Mayor of Scranton to Deliver Johnson College’s 2020 Commencement Address

Posted on March 11, 2020 at 9:32 am.

Johnson College has selected Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, Mayor of the City of Scranton to give their 2020 commencement address to graduates on Saturday, May 16th, 2020 at 10 A.M. at the Theater at North.

Mayor Cognetti is the newly-elected Mayor of the City of Scranton and the first female to hold the position. She came from her role as Special Assistant to the Pennsylvania Auditor General, the chief fiscal watchdog of the commonwealth. She advised on financial management, governance and transparency. Her areas of focus included public school districts, care for older adults, criminal justice reform and student debt.

Mayor Cognetti previously served as a director on the Scranton School Board, overseeing a $160M budget and helping navigate the district’s dual crises of financial distress and public mistrust.

Before moving to Northeastern Pennsylvania, Mayor Cognetti lived in New York and worked as an investment advisor at Goldman Sachs, sourcing new assets and managing investment portfolios for private business. Prior to this private sector work, she served in the Obama administration from 2009-2012 as a senior advisor to the Under Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Treasury Department. She has been a fundraiser and project director on numerous democratic political campaigns. Mayor Cognetti holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oregon Clark Honors College with a BA in English Literature and Romance Languages.

Mayor Cognetti is originally from Beaverton, Oregon. She lives in Scranton with her husband, Ryan, and their daughter, Sloane.

Johnson Earns 2020-2021 Military Friendly® Top Ten School Designation

Posted on March 4, 2020 at 10:01 am.

Scranton, PA – Johnson College announced that it has earned the 2020-2021 Military Friendly® Top Ten School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,000 schools participated in the 2020-2021 survey with 695 earning the designation.

The 2020-2021 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine 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 scores with the assessment of 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.

Jessica Farrell, the Director of Financial Aid and Certifying Veterans Official at Johnson College, said, “As the College’s certifying official, it’s my goal to make sure the process of using military benefits is streamlined and easy to understand. As the wife of a veteran I know first-hand the dedication and commitment these men and women have given to our Country and the last thing they should be worried about is how they are going to pay for their education.”

Military Friendly’s National Director Josh Rosen stated, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to colleges creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to invest in programs to provide educational outcomes that are better for the Military Community as a whole.”

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 the assistance of an independent research firm 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 was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 14 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 admit@johnson.edu, or visit www.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.

For further information or to arrange interviews, contact:

Johnson College
Melissa CarestiaManager of Communicationsmcarestia@johnson.edu
570-702-8928

Military Friendly
Josh RosenMilitary Friendly National DirectorJosh.Rosen@militaryfriendly.com

Johnson College & Marywood University Sign Articulation Agreement

Posted on January 21, 2020 at 4:30 pm.

L-R: Kellyn Williams, Chief Academic Officer; Bill Burke, Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs; Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., President & CEO; Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University; Susan C. Turell, Ph.D., provost of Marywood University; Ann Boland-Chase, M.A., C.M.F.C., vice president for enrollment services and student success

Scranton, PA – January 21, 2020 – Johnson College and Marywood University signed an articulation agreement on Tuesday, January 21^st at 1:30 P.M. in the Health Science Center at Johnson College. This agreement is the first of its kind between the two institutions. It will provide students with the opportunity to complete a two-year degree at Johnson College and then transition into Marywood University to complete a bachelor’s degree or transfer credits and continue their education through an articulation. The agreements allow for the following admission opportunities:

Graduates of Johnson College’s Associate of Science in computer information technology can transfer into Marywood University’s Bachelor of Science in computer science or Bachelor of Science information security;
Graduates of Johnson College’s Associate of Science in veterinary technology can transfer into Marywood University’s Bachelor of Science in biology.

Students transferring into Marywood’s programs must meet minimum cumulative grade-point average requirements and satisfy all other transfer requirements. All agreements become effective in the winter of 2020. Johnson College is currently enrolling for all associate degree programs related to the agreements.

