Jeremiah “Levi” Johnson ’20, a graduate from the Diesel Truck Technology program (left) and Joshual “Josh” Thomas ’20, a graduate from the Electronic Engineering Technology program (right).

Even in this unusual year, Johnson College graduates from the class of 2020 know how to thrive. Jeremiah “Levi” Johnson ’20, a graduate from the Diesel Truck Technology program, and Joshual “Josh” Thomas ’20, a graduate from the Electronic Engineering Technology program, have found success in each of their fields.

Levi was cautious about attending post-secondary school at a large university for fear of distractions, so when a high school friend enrolled in the Diesel Truck Technology program at Johnson College, Levi took a closer look at the College. Levi is a “big hands-on kind of guy” when it comes to his learning style and his friend assured him that the majority of education was hands-on, not just theory. He attended an Open House, and said he was, “sold.”

While looking for the next step to advance in his career while staying close to home, Josh, a military veteran, found Johnson College’s Electronic Engineering Technology program a great fit. According to Josh, the friendly and helpful staff and faculty stood out at the College, specifically, Rick Fornes, Electronic Engineering Program Director. Josh says he is an impressive instructor and mentor, who went beyond the classroom to help him professionally and personally. Josh said he felt like the instructors helped prepare him to tackle any job with general knowledge and common sense.

According to Levi, the strong relationships and communication skills that Levi gained at Johnson College help him in his current position. “I work well with my team, not because I’m the smartest, the strongest or anything like that, but because I can talk to them like I already met them before,” Levi said. “And I take a lot of that from Johnson College and hanging out with the people from class.”

When the Covid-19 lockdown hit, Levi was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which motivated him to make sure he found employment in his field. Months after treatment, he is now cancer-free and working in his current position at Digging and Rigging, Inc. as an assistant mechanic.

Josh said the robotics and automation portion of the Electronic Engineering Technology program was the most enjoyable for him. He also enjoyed working on his class’s Capstone project: building a large scale 3D printer. He felt accomplished creating something that is available commercially, and being able to build it from nothing and make it bigger and better. This project, included in his portfolio, helped secure his current position at Simona American Industries.

Both graduates said the lessons they received at Johnson were invaluable. Both Levi’s father and former Diesel Technology Program Director instilled a similar lesson: “You don’t have to be the smartest man in the room, but always be the hardest-working.” Levi expanded, saying, “No matter how pointless or easy something seems, keep your head down and work hard. Your boss will see that.”

As a self-described over-analyzer, Josh said the best advice he received from his program director was, “Keep it simple. Start with the basics and go from there.” He said this has helped him with tasks from designing to troubleshooting issues.

Both graduates had words of advice for current and future students. Levi said, “Take advantage of every little thing that they’re willing to let you do.” He wishes he took more advantage of the opportunities the College had to offer, such as industry specific training through the Diesel program. Josh said, “Everything about the College, from [the College’s motto] ‘We Work’ to how the classes are run, is geared towards a work environment. Take it seriously.” He elaborated, “The [work] ethic that is instilled is absolutely vital to being marketable and being a professional.”

Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2020 Fall Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

All students are from Pennsylvania.

Matthew Beavers, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Clifton Twp
Brittany Bethel, Veterinary Technology, Dallas
Frank Buono, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Clarks Green
Philip Davitt, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Dickson City
Brittany Gilley, Physical Therapist Assistant, Pittston
Michael Hannah, Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology, Dunmore
John Lee, Computer Information Technology, Old Forge
Cody Mackin, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Taylor
Alexander Nallin, Veterinary Technology, Scranton
Matthew Rosengrant, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Lake Ariel
Michael Salansky, Computer Information Technology, Uniondale
Christopher Taylor, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Waymart
David Weaver, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Carbondale
Evan Wilcox, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Milanville

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs and 3 academic certificates. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Department, which offers hands-on learning on the College’s campus, is now offering 21 exclusive online courses where students can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. The education and training these courses provide students the opportunity to advance in or begin new careers in many of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s essential industries. More information about the online courses can be found at Johnson.edu/continuing-education or by calling 570-702-8979.

Many of these non-credit bearing courses offer externships and clinical practice which provide the hands-on learning students expect when enrolling in a Johnson College program. Some courses give students the opportunity to take national certification exams to further the opportunities they have to advance their careers.

