Celebration of Industry to Honor Alum, David Boniello ‘84

Johnson College will host its first-ever Celebration of Industry event on September 7, 2023, on the College’s Scranton campus. The event will honor David Boniello ’84, President of Simplex Industries, as the recipient of the President’s Spirit of Giving Award for his leadership and contributions to Johnson College and the region.

Johnson College’s Celebration of Industry is a signature fundraising event that celebrates the unique relationship between the College and its industry partners. Each year, an industry partner will be honored for work as an industry champion and for playing a vital role in supporting the College’s students and the community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign to improve programs and facilities for student success.

The President’s Spirit of Giving Award is an artistic representation of the community, students, and the College made of steel and welded together in a flowing 3D design. The award was designed and created by members of the College’s Welding Department including Tony DeLucca, Welding Technology Program Director, Ben Lipperini, Welding Instructor, and Josh Perniciaro, Welding Instructor.

Mr. Boniello is a native of Dunmore, Pa., and graduated from Johnson College with an Associate Degree in Building Construction Technology in 1984. He became an active member of the College community by participating in its Program Advisory Committees, as a member of the Board of Directors in 2008, and became the first alum to be named Chair of the Board of Directors in 2016.

Mr. Boniello worked on the College’s first capital campaign from 2009 to 2014, helping to raise over $5.1 million, and currently chairs the College’s $5 million five-year capital campaign, Innovation at Work, launched in 2021. He played an instrumental role in the College’s nationwide search for the current President and CEO, Dr. Katie Pittelli.

Mr. Boniello has been part of the Simplex team for over 30 years. Throughout his professional career, he rose through positions in sales and management before being appointed to Vice President of Simplex, where he focused on developing and maintaining relationships with large-scale customers. He oversaw the company’s largest apartment and townhome projects across the Mid-Atlantic region. He was promoted to President in 2022. Furthermore, in 2005, he was an instrumental part of the company’s efforts to launch its own retail division for home sales called Cornerstone Building Solutions Inc. of which he currently serves in the capacity of President.

In addition to his commitment to Johnson College, Boniello is a former board member of the Lackawanna Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with the Women’s Resource Center Golf Tournament Committee.

Simplex Industries has been an industry partner of Johnson College for over 25 years. The partnership benefits both organizations and most importantly, the local community. Through collaborative efforts with NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lackawanna County Area on Aging, the College and Simplex are involved with the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO). The project allows older adults to remain close to family or caretakers as they age by placing cottages on their properties. These structures are designed and built by Johnson College students and members of the Simplex team.

To learn about available sponsorship opportunities for the Celebration of Industry, please contact Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, at kbaker@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8908.

Spring 2023 Semester President’s List

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2023 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Laura Alleva-Cox, Automotive Technology, Archbald, PA

Jacob Banta, Automotive Technology, Trucksville, PA

Richard Christianson, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Susquehanna, PA

Alyssa Crawford, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA

Briana Curtis, Electrical Engineering Technology, Blakely, PA

Hezekiah Deitz, Electrical Construction Technology, Hamlin, PA

Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA

Jared Hodorawis, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Honesdale, PA

Thomas Huffsmith, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Factoryville, PA

Sean Hughes, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Moscow, PA

Anthony Kutchmanich, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greenfield Twp., PA

Samantha Leeuwen, Radiologic Technology, Springbrook Twp., PA

Jeremy Lewis, Radiologic Technology, Bear Creek, PA

Dustin McAllister, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA

Jessica McKee, Radiologic Technology, Thornhurst, PA

Chase Notz, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA

Alexandra Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA

Christian Overholtz, Automotive Technology, Scranton, PA

John Ozark Jr., Diesel Truck Technology, Pittston Twp., PA

Evan Smith, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Tunkhannock, PA

Matthew Spiccioli, Electrical Construction Technology, Kingston, PA

Kamron VanWert, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Peckville, PA

Devin Walsh, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Olyphant, PA

Kevin Williams, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Eynon, PA

SCNAVTA Raises Money for Local Animal Rescues

Johnson College’s Student Chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (SCNAVTA) raised money for local animal rescues.

