Johnson College Fall 2024 Semester President’s List

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2024 Fall Semester with a grade point average of 3.70 or higher.

Edgar Acevedo, Electrical Construction Technology, Scranton, PA;

Anthony Agrella, Electrical Construction Technology, Pittston, PA;

Zekiel Alejandrez, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greentown, PA

Holden Aylesworth, Computer Information Technology, Nicholson, PA;

Charlize Barhite, Veterinary Nursing, Clifford Twp., PA;

Tiffany Beckham, Radiologic Technology, Scranton, PA;

Colleen Cannon-Augustine, Physical Therapist Assistant, Jenkins Twp., PA;

Brady Carpenter, Computer Information Technology, Clarks Summit, PA;

Cole Chesna, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Honesdale, PA;

Ashlee Coe, Veterinary Nursing, Hawley, PA;

Matthew Collier, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Throop, PA;

Cameron Collins, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA;

Kenneth Cotton, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Clifford Twp., PA;

Emma Danowsky, Veterinary Nursing, Lewisburg, PA;

Gerard Dolinsky, Diesel Truck Technology, Scott Twp., PA;

Andi Fedorchak, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Carbondale, PA;

Alec Fisher, Automotive Technology, West Wyoming, PA;

Ethan Gardiner, Electrical Construction Technology, Summit Hill, PA;

Hanaa Gohsler, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Dickson City, PA;

Jennifer Gonzalez Rodriguez, Radiologic Technology, Scranton, PA;

James Hancock, Automotive Technology, Clarks Green, PA;

Cameron Hedgelon, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Honesdale, PA;

Emanuel Hernandez, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA:

Jacob Holmes, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Dalton, PA;

Brooke Iverson, Physical Therapist Assistant, Wilkes-Barre, PA;

Michael Kishel, Computer Information Technology, Pittston, PA;

Steven Kollar, Computer Information Technology, Trucksville, PA;

Henry Korman, Electrical Construction Technology, Lakeville, PA;

Harrison Kubilus, Electrical Construction Technology, Scranton, PA;

Skyler  LeClere, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Beach Lake, PA;

Anthony Leombruni, Aviation Technology, Moscow, PA;

Corey Lesnefsky, Diesel Truck Technology, Olyphant, PA;

Lucas Lorenzetto, Automotive Technology, Throop, PA;

Paul MacDonald, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Scranton, PA;

Daniel Marcus, Electrical Construction Technology, Greeley, PA;

Jessica Miller, Veterinary Nursing, Mechanicsburg, PA;

Carter Mistishin, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Lake Ariel, PA;

Tyler Moskosky, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Simpson, PA;

Sean Munson, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Nanticoke, PA;

Weston Nugent, Diesel Truck Technology, Lake Ariel, PA;

Edward Peguero, Automotive Technology, Scranton, PA;

Caitlyn Philips, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, West Wyoming, PA;

Ronald Pritchard, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Damascus, PA;

Alyssa Resio, Radiologic Technology, Old Forge, PA;

Vincent Rinaldi, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA;

Christian Rivera, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Wilkes-Barre, PA;

Keith Rowlands, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA;

Abigail Schroder, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Scranton, PA;

Wyatt Sickler, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Tunkhannock, PA;

Caiden Stancik, Electronic Engineering Technology, Clarks Summit, PA;

Madison Stashak, Physical Therapist Assistant, Nanticoke, PA;

Sierra Stonier, Veterinary Nursing, Monroe Twp., PA;

Andrew Styborki, Electrical Construction Technology, Dalton, PA;

Ragu Subedi, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA;

Arthur Taylor, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, New Milford, PA;

Nicholas Thayer, Mechatronics Technology, Pittston, PA;

Logan  Treat, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Falls, PA;

Noah Wijaya, Automotive Technology, Roaring Brook Twp., PA.

Carbondale Area Students Dive into Exciting STEM Education with After-School Program with Johnson College

Carbondale Area School District, in partnership with Johnson College, is offering 7th and 8th-grade students an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through a dynamic after-school program. This three-day-a-week, five-week program brings real-world STEM concepts to life, helping students gain valuable skills while exploring new career paths.