The courses include: Clinical Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Computer Technician (CompTIA A+), Front End Web Developer, Project Management Professional, Six Sigma and a variety of trades related courses.

“Our new exclusive online courses are perfect for anyone who wants to advance in their current job or start a new career but cannot participate in on-campus classes due to personal or work schedules.” said Johnson College Continuing Education Manager A. J. Cimahosky. “These online courses are a perfect example of how Johnson College students go beyond sitting in a classroom.”

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

By Mark Kozemko, a Johnson College’s Automotive Technology program director
Original published in the June 26, 2020 edition of the Valley Advantage.
https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/headlights-to-taillights-oil-change-intervals/article_e4c5dc3b-4bdc-599e-be36-e3bf56d81491.html

With the price of vehicles these days, most vehicle owners have questions about how they can protect their investment. Engine maintenance, specifically regular oil changes, is one of the best ways to protect that investment.

Today we’re going to answer the question that many people ask about oil change intervals — should I change my oil every 3,000 miles?

This question most likely comes from an older generation of car owners like me, because that was the normal recommended oil change interval from almost every manufacturer.

I will never discourage anyone from changing their engine oil more often than the manufacturer recommends. In the past, manufactures recommended oil changes at 3,000 miles, and some people still use that mileage as their oil change interval. But over the years, several factors have altered the recommended oil change interval.

As with any technology, advancements are constantly being made. Engineers are constantly working on making every component and system better than it was yesterday. Vehicles ride much better than they did in the past. Everything from sound system to engine performance increase in quality with every model year. Oil is no different.

There are several different types of oil that modern day vehicles can use. Regular or petroleum-based oil is normally recommended to be changed at that 3,000 mile range mentioned earlier but you will be hard pressed to find vehicle engines that still utilize this type oil. As engines have advanced though the years, oils have evolved to meet the needs of these engines. Synthetic blend are created using mineral oil and synthetic oil and do not have to be changed as often. So the interval for oil changes is looking more towards 5,000 to 7,500 miles. There are also full synthetic oil options which would bring oil change intervals to around the 10,000 mile range.

The advancements in engine design and oil properties actually bring us to the answer to the question at hand. Modern synthetic and synthetic blend oils stand up to the very high engine temperatures way better than the petroleum-based oils do. There is way less carbon and sludge build up on internal engine parts so they perform better and last longer. But with that in mind, you should always follow the recommended service intervals and oil type for your specific vehicle and engine.

If you have noticed, we are focused on miles driven between oil changes. In recent years, almost all new vehicles have some sort of built-in oil change or service reminder system. These systems make it much easier for drivers to know when a service or oil change is due because it does not depend upon the driver to keep track of anything. Modern cars can learn vehicle habits. Not to complicate things any further but these service reminder systems do not always just count miles — there are other factors that go into when the engine needs to be serviced.

The most important thing to remember is that you can change the oil more frequently than the manufacture’s recommended interval but should never exceed the recommended mileage interval for your oil changes. But that being said, if you’re going to use an oil change interval that is less than the manufacture recommends, you will be spending more money. In my opinion, the money you spend for those extra oil changes is money well spent.

But the most critical thing to remember if you are driving a car that is covered under a manufacturer’s warranty: If you get your vehicle serviced in a repair shop other than the dealership you purchased the vehicle from, make sure your repair shop uses the correct oil recommended for your engine. If the incorrect oil is used, it is possible that will void your warranty. Your engine is by far the most expensive component of your vehicle and if it fails because the incorrect oil was used, the repair costs may be on you.

The next Headlights to Taillights column will be published in the July 24, 2020 edition of the Valley Advantage.

Johnson College is excited to announce students completed the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining class, held for the first time in the new educational training space inside Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Most students are now using their 510 hours of training as they already secured positions as CNC professionals in the workforce.

The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining class provides students with in-demand industry training in a unique setting with equipment that students will become accustomed to once in the workforce. This hands-on curriculum trained students to utilize, maintain and program CNC machines, which perform subtractive manufacturing methods to materials such as metal. CNC professionals manufacture precision products and components used in a variety of applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more.

As Johnson College is a leader in CNC training and has offered this class for years, the unique partnership between the College and Don’s Machine Shop launched due to our mutual belief that industry is our students’ campus. Don’s Machine Shop is the perfect environment for students to be trained in the high demand field. Donnie Eifert, Owner and President of Don’s Machine Shop, saw an opportunity to help give back to the industry by providing a location for the much needed training.