“Establishing this with Marywood University is another way that Johnson College partners to serve the community. Creating a pathway for our students to a bachelor’s degree ensures that they have the opportunity to stack their credentials as a way to advance in their career. The administration at Marywood University have similar goals – they want to admit our students who have a great educational foundation to build upon.” said Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College.

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., President of Marywood University said, “All of our regional institutions of higher education have the same goal in mind–to do what’s best for our students in order for them to realize their dreams. This collaboration speaks of our desire to help our students identify their passions and turn them into purposeful lives. Working together is always a win-win.”

Marywood University prepares students to have a positive impact on society at regional and global levels while providing each student with the foundation for success in an interdependent world. Marywood University is co-educational, comprehensive, residential, and Catholic. Founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the University serves men and women from a variety of backgrounds and religions. The University enrolls more than 2,500 students in an array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Committed to enriching human lives through ethical and religious values and a tradition of service and motivated by a pioneering, progressive spirit, Marywood provides a framework for educational excellence that enables students to develop fully as persons and to master professional and leadership skills necessary for meeting human needs.

Johnson College Announces 2020-2021 Tuition Freeze

Posted on January 14, 2020 at 2:15 pm.

Fall 2020 students are guaranteed two years at the same tuition rate

Scranton, PA – January 14, 2020 – After achieving record-setting enrollment this fall, Johnson College is announcing that tuition for 2020-2021 will not increase. The $17,700 annual tuition cost set for fall 2019 will freeze for the upcoming year. Freshmen will carry this same cost into year two of their studies.

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, is proud of Johnson College’s ability to alleviate student debt burden. She shared, “Record-setting enrollment and smart fiscal management have led directly to this tuition freeze and our overall level of affordability for students.”

Dr. Pittelli cites the College’s high, in-field placement rate, as a key reason students choose to attend the College in North Scranton. Johnson College programs are in such high demand that many students have job offers before graduation. Dr. Pittelli said, “The relationship the College has with industry partners is unlike any other. Industry calls and we answer. They guide our curriculum to ensure that our students become the talented employees filling their workforce needs.”

The tuition freeze will increase students’ return on investment. Dr. Pittelli shared, “Johnson College provides an opportunity for students to earn an affordable degree in just two years, acquiring less debt. Because of their valued skill sets, students are hired very quickly, leading to faster earnings growth, making their Johnson College education even more valuable.” A recent Georgetown University study reported that two-year college degrees and certificates have a higher return on investment within ten years after enrollment compared to four-year degrees from private and public colleges.

Between 94% and 97% of Johnson College students receive some type of financial aid.

Spring 2020 classes are enrolling now for a January 21st start. The Fall 2020 semester begins on August 31, 2020.

Social Force Sponsors Giving Tree to Benefit Local Children

Posted on December 16, 2019 at 3:58 pm.

Johnson College student organization, Social Force, collected over 100 presents for more than 50 children in the Scranton area. The students sponsored a giving tree in the Moffat Student Center with the names of local children in need. Students, faculty, staff and alumni donated gifts to fulfill the wishes of every child. The donations went to two North Scranton Head Start locations as well as families identified by students and alumni. Under the supervision of Ms. Emily Holmes, Counselor & Manager of Disability Services, the giving tree at Johnson College has provided local children with presents for the last fourteen years.

Veterinary Technology Program Receives Grant to Support Low Income Spay & Neuter Clinic

Posted on December 9, 2019 at 10:14 am.

Bethany Severn ’20; Kimberly Konopka, Veterinary Technology Department Chair ’07; Barbara Byrne, Associate Vice President of Faculty; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO; Megan Mould, Associate Vice President of College Advancement; Tracey Pratt, Manager of Development; Dr. Jayne Kubat, Veterinarian; Alex Inirio ’20; and Jolynn Lawler, Veterinary Technology Instructor ’07.

Johnson College is proud to announce that it has received a grant from The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation for $5,000. The grant money supports Johnson College’s Animal Care Center which serves the public to provide routine animal care. Specifically, the grant supports the center’s low income spay and neuter services.

