Tomorrow Makers: A Penn College Podcast

In this episode, we talk with our Director of Radiography, Chris Eckenrod, about the endless opportunities in radiography. She shares her route from the clinical world to higher education, what it takes to be a successful radiographer, and what she loves most about the program at Penn College. We learn about the differences between radiology and radiography, explore the role physics plays in the p...

We couldn't have timed this one better! Instructor Kendra Tomassacci sat down with us to discuss Engineering Design Technology—the latest Penn College program to receive ABET accreditation. When we spoke, the news wasn't finalized yet so we didn’t mention it in the recording. However, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this accreditation and what it means for our students and graduates. We h...

As we kick off the first week of classes at Penn College, we're thrilled to share a conversation with Kaysey Beury, Coordinator of Success Solutions at the Michael J. Hudock, Sr. Center for Academic Excellence. Fortunately, we caught up with her before the semester began—because we’re certain she’s incredibly busy connecting with new students. Go Kaysey! If you're unsure about the support systems...

In this special summer edition of the Tomorrow Makers podcast, we’re featuring the second of two episodes of WildCast, the new podcast from Penn College Wildcat Athletics. Host Matt Blymier chats with scholar-athletes of the year, Walt Heiser and Kayleigh Miller. Listen to all Wildcast episodes at pctwildcats.com/wildcast .

In this episode, we’re featuring the first of two episodes of Penn College Wildcat Athletics' new podcast, aptly named WildCast. This one features players of the year Livingston Cross and Megan Kurian. If you listened to our episode with Women’s Soccer Coach Ian Scheller—season 3, episode 9—you might recall his story about how Megan dissects bananas before eating them on the tour bus. Megan gives...

Meet Chuck Crews, our assistant director of secondary partnerships. In this episode, we talk about the value of early experiences including dual enrollment and how those opportunities pave the way for future students to earn credits before their first semester. As a first-generation college graduate, Chuck knows firsthand the challenges students face when stepping into higher education. Now, he’s...

When a number of students asked to have their instructor on the podcast, we had to say, “yes!” On this episode, we meet Rick Crossen, information technology faculty, and learn about the endless ways he embraces the Penn College community and is motivated to enhance the student experience. We chat about everything from his approach to instruction to the importance of his role in governance to his i...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Giordano, former ROTC Bald Eagle Battalion Commander and construction management student, to explore the intersection of leadership, discipline, and hands-on learning. Michael talks through his decision to pursue ROTC, the challenges and rewards of balancing military training with academics, and how his experiences in both fields are shaping him into a fut...

She's on a mission to restore a 1971 Land Rover to factory condition. And she's given herself less than a year to do it. Possible? Those who know Automotive Restoration student Sarah Crabtree, will say 'yes' without hesitation. After law school didn't go her way, Sarah changed course and came to Penn College. Following her passion for restoring Land Rovers, she crafted a one-of-a-kind learning opp...

The electrical programs at Penn College are some of the first to fill in the fall. The more we spoke with Assistant Professor, Eric Anstadt, the easier it was to come up with countless reasons why. From the innovative curricula to the brand-new lab spaces, there's a lot to love about electrical at Penn College. On top of that, Eric brings a true passion for his work that's ever present in our conv...

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Stabler, a Penn College graduate in plastics and polymer engineering technology and the Vice President of Operations and Innovation at SEKISUI KYDEX. Sean shares how his lifelong passion for hands-on learning and problem-solving shaped his journey as an engineer and leader. He offers insights on servant leadership, the evolving role of sustainability in manuf...

With the temperatures dipping into the single digits on campus, it seemed like an ideal time to catch up with Jason Embick, Executive Director of the Clean Energy Center. In this comprehensive conversation, we learned a lot about how the center helps businesses and homeowners reduce energy demands, boost efficiency, and lower consumption costs. Join us for an informative episode that will have you...

