Johnson College Celebrates 106th Commencement and Largest Graduating Class

The Johnson College Scranton campus was alive with pride and celebration on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as students, families, faculty, and staff came together for a milestone moment— celebrating the College’s largest graduating class at its 106th Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony recognized students who completed rigorous programs leading to Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees and academic certificates in a wide range of high-demand fields.

Andrew M. Inman ’13, MHA, RT(R)(CT), a proud Johnson College alumnus and Modality Manager at Geisinger, delivered an inspiring commencement address, encouraging graduates to embrace their professional journeys with confidence and resilience. The ceremony also spotlighted outstanding student achievements. Valedictorian Colleen Cannon-Augustine and salutatorian Brooke L. Iverson—both graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant program—shared powerful messages reflecting on perseverance, growth, and the transformative experience of their time at Johnson College.

The event was live-streamed and recorded on the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/qjfYy_sBM-Q?si=WC25J8ZgEs3BDyG6.

Following is a list of the spring 2025 graduates:

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Computer Information Technology

Juan C. Ayala Jr., Scranton

Matthew C. Baress, Mountain Top

Brady Carpenter, Clarks Summit

Dylan Caruso, Dallas

Corbin Scott Croissette, Starrucca

Thomas Joseph Cyganick III, Carbondale

Alexander Charles Edwards, Montrose

Joseph Patrick Faltynowicz, Dickson City

Martin Hastie, Clarks Summit

Robert J. McNally, Scranton

Hunter Carl Mursch, Carbondale

Michael Ostrowski, South Abington Twp.

Alexander Smedley, Richmondale

Mark T. Smith, Peckville

Physical Therapist Assistant

Zekiel Alejandrez, Greentown

Colleen Ann Cannon-Augustine, Jenkins Twp.

Brooke L. Iverson, Wilkes-Barre

Allysa Candace Pancham, East Stroudsburg

Bryce Shorten, Jessup

Madison K. Stashak, Nanticoke

Radiologic Technology

Tiffany Shay Beckham, Scranton

Melissa A. Beshada, Mountain Top

Jordan Aurora Bowen, Factoryville

Jacquelyn R. Billard, Honesdale

Mackenzie T. Gavin, Eynon

Jennifer Cesarina Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Scranton

Matthew Gromelski, Taylor

Margaret Grace Haines, Madison Twp.

Julia Paige Lamberton, Waymart

Neyleen Jezielle Lugo , Scranton

Jade McDermott, Moosic

Shannon O’Donnell, Scranton

Adam Jeffrey Rosencrance, West Pittston

Emily E. Royce, Ransom

Kristen Ann Swierczek, Olyphant

Kayla Jeanne Ward, Eynon

Veterinary Nursing

Ashlee Coe, Hawley

Emma Danowsky, Lewisburg

Eunice Grande-Osorio, Plymouth

Alex Inirio, Scranton

Emily LaBar, Scranton

Samantha Mazonis, Nanticoke

Jordan Stine, Scranton

Jordan Wiegand, Great Bend

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Wyatt Sickler, Tunkhannock

Architectural Drafting & Design Technology

Matthew J. Collier, Throop

Jacob W. Kinney, Dalton

Tyler Moskosky, Simpson

Jeremiah Scotton, Olyphant

Automotive Technology

Charles Richard Azarsky, Moosic

Kayden J. Christe, Scranton

Alec S. Fisher, West Wyoming

Nathan R. Irvine, Lake Ariel

Bruce Michael Kohut, Waymart

Hunter Edward Landers, Clarks Summit

Aviation Technology

Matthew Alden, Scranton

Benjamin Jay Amaya, Dunmore

Christopher Berroa-Moreno, Wilkes-Barre

Holsen Estime, Effort

Kyle Garofolo, Long Pond

Janitza E. Gonzalez-Caban, Old Forge

Anthony Leombruni, Moscow

Amir Vernon, East Stroudsburg

Biomedical Equipment Technology

Nico James Carter, Scranton

Andrew P. Craven, Scranton

Ryan James Ellicott, Mayfield

Santino L. Krappa, Old Forge

Cody Lee, West Pittston

Blaise A. Margalski, Wapwallopen

Jonathan Merlen, Springbrook Twp.

