Johnson College Receives $3,000 Swipe Out Hunger Grant to Support Students Facing Food Insecurity

Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger to strengthen food security support for its campus community.

The funding will enhance the Refuel Station, Johnson College’s food and resource pantry. The Refuel Station is available to students, staff, and faculty and currently provides access to non-perishable foods, pantry staples, and guidance related to local food insecurity resources.

With this grant, the College will be able to supplement the variety of foods provided by The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, purchase additional shelving to expand storage capacity, and acquire a mini-fridge to safely store dairy and other perishable items. These improvements will help ensure that the campus community has reliable access to nutritious resources throughout the year.

Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity among college students. The organization works with colleges, legislators, and community partners to develop and support programs that increase access to food and essential resources on campuses across the country.

Funding for this grant is provided by The Giant Company, a proud partner of Swipe Out Hunger. Giant’s investment helps expand access to nutritious food for college students, ensuring that no one has to choose between learning and eating.

Johnson College Launches Prison Training Program to Support Workforce Re-entry

Johnson College has launched a prison training program designed to provide incarcerated individuals in Northeastern Pennsylvania with industry-recognized credentials that support successful re-entry into the workforce.

Initially funded by the Sordoni Family Foundation and now supported with additional funding from the Mellon Foundation through a subaward agreement with Villanova University as part of the Expanding Access to Higher Education in Pennsylvania State Prisons project, this program represents a significant step in expanding access to career education behind prison walls and reducing recidivism. Currently, the College delivers training remotely to the Wayne County Prison, Pike County Prison, and the United States Penitentiary (USP) Canaan.

Originally piloted in 2020 through a $10,000 grant from the Sordoni Family Foundation, the program was developed to train incarcerated individuals in workforce-relevant skills. Since then, Johnson College has strengthened its efforts with support from the Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education in Prisons (PA-CHEP) to pilot additional courses and expand to more facilities.

The College has offered courses in OSHA 10 and Customer Service Basics, providing participants with nationally recognized industry credentials and certificates of completion. This winter, Johnson College plans to expand offerings to include Basic Electrical and Pre-CDL training courses.

The College’s efforts are further supported through a partnership with Goodwill Industries to expand workforce development and re-entry programming across correctional facilities. Goodwill identifies individuals interested in Johnson College’s career fields, coordinates participation, and provides post-training career preparation and job placement support for program completers.

Funding support for the current phase of the program continues through December 31, 2025, with goals to sustain and expand the initiative going forward.

Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, October 28, 2025, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 74 scholarships. Alyssa Nicholas, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of the Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, served as the student speaker at the event.

“My scholarship is a reminder that there are people who believe in me, who see my potential and want to help me achieve my lifelong dream of working in veterinary care,” Nicholas said.

She stated that the generosity of the scholarship donors and support from Johnson College allow her to better focus on her studies so that she can pursue her dream to serve the farmers in her rural hometown, offering them better access to the care they need.

The event also featured keynote speaker, Fran Pantuso, benefactor of the Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, created in honor of her father, Al Pantuso, Sr.

Presenting sponsors of the event included Cardinal LG, Jam Works LLC, and SIMONA AMERICA Industries.

The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., chief academic officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included:

AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Christian DeOliveira;

Alekna Memorial Scholarship, Kaiden Hallock, Henry Korman, Felix Peraza, and Sierra Stonier;

Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Jacob Davis, Daniel Marcus, Karen Martinez, and Ally Plantz;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Liam Lidy;

Bartolai Family Scholarship, Giulian Morell;

Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Ashton Labert;

John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Parker Azevedo and Claire Getz;

Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Gianna Carlo and Andrew Williams;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Connor Griggs;

Hilda Dakey and Harry Dakey Memorial Scholarship, Michelle Calderon and Jackson Lincoln;

Marilyn and Ronald Davies Annual Scholarship, Eric Staskowski;

Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Jericho Doll;

P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Christian Shields;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Andrew Baker;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Daniel Marcus;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholars, Luke Hoats and Abigail Trowbridge;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Mariah Minnelli;

Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Alexandria Haduch;

Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, Cody Schoonover;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Aidan Graff and Liberty Graves;

Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Brittany Bella and Keith Rowlands;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Charlize Barhite, Krista Dudeck, Anastasia Lehman, and Carter Mistishin;

Johnson College Technology Merit Award, Samantha Warner and John Plumey;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Liberty Graves;

William Lesik Memorial Scholarship, Josiah Amoroso and EllaRose Fitzgerald;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Christopher Rosa;

F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Connor Angelo;

MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Brendan Galimi and Mariah Minnelli;

Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, Edgar Acevedo;

North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Nursing Scholarship, Aiden Zerbe;

John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Milagros Sosa;

Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Connor Angelo and Hanaa Gohsler;

Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, Kasandra Lopes;

Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Alessandro Olivieri;

John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Evan Bernardi;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Eagon and Alyssa Nicholas;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Cole Chesna and Jayden Wasielewsk;

Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Cristal Abreu and James Hancock;

Richmond Merit Award, Austin Fortney and Holly Scielzo;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Braeden Alvord and Joelvi Maties-Medina;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Jericho Doll;

Taylor Nursing Rehabilitation Scholarship, Alyssa Resio and Jennifer Rodriguez;

Dr. Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Cameron Hedgelon and Tyler Martinelli;

Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Austin Fortney;

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Andrew Andonizio;

Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Anna Bagnall and Rebecca Bavitz;

Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Gerard Dolinsky.

Johnson College Receives Grant from Fastenal to Support Girls on Fire Events

Johnson College received a $1,650 grant from the Fastenal BK5K Youth Fund Committee to support the College’s Girls on Fire events. Girls on Fire is a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to explore career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields.

The event is an integral part of the College’s Women in Industry Initiative and is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The Girls on Fire event includes tours of Johnson College’s campuses, presentations about industry experiences from women working in non-traditional STEM fields, and hands-on activities related to many of the programs offered at the College.

Fastenal’s support helps Johnson College continue its mission to inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM and the trades. By connecting students with real-world experiences and industry professionals, the College aims to break down barriers and empower the next generation of women in technical fields.

The BK5K, a 5-kilometer road race and walk, is held to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth programs. All proceeds support local youth organizations/programs that demonstrate financial need, where races are held. Learn more at https://www.bk5k.com/.

Johnson College Scranton to Host Fall Open House on November 1, 2025

Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.

Johnson College Receives $75,000 in Lackawanna County Job Creation Funding to Expand RISE Program

Johnson College received $75,000 in Lackawanna County job-creation funding from the county Department of Planning and Economic Development to expand the transformative RISE (Readiness in Skilled Employment) program. This funding will allow seven additional students, who were on a waiting list, to enroll in the program’s fifth cohort during the 2025-26 academic year.

The $75,000 in job-creation funds will cover tuition and basic needs, filling financial gaps that remain after CareerLink Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Pell Grants, and other aid are applied. With this new support, the program’s fifth cohort will grow from 15 to 22 students.

RISE is a comprehensive workforce development program that serves residents of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties by providing access to technical training and vital support services. The program is designed to eliminate barriers — such as transportation, childcare, housing, and food insecurity — that often prevent individuals from starting or completing their education. The program creates a clear pathway to family-sustaining careers and brighter futures for participants and their families while addressing critical workforce shortages in Northeast Pennsylvania.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Lackawanna County commissioners for their ongoing commitment to education and workforce development,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president & CEO of Johnson College. “This funding expands access to higher education and extends life-changing opportunities to even more students in our region.”

RISE was launched in 2021 through a partnership between Johnson College, the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development, United Neighborhood Centers, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. Over the past four years, 75 students have participated in the program, training for high-demand careers as medical assistants, welders, property maintenance technicians, and computer support specialists.

Pictured left to right: Karen Baker, Senior Director of Grants & Foundation Relations, Johnson College; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan; and Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College.

