Johnson College to Celebrate 105th Commencement and Largest Graduating Class

The Johnson College Scranton campus was full of excitement as students and their families, staff, and faculty gathered to celebrate the College’s largest graduating class at its 105th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Graduates completed programs for Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, academic certificates, and Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE).

Michele Bannon, Mayor of the City of Carbondale, gave the commencement address before degrees were presented by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., President & CEO of Johnson College, and Heather Bonker, General Education Director of Johnson College.

Recipients of Johnson College’s Award for Academic Excellence, Devin Walsh, a Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology graduate, and Chase Notz, a Computer Information Technology graduate, served as student speakers.

Nicole Nye ’22, Johnson College Electrical Construction Technology Instructor, gave the alumni address to the newly graduated Johnson College Class of 2024.

The event was recorded and will be available on the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsonCollegePA.

Following is a list of the spring 2024 graduates:

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Computer Information Technology

Michael Fordham, Greentown

Luca Guasto, Avoca

Aaron Hall, Pittston

Kade Hapeman, Wilkes-Barre

Anthony Jacobino, Carbondale

Joshua Littlejohn, Blakely

Joshua Heffernan, Greeley

Sean McGeehan, Swoyersville

Chase Notz, Scranton

Jonathan O’Connor, Milford

Noah Petty, Old Forge

Ryan Reap, Avoca

Jeremiyah Sandy, Scranton

Brian Sworen, Hawley

John Umbaugh, Moscow

Nathaniel Warnack, Kingston

Physical Therapist Assistant

Josue Aguilar Miron, Scranton

Michael Bennici Jr, Olyphant

Natalie Buchinski, Dickson City

Abbie Hessling, Hawley

Kalpana Sharma, Sayre

Bryce Shorten, Jessup

Karolina Zdrok, Scranton

Radiologic Technology

April Best, Pittston

Olivia Gries, Honesdale

Tiahna Jackson, Peckville

Kayla Jensen, Milford

Joshua Kane, Old Forge

Thomas Kubelus, Springbrook Twp.

Susan Long, Swoyersville

Sierra Matash, Bloomsburg

Emily Ohme, Plymouth

Trinaya Parker , Scranton

Devon Porvaznik, Tunkhannock

Alyssa Purpura, Milford

Gina Simeone, Wyoming

Nancy Wassef, Tobyhanna

Veterinary Nursing

Rianna Balliet, Nescopeck

Juliana Deininger, Scranton

Emma Faithfull, Honesdale

Brooke Frable, Dunmore

Elizabeth Friedrichs, Elizabethtown

Aleeza Leary, Moscow

Kaitlyn McDonald, Newfoundland

Molly Nagle, Forest City

Thayer Rogers, Hershey

Stephanie Ropietski, Plymouth

Adriana Ruiz, Reading

Shana Souryavong, Old Forge

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Seth Gruver, Palmerton

Richard Reed, Lake Ariel

Jason Skumanich, Olyphant

Architectural Drafting & Design Technology

Rachel Butler, Lake Ariel

Daniel Dougherty, Scranton

Tyler Mendicino, Clarks Summit

Automotive Technology

Laura Alleva-Cox, Archbald

Michael Altieri, Archbald

Dylan DeGroat, Shohola

Joschua Perez, Scranton

Danielle Reese, Scranton

Mackenzie Snyder, Scranton

Biomedical Equipment Technology

Jacob DeManicor, Clifford Twp.

Robert Jenkins, Moosic

Evan Scarnecchia, Bushkill

Brian Smith, Kingston

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology

Abby Bowen, Tunkhannock

Brendan Jarosh, Eynon

Aiden Martelli, Dickson City

Patrick McLaine, Scranton

Aaron Newhart, Dalton

Austin Norris, Waymart

Charles Santarsiero, Clarks Summit

Kenneth Stucker, Lake Ariel

Civil Design Technology

Tristin Piazza, Clarks Summit

Michael Sarno, Pittston

Diesel Truck Technology

Victoria Keller, Exeter

Michael Naegele, Clarks Summit

John Ozark, Pittston Twp.

