Johnson College Announces 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.
Johnson College and CAN DO Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Grand Opening 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.
Johnson College to Host Regional College Fair Johnson College is hosting the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre College Fair on Wednesday, October 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center Gym on the College’s Scranton campus. This public event will give attendees the chance to learn more about local colleges and universities, connect with admission representatives from across the region, and have questions about everything from academics to campus life answered. Participating schools include Johnson College, Keystone College, Kings College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State Scranton, University of Scranton, and Wilkes University. To register for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre College Fair, visit Johnson.edu/collegefair or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. 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 18 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.
Johnson College Offers 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 course, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation. 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 18 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.
Johnson College Hazleton Now Enrolling Students in 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 http://johnson.edu/continuing-education/ 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 18 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.
Johnson College Now Enrolling Students in CDL Driver Training Course Johnson College in partnership with Ancora Education is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on September 18, 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 Hosts Celebration of Industry to Honor Industry Champion and Support Students Johnson College hosted its inaugural Celebration of Industry at its Scranton campus on Thursday, September 7, to celebrate the unique relationship between the College and its industry partners. Proceeds from the signature fundraising event exceeded $100,000 and will benefit the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign to improve programs and facilities for student success. The College honored David F. Boniello ’84, president of Simplex Industries, during the event for his leadership and contributions to, and on behalf of, Johnson College and the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. He was awarded the President’s Spirit of Giving award by Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. This award is an artistic representation of industry, community, and education made of steel and welded together in a flowing design. It was created by the College’s Welding Technology Program Director, Tony DeLucca, and welding instructors, Ben Lipperini and Josh Perniciaro. The event featured cocktails and dinner before beginning the award segment of the evening where members of Johnson College and Simplex Industries communities introduced Mr. Boniello including Dr. Leonard, J. Patrick Dietz, Senior Vice President of People’s Security Bank and Trust and Chairperson of Johnson College’s Board of Directors, and Pat Fricchione Jr., CEO and General Partner of Simplex Homes. “When you work alongside Dave in any way, you have a friend for life. Someone who will cheerlead, advocate, and be brutally honest as needed,” said Dr. Leonard. More than 240 industry leaders, government officials, industry and community partners, and supporters of Johnson College joined the College in celebration as Dr. Leonard proudly bestowed the award on Mr. Boniello. “As we think of Dave, he embodies all that this award represents – he gives so generously of his time, talent, and treasure,” she said. After graduating from Johnson College’s Building Construction Technology program in 1984, Mr. Boniello became an active member of the College. He participated in Program Advisory Committees, became the first alum to be named Chair of the Board of Directors in 2016, and is now serving as Chair of the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign In addition to his commitment to the College, Boniello has served Simplex Industries for over 30 years, climbing the ranks to his current role as President. He was an instrumental part of the company’s efforts to launch its own retail division for home sales called Cornerstone Building Solutions Inc. of which he also serves as President. Mr. Boniello is also a former board member of the Lackawanna Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with the Women’s Resource Center Golf Tournament Committee. “I am truly honored and humbled at being selected with this honor by the College,” said Mr. Boniello. “It has been very rewarding to me personally and professionally to be able to work with the College and help support the programs and efforts given by everyone.” Simplex Industries has been an industry partner with Johnson College for over 25 years. The relationship between these organizations continues to thrive with support from Mr. Boniello while it benefits both organizations and most importantly, the local community.
Johnson College Celebrates NEPA RISE Program Readiness In Skilled Employment has accepted its largest class size to date. Twenty-three individuals began classes last week as part of NEPA RISE Cohort 3 at Johnson College’s campus in Scranton, a class size that has nearly tripled since the program’s launch in January of 2022. NEPA RISE is a pilot program that integrates sector-based occupational skills training with executive skills coaching and support services. The program model integrates demand-driven training with courses and coaching designed to support the development of executive function (self-regulating) skills. We strive to lift participants out of poverty and into sustainable, living-wage jobs with benefits. “This program gives me and my kids a future,” shared a recent NEPA RISE graduate. The program supports participants with a variety of supports to ensure their unique success and help them reach both short terms, such as completing an academic course, and long term goals, such as building a career that offers a sustainable quality of life. “When you are living paycheck to paycheck, it’s hard to step out of your comfort zone and try to build yourself something new. NEPA RISE surrounds our students with the support to make the transition to a new career attainable,” shared Liz Finley, Program Director for NEPA RISE. Throughout the program, participants will have access and funded a variety of supports, such as transportation, childcare, technology, supplemental tutoring, referrals for health services, assistance maintaining or obtaining suitable housing, among others.
Johnson College 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.
Johnson College to Host Instant Enrollment Decision Day Johnson College is hosting an Instant Decision Day for prospective students on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend, visit johnson.edu/instant. During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective students with an immediate enrollment decision. Students must supply their high school and/or college transcripts. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes a Johnson College application before attending. Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.