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

Carbondale Area Students Dive into Exciting STEM Education with After-School Program with Johnson College

Carbondale Area School District, in partnership with Johnson College, is offering 7th and 8th-grade students an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through a dynamic after-school program. This three-day-a-week, five-week program brings real-world STEM concepts to life, helping students gain valuable skills while exploring new career paths.

Under the guidance of Dr. Samantha Masco, a Science and STEM Teacher at Carbondale Area, and instructors from Johnson College, the program offers hands-on lessons in robotics, 3D printing, electrical engineering, and architectural drafting. The curriculum is specifically designed to meet the students’ grade-level needs while encouraging them to think critically and creatively.

“Through the partnership with Johnson College, our students are learning critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will carry them through high school and beyond,” said Dr. Samantha Masco. “These 21st-century skills are essential for success, and we are fortunate to live in a community where our students receive such strong support from the school district, the city, and local organizations.”

Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement at Johnson College, highlighted the broader vision for the program. “Our goal is to help students gain confidence in their STEM abilities and inspire them to pursue higher education in these fields. Whether they continue their education at Johnson College or elsewhere, we’re introducing them to topics and skills they might not have encountered in their traditional school curriculum,” Frank said. “It’s amazing to watch the ‘lightbulb moment’ when a student masters a new skill, and you can see the excitement in their eyes.”

As the program continues, students gain a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and begin to see how these skills can be applied to real-world challenges. The hands-on nature of the program also better prepares students to consider potential careers in high-demand industries, both locally and globally.

Mayor Michele Bannon of the City of Carbondale also expressed her excitement about the program. “I love this program simply because it’s a collaboration between two places close to my heart—Carbondale Area School District and Johnson College. Through its hands-on approach, students can dive right in, explore what they enjoy, and gain skills that will impact their futures. These could even lead to future opportunities at local businesses like Pleasant Mount Welding, Hendrick, and Gentex, helping students make a meaningful connection to their community.”

About Carbondale Area School District

The Carbondale Area School District provides students with a safe learning environment that promotes academic excellence for all learners. Students will have the opportunity to work in an engaging and academically stimulating environment. Teachers will be provided with the necessary resources to provide effective instruction, professional collaboration, and ongoing learning through professional development opportunities. The district will maintain communication and essential partnerships with parents and community members to strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our students.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 15 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, 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.

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.

Johnson College Receives $2,000 Contribution for the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship

Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association recently presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to support the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two students in the Automotive Technology Program for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association was established in 1975 and has been funding the scholarship at Johnson College since 2009. The club raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot throughout the year.

Pictured from left to right: John Gall, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Chip Bell, President, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Jim Williams ’00, Automotive Technology Program Director, Johnson College; John Coleman, ’80, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Matt Salvia, Secretary, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; and Tom Lello, Treasurer, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association.

College to Host 2023 Fall Open House

Johnson College will hold an on-campus Open House on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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.

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.

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.

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.