher ’86 (Electrical), PPL Substation Specialist, for his continued support for the Electrical Technology program. He and his crew were instrumental with the transport, off-load, and setting up of the CB. In addition, we are proud to have Mr. Bleacher’s son, Cree Bleacher, as a member of the Electrical sophomore “team”.
The last few years have been busy in the Cabinetmaking and Wood Technology Program. The cabinet shop hopes to finish installing its new dust system consisting of twin Torit collectors this fall. This multi-year program came about through a joint effort with the Electrical and Metals Fabrication and Welding programs. Sophomore Metals Fabrication instructor, Steve Hower, designed the system and incorporated its fabrication into the second year curriculum. We tip our hats in appreciation to the cooperative spirit of all those who helped in this project.
With this donation, Mr. Kochan and the Electric department will greatly enhance the sophomore year curriculum and utility education experience. Many thanks to all those involve with this procurement and set-up.
Police Taxi Project
The DUI Council of Lancaster County recently unveiled what it calls “a new partner to combat impaired driving.” The partner: A “police taxi” with an “arresting” paint job. Donated by the Public Safety Training Center, the car was designed and painted by students from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Cassel Signs applied the graphics. The front of the vehicle is painted to resemble a police car; the rear, a taxi. On both sides are the words “Choose Your Ride.” Also printed on the car is the cost of a typical taxi ride ($20) and the average costs and fines of an initial DUI charge — a much heftier $1,800, or more. The eye-catching vehicle will be put on display at events to raise awareness of the consequences of impaired driving and will not be used to give riders to people under the influence. The DUI Council will make the police taxi available to organizations and individuals working to fight impaired driving and underage drinking. Loan of the vehicle will be free within Lancaster County, the council said. The district attorney’s office provided roughly $2,000 in funding for the project, drawn from fees assessed on bad check offenders, Stedman said. The DUI Council will pay the ongoing costs of operating the police taxi.
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The program is grateful to the college for finding the funding to purchase a new CNC router this coming fall. Both Steve and Rob are excited about incorporating this new tooling into their curriculum. Latta recently finished a CNC Machining course at Millersville University where he has taught as an adjunct professor in their Industrial Technology department for the past several years. Having a background in CNC programing and usage will be nice addition to the resumes of the cabinetmaking students. First year instructor, Steve Latta, has been lecturing at several nationally recognized museums including The Museum of Early Decorative Arts in North Carolina, Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Delaware and Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. He continues to publish regularly with Fine Woodworking Magazine in his role of Contributing Editor and recently released his sixth instructional DVD produced in co-operation with Lie-Nielsen Toolworks located in Warren, Maine. Second year instructor Rob Tobias has been extremely busy in his role as the SkillsUSA Technical Expert representing the United States in the annual World Skills Competition. Over the past five years, Rob has taken a US competitor to Calgary, Canada; San Pualo and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; London, England; Liepzig, Germany; and Bogota, Columbia. Because of his indepth experience and expertise, the Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers (AWFS) asked him to create a similar competition at its convention in Las Vegas. Rob’s efforts paid off as the competition was well received and generated some great press for the college. Rob also serves on the Architectural Woodwork Institute’s (AWI) Central PA Chapter’s Board of Directors. The program’s graduates continue to fan out in the region taking a wide range of positions ranging from 18th Century furniture reproductions, architectural millwork, casegood companies as well as both custom yacht and jet interiors. Several freshmen have arranged internships for the summer as well working in both the private and public sectors. Zach Hilbert (2014) won the State competition and will represent Stevens at the national SkillsUSA competition in Kansas City later this summer.
twitter.com/thaddeusstevens facebook.com/thaddeusstevenscollege Be sure to follow us on Twitter and friend us on Facebook. It’s a great way to keep up to date with Stevens and reconnect with classmates!
