Programs Integrate Live Work into Curriculum

Kneeling – Students Matthew Parry, Bryan Fuentez, and Duncan Cordaro. Second row – Frank Mickavicz, ’90, Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology Assistant Department Chair; Nick Brajuka, Construction Manager; Jesse Ergott, President & CEO of NeighborWorks NEPA; Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College; and Jen Dougherty, Director of Finance and Operations for NeighborWorks NEPA. Top row – Students Brian Sokol, Robert Buck, Joseph Van Winckle.

Throughout the upcoming semesters, Electrical Construction and Maintenance, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning, and Carpentry & Cabinetmaking students will work on a live project for NeighborWorks Northeast PA. Under the direction of NeighborWorks staff and their Johnson College instructors, they will contribute to a range of construction work at the property, located in Clarks Summit, PA. This project is a combination of community service and live lab work where class curriculum is brought to an ongoing project.

President & CEO of NeighborWorks Northeast, PA Jesse Ergott, said, “We have a dual focus on a project like this one. First, we want to improve the property to have a positive visual and economic impact on the neighborhood. Secondly, we love to see homes like these go to first-time homebuyers, many of whom are making their first significant investment. That being said, we don’t restrict who can ultimately purchase the home.” He also mentioned how well Johnson College students fit with the mission of the non-profit. “The students we work with are skilled, responsible, and excited to be giving back to the community. Their work helps us to keep our project costs down and to reinvest the savings into future projects. We also appreciate the credibility and visibility that working with Johnson College brings to our work and mission.”

According to Johnson College’s chief academic officer, Kellyn Nolan, “It is important for our students to work on live projects. Not only do they gain the opportunity to make an impact on a real project, but they get to see first-hand what the job site is like and how it is managed.”

Katie Pittelli, President and CEO of the College is proud to see students contributing to projects that serve others. “Live lab work is an opportunity for instructors and students to apply classroom training in the real world. Students experience their education.  And in this case, for a nonprofit that has shown dedication to serving its community.”

26th Annual Golf Tournament to be Held May 18th

Front Row (All Rows L-R): Tracey Pratt, Manager of Development at Johnson College; Susan Troy Connors, Troy Mechanical; Margaret Olsewski, Genetti Manor; Mary Beth Tomko, Action Lift; Liz Finley, Sweda Advertising; Susan Kelly, Knowles Associates; Atty. Marianne Gilmartin, Stevens & Lee; David Boniello, ’84, Simplex Homes; Tony Bartocci, Posture Interactive; Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College.
Second Row: Atty. Stephen Franko, Franko Law Offices; Dan Christiano, Christiano Welding Supply; Michael Brust, IBEW-NECA Local #81; Joe Mudlock, MotorWorld Honda Acura; Mark Paisley, MotorWorld Lexus; Peter Danchak, PNC Bank; Tom Donahue, Lamar Advertising.

The 26th Annual Johnson College Open will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 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 qualified and deserving full-time students.

Sponsors of the 26th Annual Johnson College Open to date include:

Presenting Sponsor: Gerrity’s Supermarkets

Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising

Platinum: Shop Rite of Daleville & Mount Pocono

Platinum Marketing Sponsors: Sweda Advertising

Gold Print Sponsor: Sprint Print

Gold Sponsors: Bill’s Ace Hardware, Highland Associates, L.R. Costanzo Company, PNC Bank, Simplex Homes, NAPA Auto Parts of Daleville & Mount Pocono, Reilly Associates, Shea Industries

Silver Sponsor: Sordoni Construction Services

Cart Sponsor: Kane Is Able

Lunch Sponsor: Christiano Welding Supply

Dinner Sponsor: Stevens & Lee

Gift Sponsor: Action Lift

“Crossroads” Snack Bar Sponsor: Troy Mechanical

Mulligan Sponsor: McCarthy Tire & Automotive Centers

Hole in One Sponsor: Gibbons Ford

Exclusive Tee Sponsors: Brucelli Advertising Company, Constantino’s Catering and Events, Franko Law Offices, Knowles Associates, Metz Culinary Management, MotorWorld, Oliver, Price & Rhodes, Posture Interactive, Snow Management, T.E. Spall & Son

Presidential Scholarship Sponsors: Ability Recovery Services, Fiorelli’s, Genetti Manor, The Green Scene, IBEW-NECA Local #81, Mohegan Sun Pocono, Powell Law, R.J. Walker Co.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. Golfer registration deadline is May 7th. To obtain more information or to register to play in the tournament, visit www.johnson.edu/golf or contact Tracey Pratt, Manager of Development at 570-702-8908 or tpratt@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Carpentry Auction Benefits Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA for Second Year

L-R: Jess Farrell, CAC/NEPA Director of Development; Warren Gary Lahr, ’18; Todd Campbell, Department Chair of Carpentry & Cabinetmaking; Laura Little, Department Chair of Business Management.

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program hosted an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA. The items up for auction were all created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking program, and the event was organized by Project Management student Warren Gary Lahr, ’18. More than 40 items were auctioned off including cutting boards, guitars, benches, tables, cabinets, wine racks and a toy box.  Most of the items were made from re-purposed wood. The auction raised over $3,100 for the local non-profit and brought together a group of faculty, staff, and parents to showcase the wonderful creations the students work on every day.

For information about the two-year Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program, please visit, www.johnson.edu/carpentry.