Johnson College has recently received a generous donation of $25,000 from a valued industry partner, Kenworth of Pennsylvania. This donation will go toward the College’s Strategic Opportunity Fund. The donation, from the Earle Mitchell Memorial Foundation, will support the College’s board directives which spur systemic change at the College and promote growth in all educational program areas.
Katie Pittelli, Executive Vice President of the College said the College’s connection with Kenworth of PA is a growing one, “We have been building our relationship with Kenworth over the last several years to learn more about industry trends and to bring real life experiences into our classrooms. This donation will benefit the entire institution, and that is what industry partnerships are all about, supporting our campus as a whole.”
The relationship began nearly nine years ago when Michael Novak, now Senior Director of the Office of Innovation & Industry and former Chair of the Diesel Truck Technology Program began his teaching career at the College. Novak invited a friend of his from the industry, Willie Hobbs to campus to check out the diesel facility, to get a look at what the students were learning and the tools available to them. Once Hobbs became acclimated with the College, he joined the Program Advisory Committee for Diesel Truck Technology. This committee is comprised of professionals in the industry and those who can help steer college programs in the right direction considering education and preparation for professional work based on industry needs. The College puts much emphasis on making sure graduates have the most up to date knowledge of their field upon graduation, and people like Hobbs from Kenworth definitely contribute to that mission.
President of Kenworth of Pennsylvania, Tim Mitchell, is happy to be contributing to a fund that supports all students. “Johnson College puts out a great product when it comes to preparing students for their career. We are appreciative of the relationship that has been built and are happy to support future efforts at the school,” he said.
The generous donation from Kenworth will improve Johnson College in a multitude of ways according to Novak. “Kenworth has always been passionate about our programs and they value the education we provide to the technicians of the future. Kenworth of PA is familiar with our facilities and our students, so we know they have great intentions when making an investment in the College.”