Under the guidance of Dr. Samantha Masco, a Science and STEM Teacher at Carbondale Area, and instructors from Johnson College, the program offers hands-on lessons in robotics, 3D printing, electrical engineering, and architectural drafting. The curriculum is specifically designed to meet the students’ grade-level needs while encouraging them to think critically and creatively.

“Through the partnership with Johnson College, our students are learning critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will carry them through high school and beyond,” said Dr. Samantha Masco. “These 21st-century skills are essential for success, and we are fortunate to live in a community where our students receive such strong support from the school district, the city, and local organizations.”

Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement at Johnson College, highlighted the broader vision for the program. “Our goal is to help students gain confidence in their STEM abilities and inspire them to pursue higher education in these fields. Whether they continue their education at Johnson College or elsewhere, we’re introducing them to topics and skills they might not have encountered in their traditional school curriculum,” Frank said. “It’s amazing to watch the ‘lightbulb moment’ when a student masters a new skill, and you can see the excitement in their eyes.”

As the program continues, students gain a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and begin to see how these skills can be applied to real-world challenges. The hands-on nature of the program also better prepares students to consider potential careers in high-demand industries, both locally and globally.

Mayor Michele Bannon of the City of Carbondale also expressed her excitement about the program. “I love this program simply because it’s a collaboration between two places close to my heart—Carbondale Area School District and Johnson College. Through its hands-on approach, students can dive right in, explore what they enjoy, and gain skills that will impact their futures. These could even lead to future opportunities at local businesses like Pleasant Mount Welding, Hendrick, and Gentex, helping students make a meaningful connection to their community.”

About Carbondale Area School District

The Carbondale Area School District provides students with a safe learning environment that promotes academic excellence for all learners. Students will have the opportunity to work in an engaging and academically stimulating environment. Teachers will be provided with the necessary resources to provide effective instruction, professional collaboration, and ongoing learning through professional development opportunities. The district will maintain communication and essential partnerships with parents and community members to strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our students.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries 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 Receives Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Grant

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded Johnson College a $20,000 Hunger-Free Campus grant to address students’ food security needs. This grant was awarded to Johnson College after receiving a two-year designation as a Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus. This is the College’s second full Hunger-Free Campus Grant and second two-year designation as a Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus.

Grant funds will be used to maintain the College’s Scranton Campus’s food pantry, the Refuel Station, and establish a full pantry at its Hazleton campus to serve all Johnson College students experiencing food insecurity.

The Refuel Station is currently located in the Community Hub on Johnson College’s Scranton campus and offers non-perishable foods, personal care items, and school supplies. The funds will also provide supplies for mini pantry carts located across Scranton and Hazleton campuses and off-site training laboratories.

The grant will also expand assistance to students applying for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and increase students’ access to off-campus community resources.

“The Hunger-Free Campus program ensures that Johnson College students can focus on their academic goals without the stress of hunger,” said Kellyn Williams, Vice President of Special Programs and the Hunger-Free Project Director at Johnson College. “This program continues to assist our efforts to stock our campus food pantry, provide meal vouchers, and make it easier for students to meet their basic needs while pursuing their education. By addressing food insecurity, this program contributes to improved mental and physical well-being, leading to better academic performance and overall college success for students.”

The Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative aims to build a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students; create opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates; provide resources and strategies for campuses; and support opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity.

Students who may need assistance at Johnson College may reach out to the Community Hub to access the student food pantry and to discuss other options and resources such as local food banks and the State’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Johnson College to Host Power Tools & Purse Bingo Fundraiser

Johnson College will hold a Power Tools & Purse Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Moffat Student Center, on its Scranton campus located at 3427 Main Avenue, Scranton. This one-of-a-kind event will offer attendees the chance to win premium power tools and designer purses, all while supporting Johnson College students.

Doors will open at 1:00 p.m., with the first bingo game beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m. This limited-capacity event is restricted to just 200 guests, so early reservations are encouraged.