The Director’s Corner Alex Munro, Executive Director Foundation & Alumni Association Dear Alumni and Friends of the College, “You did it and you’re getting it done.” Thanks to you, the Greiner Industry $1,000,000 match Campaign for Growth is within a stone’s throw of reaching our goal. Your generosity has made this year and a half campaign so exciting for our students, faculty, college administration and our alumni. I’m proud to say our remaining challenge is now $103,048 to finish our campaign. It is because of your participation that Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology will soon be able to come to the table with the money in hand to purchase the National Guard Armory from the City of Lancaster. I’m most confident that our past, present and future donors will step up to the plate with a closing gift of $103,048 bringing the Greiner Campaign to a victorious closure. The beneficiaries of advancement from this acquisition are many. They are the City of Lancaster, forthcoming students, parents, local residents, economic developers, manufacturers, community aesthetics, the Commonwealth at large, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and much more. As the Executive Director of the Thaddeus Stevens Foundation, I’ve never had to search far and wide to find a person who was worthy of praise and recognition. It’s absolutely amazing to see the compassion and willingness of some people when they reach out to help others by making a supporting difference in their lives. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has been changing the lives of young men and women since 1905, and that would never have been possible if it wasn’t for caring and sharing people like you. The Thaddeus Stevens Foundation proudly extends our hand of appreciation to you and others who have chosen to share a small portion of your own prosperity with Thaddeus Stevens College. We have 109 years of experience in preparing and training young people in marketable trades and technical skills for lifetime employment. The overwhelming enthusiasm shown by our contributors has been nothing short of a miracle. You’ve embraced our mission and exhibited confidence in the performance of our College. You continue to champion the cause or project at hand with a charitable gift. It’s your admirable efforts of giving that bring hope and opportunity to those less fortunate.
I think there is something morally healthy and physically refreshing in the personal action of people helping people. When you make a financial contribution to the Thaddeus Stevens Foundation you receive a special joy in knowing that you just took a major step in changing someone’s life through your own personal generosity. For some people it may be their very first time in making a financial donation, so be prepared to receive that personal satisfaction and enjoyment one gets when we get the nod for a job well done. We’re trusting that you will be making a charitable gift to the Greiner $1,000,000 match campaign. In return, you are to be commended for making a very intelligent and admirable decision that will not only help change the lives of young people but will ultimately produce skilled workers for PA business and industry and develop responsible tax paying citizens. The positive dynamics of your financial gift will not only impact our community, it will impact the economic growth of our nation. Thank you again for your supporting kindness. It just may be your donation that pushes us over the top to our $1,000,000 goal. It’s only $103,048 that separates us from our new South East Greiner Campus. Let’s finish the challenge and we’ll come together for a celebration. Respectfully,
Alex B. Munro.
Please see page 12 to see how you can help.
News from the Career Services Office Laurie Grove, Director Just a fun update on our 2014 graduates. At the time of their Graduation on May 10: • 103 graduates had already accepted full-time jobs in their field “prior” to graduation • 34 graduates will be continuing their education on a full-time basis in the fall What a fantastic start! We are getting updates daily, so I am confident nearly all of our 2014 graduates will find full-time employment in their field within 3-6 months of graduation.
The Tower • 2014 Summer 7
Happenings in Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Nye, Vice President
Greetings from the office of Academic Affairs! Another successful school year wrapped up with an awesome graduation ceremony. It was an honor and a pleasure to have been part of this year’s efforts in supporting the school’s mission, culminating in such a wonderful graduation ceremony with students, faculty and staff. Now it is time to focus on preparing for the next school year endeavoring to be even more diligent in generating student success and changing the lives of our students as they progress to graduation and rewarding employment. One of the most important jobs between now and the beginning of the upcoming academic year is to recruit and hire new faculty, especially for the new programs that we are starting up this year. Our faculty has simply been phenomenal in supporting search processes thus far as we near completion in hiring for new programs, expanded programs, retirements and sabbaticals. As a result, I would like to provide you a little background on our newest faculty members. First up are Mr. Donald (Don) Dagen and Mr. Arthur (Art) Jackson for our new ElectroMechanical Program. After completing his Mechanical Engineering Degree from Penn State Erie, Don spent almost sixteen years in various engineering and business development activities. Art joins us after twenty-seven years at Pepperidge Farms, most recently as an ElectroMechanical Group Leader and Interim Supervisor. We also welcome two new faculty members to the Electric Technology Program. While Brian Kochan is not necessarily new (he served last year as a full time temporary instructor), we are glad to have him on full time. Brian comes to us in a roundabout way. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Communications and teaching in the area, Brian made a life changing decision and enrolled at Thaddeus Stevens College, graduating in 2011. Brian had an internship at Tyson Foods,
2013 SECA Award
Dr. Nye receives the State Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) award on behalf of Thaddeus Stevens College. This award was presented to the College in recognition for exceeding their campaign goal during the 2013 SECA campaign. The award states, “As a direct result of your employees’ enthusiastic contributions and efforts, individuals and charities in both Pennsylvania and around the world have been helped in profound ways.”