“I was very impressed with how the students worked together and how well the instructors worked with and interacted with their students,” said Donnie Eifert. “We knew this would be a challenging endeavor, made even more challenging by Covid-19 halting class with two weeks left. The students and instructors worked together to complete this class and achieve the level of success we were confident we all could reach.”

The training program gives Northeastern Pennsylvania employers an opportunity to benefit as well. Jim Golden of James Eagen Sons Co. of Wyoming, Pennsylvania enrolled an employee. The results positively impacted the student and their business. Jim Golden shared, “The course presents an easily accessible opportunity for us to improve our processes and gain a competitive advantage. It was a great investment.”

“Johnson College is very fortunate that Don’s Machine Shop opened their doors to us to provide this in-demand industry training. We’ve already begun training another class of students at Don’s. The demand for these skills is growing and we are looking forward to providing this opportunity to others going forward,” said AJ Cimahosky, Continuing Education Manager at Johnson College.

For more information or to enroll in Johnson College’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist program visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/ or call Johnson College’s Continuing Education department at 570.702.8979.

Since starting over 30 years ago Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. has grown to be one of the largest machine shops in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Their 77,000 square foot climate controlled facility contains millions of dollars’ worth of modern equipment that are continually upgraded. Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. employs 30 people and makes machine parts for companies around the globe. Many things have changed since this business started over 30 years ago, but their commitment to providing quality parts and service will never change. For more information visit http://www.donsmachine.com/.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit www.johnson.edu.

Dear Students,

I am pleased to announce that Johnson College has developed a fall 2020 reopening plan which will go into effect on August 31, 2020, the first day of class. Johnson College will be welcoming students’ back this fall for in-person classes while operating in a hybrid model. This schedule will be in place for at least one full academic year. In this model, we will continue to deliver on our mission of providing students with “real world, hands-on learning in a caring environment.”

In this new hybrid model, we will be able to increase flexibility for our students, while prioritizing their safety and giving them the hands-on learning that they need to thrive in industry. General Education classes and program theory classes will be delivered online. Labs and lab-related coursework will be delivered in-person, in a safe manner, following social distancing guidelines, both on campus and at industry lab locations. In some cases, we may be utilizing simulation software and at home lab kits.

To ensure that our reopening plan meets the needs of our students and adheres to the guideline set forth by government and health officials, I have met regularly with local health officials, the Mayor, state officials, and other college presidents. Health officials have been sharing that the key to reopening is proper PPE, like masks, and social distancing. They also support the idea that we must be prepared to operate in new ways. The reopening plan that we have developed includes a reopening task force, who will be meeting to assist in executing and monitoring the plan.

In addition to the hybrid model of learning, the College’s plan includes the following: 

• Campus will be zoned to ensure contact tracing. Masks will be provided, and social distancing guidelines enforced.
• The Facilities Department is following all CDC cleaning guidelines for campus.
• The student Café will not operate as normal. Students will be allowed to bring their own food and use the dining area. Tables and chairs will be set up within social distancing guidelines. We are planning to have “grab and go” items available to students as well.
• Congregating and events will be limited.
• Housing will not be available for the foreseeable future. Students who need housing should reach out to the office of Student Engagement for other options.

Due to the ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, this plan is subject to change pending guidelines set forth by local, state, and national government officials and appropriate health agencies. I know this is different from how we are used to operating but this model ensures that students still get the hands-on experience and exposure to industry partners for which Johnson College is known. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this together. I would also like to thank our industry partners for giving us the opportunity to continue to use their spaces for lab and clinical instruction. We would not be able to deliver our high-quality, hands-on education without them.

Thank you, students, for your continued hard-work and adaptability. Faculty and staff are available to help you and are committed to helping you achieve your academic and career goals. We will slowly be reopening campus over the summer as Pennsylvania transitions through its reopening plan. Students will be finishing their requirements from the spring semester and faculty and staff will be preparing for the students’ return in the fall. We stay committed to educating the essential workforce of tomorrow and will continue to demonstrate how We Work.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katie Leonard
President & CEO

To the Johnson College Graduating Class of 2020 (and their families),

Due to weather, the Johnson College Commencement Ceremony scheduled for August 4, 2020 is being postponed until Wednesday, August 5, 2020. The location of the ceremony will still be the Circle Drive-In, 1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Scranton and will still begin at dusk.