Students in the organization sold Gertrude Hawk chocolate bars both in person and online during the 2022-23 school year. Through their fundraising efforts, the organization raised $1,000 for both the NEPA Pet Fund & Rescue as well as the SPCA of Luzerne County.

Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program works closely with these local rescues to provide care to animals while obtaining hands-on learning opportunities.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a dynamic community of credentialed veterinary technicians dedicated to advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through advocacy, awareness, and professional development. The student chapter of the organization (SCNAVTA) enables students to experience the responsibilities that go along with being a member of a profession.

To learn more about the Veterinary Nursing program, visit https://johnson.edu/divisions-of-study/health-and-animal-sciences/veterinary-nursing/.

Pictured left to right – back row: Cassidy Weber, Student; Jackie Albano, Student; Molly Nagle, Student; Kayla Ross, Student; Brooke Fable, Student; Dr. Megan Varner-Soden, Veterinarian, Johnson College; Amanda Melnyk, CVT, Veterinary Nursing Instructor, Johnson College; Kimberly Konopka ‘07, BS, CVT, Program Directory of Veterinary Nursing, Johnson College; Jamie Laubenstein ‘07, CVT, Veterinary Nursing Instructor, Johnson College; Stephanie Bleckler, Student; Laura Dimenichi, Student; Shelby Jenkins, Student; Kassidy Snyder, Student. Front row: Shannon Ceccoli, Director, NEPA Pet Fund & Rescue; Carol Amos, Education/Volunteer Coordinator, SPCA of Luzerne County; Dave Phillips, Volunteer, SPCA of Luzerne County.

College to Host 30th Annual Golf Tournament

Johnson College will host its 30th Annual golf tournament on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor, PA. In observance of the 30th anniversary, this year’s tournament will feature added anniversary course competitions, raffle prize drawing, and a BBQ dinner for all to enjoy. 

All proceeds from the annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Last year’s tournament raised more than $47,000 to support the Presidential Scholarship Fund. The scholarships are presented each fall to full-time students demonstrating financial need to finish their educational journey.

To learn more about this event or to register to golf, visit johnson.edu/golf.

Sponsors of this event to date include:

Presenting Sponsor: Gerrity’s Supermarkets

Gold Sponsors: Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Fastenal Company, L.R. Costanzo Company, Inc., Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Pepsi, PNC Bank, Simplex Homes, Vacendak Construction.

Silver Sponsor: Cable Associates, Toyota of Scranton

Cart Sponsor: ShopRite

Golfer Gift Sponsor: Troy Mechanical, Inc.

Breakfast Sponsor: Action Lift

Lunch Sponsor: Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.

Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Topp Business Solutions

Dinner Sponsor: Stevens & Lee

Hole-In-One Sponsor: Tasca Ford

Mulligan Sponsor: American Eagle Outfitters

Exclusive Tee Sponsors: Ability Recovery Service, LLC, CP3 Energy Systems, I.B.E.W Local #81, Knowles Associates, LLC, Milnes Engineering, NRG Controls North, Inc., Waste Management.

Presidential Scholarship Sponsors: Candy Frye, Citizens Savings Bank, Fiorelli Catering, Highland Associates

Pot O’Gold Sponsor: Nunzi’s Advertising

Platinum Marketing Sponsor: Condron Sweda Advertising

Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising

Gold Print Sponsor: Sprint Print, Inc.

Pictured left to right –

Front row: Peter Danchak, PNC Bank; Joseph Fasula, Gerrity’s Supermarkets; Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College; Joyce Fasula, Gerrity’s Supermarkets; Deborah Kolsovsky, PNC Bank; and David Boniello, Simplex Homes.

Back row: Karen Baker, Johnson College; Bill Stevens, Sprint Print; Candy Frye, L.R. Costanzo Company, Inc.; Lisa Bonacci, Citizens Savings Bank; Marcelo DeSousa, Fastenal Company; Frank Kilyanek, NRG Controls North, Inc.; and Mary Kern, Johnson College.