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Inc., and then spent three years at TRC solutions, Inc., testing and commissioning high voltage substation equipment. Fred Bube earned an Electrical Engineering Degree from Penn State University, and spent the past twenty years in manufacturing and industrial engineering positions, most recently at Partner Gras Manufacturing Solutions, LLC. Next up is Mr. Michael Oxenford who took over the Construction Electrical Certificate Program when Glen Rinehimer retired after this year’s graduation. Michael brings more than thirty years of experience as a Journeyman and Master Electrician, and a decade’s worth of teaching experience at Career Technology Centers in the region. Mr. Nasser Adem joins the Math faculty after more than twenty years of teaching experience including the last five as an adjunct professor here at Thaddeus Stevens College. Nasser also recently earned his Master’s Degree in Mathematical Education from Millersville University while concurrently teaching our students. Finally, while not a full time faculty member, Mr. Terry Jamison joins us from York County School of Technology where he spent the past decade as a Precision Metal Machine Technologies Instructor, and prior to that, has two decades of experience as a Machinist and supervisor at two major manufacturing companies in York. Terry is an integral member in standing up the Machine Tool and Computer Aided Manufacturing night program. Whenever you are on campus, I hope you will take the time to stop by and say hello to these new faculty members. I am sure they will appreciate your visit and your support as they begin their teaching and mentoring journey here at Thaddeus Stevens College.
Best wishes,
Rob
Development News
Allen E. Tate, Director of Development Equipment Needs
Future Machinist Sponsorship
The College continues to be challenged by limited budget allocations and funding to meet our ongoing capital and operational needs. We are seeking additional funding opportunities—both creative and traditional—to meet our continuing growth and industry’s demand for graduates.
Incoming first-year students in the Machine Tool and Computer Aided Manufacturing Program have the opportunity to apply for a new employer scholarship program. The Future Machinist Scholarship program was designed by Ron Schwartz, Associate Professor, and the Machine Technology Employer Advisory Council.
One of our biggest challenges annually is to keep pace with innovation in industry by continually securing state-of-the-industry equipment for every program. Our students need to be trained on the types of equipment and technology they will encounter on the job. This is an expensive ongoing need. Additionally, this fall, we will introduce three new programs: ElectroMechanical Technology, Water & Environmental Technology, and Metal Casting/Foundry Technology. These programs require totally equipped new student labs to provide the program’s hands-on learning experiences that are important to the educational process. This is also the time of year when existing department faculty members review their programs for the coming year and access their laboratory equipment. What has worn out or is obsolete? What new equipment is required to keep pace with industry? Each department has provided the Development Office with a wish list of equipment needs. When combined, the lists are extensive and expensive. How can we meet these needs? There are various ways. If you have a company or business, you may have unused but good equipment or tools standing idle. If those tools or equipment are still state of the industry, then please consider asking if you may donate them to the College. I can share our equipment wish list with you. When you make an equipment donation, you can receive a tax benefit. You can also help by asking your employer to consider entertaining a grant proposal to help fund equipment needs in your field. I would be happy to meet with you and others from your company to discuss how we might partner together toward that goal. Dr. Griscom likes to use a diagram of two bottles joined together at the mouth of each bottle. The big end of one represents the large amount of students that are interested in enrolling at Stevens. The other big end represents the large need that exists for our graduates. The narrow “bottleneck” represents the College’s current capacity. The need and desire exist on both ends of the spectrum. The challenge is expanding that capacity in facilities, equipment and other capital needs. It will take us all—alumni, friends, business and industry, and the College— working together to provide the financial resources to meet the needs.
The Future Machinist Scholarship program combines a freshman scholarship of $1,000 or more for tools and a paid internship. Interested students will fill out a short application and submit answers to two essay questions, such as why they chose Machine Technology and a description of their career goals. Sponsoring companies may elect to interview the students. The Machine Technology Program Instructors and the sponsoring companies will choose the winners. The sponsoring companies may also provide an imprinted tee shirt or other items for the student to wear in class. The sponsoring companies not only commit to providing a scholarship for a student’s tools and to be the student’s sponsor for the year; they also agree to provide a paid summer internship to their student after successful completion of their freshman year at TSCT. The number of available annual $1,000 scholarships is determined by the Machine Technology Department Instructors and the number of companies committed to sponsorships that school year. The sponsoring companies will be invited to the fall Donor Scholarship Dinner where they can formally award their scholarships. To date, nine companies have committed to the Future Machinist Scholarship program for 2014-2015. Companies can also elect to provide additional funding for the scholarships to help with other student fees, such as books and tuition expenses. Participating companies include Arcobaleno/GAM Inc., Atro Machine Co., FlexCell Precision Co. Intricate Precision Mfg., Mold Base Industries, Inc., National Novelty Brush Co., PRL Company, TE Connectivity, and Weaver Industries, Inc. More companies are encouraged to participate, as our goal is to provide all of the Machine Technology program’s incoming freshmen with a Future Machinist Sponsorship. Interested companies can contact me in the Development Office or Professor Schwartz. The College is also open to establishing similar student sponsorship programs for the any of the other technology programs here at the College. I am always available to discuss opportunities with you and await your call (717-391-7285). Thank you.
