College Receives Scholarship Award from Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club

The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support the organization’s annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students with demonstrated financial need. The club also gifted the school with a new automotive toolbox. This year marks the 13th year that the scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, and annual calendar sales.

Johnson College’s two-year Automotive Technology associates degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates can work for employers in the automotive career fields of automotive, truck, farm, and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation, and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; and auto insurance companies.

Pictured left to right: Nick Telli, Villa Capri board member; Mark Kozemko, Johnson College Automotive Technology Instructor; Sal Pizzo, Villa Capri Vice President; Jim Williams, Johnson College Automotive Technology Program Director; Dr, Katie Leonard, Johnson College President & CEO; Joe Carra, Villa Capri President; Dave Thomas, Villa Capri Secretary; Rick Mroczka, Villa Capri board member; and Joe Caputo, Villa Capri board member.

Community Trunk or Treat Event

Johnson College invites the community to a Trunk-or-Treat event on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at its Scranton campus.

The College’s students, staff, and faculty, as well as community organizations, will be handing out candy in the upper parking lot by the Moffat Student Resource Center. The lot can be accessed via the North entrance across from Schiff’s Marketplace. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear their favorite costume! This free event will provide families with a safe space to enjoy Halloween fun.

For more information, please email studentsuccess@johnson.edu or call 570.702.8953 or 570.702.8912.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate the Grand Opening of ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’

In a joint celebration held today, September 27, CAN DO and Johnson College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’. This celebration comes after the two institutions announced their partnership to bring a technical school to the Greater Hazleton Area earlier this year.

The ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’ ribbon cutting event showcased the expansive 20,000 sq. ft. facility – which was once home to the former McCann School of Business and Technology. Guests were invited to tour the new school, including classrooms, lab spaces, and the campus resource center that is open to all students. Capriotti’s Catering and Little Treats and Cakes by Janna catered the event with light lunch fare and desserts.

Dr. Katie Leonard, President and CEO of Johnson College, and Joseph Lettiere, President and CEO of CAN DO, were both present and spoke about how this partnership is a monumental achievement for the Greater Hazleton Area, its residences, and its businesses.

Dr. Katie Leonard spoke of the importance of the College’s industry partners throughout her remarks. “I like to say that we are founded and grounded in industry”, she mentioned. “The industry partnerships we’ve fostered here in the Greater Hazleton region helped us identify the need for skilled technicians and technologists in the area and the need for us to create unique, hands-on, industry-driven experiences for students who want to work within those industries.”

During his remarks, CAN DO President and CEO, Joseph Lettiere, stated, “CAN DO’s partnership with Johnson College is monumental for the Greater Hazleton Area and its residents as a whole. Through the various programs available on this campus, our community will have direct access to the necessary training and education our industries are in need of…these programs truly move the needle for members of our community by providing industrial education that will ultimately lead to family- and life-sustaining careers.” 

Other key members of this partnership and esteemed dignitaries also in attendance included Charles Burkhardt, Chair of the CAN DO Board of Directors, Pat Dietz, Chair of the Johnson College Board of Directors, Pennsylvania State Senator David Argall, representing Pennsylvania’s 29th Senatorial District, and members from both CAN DO and Johnson College’s Board of Directors.

With its strategic positioning inside of the Humboldt Industrial Park, Johnson College’s Hazleton campus will provide students with advantageous proximity to nearly 70 industries currently employing more than 11,000 individuals. The campus is also now a central education hub for communities within lower Luzerne and surrounding counties.

While classes officially began on August 28, the new school offers a robust curriculum aimed to cater to the diverse academic and industry needs of the Greater Hazleton Area community. Notable program offerings include a 2-Year Associate Degree in Applied Science for Electrical Construction Technology and 1-Year Academic Certificate programs in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, and Building and Property Maintenance. Additionally, the school offers continuing education certificate courses in Medical Assistant, Computer Support, and Security Specialist, as well as Class A CDL Driver Training.

For more information about these upcoming programs, visit johnson.edu/Hazleton.

New Board Members and Officers

Johnson College’s Board of Directors has appointed seven new members and newly elected officials.

The recent additions to the board include William Bochicchio, Jr., COO and General Manager of Five Star Equipment; Laura Bracey, Director of Human Resources and Operations at Bracey, Inc.; Kim Fanning, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Martz Bus; Thomas Kirkpatrick, Fixed Operations Director at Toyota of Scranton; Justin A. Marchuska II ’94, co-founder and member of Marchuska Brothers Construction; Grace McGregor Kramer, Director of Strategy and Operations at McGregor Industries, Inc.; and Mark Reese, President of Schiff’s Restaurant Services, Inc.

Newly elected officials as of 2022 include J. Patrick Dietz, Senior Vice President of Peoples Security and Bank, as Chairperson; Atty. Kris E. Fendrock, Esq., partner at Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP, as Vice Chairperson; and Nicholas J. Scarnato ’80, retired business executive, as Treasurer.

William Bochicchio, Jr. joined the board in 2022. Attending Villanova University, he received a bachelor’s degree from its business school before attaining a master’s degree in accounting/consulting. Bochicchio also holds a CPA license. He resides in Peckville, Pa.

Laura Bracey joined the board in 2023. In addition to this role, she has recently been elected as a member of the Chamber of Commerce Life Board and currently serves on the Wakefern Produce Committee. She graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. She resides in Moscow, Pa.

Kim Fanning joined the board in 2023. Outside of Johnson College, she also serves as the Treasurer of the Moosic Redwings Softball Association. She attended the University of Scranton where she attained her MBA in Finance. She resides in Moosic, Pa.