The Johnson College Animal Care Center is a public animal clinic staffed by students, veterinary technicians, and a veterinarian from the veterinary technology program.

The low income spay and neuter program serves individuals who make less than $25,000 annually. With documentation, the services are administered at the clinic after an office visit deems the animal healthy enough for a surgical procedure.

Other veterinary services provided by the Animal Care Center include routine exams, dental care, and lab diagnostics. All visits and services are by appointment only. Please call 570-702-8961 to schedule.

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 and was a 1955 graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. Before retirement, Spitz had been employed by the U.S. Department of Labor and was also the owner of several local Arby’s restaurants. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation was established from his estate in 2015. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $1.3 million in funding to the community. For more information on the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, please contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.

Spring Welding Classes to be Offered in January 2020

Posted on November 20, 2019 at 11:49 am.

Johnson College is proud to announce that its Welding Technology Certificate will now be offered beginning in the spring semester, beginning in January 2020. Since 2012, Johnson College has offered the two semester, 30 credit certificate program. In previous years, the certificate was only offered in the fall semester which led to interested students having to wait to begin their coursework if they did not enroll by the summer.

The Welding Technology certificate course prepares students for entry-level work in the welding industry. Students learn about safety, hand tools, oxyacetylene torches, plasma arc, shielded metal arc welding (stick), gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), flux cored arc welding, metallurgy, print reading, and weld symbols. This in-demand major at Johnson College starts a full cohort every year, and the College is proud of its placement rate of these students each year. The class of 2018 was 100% employed.

Bill Burke, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services said, “Allowing students to enroll in our welding program in the spring semester is another way for us to get trained professionals out into the workforce faster.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a trained welder is $41,380 annually and the state of Pennsylvania has the fourth highest employment of welders nationally.

“Industry is constantly reaching out to us for more and more trained welders, so we were able to find a way to fill an employer need and get more students into our classrooms,” said Burke. Top employers of certified Johnson College welders include Hendrick Manufacturing, Pleasant Mount Welding, Scranton Craftsman, Cheetah Chassis, Leeward Construction, Master Halco, and Standard Iron Works.

The spring semester at Johnson College begins on January 21, 2020, and interested students can apply through January 10, 2020. Interested students can apply at www.johnson.edu/apply or email the Enrollment Department at enroll@johnson.edu for more information. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

JOHNSON COLLEGE RECEIVES BOILER DONATION FROM RJ WALKER, CO. AND PEERLESS BOILERS

Posted on October 16, 2019 at 4:38 pm.

Johnson College is pleased to announce it has received a high efficiency combination boiler for the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) program from RJ Walker, Co. and Peerless Boilers. The PBC-34 boiler will serve as a training tool in the classroom.

Walter Wood, HVAC Program Director, said industry partnerships like the one between the College and RJ Walker and Peerless Boilers are important because of the real world experience it brings into the classroom. He said, “With such a demand in the HVAC field, these companies look to Johnson College to fill industry’s needs.” Students will be able to learn how to install and troubleshoot this type of boiler before completing the program. Michael Visbisky, HVAC Instructor, added that, “With such a changing field, it is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work on a new model of boiler. This is definitely a great new addition to our classroom lab experience and something my students and I are excited about installing and working on.”

Johnson College Annual Golf Tournament Raises over $40,000 for Student Scholarships

Posted on October 11, 2019 at 9:10 am.

Johnson College held its 27th Annual Johnson College Open on May 9, 2019 at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountain Top, PA. Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors and participation by students and alumni, the College exceeded its fundraising goal by raising a total net revenue of over $40,000 for the Presidential Scholarship Fund, which this year was awarded to three students. The recipients are John DeLucca, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Pittston; Evan Kleinart, Computer Information Technology, Greeley; Bethany Severn, Veterinary Technology, Sunbury; Preston West, Diesel Truck Technology, Monroe Township.