Allen E. Tate The Tower • 2014 Summer 9
Memory of a Lifetime By Jack Connors ‘58
Imagine being the P.A. announcer at the home of the New York Giants. Except, instead of your voice being heard by more than 85,000 fans, there are just a few thousand on hand. Still it was quite an honor to announce at the “old” Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands, where the New York Giants and New York Jets played on Sundays. The event was several years ago – a semi-pro all-star football game between the Garden State Football league and the New York amateur Football League. It was done to benefit the good work of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Besides the honor of announcing an event for such a worthy cause, it was a special pleasure to be able to use the mic of announcing legend Bob Sheppard. He used to call the action from an unusual spot; in the press box near the goal line, where he was flanked by two spotters. It was a once in a lifetime experience to get to use that mic. Today, I’m well into my 70’s and I can’t remember everything about the game. But I’ll always remember the privilege of using Bob Sheppard’s mic.
It has taken more than a decade, but Thaddeus Stevens finally has a span of his own. The new Lititz Pike Bridge over the Amtrak rail line, scheduled to open in mid- to late-June, will be named the Thaddeus Stevens Bridge in honor of Lancaster’s 19th century egalitarian representative. “Part of this is just to put the name of Stevens out there, particularly for tourists coming into town,’’ says Lancaster’s state Rep. Mike Sturla. Sturla sponsored the House bill designating the bridge name. State Senator Lloyd Smucker promoted similar legislation in the Senate. The other part, Sturla says, is to recognize an extraordinary American whose initiatives on racial equality were “at least a hundred years ahead of his time.’’ Someone who read this newspaper in the early 2000s, and then went to sleep until recently, might wonder what all the fuss is about. Wasn’t a bridge designated for Stevens 13 years ago? Why has this taken so long? Well, here’s the scoop. In 2001, Sturla prevailed on the state Legislature to pass a bill to rename the replacement for the old Fruitville Pike Bridge over the Amtrak line. It was to be called the “Thaddeus Stevens Bridge.’’ But no one told the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation about that, so the bridge remained the “Fruitville Pike Bridge’’ until it was demolished and rebuilt in 2003. The next year, the Legislature gave the new bridge a new name: “The Gen. Richard M. Scott Bridge’’ after Lancaster’s former mayor who passed away in 2005. 10 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Connors began announcing in 1976 at Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia, PA. He has announced high school basketball, football, soccer, softball, field hockey, wrestling and track & field. His P.A. announcing resume also includes NCAA Division III football and basketball, indoor football, ABA, UBA and EBA basketball, as well as semi-pro football. He is a 1958 graduate of the Printing program at Stevens, and is retired from the Reading Eagle newspaper.
There will be no mistake this time. PennDOT will install a 2½-foot by 1½-foot bronze “Thaddeus Stevens Bridge’’ plaque on the bridge’s southwest pilaster, next to the pedestrian walkway. The plaque will provide significant information about Stevens. Why has Sturla worked for so long to get Stevens recognized on an entryway to Lancaster city? When Sturla lived near Stevens’ burial place in Concord-Shreiner Cemetery, at the corner of Mulberry and Chestnut streets, he was constantly reminded of Stevens’ impact on the state and the country. Stevens was “one of those lost heroes who got a whole lot accomplished,’’ Sturla comments. “He fell into obscurity for a long time. Now he’s finally getting recognition.’’ As a state legislator, Stevens promoted free public education in Pennsylvania. As a congressman, he pressed for the abolition of slavery and for equal rights for all Americans. The bridge designation will properly memorialize Thaddeus Stevens, benefactor of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. - Taken from an article by Jack Brubaker that was published recently in LancasterOnline.
