In-Person Get to Know Us Event on June 29, 2021, for Adult and Transfer Students

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, Johnson College is holding a Get To Know Us Event for adult and transfer students from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center on its campus in Scranton, PA. Current college students interested in changing the direction of their education and adults looking to change their career paths are encouraged to attend. To register, visit Johnson.edu/transfer or contact Johnson College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8856.

Attendees will meet with representatives from Enrollment, Financial Aid, and Career Services. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on-hand for transfer credit analyses and review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Attendees will also 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 essential industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term.

Johnson College Spring 2021 Semester President’s List

On May 17, 2021, Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2021 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Evan Wilcox, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Milanville, PA

John DeLucca, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Pittston, PA

Brandon Dougherty, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, South Abington Township, PA

Philip Davitt, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Dickson City, PA

Shane McHugh, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA

David Weaver, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Carbondale, PA

Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA

Michael Salansky, Computer Information Technology, Uniondale, PA

Brittany Bethel, Veterinary Technology, Dallas, PA

Devon Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA

Jorden Sekol, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Old Forge, PA

Alexander Nallin, Veterinary Technology, Scranton, PA

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 15 associate degree 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 businesses 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.

Tech Talk With Johnson College Podcast with Guest, Nick Scarnato ’80, Now Available

In this episode of Tech Talk with Johnson College, Dr. Katie Leonard welcomes Nick Scarnato ‘80, the Executive Vice President of New Vision Industries. During the conversation, Nick talks about his path from Old Forge to Johnson College and then into the Aerospace industry, his memories of Johnson College, and how he continues to use skills he perfected here. He also shares how his desire to live a life that offers more than just the same thing day in and day out, inspired his education choices and furthered his career path. 

To listen to all of the Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast episodes and learn more visit https://johnsoncollegepodcast.com/. The podcasts are also available on iTunes and Spotify.

Nicholas Scarnato is Executive Vice President of New Vision Industries, a precision manufacturing company located in the Southern Tier of New York. Prior to joining New Vision Industries, he held positions in Engineering, Project Management, Business Development, and Strategic Development for major Aerospace Corporations spanning 40 years.

A graduate of Johnson College (1980), Nick’s employment history started with Singer, Link Flight Simulation Division, as a Test Engineer where he supported the development, test, project management, and capture management of multiple US and NATO Military Simulators (F-16 Falcon, UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook (Including Special Forces variants) and AH-64 Apache). Nick continued his career with Link performing as a Customer Liaison to European NATO Forces (Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway) as well as Liaison to United States Air Forces located in Germany and Spain. At Link, Nick went on to become a Capture Team Leader for multiple U.S. Airforce and U.S. Army platform simulators.

After 20 years with Link, Nick joined Collins Aerospace where he continued to support Military Simulation in multiple capacities (Director of Business Development Capture Management, Strategic Marketing and Strategic Development) for Major Defense platforms (B-1B Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, P-3 Orion, Stryker LAV, E-2C/D Hawkeye). In his role as Strategic Development Director, he supported the acquisition of multiple companies to meet corporate strategic growth initiatives. He supported a team researching Training Effectiveness, Cognitive Saturation, and Adaptive Learning partnering with small businesses and Universities. As the Strategic Development Director, he and his team supported 5 major Business Leaders in the development of their Business Growth initiatives.

As EVP of New Vision Industries, Nick leads a talented team toward the strategic change and growth of the business. Nick’s focus is on leadership for the positioning and posturing of the business toward long-term growth within existing and adjacent markets. Nick also supports the strategic development of the company’s OEM products.

Nick has led the capture of multiple large strategic programs securing $2B in contract wins. He holds an AAS in Electronics and Fluidics from Johnson College and a BS in Management from Binghamton University. Nick and his wife reside in the Southern Tier of New York where they enjoy family time with their Daughters, Son in Laws and Grandchildren.

From Headlights to Taillights: Bells and Whistles

By Mark Kozemko ’79, Johnson College’s Automotive Technology Program Director

Original published in the April 30, 2021 edition of the Valley Advantage. https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/from-headlights-to-taillights-bells-and-whistles/article_d79d0f20-6e24-5669-be24-be5127360161.html

Did you ever get into a vehicle to test drive it and wonder, “Why does this vehicle have so many gadgets? What do they all do? Will I ever use them all?”

I know it sounds funny, but many new car buyers don’t even use some of the standard options, never mind all the extra “bells and whistles.” This month I’m fielding questions about what some of these extra options — or gadgets as I call them — are and how they work.