Closer Look at Opportunities at Tobyhanna Army Depot Event

Johnson College is hosting a Closer Look: Opportunities at Tobyhanna Army Depot event on April 27, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. inside Woolworth Hall at its Scranton Campus.

Prospective students and their families can meet with representatives from Tobyhanna Army Depot to learn more about their facility and available careers. Johnson College’s Faculty members will be available to provide information about the curriculum and to answer questions about the academic programs. Members of the College’s Enrollment and Career Services departments will also be available to speak about the application and internship processes.

Programs that will be showcased at the event include two-year associate degrees in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Electrical Construction Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Technology, and Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology.

For more information or to register, contact the College’s Enrollment department at (570) 702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

To learn more about Tobyhanna Army Depot, visit https://www.tobyhanna.army.mil/.

College Receives Grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission for Workforce Training

Johnson College has been awarded two Area Development Grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). These grants will support regional workforce training capabilities with campus-wide equipment upgrades and the development of two mobile training laboratories for STEM technology and building trades technology. The grants total $430,000 and include College matching funds of $215,000.

The mobile laboratories include 35’ trailers outfitted with student workstations and equipment for training in STEM and the building trades. Equipment is interchangeable and the laboratories will be configured as needed for hands-on education. While identical in the scope of flexible training capabilities, both the first and second mobile laboratories will be deployed in two unique equipment configurations depending on the location and need for each. They will serve different training needs at the same time.

The mobile training laboratories will be used to help develop a pipeline for students entering the trades by providing remote, hands-on learning to high school students that are enrolled in the College’s Dual Enrollment and Industry Fast Track programs. Using the latest tools and technology, younger students from rural school districts will experience first-hand, the wider range of STEM-related and building trades education and career opportunities available to them. Additionally, the College plans to deliver short-term, customized training programs at industry partner locations to enhance the skills of essential workers.

“These mobile labs will allow us to bring opportunities to those in rural areas who don’t currently have access to hands-on education due to barriers including distance and transportation,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College’s President and CEO. “I am excited that with support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, more people will have access to STEM and building trades training.”

The two cutting-edge mobile laboratories will serve Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties. Both will help Johnson College reach more students and industry partners in rural locations and provide access to education and jobs that may not have existed, or been more difficult for them to previously obtain.

The new equipment funded under the grant will enable Johnson College to upgrade campus technology and deliver the most up-to-date training to students to prepare them to enter Appalachia’s growing essential workforce. Programs receiving technology upgrades include automotive technology, civil design, electrical engineering technology, heavy equipment technology, welding technology, electrical construction technology, biomedical equipment technology, and computer information technology.

This project will build the College’s capacity to help regional employers meet the growing demand to fill essential positions in the workforce and promote economic development, thus improving the economic prosperity of this region’s students, workers, industry, and communities.

About the Appalachian Regional Commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. For more information, visit www.arc.gov.

CEO of AllOne Foundation & Charities to Deliver 2023 Commencement Address

Johnson College has selected John W. Cosgrove, Chief Executive Officer of AllOne Foundation & Charities to give their 2023 commencement address to graduates on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10 a.m., at the College’s Scranton campus.

As CEO, Mr. Cosgrove has implemented the distribution of over $35.4 million in philanthropic resources to communities in all corners of the Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania region. AllOne Foundation & Charities supports health care programs achieving high impact in Mental Health and Behavioral Health, Access to Care for Women & Children, Autism Services, Substance Abuse Disorder, and Food Security.

Mr. Cosgrove has nearly 40 years of experience in the private, non-profit, public and community service arenas. 

Before becoming CEO of AllOne Foundation & Charities in 2016, he was Vice-President of Condron & Cosgrove, a public relations and communications firm in downtown Scranton.