The Thaddeus Stevens Alumni Association’s annual spring banquet was a fun night of reunion and recognition. The Class of 1964 was honored for their 50th reunion, and reunion chairman Mike Gerfin gave a wonderful snapshot of life at Stevens when they were students. There were 11 recipients of Alumni Awards this year. These individuals and corporations were recognized for their involvement and support of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. The evening’s emcee was WGAL-TV’s news anchor Ron Martin, who did an outstanding job. Thanks to everyone who made this evening a memorable one! Hope you can join us next spring!
2014 Alumni Awards Recipients
Row 1: L-R: G. Yale Eastman, Honorary Alumnus; Jim Powell (Williams Gas), Corporate Partner; Ann Barshinger, Honorary Alumnus; David Hanson (Fulton Financial), Corporate Partner.
Row 2: L-R: Gary Weber ’83 (Machine), Spirit of Alumni Achievement; James Spoo ’72 (Automotive), Alumni Citizenship; Douglas Brossman (Burnham Holdings), Corporate Partner; Shane Zimmerman (Steinman Foundation), Corporate Partner; Stephen Hower ’80 (Metals Fabrication & Welding), Alumni Service to the College. Those not pictured who also received awards were: George Lockett ’48 (Electric), Alumni Service to the College and UGI Utilities, Corporate Partner.
Together, Our Journey to Provide a Life-Changing Education to Many is Within Reach.
Thank you for the fantastic life-changing gifts that you’ve given to our “Campaign for Growth.” These contributions of kindness have reached the handsome sum of $896,951. This yearlong campaign has been a wonderful experience for the College. It’s been most encouraging to see the commitment that our alumni, other Foundations, Friends of the College, and Business and Industry have made financially to insure Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is successful in their “Campaign to Grow” initiative. The $1,000,000 match is a must-do accomplishment in order to purchase the National Guard Armory from the City of Lancaster and we’re just about there. If it’s any indication by the generous gifting that has brought us within reach of our goal, I’m confident the valued philanthropy of many is yet to come and I’m hoping your gift will be the one that carries us to the top. It’s been an incredible journey and a remarkable climb that has taken us to within a stone’s throw of our $1,000,000 goal, leaving us with a doable balance of $103,048 to meet our goal. It’s been so inspiring to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to see so many donors from the Community and across the State endorsing the critical need and importance for Stevens College to enlarge its campuses to expand its technical training facilities. Young graduates from Stevens become immediate assets to our industries and a driving force to our economy. We are so close and your financial support and consideration would be most appreciated in the advancement of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
TSCT President William Griscom and Executive Director of TS Foundation, Alex Munro are thankful for your support as we move closer to the top.
The
FRANKLIN GREINER JR. Technical Training Center
A Campaign for Growth to Meet the Increasing Demand forby a Technical Please partner with us investingWorkforce in the Technical Training Center Campaign on down to the ending and inclusive of the sentence of Aided manufacturing and Metals Fabrication &wielding Technology programs at Stevens. For further information or questions, please contact Alex Munro or Sophia Weibel at 717-295-9666 or 1-800-571-7324. You may also send an email to seweibel@stevenscollege.edu. Your Gift is Tax Deductible. The official registration and financial information of Thaddeus Stevens Foundation may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll-free within PA, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Your donations are taxdeductible for federal income tax purposes and you will be issued a tax-deductible receipt.
12 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Let’s Complete Our Journey to Meet the Increasing Demand for a Technical Workforce!