Before I get into the questions, I want to point out that the reason new vehicles come with an abundance of these options is mainly due to consumer demand. When manufacturers receive a high number of requests from their modern, tech-savvy customers for a specific option, they respond, as long as the request is within reason.

Our first question is, “What is adaptive cruise control and how does it work?”

Adaptive cruise control allows a driver to not only set a speed to travel but also set a specific distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. This option doesn’t come in all vehicles yet, but as we all know, when it works in certain vehicles, it won’t be long until most manufactures will offer it as standard equipment.

Once the driver inputs the cruise control settings mentioned above, other than steering, the vehicle is basically in control. When cruising, if the vehicle in front of you slows, your vehicle will reduce speed to maintain a safe distance. When the vehicle in front either moves out of the way or speeds up, your vehicle will accelerate to return to your preset speed. This is accomplished by a combination of sensors and cameras. This option is often paired up with additional options like lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.

I can tell you from experience, driving a vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control is awesome. If you have an extended commute, you may want to check out vehicles with this option.

The second question is, “What are active headlamps?”

This active headlamp option, which was designed to give the driver better visibility when traveling on winding roads, gives your headlights the ability to move to the right or left from the straight-ahead position. The headlight movement is accomplished using motors controlled by sensors in the steering system. The sensors send a signal to a control unit telling it what direction the driver is steering, and, in turn, activates the motors to move the light assemblies in that direction.

At this time, this option is only available on select models and is not very useful unless your commute involves very winding roads.

The third and final question this month is, “Is the Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ option worth getting for my Ford truck?”

Per Ford.com, a driver enters a few measurements into the Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ system, then a camera tracks the trailer position while you’re backing up your truck and guiding the trailer. You rotate the knob left or right in the direction you want the trailer to go while the system controls the steering wheel.

It all depends on your comfort level when backing up your trailer. If you are new at trailer backing, then this option is definitely for you. If you’ve had your trailer for a while and used it several times, I don’t believe an option like this is worth it.

I have a great deal of experience towing. I’ve towed everything from a 53-foot trailer to a short 15-foot water buffalo when I was in the Navy. It was always more difficult for me to back up the shorter pieces of equipment than the larger ones. I still do my fair share of towing cars, boats and Jet Ski trailers. I think I would find myself fighting with a truck that is trying to do something for me that I am very comfortable doing myself.

Keep in mind that all of these options or gadgets, as I call them, come with a price tag. Always weigh the pros and cons of any option to determine if it is worth it to you when buying a vehicle. Don’t be afraid to ask the “What is this? What does it do? Will I use it?” questions you have. Make sure you get the answers and try out every option and gadget before you take any money out of your pocket.

28th Annual Johnson College Open to be held May 21, 2021

The 28th Annual Johnson College Open will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor, 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 28th Annual Johnson College Open to date include:

Presenting Sponsor: Gerrity’s Supermarkets

Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising Company

Platinum: Shea Demolition, Inc.

Platinum Marketing Sponsor: Sweda Advertising

Gold Print Sponsor: Sprint Print

Gold Sponsors: Fastenal Company, Johnson Controls, L.R. Costanzo Construction Services Company Inc., Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PNC Bank, Reilly Associates, Simplex Homes, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc., Toyota of Scranton, Stevens & Lee, and Vacendak Construction.

Cart Sponsor: ShopRite

Breakfast Sponsor: Troy Mechanical, Inc.

Lunch Sponsor: Christiano Welding Supply

Dinner Sponsor: Kutztown University  

Gift Sponsor: Action Lift, Inc.

Cocktail Sponsor – Topp Copy

Mulligan Sponsor: A. Pickett Construction, Inc.

Hole in One Sponsor: Gibbons Ford

Photo Caption:

Recently, sponsors of the 28th Annual Johnson College Open met on the Johnson College campus to discuss the event being held on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor, PA.  Proceeds from this annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Left to Right – Row 1: Joyce Fasula- Gerrity’s Supermarket, Katie Leonard, Ed.D.- Johnson College, and Joe Shea ’85 – Shea Demolition, Inc. . Row 2: Atty. Marianne Gilmartin – Stevens & Lee, George Sweda- Sweda Advertising, and Karen Baker- Johnson College. Row 3: Jennifer Davis- Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. and Nick Costanzo- Costanzo Construction Services, Inc. Row 4: Stephen Midura- Johnson Controls, Inc., Nicole Costanzo- PNC Bank, Pat Dietz- Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Laurie McMillan- Kutztown University, and Dave Boniello ’84- Simplex Homes. Row 5: Katie Gallagher- ShopRite, Ashley Beechaver- Gibbons Ford, Patrick Rogers- Toyota of Scranton, and Marcelo DeSousa- Fastenal Company.