Troy Venesky, Clarks Summit

Joshua Wiggins, Plymouth

Peter Winowich, Clarks Summit

Nicholas Youshock, Olyphant

Electrical Construction Technology

Evan Berretta, Old Forge

John Bonilla, Bushkill

Richard Bowen, Exeter

Jacob Burke, Scranton

Salvatore Caminiti, Moscow

Tyler Cawley, Archbald

Anthony Celona, Hawley

Aleksander Chilson, Pittston

Zachary Chilson, Pittston

Cody Choyka, Throop

Jeffrey Costello, Greenfield Twp.

Alyssa Crawford, Jermyn

Jacob Decker, Henryville

Hezekiah Deitz, Hamlin

Seth DePalma, Olyphant

James Diaz, Scranton

Bruno Ealo, Scott Twp.

Korry Eisley, Clifton Twp.

Michael Forrester, Willkes-Barre

Shane Frank, Dunmore

Ryan Freer, Milford

Luke Galli, Yatesville

David Giaimo, Scranton

Luis Gonzalez, Scranton

Brandon Griffiths, Scranton

Marco Guerrero Alvanez, Forest City

Liam Hetherson, Olyphant

Wayne Jones, Dickson City

Jacob Kelly, South Abington Twp.

Imran Khan, Moosic

Ian Koehler, Scranton

Fantajah LaRoche, Simpson

Brendan Lynott, South Abington Twp.

Audrey Marrow, Dunmore

Cyrus Morales, Bushkill

Ethan Muha, Dickson City

Matthew Mychayliw, Dunmore

Carlos Orta, Carbondale

Jack Patten, Beach Lake

Hunter Pazzalia, Archbald

Noah Perrotti, Moosic

Preston Petts, Dunmore

Blake Praschak, Archbald

Zachary Racht, Simpson

Elijan Roberts, Scranton

David Romanski, Archbald

Michael Romiti, Scranton

Xariel Sanchez, Wilkes-Barre

Erick Sanchez-Guzman, Scranton

Alfredo Santiago, Scranton

Brenden Scarantino, Dunmore

Adam Schield, Roaring Brook Twp.

Parker Smith, Scott Twp.

Seth Sylvester, Pittston

Brian Troutman, Moscow

Jackson Valentin, Milford

Kevin VanLuvanee, Nicholson

Liam Walter, South Abington Twp.

Electronic Engineering Technology

Zebulon Chisdock, Harding

Hershall Ferguson, Factoryville

Guy Higdon, Carbondale

Hope Hoanzl, Forest City

Isaya Ortiz, Scranton

Jacob Tighe, Forest City

Kyle Williams, Greentown

Jallen Wilks, Moscow

Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology

Jaron Bullick, Scott Twp.

Jeffrey Bushinkski, Scranton

Robert Castaldi, Moosic

Joshua Cohen, Scranton

Jared Craig, Clarks Summit

Thomas Dougherty, Dunmore

Damian House, Drums

Jonathan Hunsberger, Canadensis

James Lamberti, Roaring Brook Twp.

Dustin McAllister, Scranton

Richard McCabe, Scranton

Cameron McCarthy, Mountain Top

Blake Mullin, Nazareth

Robert Murphy, Thompson

Ryan Phillips, Luzerne

Derek Segear, Wilkes-Barre

Nathan Shaw, Carbondale

Ryan Soignet, Mayfield

Corey Sweeney, White Haven

Conner Sweeney, Dupont

Zackary Vojick, Childs

Devin Walsh, Olyphant

Kevin Williams, Eynon

Heavy Equipment Technology

Nicholas Lathrop, Greenfield Twp.

Brian Talley, Lake Ariel

Mechatronics Technology

Adam Haines, Madison Twp.

Ryan Reber, Clifton Twp.

Andrew Sesso, Taylor

Alex Ziemrowski, East Stroudsburg

Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology

Luke Gyurkovic, Honesdale

John Milewski, Jefferson Twp.