Like all life experiences, college is what you make of it. Sure, you'll takeaway technical skills and foundational lessons. But the full-college experience stretches beyond what happens in labs and lectures. Determined to maximize his time at Penn College, Samir does more than seek out opportunities to be a part of our community. He aims to influence campus culture while fine tuning a signature le...

Listen to the full episode at https://www.pct.edu/podcast/lasada_pippen_all_grit_no_quit . In honor of First-Generation College Student Week, Lasada Pippen joined us to celebrate what's possible when you turn obstacles into challenges. His story of perseverance is a real-world example of what happens when you show up and fight for your passion. He rose from humble beginnings surrounded by crime an...

Listen to the full episode at https://www.pct.edu/podcast/dr_brian_mckeon_learn_to_learn . If this conversation doesn't inspire you to seek new opportunities to expand your horizon, we don't know what will. Brian's approach to life doesn't follow the straight-and-narrow path. His far-reaching interests led him to earn a master's degree in biological sciences and a doctorate in philosophy and medic...

Working in the Public Relations & Marketing department at Penn College, we often get a front-row seat to a constellation of superstar students. Welding and fabrication engineering technology graduate Nate Lyon was one of those shining examples—always first in line to help with a photo, video, or voiceover project. As a student, he served as an admissions tour guide, resident assistant, new stu...

We couldn't have planned this one better. Wildcats women's soccer coach Ian Scheller sat down with us to reflect on his team's groundbreaking season. He spills all of his secrets to success (OK, maybe not all of them) and we catch him off guard with a few surprise questions from his players. This episode is an excellent reflection on what it takes to build a successful team dynamic on and off the...

What do physics professor Dr. Dave Richards and CNC machining and automation instructor Bryan Schaefer have in common? They both enjoy exploring the magic of the night's sky. We brought together two wildly curious minds for a conversation that covers everything from time machines and astrophotography to brewing and their history as a teacher and student. When we recorded this, Bryan was employed a...

In honor of First-Generation College Student Week, Lasada Pippen joined us to celebrate what's possible when you turn obstacles into challenges. His story of perseverance is a real-world example of what happens when you show up and fight for your passion. He rose from humble beginnings surrounded by crime and chaos to a professional speaking career that has given him countless opportunities to ign...

We were gifted the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Kerry Magro to discuss his transformative journey from a non-speaking individual with autism to an award-winning professional speaker and best-selling author. While on campus to deliver the keynote address for our 2024 Transition Conference , Kerry graciously carved out time to inspire us with his story while inviting our audience to consider the...

Lauryn returned to campus for Wildcat Weekend and we snagged her to chat about her latest career move. In a series of full-circle moments, we discuss her career and technical education pathway to Penn College and her decision to teach at the same CTC she attended not too long ago. Shout out to Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School (BAVTS)! After an action-packed weekend down memory lane, Laur...

If this conversation doesn't inspire you to seek new opportunities to expand your horizon, we don't know what will. Brian's approach to life doesn't follow the straight-and-narrow path. His far-reaching interests led him to earn a master's degree in biological sciences and a doctorate in philosophy and medical ethics. Now in his 19th year of teaching at Penn College, Brian has taken courses in eve...

It's the "Jen & Gerry Show!" And we can't think of a better way to kick off this semester's series of podcasts. Both humanities instructors at Penn College, the dynamic duo brings a passion for teaching, love of travel, and an itch for playing pranks. They shared their journeys to Penn College, what they appreciate most about their teaching roles, and kept us on our toes with a flavor of light...

Opportunities in the field of welding are far and wide. In this episode, we tap the knowledge and expertise of co-department head and welding instructor Mike Allen. We learn about his underwater welding experience, chat about his involvement with the massive welding expansion project, explore opportunities for female students, and discuss how Mike and team ensure the largest program on campus rema...

We welcomed our first-ever repeat staff guest to the podcast—Dr. Nate Woods, Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation at Penn College. Nate has a way of lifting up those around him. Us included! This episode touches on so many topics from the podcast he's planning with his sister and Nate's soon-to-be released book to how he navigates imposter syndrome and the value of...