Thomas Kirkpatrick joined the board in 2023. This is his first time serving as a board member. He resides in Clarks Green, Pa.

Justin A. Marchuska II ’94 joined the board in 2023. He also serves as a member of Broome-Tioga Workforce NY, Community Potential, and Binghamton University Athletic Board. He is an alumnus of Johnson College where he attained an associates degree in Building Construction Technology. He resides in both Binghamton and Skaneateles, N.Y.

Grace McGregor joined the board in 2023. She is an active member of the community, serving as a board member of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Scranton Tomorrow. She is an executive committee member of Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resources Center (NEPIRC) and the New York/Philadelphia Advisory Board of the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT). McGregor also serves as President of the Alumni Board of Governors at Scranton Preparatory School and Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. In previous years, she served on the Transition Advisory Committee on Economic Development for Governor Josh Shapiro and Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where she attained a bachelor’s degree in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Operations. She resides in Scranton, Pa.

Mark Reese joined the board in 2023. He has previously served the College as a member of the Perkins Committee. He completed four years of plumbing apprenticeship while working in the Local Plumbers Union. He resides in Peckville, Pa.

J. Patrick Dietz is the Chair of the board. He joined the Johnson College board in 2017 and is also a member of the Audit, Operational Excellence, and Governance Committees. Mr. Dietz is also the Chairman of the Salvation Army of Scranton Advisory Board. He obtained his MBA from Marywood University and is a Senior Vice President / Commercial Loan Officer at Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company. He resides in South Abington Township, Pa.

Atty. Kris Fendrock is entering her eighth year on the board and is serving as the Vice Chair. Previously, she was the Governance Committee Chair. Fendrock is a partner at Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP in Scranton. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas and a Juris Doctorate from Penn State Dickinson Law School. She resides in Waverly, Pa.

Nicholas J. Scarnato ’80 is the Treasurer of the board. He recently retired from his role as Chief Commercial Officer at Producto in Endicott, NY. He graduated from Johnson College in 1980 with an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics and Fluidics. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Binghamton University. Before joining Producto, Scarnato held positions in Engineering, Project Management, Business Development, and Strategic Development for major Aerospace Corporations spanning 40 years. He resides in the Southern tier of New York.

Now Enrolling for 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 October 5, 2023, followed by the intermediate course beginning on October 19, 2023.

The Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Welding courses provide specific instruction in Oxy-Fuel, Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG, Gas Metal Arc (MIG), and Shielded Metal Arc (Stick) welding processes. The course consists of 40% theory and 60% hands-on practice. Additional lectures are given on basic metallurgy, welding codes, nondestructive examination, and welding symbols.

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

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

Hazleton Campus Enrolling for Medical Assistant Program

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its evening Medical Assistant program. The class will be held at Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center in the Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazle Township, Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. beginning on November 6, 2023.

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 enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. To register for the course, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation.

Trade Programs Thrive with Fifth Year of Record Enrollment

Johnson College trade programs are thriving as record enrollment continues to outpace the previous academic year with over 630 students between its Scranton and Hazleton campuses.

In addition to a record number of incoming first-year and returning students, Johnson College also welcomed its largest Industry Fast Track class to date. There are over 70 students from the Northeastern Pennsylvania region who have enrolled either part-time or full-time with Johnson College for college credits while also earning their high school diplomas.

Johnson College has seen an increase in enrollment in the building trades programs of over 15% in the past two years. Programs in its Building Trades & Technology division such as its Electrical Construction Technology and Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology programs have more than doubled enrollment in the last five years.

“The College is expanding to meet the increasing demand for skilled technicians and technologists in our area,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “With the addition of new programs and a satellite campus in the greater Hazleton region, we continue to hear from industry and community partners, students and their families, as well as area school districts that what we offer is invaluable and an asset to our area.”

With a record number of students enrolled for the fifth year in a row, Johnson College works hard to fill the skills gap in today’s job marketplace – making the College’s recruitment and programmatic focus more on workforce development.

Now Enrolling Students in CDL Driver Training Course at Greater Hazleton Campus

Johnson College, in partnership with Ancora Education, is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on August 21, 2023, at the College’s new satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township.

To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/hazleton-cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu

Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022.

Distance Learning Program Now Enrolling

Johnson College is now enrolling for its Fall 2023 Distance Learning Program for high school and adult students in Wayne, Pike, and Susquehanna counties.  It creates a direct route for students to complete any of Johnson College’s seventeen 2-year associate’s degree programs and ultimately a fulfilling career with family-sustaining wages while staying in their communities. To learn more about this program or to register for courses listed below, please visit johnson.edu/distance-learning-program/ or email the Johnson College enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu.

Students will have interactive, two-way access to Johnson College faculty and participate in remote education, discussions, testing, and skill demonstrations via high-tech telecommunications equipment in classrooms at Forest City Regional High School, Honesdale High School, Wallenpaupack Area High School, and Western Wayne High School. Furthermore, Lakeville Library, Newfoundland Library, and Pleasant Mount Library will be equipped with laptops to give community residents access to career exploration services and information about courses at Johnson College. 

In addition to the distance learning opportunity this program provides, students will have access to Johnson College’s full array of on-campus support services including tutoring, counseling, career services, financial aid, internship opportunities, and exposure to industry from day one. Distance learning will help high school and adult students reach their full potential and connect with the region’s essential careers already in demand.

Distance learning courses available at all participating high schools will include:

VMR 151-1 Introduction to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair – Tuesdays, 2 to 3:50 p.m.

PRG 103-1 C Sharp – Tuesdays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

BUS 101-1 Introduction to Business – Mondays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

WTC 153-3 Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding – Tuesdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m.

WTC 154-3 Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding I Lab – Thursdays, 5 to 9 p.m.