Nicholas J. Scarnato to Deliver Johnson College’s 2022 Commencement Address

Johnson College has selected Nicholas J. Scarnato, CCO at Producto, graduate of Johnson College, class of 1980, and Old Forge, PA native, to give their 2022 commencement address to graduates on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at 10 a.m., at the Circle Drive-In Theatre in Scranton.

As the CCO at Producto, Scarnato is currently instrumental in driving the commercial strategy and development of three (3) platform entities: New Vision Industries, located in Endicott, NY, Ring Precision Components, located in Jamestown, NY, and Dieco, located in Solon, Ohio.

After graduating from Johnson College, Mr. Scarnato’s career started with Singer, Link Flight Simulation Division, as a test engineer. He supported the development, testing, project management, and capture management of multiple U.S. and International Military Simulators. He continued his career with Link, performing as a Customer Liaison to European NATO Forces in Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Liaison to United States Air Forces, located in Germany and Spain. At Link, Mr. Scarnato became a Capture Team Leader for multiple U.S. Airforce and U.S. Army platform simulators.

After 20 years with Link, Mr. Scarnato joined Collins Aerospace, where he continued to support Military Simulation in multiple capacities for Major Defense platforms. As Strategic Development Director, he supported the acquisition of various 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 five prominent business leaders in developing their business growth initiatives within a diverse set of Markets: Integrated Simulation and Training, including Live Virtual Constructive Interoperability; Multi-Domain Battlespace; Precision Manufacturing; Nuclear Command & Control, and Autonomous Systems. After Collins Aerospace Mr. Scarnato joined New Vision Industries, where he led a talented team toward the strategic change and growth of the business.

Mr. Scarnato holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics and Fluidics from Johnson College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Binghamton University. Currently, Mr. Scarnato is a proud member of the Board of Directors at Johnson College. He and his wife reside in the Southern Tier of New York.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 17 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. 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.

Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam 2021 to be held at the Circle Drive-in on July 10, 2021

The Andrew Mazza Foundation in support of Johnson College is proud to announce that Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam 2021 will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. after being postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. To accommodate the increasing amount of attendees & participating vendors, this year’s event is moving to the Circle Drive-in located on the Scranton-Carbondale Highway in Scranton, PA. Diesel Jam supports The Andrew Mazza Foundation, the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson College, & scholarships for Johnson College & high school students.

Diesel Jam is a celebration of the truck community, featuring a diesel, gas, & antique truck show, mobile dyno runs, industry vendors, apparel vendors, food vendors, live entertainment & more. It is an all-day (rain or shine) family-friendly event.

All trucks are invited to participate & prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, Best Big Rig, Best Tow, Best Pick Up, and Best Antique & Diesel Jam People’s Choice. Additionally, cash prizes for the mobile dyno are $1,000 for Highest Overall Horsepower and Guess Your Horsepower prizes for 1st Place – $800, 2nd Place – $500, 3rd Place – $200, 4th and 5th Place – $100 each.

Early truck & mobile dyno registration can be completed through the Andrew Mazza Foundation’s website, andrewmazzafoundation.com/diesel-jam until June 30, 2021. The fee to register a truck is a $25 donation. Day of event registration & truck check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on July 10th, registration will be limited & will increase to $35 per registration. An additional $100 fee is required to register for the mobile dyno.

The Andrew Mazza Foundation started in 2016, supports & enriches the community through Andrew’s passions & hobbies. Proceeds raised from Diesel Jam will enhance & expand the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson, provide both high school & Johnson College students with scholarships, & serve the community in which Andrew called home. Proceeds also aid The Andrew Mazza Foundation in hosting their annual Truck-or-Treat community Halloween event in Clifford for children & families in various local school districts.

The Diesel Truck Technology program at Johnson College prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventative maintenance, & necessary safety applications in diesel technology. The program graduates more than 20 students each year who have an immediate impact on the diesel truck industry, especially in northeast Pennsylvania. To learn more about Johnson College’s Diesel Truck Technology program visit Johnson.edu, call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, or email enroll@johnson.edu.

For more information, including how to become an event sponsor or vendor, please contact Dawn Ziegler at (570) 313-0369, Andrewmazzafoundation@gmail.com, or visit andrewmazzafoundation.com/diesel-jam.

Photo Caption: Left to right: Front row holding banner – Penelope Ziegler, Diesel Jam Committee Member, and Nick Talarico, Heavy Equipment Program Director, Johnson College, 2nd row – Shane Pantosky, Diesel Jam Committee Member, Theresa Bandru, Golden Owl Consulting, and Diesel Jam Committee Member, Phil Mazza, Diesel Jam Committee Member, Dave Castelli, Manager, Circle Drive-in Theater, and Dawn Ziegler, Diesel Jam Committee Member, 3rd row – Chris Green, Diesel Jam Committee Member, John Wilson, Diesel Jam Committee Member, and Michael Garofalo, Diesel Jam Committee Member, 4th row -Tom Millard, Diesel Jam Committee Member, AJ Cimahosky, Continuing Education Manager, Johnson College, and Mike Novak, Chief Administrative Officer, Johnson College.

Candy Frye to Deliver Johnson College’s 2021 Commencement Address

Johnson College has selected Candy Frye, Director of New Business Development at A. Pickett Construction, Inc. and Johnson College graduate, to give their 2021 commencement address to graduates on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at dusk, at the Circle Drive-In Theatre in Scranton.

As the Director of New Business Development at A. Pickett Construction, Inc., Frye is instrumental in driving new business.  She nurtures relationships with existing commercial and facilities-related clients.  She identifies new opportunities through the development of strategic relationships with potential clients of various sectors.  Before this role, Frye was the Dispatch Manager of Pickett Facilities Maintenance, a subsidiary of A. Pickett Construction, Inc.  Her background has been diverse, though always trade-related.

Mrs. Frye currently serves on the Johnson College Board of Directors, is the current chair for the NEPA Associated Builders and Contractors Association, and is an active member of multiple chambers of commerce.  She also serves on the Domestic Violence Service Center Board of Directors as well as multiple associated related committees.

During her time as a student at Johnson College, she earned an Associate in Specialized Technology degree in both Building Construction Technology in 1993 and Architectural Drafting and Design in 1994. She was nominated and served as Student Government President as well as received the Non-Traditional Student of the Year award.

She resides in Harding with her husband Jay, daughter Jordan, and great-nephew, Noah.