Mr. Cosgrove served as Executive Director of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas; a Washington, D.C.-based national non-profit association of economic and community development entities designated by the U.S. Congress.

He is a former Executive Director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, a State and National Heritage Area. In 2004, Lackawanna Heritage Valley received the Preserve America Presidential Award – the nation’s highest honor for historic preservation – presented in a White House ceremony by the President of the United States.

Mr. Cosgrove served in the administration of Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Citizen Service. He was instrumental in initiating the national service program, AmeriCorps, in Pennsylvania.

He served on the faculty of Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., and was an early pioneer in the KAIROS Student Retreat Program. He was a co-chair of the Gonzaga International Volunteer Experience at the Ciudad de los Ninos orphanage in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Mr. Cosgrove is a Trustee of the Margaret Briggs Foundation, a member of the National Board of Directors of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, and a former Chairman of the Board of NeighborWorks NEPA. He is the founding Chairman of First Night Scranton, the Housing Services Collaborative of Lackawanna County, and CityPride!  He has received the national J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award and the Founders Honor Roll Award from The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children.

Mr. Cosgrove holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Southeastern University in Washington, D.C., and has completed the Executive Education programs in Health Care Management at the Yale University School of Management and in Nonprofit Profit Executive Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

He lives in Scranton with his wife, Eileen, and is the very proud dad of three grown daughters, Bridget, Molly, and Erin.

College Hosts Annual 3D Printing Competition

Johnson College hosted its annual 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday at its Scranton campus.

The competition was an opportunity for students from Forest City, Wallenpaupack, and the Wilkes-Barre STEM Academy to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math. Using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) skills, participants designed and printed gravity hooks that picked up objects of various weights and sizes.

The student who placed first, Michael Andrews from the Wilkes Barre Area STEM Academy, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Johnson College as well as a $50 gift card from Matterhackers. Second place was awarded to Danielle Holzapfel and third place to Kai Puma Stehlilk, both from Wallenpaupack Area High School.

The event, which was sponsored by OpenBuilds, The New Jersey Chapter of SAMPE, GreenGate3D, and Automated Lifestyles, featured a keynote address given by Stephanie and Isaac Budmen, founders of Budmen Industries, the manufacturer of the award-winning Buildini 3D printer. Some of the College’s local industry partners were also in attendance to discuss future employment opportunities with the students.

To learn more about Johnson College’s STEM opportunities for local school districts, visit johnson.edu.

New Two-Year Associate Degree in Aviation Technology

Students can now enroll in Johnson College’s new two-year Aviation Technology associate degree program scheduled to begin with the Fall 2023 semester.

The Aviation Technology program prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventative maintenance, and necessary safety application in aviation technology. Through a partnership with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, students will complete airframe and power plant instruction in a lab located at the airport, pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This opportunity will provide students with a very unique and hands-on learning experience in industry.

The program will provide students with the knowledge and skills outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Mechanics Airman Certification Standard (ACS) in preparation for the FAA licensure exam for general, airframe, and powerplant knowledge.

“The aviation technology industry expects rapid-paced growth within the next decade,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College’s President and CEO. “Johnson College is prepared to meet that demand by offering our students hands-on experience and training on campus and at in-field labs, giving them an advantage to succeed in this in-demand industry.

Students within this program will be prepared for careers in the aviation technology industry as aircraft mechanics, airframe mechanics, aviation technicians, aircraft specialists, and similar roles. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aviation technology field has a 6% growth potential through 2031. Graduates have the opportunity to earn a median annual income of up to $65,550.

“We’re excited to have this new partnership with Johnson College”, said Carl R. Beardsley, Jr., AVP Executive Director. “This new degree program will greatly benefit the aviation industry, and we support Johnson College in its efforts to meet the demand in these fields in the world of aviation.”

Johnson College has received a three-year Advanced Technological Education grant for $307,706 from the National Science Foundation to support the Aviation Technology program.

For more information about or to enroll in this program, please contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu or visit johnson.edu/divisions-of-study/transportation/aviation/.