Now Enrolling Middle and High School Students in STEM Energy Outreach Program

Johnson College is now enrolling middle and high school students in its on-campus STEM Energy Outreach Program on Monday, June 7, 2021, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This program introduces students to green, renewable energy through solar concepts using an interactive, hands-on demonstration. For more information and to register visit, https://forms.gle/jTNphmJzbzMR9dSc7 or email Dr. Kellyn Williams, Chief Academic Officer at Johnson College, at knolan@johnson.edu. Space is limited. The STEM Energy Outreach Program is made possible by a grant from the PPL Foundation.

Students will participate in the interactive learning experience by assembling K’nex Education Renewable Energy sets with Johnson College Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Kellyn Williams. The completed K’nex kits will be shared with additional schools as part of future Johnson College STEM Outreach Programs. 

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation: supports organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities; promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion; and empowers each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. 

Johnson College Receives $75,000 Grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation for Health Care Careers Project

Johnson College has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation. This grant, which will be disbursed over a three-year performance period, will support the Foundation and College’s goal to address the critical growing need for health care professionals by promoting opportunities for careers in health care and training for traditional and non-traditional students.

Using a motorhome shell customized to demonstrate various health care training modalities, Johnson College plans to give potential students a hands-on experience to see and feel what it would be like to work in a health care environment. In addition to the hands-on encounter, Johnson College staff will be available to answer questions and help potential students resolve or eliminate common barriers to educational access.

With this new program, Johnson College will be able to show participants that there is a path to meet their needs. Johnson College offers pathways to healthcare careers with associate degree programs such as physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, and biomedical equipment technology as well as continuing education programs like certified nursing assistant and medical billing and coding.

With the focus on engaging non-traditional students, Johnson College will broaden opportunities for students who represent diverse age, economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. These potential students include displaced workers due to COVID-19, non-English speaking individuals, those who want/need to return to the workforce post-retirement or family, and those seeking a new career path.

“This project illustrates exactly what we do so well here at Johnson College. We think of innovative and new ways to provide people with the education and job training that they need to obtain a family-sustaining career,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “With this mobile lab, we will be able to demonstrate to people in the region that a career in health care is attainable and give them a taste of what hands-on education at Johnson College is like.”

Photo Caption: Johnson College has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation which will support the Foundation and College’s goal to address the critical growing need for health care professionals by promoting opportunities for careers in health care and training for traditional and non-traditional students. Left to right: LaTida Smith, President & CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation, and Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College.

Johnson College Earns 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® School Designation

Johnson College announced today that it has earned the 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Spouse Friendly® School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey, with 747 schools earning the designation as a Military Friendly School, of which 194 were selected for the Military Spouse Friendly Schools list. Johnson College was designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School for its leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs for military spouses. The 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® Schools list will be published in Military Spouse magazine’s May issue and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey response set and government/agency public data sources within a logic-based scoring assessment. We measure the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer), and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently and with purpose. Schools who achieve designation show true commitment and dedication in their efforts. Our standards assist schools by providing a benchmark that promotes positive educational outcomes, resources, and support services. Focusing on the betterment of the educational landscape and providing positive outcomes and economic opportunity for the Military Community.” – Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.

For more information about Johnson College’s student veteran programs, visit Johnson College’s website at https://johnson.edu/future-students/veterans/.

About Military Friendly® Schools:

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria, and weighting were developed with an independent research firm’s assistance and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

About Johnson College:

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 15 associate degree and 3 academic certificate programs. 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 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. 

About Viqtory:

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

Johnson College to Host 4th Annual Auction for Children’s Advocacy Center

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 on the Johnson College campus. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m.

More than 60 items will be available to bid on including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a book case and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed wood. Face masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

The 2019 auction raised over $7,000 for the local non-profit. No auction was held in 2020 due to the on-going pandemic. To register, please visit johnson.edu/events/annual-carpentry-auction.

Photo Caption: John Dutter, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology freshman, stains a table he made for Johnson College’s 4th Annual Carpentry Auction benefitting the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 on the Johnson College campus.