Tyquil Osgood, Scranton

Adam Sadowski, Jefferson Twp.

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology

Joshua Robert Berg, Carbondale

Denis Boyle, Throop

Jeanine Claudia Busnel, Damascus

Kaila Collins, Carbondale

Daniel Davis, Pocono Summit

Benjamin Edward Flowers, Old Forge

Jeilyn Frias, Easton

Nakya N. Greco, Duryea

Jacob D. Holmes, Dalton

Nicholas Huzzard, Scranton

Skyler E. LeClere, Beach Lake

Caitlyn Ann Phillips, West Wyoming

Arthur Taylor, New Milford

Reece A. Weinberg, South Abington Twp.

Civil Design Technology

Zoe Zelinski, Olyphant

Diesel Truck Technology

Dustin J. Baldoni, Pittston

Noah L. Bender, Scranton

William Nathaniel Clapp, Wyalusing

Jace Curyk, Scranton

Gabriella Furman, Laceyville

Weston Matthew Nugent, Lake Ariel

Bradley M. Potoeskie Jr., Forty Fort

Ryan Shannon, Pittston Twp.

Colton T. Yushinsky, Archbald

Electrical Construction Technology

Sianna R. Barron, Jessup

Tucker James Bowman, Tamaqua

Ryan Boyanowski, Pittston

Jacob Gino Casarin, Jessup

James John Casarin Jr., Jessup

Bradley Cox, Scranton

Carmen Salvatore DeNapoli, Dunmore

Keiren Dougherty, Scranton

Dravyn Falsone, Waymart

Lucas J. Fein, Scranton

Chase Francis Ferranti, Madison Twp.

Andrew James Francis, Moosic

Ethan Gardiner, Summit Hill

Tyrese Green, Lords Valley

Cameron D. Hagenbaugh, Wilkes-Barre

Aimee Johannes, Honesdale

Brandon King, Scranton

Harrison Kubilus, Scranton

Robert Todd Lane, Tunkhannock

Justin Anthony Longo, Throop

Joseph T. Lucas III, Dunmore

Brian Mariotti, Old Forge

Jackson McGuinness, Clarks Green

Matthew McHale, Scranton

Ezequiel S. Mieses, Hazleton

Jacob J. Mileto, Scranton

Jacob Morgenstern, Honesdale

Graysen Richard Motyl, Sheppton

Jacob Ryan Ochman, Moosic

Peyton R. Pazzalia, Archbald

Brandon Quinn, Hazle Township

John Rose, Clarks Summit

Daniel T. Rosenkrans, Falls

Robert J. Santarsiero Jr., Moosic

Sebastian J. Shepherd, Dalton

Hunter M. Smith, Kirkwood, NY

Justin P. Solensky Jr., Archbald

Connor T. Stauffer, Fern Glen

Brayden C. Strucke, Pittston Twp.

Jack Sullivan, Matamoras

Joshua Truskoloski, Eynon

Evan Williams South, Abington Twp.

Nicholas P. Winsock, Wyoming

Jayden M. Winters, Dickson City

Austin J. Wombacker, Scranton

Peter R. Zawierucha, Pittston Twp.

Electronic Engineering Technology

Oscar Hernandez, Scranton

William Kittrell, Dunmore

Rodney Stanley Ramos, Scranton

Paul V. Rosato III, Scranton

Michael Dean Still III, Dupont

Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology

Carter Christopher Albanese, Scranton

Levi S. Anzulewicz, Greenfield Twp.