Event Highlights Include:

  • Over $10,000 in valuable prizes, including professional-grade power tools from industry leaders such as Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and more.
  • Designer purses from top brands like Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade.
  • Ten regular bingo rounds, including two grand prize rounds (one for a power tool and one for a designer purse, with a total prize value of up to $4,000).
  • “4 Specials Games” available for purchase.
  • A 50/50 raffle for additional prizes.
  • Food and beverages available for purchase (outside food & alcohol not permitted).

Individual tickets are available for $45, or $50 at the door. For an exclusive experience, VIP tables for 10 guests are also available for $450 (valued at $550), which include 10 game packs, 10 “Swag Bags,” and 10 vouchers for special game bingos.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available:
Interested in supporting the event? Contact Patty DeScipio at 570-702-8860 or via email at collegeadvancement@johnson.edu to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Reserve Your Tickets Today!
For more details and to secure your tickets, visit Johnson.edu/bingo.

Proceeds from this event will directly benefit Johnson College students. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting event and support a great cause!

Johnson College Receives Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Support Student Safety Net Program

Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support its safety net program for students needing assistance meeting basic needs.

This program provides emergency relief for basic needs such as transportation and necessary educational expenses, including personal protective equipment, program-specific tools, and industry certification fees. The safety net program will help students remain in school to complete their education and move on to earn family-supporting wages through employment in the region.

The safety net program is available to help all Johnson College students at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. Students facing short-term financial emergencies may request assistance in the College’s Community Hub where staff will confidentially help identify solutions, community agency supports, and eligible state/federal programs to meet students’ basic needs.

About the Robert H. Spitz Foundation

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton in 1955. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation was established from his estate in 2015 and supports an array of projects and programs aimed at improving the community. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, has provided nearly $6 million in funding to the community.

Pictured left to right: Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Karen Baker, Senior Director of Grants and Foundation Relations, Johnson College, Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Johnson College Hazleton Now Enrolling for New Pharmacy Technician Program

Johnson College is now enrolling for its new Pharmacy Technician program at its satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township. The program will run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. beginning January 7, 2025.

This comprehensive 50-hour program will prepare students to work as a pharmacy technician in retail or other pharmacy setting. Course content includes pharmacy medical terminology, the history of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice in multiple environments, pharmacy calculations and measurements, reading and interpreting prescriptions, and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Through classroom lectures and hands-on labs, students will review dosage calculations, drug classifications, the “top 200 drugs”, I.V. flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement.

This program meets the requirements needed to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board (PTCB) exam as well as the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Pharmacy Technician (PTAC) exam.

Participants of the Pharmacy Technician program will be eligible to participate in an optional, 80-hour clinical externship. Requirements for the externship include a resume; waiver; release form; statement of health; vaccines for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B series, Tdap (within the last 10 years); a TB test (within the last 12 months); background check; drug screen; and state registration if applicable.

The total cost of the course is $1,650 which includes textbooks, a PTCB exam voucher, and a PTCB prep course.

To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/pharmacytech/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Scranton Now Enrolling for Medical Assistant Program

Johnson College is now enrolling for its Medical Assistant program at its Scranton campus. The program will run Mondays through Wednesdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. beginning January 6, 2025.

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Functions include preparing patients for examination, treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Plus, students will learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipunctures, anatomy & physiology, and medical terminology encountered in the field. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of a medical assistant.

The class fee is $6,000 and is approved by PA CareerLink for those eligible for funding through their local CareerLink.

To learn more or to enroll in the Medical Assistant course, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/medical-assistant/ or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College to Host Transfer Day on December 12

Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its Scranton and Hazleton campuses. The College is encouraging current college students who are interested in changing the direction of their education and ultimately their career path to register for this event.

To attend Transfer Day at one of Johnson College’s campuses, students must register online at Johnson.edu/transfer or contact the College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570)-702-8856.

Students will meet with Enrollment, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Counseling and Disability Services representatives. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on hand for transfer credit analyses and to review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Students will learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in in-demand industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term. 

Johnson College to Hold Instant Decision Day for Veterans and Current U.S. Military Service Members

Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held virtually and in person on the College’s Scranton campus in Ideal Saldi Hall. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit Johnson.edu/instant.

During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending.

Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.