New Board Members & Officers of 2025–26 Academic Year

Johnson College is pleased to announce the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 academic year. In addition, two current board members will assume new leadership roles, with Frank Kilyanek ‘85 named Chairperson of the Board and Candy Frye ‘94 appointed Vice Chairperson of the Board. These changes reflect the College’s continued commitment to strong governance and strategic growth as it advances its mission of providing hands-on education in a supportive environment.

The newly appointed board members are:

Jose de los Rios
Papermaking Integrated Work Systems and Manufacturing Capability Leader, Procter & Gamble
De los Rios joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Political Science from Rutgers University. In addition to his involvement with Johnson College, De los Rios serves as a member of the WVIA board and executive committee as well as the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. He resides in Glenburn, PA.

Dr. Erin Keating
Superintendent, Scranton School District
Keating joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. She has previously worked with the College through enrollment and STEM activities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from West Chester University, a master’s degree in Curriculum Strategies and Development and Educational Leadership from Wilkes University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University.

In addition to her involvement with Johnson College, Keating currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer for Urban Superintendents Association of America, a member of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties board, an executive board committee member of the Skills in Scranton (Scranton Chamber of Commerce) Board of Directors, a member of the Office of Youth and Family Service Advisory Board, and she was formerly the Chair of the Labor and Relations Sub Committee of the Luzerne County Community College Board of Trustees. She resides in Edwardsville, PA.

Jake Latcham
Chief Operating Officer, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services
Latcham joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. In addition to his involvement with Johnson College, Latcham serves as a member of StartUp NEPA Angel Investment Fund. He resides in Dallas, PA.

Terrence McDonald, Esq.
Attorney/Owner, Terrence J. McDonald, Esquire, P.C.
McDonald joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Scranton and a Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law.

In addition to his involvement with Johnson College, McDonald serves as a member of the Lackawanna County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association and volunteers with various community organizations. He formerly served as a member of the Scranton/Lackawanna Health and Welfare Authority and the Hearing Committee Member for the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and he was a solicitor for the Borough of Dunmore. He resides in Dunmore, PA.

Walter Rosiecki
Senior Vice President, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company
Rosiecki joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. He has previously worked with the College as a member of one of its Program Advisory Committees. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Finance emphasis from Susquehanna University and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Massachusetts. Rosiecki resides in South Abington Township, PA.

Heather Kubic Skapyak
Director of Business Development, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
Kubic Skapyak joins the Johnson College Board of Directors for the 2025-26 academic year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a minor in Black and White Photography from Arcadia University. She also holds a National Council for Interior Design Qualification Certification.

Kubic Skapyak serves as an executive committee member and Secretary of the Board for the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO) – an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she serves as a member and Secretary of the Board for SLIBCO Utilities, Inc. – another affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. She resides in Archbald, PA.

The Johnson College Board of Directors plays a critical role in supporting the College’s strategic direction, fiscal health, and community partnerships. Johnson College extends its sincere gratitude to all board members for their ongoing service and commitment to student success.

Johnson College Scranton to Host Free Community Resource Fair­­

Johnson College will host a free Community Resource Fair for all local college-bound students on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, inside the Moffat Student Center Gymnasium at its Scranton campus. The event is open to the public and is designed to connect current and prospective college students with local resources and support services.

The fair will feature a variety of community organizations offering guidance and assistance on topics such as education, employment, health, and wellness.

“The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for all students attending any of our region’s colleges and universities to learn about local services available to them,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College. “We’re proud to bring together organizations that are making a positive impact in our region.”

Participating organizations include:

  • ACE of NEPA
  • Educational Opportunity Centers of PA
  • Friends of the Poor/Catherine McAuley Center
  • Geisinger Marworth
  • Greater Scranton YMCA
  • Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania
  • Susquehanna County Interfaith
  • The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement

For more information, please contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.

Johnson College Scranton to Host Summer Open House on July 16

Johnson College will hold its Summer Open House on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.