This has been a unique and trying semester for all of us, and this decision was made with the health and well-being of all members of our campus community and their loved ones in mind. We know this news leads to many associated questions, and we will share answers as they become available on the College’s website.

We also know this is unexpected news, especially for you, our 2020 graduates, and your loved ones. While the ceremony that culminates your hard work and dedication will be different this year, we want you to know that your accomplishments are absolutely impressive. It is important to note that even though we will not be having a formal commencement ceremony until August, you will be a graduate of Johnson College as of either May or August 2020, whichever date coincides with the completion of your degree requirements.

Our campus members are strong, adaptable, and dedicated to each other and to caring for their communities. We take comfort knowing that in these uncertain times, you, our graduates, are leading us into the future. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to join together as a Johnson College Community and as a nation to support our collective efforts to protect those most vulnerable to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you,

Kellyn Williams, PhD
Chief Academic Officer

GRADUATION 2020

General Information

The College will be hosting its graduation ceremony on Wednesday, August 5 beginning at dusk at the Circle Drive-In Theater. Grad Finale will be held on July 27^th and 28^th on Johnson College’s campus.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Grad Finale?
A. This event is held in two sessions to allow for all graduates to attend. Students will fulfill all obligations regarding the senior exit survey, financial aid, student business services, and the registrar. This is when students will receive caps, gowns, and commencement tickets.

Q. Wait, so there is a new date for 2020 graduation?
A. Yes! Due to weather the graduation ceremony has been moved from Tuesday, August 4 to Wednesday, August 5 at the Circle Drive-In Theater [1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Scranton]. We will be sending details to graduating students by email.

Q. Wait, so there is a new date for Awards Night?
A. No, awards will be given to students at Grad Finale. We will recognize your accomplishments at commencement.

Q. I paid the graduation petition fee. Will I get a refund if I do not attend the new graduation date?
A. No, the fee is not used for the ceremony. The graduation fee is non-refundable.

Q. Will I still receive my cap and gown?
A. Yes! If you ordered a cap and gown during Grad Application, they are in and will be distributed to students at Grad Finale.

Q. Can I keep my cap and gown?
A. Yes, you sure can. Once you receive it, it is yours to keep.

Q. When will I receive my actual diploma?
A. Students graduating in May 2020 and August 2020 should make an appointment with the Registrar Office to pick it up on campus. In the meantime, transcripts are available through our Registrar Office and can be used as education verification. https://johnson.edu/registrar

Q. If I wasn’t planning to walk in the May graduation ceremony, but I’d like to walk in the August ceremony, what do I do?
A. Be on the lookout for an email from the Registrar Office in July asking you if you would like to walk in the August ceremony.

Q. Can my parents, friends, and relatives attend the August graduation ceremony?
A. Yes. Check the commencement webpage as we get closer for more detailed information.

Q. Where will I park for the August graduation?
A. There is parking at the Circle Drive-In. Parking areas will be assigned closer to the date. Check the commencement webpage as we get closer for more detailed information.

Like most high school graduates, Carter Terysen wasn’t sure what the future might hold after he graduated from Honesdale High School in 2018. Two years later, after obtaining his associate degree in Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology from Johnson College, Carter has discovered that his career is quickly headed in the right direction.

The day after his last class at Johnson on May 8, Carter learned he was hired as a carpenter at Dakan Enterprises in Honesdale, Pa. He has been working at Dakan for several weeks and loves his new job. In addition to his own initiative and hard work, Carter credits the education and skills he obtained at Johnson for helping him obtain a great job in a field he loves.

Carter, who placed first in Skills USA College Division carpentry competition, particularly credits Todd Campbell ’82, director of Johnson’s Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology program for helping him refine his craft.
“Mr. Campbell was absolutely great. I’m using so much of what he taught me every single day. My supervisors were really impressed with how much I knew even though I’m just starting out,” he said.

“Carter was really a great student and it’s a pleasure to see him succeed,” Todd said. “He’s dedicated and extremely hard working.”

While jobs in many professions are difficult to find in the wake of COVID 19 pandemic, recent Johnson graduates such as Carter are taking advantage of the essential skills they have learned. Many are finding jobs in a variety fields such as manufacturing, electronics, welding, health sciences, and more, that are critical to the regional and national economy.

“I’m really glad I went to Johnson after high school. I feel like I’m in a great place in my life right now and I’m looking forward to the future,” Carter said.