Todd Varley, Milford

David Yencho, Dickson City

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Welding Technology

Christoper Evancho, Rock Glen

William Fischer, Clarks Summit

Steven Gallo, Milford

Jadan Gomez, Hazleton

Charity Keithline, Tunkhannock

Tyler Kielty, Milford

Zachary Menichello, Jessup

Alex Michaylo, Old Forge

Grace Rodriguez, Scranton

Ethan Stankowski, Clarks Summit

Logan Treat, Falls

RISE (READINESS IN SKILLED EMPLOYMENT) PROGRAM

Building & Property Maintenance

Jai-li Camacho, Scranton

Terrence Jefferson, Scranton

Computer Support & Security Specialist

Mark Lindsay, Simpson

Daisy Smith, Carbondale

Nicholas Snyder, Dunmore

Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology

Anthony Rivera, Throop

Medical Assistant Specialist

Alicia Brown, Scranton

Daniele Chatelain, Scranton

Shauna Pace, Throop

Kency Ramirez, Taylor

Dulce Semedo, Peckville

Welding Technology

Scott Jaccarino, Wyoming

Alexander Allen, Carbondale

Aaron Carney, Carbondale

Luciano Devine, Jefferson Twp.

Pictured left to right: Chase Notz ’24, Johnson College Computer Information Technology graduate and student speaker; Michele Bannon, Mayor of the City of Carbondale, who gave the commencement address; Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College President & CEO; and Devin Walsh ’24, Johnson College Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning graduate and student speaker.

Johnson College to Host 31st Annual Golf Tournament

Johnson College will host its 31st Annual Johnson College Open on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountain Top, PA.

All proceeds from the annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Last year’s tournament raised over $50,000 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, visit johnson.edu/golf.

Sponsors of this event to date include:

Presenting Sponsor: The Fresh Grocer – Owned and Operated by Gerrity’s

Platinum Sponsor: Net Credit Union

Gold Sponsors: Eastern Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters; Five Star Equipment; L.R. Costanzo Company, Inc.; Peoples Security Bank & Trust; PNC Bank; Simplex Homes

Silver Sponsor: eCampus.com

Cart Sponsor: Toyota of Scranton

Breakfast Sponsor: Action Lift

Lunch Sponsor: Cable Associates

Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Topp Business Solutions

Dinner Sponsor: Schiff’s Marketplace

Beverage Cart Sponsor: Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.

Course Snack Pack Sponsor: ShopRite

Hole-in-One Sponsor: Tasca Ford

Mulligan Sponsor: Stevens & Lee

Hit & Hold Sponsor: Nunzi’s Advertising

Exclusive Tee Sponsors: Ability Recovery Service, LLC; American Eagle Outfitters; Ashley Machine & Tool Co.; Constantino’s Catering, Cristiano Welding Supply, Fastenal; Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.; I.B.E.W. Local #81; Knowles Associates, LLC; McCarthy Tire; MotorWorld; Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, Johnson College, President Emeritus; NRG Controls North, Inc.; Simona America Industries; Waste Management; Widmer/PA Signs

Presidential Scholarship Sponsors: Ashley Machine & Tool Co.; American Eagle Outfitters; Candy Frye ’94; Fastenal Company; Judge Lumber Company, Inc.; Citizens Savings Bank

Platinum Marketing Sponsor: Condron Sweda Advertising

Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising

Gold Print Sponsor: Sprint Print, Inc.

Left to right – front row: Frank Kilyanek, NRG Controls North, Inc.; Laura Bracey, ShopRite; Joyce Fasula, The Fresh Grocer – Owned and Operated by Gerrity’s; Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College; Joe Fasula, The Fresh Grocer – Owned and Operated by Gerrity’s; Debbie Kolsovsky, PNC Bank; David Boniello, Simplex Homes.

Left to right – back row: Mary Kern, Johnson College; George Sweda, Condron Sweda Advertising; Patrick Rogers, Toyota of Scranton; Tom Kirkpatrick, Toyota of Scranton; Rick Osick, MotorWorld; J. Patrick Dietz, Peoples Security Bank & Trust; Drew Simpson, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters; Marcelo DeSousa, Fastenal; Clarence Baltrusaitis, NET Credit Union; Louis Costanzo, L.R. Costanzo Company, Inc.; Darryl Jayne, Tasca Ford.

College to Hold Instant Decision Day for Veterans and Current U.S. Military Service Members

Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. virtually and inside Ideal Saldi Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit Johnson.edu/instant.

During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending.

Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.