Robert Bromage, Scranton

Gustavo Cortez, Scranton

James E. Decker, Moosic

Liam Donovan, Scranton

Angelo J. Fumanti, Old Forge

Jordan Gonzalez, Jefferson Twp.

Thomas Gray, Carbondale

James Fitzgerald Heery IV, Gouldsboro

William J. Heiss, Union Dale

Anthony Hutchins, Dunmore

Jarrel Johnson, Scranton

JanCarlos Marin, Scranton

Cooper A. Mordan, Old Forge

Aiden Notz, Scranton

Louis Paglianite, West Pittston

Logan Rondomanski, Madison Twp.

Charles Sciandra, Avoca

Xavier O. Siberon, Scranton

Joshua Smargiassi, Dickson City

Luke J. Smurl, Greenfield Twp.

Julia Turner, Moosic

Scott Warren, Montrose

Christopher Whitney Jr., Dover, DE

Heavy Equipment Technology

Jeffrey M. Kondash, Factoryville

Nathan Timothy Schmidt, Clifford

Nico D. Scotti, Dunmore

Clarence L. Walton IV, Dingmans Ferry

Mechatronics Technology

Michael Andrews, Wilkes-Barre

Zachary M. Maryasz, Dalton

Kahleb Murray, Pittston

Emma Jean Shedden, Tunkhannock

Nicholas Thayer, Pittston

Richard W. Tirella, Plains

Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology

Corbin P. Bodman, Hawley

Sam A. Coolbaugh, Harding

Anthony J. DeLucca Jr., Old Forge

Andi A. Fedorchak, Carbondale

Charity Keithline, Tunkhannock

Tyler J. Kielty, Milford

Jamie Matyjevich, Old Forge

Jaylin T. Parker, Dunmore

Austin Racht, Beach Lake

Madison Grace Roberts, Milanville

Ethan Stankowski, Clarks Summit

Logan Edward Treat, Falls

Colin Vrabel, Old Forge

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Building & Property Maintenance

Marcello Tindaro Caminiti, Moscow

Aaron Evans, Scranton

David V. King, Scranton

Caden H. Roach, Union Dale

MaKayla L. Wright, Scranton

Industrial Technology

Steven Michael Fredrick Barone, Hawley

Silas Colon, Beaver Meadows

Welding Technology

Jordan K. Banks, Scranton

Richard Beccaloni, Clarks Summit

George Ellis, Scranton

Christopher J. Evancho, Rock Glen

Schrece Esprit Graff, Old Forge

Alexander Johnson, Scranton

Jordan Levine-Smith, Scranton

Gage J. Martinez, Olyphant

Shelby Mowery, Berwick

Alexander Salazar, Scranton

Heatherette Scala, Old Forge

Justin A. Vantuyl, Shohola

Dylan Zullo, McAdoo

College Sees 32% Enrollment Increase Year-over-Year, 6th Consecutive Year of Record Enrollment to Address Industry’s Demand for Skilled Workforce

Johnson College proudly announces a remarkable milestone as it experiences its sixth consecutive year of record enrollment, with overall student numbers surging by an impressive 32% year over year. This unprecedented growth underscores the increasing interest and value in the College’s hands-on, industry-immersed, career-focused education across all its 18 programs.

“A sixth consecutive year of record enrollment is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the quality of our programs, and the increasing recognition of the value of a Johnson College hands-on, technical education.” Said Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs at Johnson College, “The College’s growth at both of its campuses is not only a sign of its success but also a promising indicator of the future of technical education and its role in shaping our future skilled workforce.”

Johnson College offers a range of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s industries. With state-of-the-art classrooms and labs and strong industry partnerships, students have access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for real-world experience. The College’s focus on technical education ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adept at applying their skills to help build strong regional and national industries.

“We’re excited to welcome such a diverse and talented group of students into all our programs,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “As industry demands continue to evolve, Johnson College will continue to answer the call for our highly skilled technicians and technologists. With the growth of high-demand technical careers showing no signs of slowing, we will continue to work with our employer partners to ensure our students are equipped for career success and ready to meet the future head-on.”

