Marywood University and PA State Police Academy Celebrate Milestone of First Graduate Marywood University celebrated a significant milestone as Pennsylvania State Trooper David Kuzmick became the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice through the Marywood–Pennsylvania State Police Academy Partnership. The ceremony took place at the Pacer Statue on Marywood’s campus. Trooper Kuzmick received his degree from Marywood University President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. Patrick Seffrin, Ph.D., Marywood Professor and Director of its Center for Law, Justice and Policy, and Trooper Clint Long, Recruitment Program Coordinator, were also on hand to commemorate this achievement. The partnership enables eligible Criminal Justice majors to complete their bachelor’s degree while training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Students earn 30 undergraduate credits upon successful Academy completion, which are applied directly to Criminal Justice elective requirements. The Pennsylvania State Police maintain full authority over Academy admissions, training, and graduation, and participation in the partnership does not guarantee Academy admission, appointment, or employment. Dr. Seffrin explained how the partnership allows students to combine their academic education with professional training. “Students who are in Marywood’s bachelor’s program for Criminal Justice and have completed these 90 credits can then apply to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the Academy, they receive an additional 30 credits to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Dr. Seffrin said. “Essentially, during their senior year, they will be at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the program, they receive their bachelor’s degree and become a state trooper.” President Lori highlighted the importance of the milestone, noting that “this partnership creates new possibilities for those committed to public service by connecting rigorous Academy preparation with a Marywood education.” She added that Trooper Kuzmick’s accomplishment “reflects academic commitment, professional preparation, and service to the Commonwealth.” To be eligible, students must: Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Marywood University Have completed at least 90 undergraduate credits before applying to the Academy Be at least 20 years of age at the time of Academy application Meet all Pennsylvania State Police Academy admission requirements Successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy Trooper Kuzmick is the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice under this model, marking a meaningful step forward in the University’s efforts to strengthen connections among higher education, law enforcement, and public service.
NRG Controls celebrating 50 years of innovation, service & growth NRG Controls is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of innovation, customer service and growth in the building automation industry. Founded in 1976 by Tom McClay in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, NRG Controls began as a small automatic temperature controls (ATC) contractor with four employees. Five decades later, the company has grown into a full-service building systems integrator serving customers across Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, and Ohio. “I was a little reluctant to start the company,” recalled McClay, who spent the first 32 years of NRG Controls’ history helping shape its culture, values, and vision before retiring in 2008. “I was 27 years old at the time, had a wife and a small child, but still had that spirit that led me to do it in the first place.” Today, NRG Controls employs nearly 200 professionals at four branch offices and serves more than 300 customers. The company provides integrated building system solutions that help organizations operate smarter, safer and more efficiently, including building automation systems (BAS), security and access control, fire alarm and life safety systems, lighting controls, energy management and service and preventative maintenance programs. “Reaching 50 years in business is more than a milestone for NRG Controls,” said Dave Sholtis, Chief Executive Officer. “It is a reflection of our loyal customers, employees and partners who have placed their trust in us. Our success was built on relationships, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering value. As we celebrate the company’s history, we are also focused on implementing the next generation of solutions and opportunities for our customers and employees.” Throughout its history, NRG Controls has continually adapted to the evolving building automation industry. What began as a building controls company has expanded to encompass security, life safety, lighting, energy management and other integrated solutions designed to help organizations manage increasingly complex facilities. The 50th anniversary comes during a period of continued momentum for the company. Recent milestones include the acquisition of Nexgen Automation in Harrisburg, expansion into new territories and the addition of new services. These efforts have strengthened NRG Controls’ ability to serve education, healthcare, government, commercial, industrial and institutional customers with integrated building system solutions.