Hazleton Campus Enrolling for Medical Assistant Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is now enrolling students in its Medical Assistant course at its satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township. The course will begin on May 20, running Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Functions include preparing patients for examination, treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Plus, students will learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipunctures, anatomy & physiology, and medical terminology encountered in the field. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of a medical assistant.

The class fee is $5,000 and is approved by PA CareerLink for those eligible for funding through their local CareerLink.

To learn more or to enroll in the Medical Assistant course, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/medical-assistant/ or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.

7th Annual Carpentry Auction Raises over $10,000 for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA

Johnson College Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program hosted its Annual Carpentry Auction at the College’s Scranton campus on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The event raised over $10,000 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of its mission to provide excellence in the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

More than 70 items created by Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology students were available for auction. There was a wide variety of woodwork including chess boards, tables, chests, benches, and more. Many of the items were made from re-purposed materials.

Johnson College Now Enrolling in Continuing Education Welding Courses

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is enrolling students in its Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Welding courses at the Scranton campus. The Fundamentals course will begin on May 16, 2024, and can be taken on its own or followed by any one Intermediate course including Shielded Metal Arc (Stick), Gas Metal Arc (MIG), or Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG).

The Fundamentals of Welding course teaches the basics of major welding processes. Students learn equipment set-up as well as basic techniques and safety for oxy-fuel welding and cutting, Stick, TIG, and MIG welding. Additional lectures are given on basic metallurgy, welding codes, nondestructive examination, and welding symbols. Intermediate courses build upon specific welding processes, working towards plate certification to a common welding code.

The fundamentals course fee is $1,870 and includes a PPE kit. Intermediate course fees are $2,750 and include certification testing fees. The courses can be bundled for a reduced cost of $4,251.

For information about using GI benefits for Fundamentals and Intermediate welding courses, email nmelgarejo@johnson.edu.

To learn more about these programs or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. To register for the course, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/welding/.

College to Host Closer Look Event for Architectural Drafting & Design Technology

Johnson College is hosting a Closer Look event for its two-year Architectural Drafting & Design Technology program on May 1, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. on its Scranton campus. Prospective students can explore the College’s Architectural Drafting & Design Technology laboratory inside the new Ideal Saldi Hall while learning more about the program, career opportunities, and the enrollment process.

Johnson College’s two-year Architectural Drafting & Design Technology Associates Degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in computer-assisted drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for residential and commercial construction. Instruction and hands-on learning include all phases of building design drafting, print reading, cost estimating, specifications writing, and sustainability concepts.

For more information or to register, visit Johnson.edu/closerlook or contact the College’s Enrollment department at (570) 702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

College to Host 7th Annual Carpentry Auction

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, inside the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology lab in Woolworth Hall 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 70 items will be available to bid on, including cutting boards, chess boards, tables, benches, and custom woodworking. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Many of the items were made from re-purposed material. The 2023 Carpentry Auction raised $5,970 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA.

Register for the event at https://forms.gle/TbnaKmm6xfjX7ntLA.

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

Mayor of the City of Carbondale to Deliver 2024 Commencement Address

Johnson College has selected Michele Bannon, Mayor of the City of Carbondale, to give its 2024 commencement address to graduates on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the College’s Scranton campus.

For the past 30 years, Mayor Bannon has spent her career working with the residents of the City of Carbondale and local partners to build a strong, sustainable region. She is admired for her commitment to developing vibrant neighborhoods, impactful community development, and strong advocacy of empowering a positive culture throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mayor Bannon finds joy and fulfillment in her intentional commitment and involvement with many boards and organizations including NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, Carbondale YMCA, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Carbondale Historical Society, Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, and Wane Memorials Hospital Community Board.

She lives by the quote of George Bernard Shaw; “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.”

Mayor Bannon is a lifelong resident of the City of Carbondale and resides in the home where her grandmother was born. She is the daughter of Rita Enslin Bannon and Gerald Bannon. She has four brothers and one sister, two nieces, two nephews, and three godchildren. She attributes the person that she is today to her wonderful family and friends.

After graduating from Carbondale Area High School in 1987, she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology, Political Science, and Public Administration from Wilkes University between 1991 and 2024. She was sworn into the office of Mayor on January 7, 2024.