The College’s commitment to its students and industry partners is evident in these exceptional enrollment increases. Programs are preparing students for industries experiencing faster-than-average national 10-year growth trends, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Notably, these include Veterinary Nursing (21% increase), Medical Equipment Repair (13% increase), and HVAC and Electrical Construction (6% increase) industries. Some Johnson College enrollment highlights include:

  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology: Enrollment has risen by 10% from the previous year, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this essential field.
  • Electrical Construction Technology: This program has seen a 35% increase, highlighting the burgeoning demand for highly trained residential and commercial electricians, and industrial engineering technicians.
  • Architectural Drafting and Design Technology: Enrollment has surged by 57%, marking one of the most significant growth areas driven by the expanding architectural and design industry.
  • Aviation Technology: In its second year, this program has experienced a 32% increase in enrollment, demonstrating the clear demand for well-trained aviation technicians in an industry facing a shrinking workforce.
  • Biomedical Equipment Technology: The 43% rise in enrollment reflects the heightened interest in the Healthcare Technology Management industry.
  • Electronic Engineering Technology: This program’s 17% growth demonstrates ongoing enthusiasm for careers in electronic instrumentation and related fields.
  • Veterinary Nursing: A 56% increase in enrollment highlights the growing passion for animal care and veterinary sciences.
  • Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology: Enrollment has risen by 28%, signaling continued robust interest in skilled trades and manufacturing.

Additionally, Johnson College has seen a notable increase year-to-year in enrollment from various age groups:

  • Directly from high school: 11%
  • Ages 19-21: 35%
  • Ages 22+: 23%
  • Ages 25+: 13%

Johnson College is excited to welcome a diverse group of students this academic year and looks forward to continuing its commitment to being the leader in hands-on, industry-focused education in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Cruise Night on Campus with Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc

Cruise Night on Campus, in partnership with the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc., will take place Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Johnson College’s Scranton campus from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All unique, rare, custom, hot rod, and collector vehicles can start rolling in at 3:00 p.m. to be lined up on the campus’s front lawn. Spectator admission is free, and there is no vehicle entry fee.

Enjoy a family-friendly evening with cars, music, food, a 50/50 raffle, and giveaways! All proceeds benefit Johnson College. 

For more details, contact Johnson College’s Manager of Fundraising Events, Patty DeScipio, at pdescipio@johnson.edu or 570-702-8860.

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 Pittelli, 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 Pittelli 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.

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.

Johnson College Hazleton Holds First-Ever Open House on July 27

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its first-ever student and community Open House on Thursday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the CAN DO Training Center inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. The event welcomes all interested students and community members eager to see the progress of the new college campus.

All visitors must register to attend the Open House by visiting johnson.edu/openhousehazleton or contacting Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions with interested students 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 their programs’ specifics with students and the community.

Now Enrolling Students in Basic Maintenance Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its next Basic Maintenance course offered on the College’s Scranton campus. The course will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning on July 10, 2023, to August 16, 2023, and cost $500.

This 48-hour non-credit certificate course is designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand field of maintenance and repair. Students will learn basic maintenance and repair skills required in the upkeep of building and property systems. Instructional topics include areas such as tools, equipment, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, pest control, weatherization, and painting.

To learn more or enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/, call 570-702-8979, or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College to Host Transfer Day on May 24, 2023

Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 12 to 3 p.m. on its campus in Scranton, PA. The College is encouraging current college students that are interested in changing the direction of their education and, ultimately, their career path to visit its campus.

Students will meet with Enrollment, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Counseling and Disability Services representatives. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on-hand for transfer credit analyses and review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Students will learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in in-demand industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term. 

To attend Transfer Day at Johnson College, students must register online at https://johnson.edu/transfer/ or contact the College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8856.