“In today’s world, getting two for one is almost unheard of anymore. Well, I’m happy to tell you that through the generosity of Greiner Industries, they will match dollar for dollar up to $1,000,000. What a challenge and incentive to see your supporting donations double in value right before your eyes. Thank you and we’re looking forward to your participation in our Campaign for growth.” In support of the Technical Training Center Campaign, I would like to show my support with a total gift of $ _______________. GIFT OPTIONS ■ CHECK ENCLOSED (payable to Thaddeus Stevens Foundation, 740 East End Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602) ■ PLEDGE payment of $______ toward total above amount I would like to pledge a gift of $_____ per year, for _____ years (3 years maximum) To be paid: ■ Annually ■ Semi-Annually ■ Quarterly ■ Monthly ■ CREDIT CARD: ■ Total Gift -OR- ■ Payment(s) of $_________ in each circled month: JULY
AUG
■ MasterCard
SEPT
OCT
■ Visa
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
■ Discover
Card No. ____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date _____________________________ Cardholder’s Signature __________________________________________________________________________________________ ■ I would like to make my gift in ■ Honor / ■ Memory of _________________________________________________________________ ■ I would like my gift to remain anonymous. Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ City ____________________ State ______ Zip ______________________ Phone ________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________________________________
Thaddeus Stevens College Once Again Ranked as One of the Top Two Year Colleges in the Nation Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has been once again named as one of the two two-year colleges in the United States. The Washing DC-based non-profit The Aspen institute ranked the nation’s top community colleges based on various criteria, including graduation rate and improvement in outcomes over time. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology was one of only two colleges in Pennsylvania recognized. Thaddeus Stevens College and 149 other community colleges were selected from a national pool of over 1,000 public two-year colleges using publicly available data on student outcomes. The formula used to select the colleges was devised by expert analysts at the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems in consultation with an expert advisory committee convened by the Aspen Institute. The data focus on student retention and completion, considered from three perspectives:
• Performance (retention, graduation rates including transfers, and degrees and certificates per 100 “full-time equivalent” students) • Improvement (awarded for steady improvement in each performance metric over time) • Equity (evidence of strong completion outcomes for minority and low-income students) This is the third consecutive time Thaddeus Stevens College has received this honor. The list of top two-year colleges, compiled every two years, began in 2011. Thaddeus Stevens College has been named to the list in 2011, 2013 and again for 2015. The College is now invited to submit an application containing detailed data on degree/certificate completion, labor market outcomes (employment and earnings)and student learning outcomes. Ten finalists will be named in fall 2014. The Aspen institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional data. A distinguished Prize Jury will select a grand prize winner and a few finalists with distinction in early 2015.
Stevens Essay Contest
This year’s winner of the Thaddeus Stevens Essay contest for students at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology was Linda McGeachy ’14 (Business Administration). This award is sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Jack Gorelick, New York, and is given at the Thaddeus Stevens gravesite during a commemoration honoring our benefactor’s birthday in early April.
Each spring the Thaddeus Stevens Foundation sponsors a Thaddeus Stevens essay contest for 5th grade students in the Lancaster City elementary schools. This year 10 elementary schools participated in the contest. The 1st place winners each read their winning essay during an assembly program held at Fulton Elementary School.
The contest helps to raise awareness of Thaddeus Stevens and his place in American history, as well as to inform these young students of the opportunities available to them at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. College Trustee Ron Ford and Foundation Director Alex Munro were on hand to congratulate the recipients. The Tower • 2014 Summer 13
HALL OF FAME INDUCTION DINNER
In conjunction with this fall’s Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Homecoming, the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in the MAC on campus. This year’s inductees are:
Brandon Davis ’13 (Plumbing)
William Painter ’56 (Electric)
Anthony Freeman ’86 (Plumbing)
John Reed ’62 (Machine)
Christopher Moore ’03 (Collision Repair)
The 2002 Football Team
All are welcome to attend the dinner. Come out and show your support to this year’s inductees! RSVP is requested (see below). Cost is $15/per person.
Athletic Hall of Fame RSVP I would like to purchase ___ reservations at $15/each for: Name(s) _______
_______ ________
TOTAL ENCLOSED
$__________
_______ ______________
___ _________ _______
Please make your check payable to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and send it with this form to Mr. Chris Metzler, Director of Student Services, 750 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. 14 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Congratulations Class of 2014
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s 103rd Commencement was held on May 10, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. in the MAC on campus. There were 266 students awarded Associate degrees in Applied Sciences and 21 receiving certificates. Receiving honorary Doctorate degrees were: Wayne G. Deibler ’54 (Carpentry); Charles B. Zogby, Secretary of Budget for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and J. Richard
Gray, Mayor of Lancaster City. Distinguished Services Awards were presented to Wesley Geib (left), owner of Geib’s Manufacturing Solutions, Lancaster; and William A. Starr (right), President of Valco Associates, Lancaster. The commencement address was given by Secretary Charles Zogby. The Tower • 2014 Summer 15
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
The Thaddeus Stevens Foundation Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
PAID
740 East End Avenue • Lancaster, PA 17602-3714
Permit No. 1354 Lancaster, PA 17604
Address Service Requested
CAR SHOW Sponsored by Thaddeus Stevens Alumni Association
Saturday, October 4, 2014 10 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. Admission $10 Great Door Prizes Award Ceremony at 1 p.m. Music Food & Beverage Concessions
With your support we can continue to change lives through technical education. 16 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
TROPHY CLASSES
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Customs Motorcycles Trucks Oldest Original Street Rods Imports Fast & Furious Muscle Cars Sports Cars President’s Choice