Johnson College officially opened its Transportation Technology Center at 814 Wyoming Ave. in Scranton during a grand opening and press conference Thursday. The center is giving students in the College’s transportation programs expanded opportunities to learn and train in a facility designed for the work they will encounter in the field.

Students began taking classes and working in the Transportation Technology Center when the fall semester started Aug. 31. The 8,700-square-foot center is home to the College’s one-year Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology certificate program, two-year Diesel Truck Technology associate degree program and portions of the two-year Automotive Technology associate degree program.

The center gives students access to fully equipped bays, diesel engines, trucks, automotive systems and the tools and equipment they will encounter in the workforce. Students apply what they learn in the classroom through hands-on projects involving engines, preventive maintenance, repairs, diagnostics and automotive systems.

“Today, we celebrate more than a building. We celebrate opportunity. We celebrate progress. And we celebrate the future of transportation technology,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “The Transportation Technology Center is a statement of our commitment to hands-on, industry-driven education that prepares students for meaningful, in-demand careers.”

The center also strengthens the College’s connection with transportation industry employers. Companies including Kenworth of Pennsylvania, International with Allegiance Trucks and Cummins work with Johnson College to help ensure its curriculum reflects current industry needs and emerging technologies.

“This building gives our programs the space and resources to take learning to the next level,” said Elliot Harvey, program director of the Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology and Diesel Truck Technology programs at Johnson College. “Students have access to fully equipped bays, real diesel engines and the tools they will use in the field.”

The Transportation Technology Center also continues Scranton’s long history with the transportation industry. The Wyoming Avenue neighborhood has long been connected to automotive and transportation businesses, and the center brings that history together with the future of technical education.

Benjamin Highhouse, chief operating officer at Marshall Machinery Inc., said the center provides students with experience that is valuable to employers throughout the region.

“Students gain both technical knowledge and hands-on experience that is highly valuable to employers across Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond,” Highhouse said. “By providing modern bays, equipment and workspaces, Johnson College strengthens the pipeline of skilled technicians who support local businesses and keep our industry competitive.”

SCRANTON, Pa (Oct. 27, 2026) – Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, October 27, 2026, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 72 scholarships. Jewel Amoroso, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program and recipient of the John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, served as the student speaker at the event.

“My goal is to use the knowledge and skills I’m gaining at Johnson College to make sure that equipment is safe and reliable. My hope is not only to become a professional, but to make a positive impact through my work,” Jewel said.

She shared that the generosity of scholarship donors and the support of Johnson College allow her to create a better future, not just for herself, but for the people who will benefit from the students work.

The event also featured keynote speaker Betsy Summers, Treasurer of the Northeast Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, who spoke on behalf of the North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship.

Presenting sponsors of the event included Cardinal LG and SIMONA AMERICA Industries.

The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., chief academic officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included:

AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Lance Conklin;

Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Brianna Kocher, Karen Martinez, Niko Saldukas, and Andre Trojan;

Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Evan Kilgore;

Bartolai Family Scholarship, Ashton Labert;

Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Kaylin Chaney;

John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Jewel Amoroso and Layanna Andujar;

Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Timothy Flanagan and Corey Machmer;

Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Andrew Kondisko;

Hilda Dakey and Harry Dakey Memorial Scholarship, Eliza Collins, Enmanuel Echavarria, Ruddy Jimenez Peralta, Halie Longobardi, and Jason Rodney;

Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, William Dotzel;

P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Charles Tartaglia;

John T. Gerod Scholarship, Mason Thomas;

Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Devon Anderson;

Hawk Family Foundation Scholarship, Luke Hoats and Abigail Trowbridge;

Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Carlos Martinez;

Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Madyson Martinelli;

HVAC Refrigerant Recycling Initiative Scholarship, Aidan Graff;

Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, William Chupko;

Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Aidan Graff and Breanna Perini;

Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Brittany Bella and Kaitlyn Miner;

Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Krista Dudeck, Anastasia Lehman, Maureen Newcomb, Zachary Wilbur;

Johnson College Richmond Merit Award, Austin Fortney, Evalin Owens;

Johnson College Technology Merit Award, James Eckmeder, John Plumey;

Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Jessica Bostjancic;

William Lesik Memorial Scholarship, Donald Church, Lydia Gilson;

Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Kynan Longworth;

F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Ethan Howe;

MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Jackson McHugh, Kahlil Williams;

Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, John Juarez;

North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship, Estelle Shingler;

John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Macian Knott;

Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Alyssa Hart, Laila Valree;

Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, Xavier Arzola;

John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship, Kiley Williams;

Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Eagon, Julius Kornafel;

Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Erith Marmolejos-Hernandez, Xavier Noel;

Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Ian DeAngelis, Brendan Galimi;

Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Andrew Baker, Landyn Termini;

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Gavin Waibel;

Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Jessica Bostjancic;

James E. Sweeney Memorial Scholarship, Felix Peraza;

Dr. Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Ryan Murray;

Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Jayson Lambert;

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Jamal Benedict, John Silvi;

Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Maureen Newcomb, Veronica Roca Ruano;

Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Blake Labar.

Johnson College is expanding opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in welding by offering its one-year Welding Technology Academic Certificate program during evening hours at both its Scranton and Hazleton campuses beginning in spring 2027.

The new evening option is designed to provide greater flexibility for working adults and others who may find it difficult to attend classes during the day, allowing them to pursue an education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Students will receive hands-on training in welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, while developing the technical skills and safety practices needed to pursue entry-level welding careers in manufacturing, construction, and other industries.

The evening program also provides an opportunity for individuals looking to change careers or develop new skills without putting their current employment on hold.

Enrollment is now open for the spring 2027 semester. Individuals interested in learning more about the program or Johnson College can visit johnson.edu/inquire, email enroll@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8856

Johnson College faculty members Rick Fornes and Mathew Cirba have received the Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award for their commitment to teaching excellence, inspiring students, and fostering a positive, dynamic hands-on learning environment.

Fornes, ’94, division chair, Electronic & Industrial, and program director of Electronic Engineering Technology, received the award in fall 2025. Cirba, ’09, program director and instructor of Computer Information Technology, received the award in fall 2026.

As part of the recognition, award recipients serve as grand marshal of the College’s commencement ceremony, leading the processional into the ceremony and the recessional at its conclusion. Fornes served as grand marshal for Johnson College’s 107th Annual Commencement Ceremony in 2026. Cirba will serve as grand marshal for the College’s 108th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 12, 2027.

The award honors Andrew Zwanch, a 1982 Johnson College graduate who dedicated 37 years to the College as an employee, beginning in 1988. Zwanch retired in 2025.

During his career at Johnson College, Zwanch taught students preparing for careers in manufacturing and machining and played an integral role in shaping the College’s hands-on approach to technical education. He also served as an academic adviser for a period.

The Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to a member of the Johnson College faculty who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in teaching, inspires students, and fosters a positive, dynamic learning environment.

Johnson College received a $5,000 grant from the Fastenal BK5K Youth Fund Committee to support the College’s Girls on Fire events. Girls on Fire is a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to explore career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields.

The event is an integral part of the College’s Women in Industry Initiative and is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The Girls on Fire event includes tours of Johnson College’s campuses, presentations about industry experiences from women working in non-traditional STEM fields, and hands-on activities related to many of the programs offered at the College.

Fastenal’s support helps Johnson College continue its mission to inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM and the trades. By connecting students with real-world experiences and industry professionals, the College aims to break down barriers and empower the next generation of women in technical fields.

The BK5K, a 5-kilometer road race and walk, is held to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth programs. All proceeds support local youth organizations/programs that demonstrate financial need, where races are held. Learn more at https://www.bk5k.com/.