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 Leonard, 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.

CNC Machining Training at Don’s Machine Shop Now Enrolling

In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College continues to bring CNC Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting July 24, 2023, students will train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. Open enrollment for this 510-Hour CNC class is going on now. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/510CNC or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists.

This 510-hour class for beginner-level students includes theory and hands-on learning experiences. The hands-on training, delivered at Don’s Machine Shop, is on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique, one-of-a-kind training will help open new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.

To learn more about Don’s Machine Shop, visit www.donsmachine.com.

6th Annual Carpentry Auction Raises $5,970 for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA

Johnson College’s Carpentry Auction held on campus on April 12, 2023, raised $5,970 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

More than 60 items were auctioned off, including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a bookcase, and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed materials.

Photo Caption:  Pictured left to right: Kneeling: Andrea Marques, Johnson College student, Ken Stucker, Johnson College student, Aiden Martelli, Johnson College student, and Roger Orlandini, Johnson College student. Standing: Cheryl Friedman, CRNP, SANE-P, SANE-A, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Darrielle J. Carter, AS Events & Public Relations Coordinator, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Abbey Bowen, Johnson College student, Caitlyn Phillips, Johnson College student, Todd Campbell ’82, Capentry and Cabinetmaking Technology Program Director, Johnson College, Marsha Pigga, MA, Executive Director, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Brendan Jarosh, Johnson College student, Michele Smith, BSW Project Safe & Smart Educator, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Tony Kreutz, Johnson College student, and Austin Norris, Johnson College student.

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 to Host 6th Annual Carpentry Auction for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, inside the Moffat Student Center on the Johnson College Scranton campus. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m. The auction is open to the public.  

More than 60 items will be available to bid on, including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a bookcase, and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Many of the items were made from re-purposed material. The 2022 Carpentry Auction raised $5,781 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA.

To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, visit https://cacnepa.org/.

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 Leonard, 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.