Geisinger School Of Medicine, NEPA Health Care Foundation Celebrate Milestones The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently held their annual reception to review the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting medical students committed to serving the healthcare needs of Northeastern Pennsylvania. In October 2014, the board of the NEPA HCF approved a grant to GSCOM (formerly The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. To date a total of twenty student scholarships have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. This year the NEPA HCF renewed their scholarship support for the next three years. The renewed scholarship support will be awarded to 2-3 students per year over the next 3 years and will support an additional 6-9 students. “Investing in future physicians who are committed to serving Northeastern Pennsylvania is an investment in the long-term health and well-being of our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, administrator of the NEPA Health Care Foundation and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are helping to support students who want to build their careers here and strengthen healthcare access across our region for years to come.” The reception also focused on the group’s annual report, detailing the program’s achievements. Key accomplishments include the continued support of students through substantial scholarship awards and the reinforcement of partnerships aimed at enhancing healthcare access in the region. “The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program is a wonderful example of how strategic philanthropy and medical education can work together to strengthen our region’s healthcare system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger Commonwealth president and dean. “By investing in our students and encouraging them to stay and practice in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re building a healthier future—one physician at a time.” First row Left to Right: Dr. Peter Cognetti, Board Chair, Dr. Julie Byerley, President of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Dr. Kristen Richards, Caitlin Doughton, Alexis Blackburn, Evan Florey, Catherine Mihalick and Dr. Joseph Bannon, Second Row Left to Right: Dr. Jason Woloski, Laura Ducceschi, President/CEO of the Scranton Area Foundation, Dr. Shubhra Shetty, Tonyehn Verkitus, Atty. Joseph Burke, Michael Cordaro, Dr. Patrick Connors, Thomas Tulaney, Michael Clemente and Atty. Terrence Nealon
Crystal Windows Celebrates 35th Anniversary National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is marking its 35th anniversary since the company started. The company was founded by Taiwanese-American immigrant Thomas Chen, who came to the United States at 27, speaking no English and with no formal education beyond high school. After spending his first few years here working for others in a variety of jobs, Chen launched Crystal Windows in a small commercial garage in Queens, NY, in 1990, and the rest is history. Today Crystal Windows has over one million square feet of production space in five major factories across the country and employs more than 750 workers. “I started Crystal Windows because I believed home and building owners deserved a quality replacement window that was affordable and would last,” said Chen. “Today our team continues that tradition, designing and producing a broad array of new products that meet today’s stringent energy codes and deliver high quality, all in the most cost-effective manner.” The first event commemorating the 35th anniversary this year was held on Saturday, May 3, for Crystal employees, their families, and other guests. Approximately 800 people attended a celebratory gala in Queens, featuring music, dancing, and a traditional multi-course Asian banquet. Several elected officials also attended to congratulate Crystal on its achievements, and New York Governor Hochul’s Regional Director Aaron Ambrose presented a citation of accomplishment to Crystal Chairman Thomas Chen and CEO Jeffrey Smith. Crystal’s original product line consisted of a simple aluminum replacement window for the New York City apartment house market. Today, Crystal offers over 25 lines of vinyl, aluminum, and uPVC commercial vinyl windows and doors for residential and commercial applications all over the nation. Already extruding vinyl window components in-house, the company vertically integrated further in 2003 with the purchase and expansion of its Union, MO, aluminum profile extruder Gateway Extrusions. Besides launching three additional window production facilities, Crystal has also expanded its in-house engineering, design consulting, product testing, and field services to meet the demands of complex new construction projects requiring custom solutions. Crystal has supplied its quality products for some of the most notable projects across the country, including: the historic OMNI Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC; the expansive city-within-a-city development Harbor Point in Stamford, CT; top security Point Loma Naval Base in San Diego, CA; hotel chains Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt; and universities in New York, Florida, Michigan, Texas, and Missouri. “Crystal has a long history of strong growth for more than three decades and the company shows no signs of stopping,” said CEO Jeffrey Smith. “There are many new products in development, and plans are underway for new production facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in North Carolina. These new products and plants will help Crystal meet its future growth in exciting new markets.”
JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting Celebrates Milestone Anniversary JAN-PRO Franchise Development in NEPA/Lehigh Valley celebrated its 15th anniversary on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Owned by Stephen and Lori Zirnheld, JAN-PRO Franchise Development in NEPA/Lehigh Valley, has been helping individuals start their own JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting franchise businesses since 2008. These independent commercial cleaning business owners offer commercial cleaning services to local businesses in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, and Carbon Counties. “We are excited to be celebrating our 15-year anniversary helping the community in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Lehigh Valley Areas,” said Stephen Zirnheld owner and president of JAN-PRO Franchise Development in NEPA/Lehigh Valley. “We would like to thank these customers for their support and business, our JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting certified business owners for their professionalism and cleaning services, and our Regional Development team members for their constant drive for excellence. We look forward to seeing what the future holds. Thank you to everyone involved in our business.”
HNB Celebrates 185 Years of Supporting Local Communities On December 26 The Honesdale National Bank officially celebrated 185 years in business. The Bank recognizes the milestone as an example of its achievements, but considers it more a testament to its ability to support the financial needs of the local area for years to come. Earlier in December, Thomas E. Sheridan, Jr. rejoined HNB to reprise his role as president and CEO of the oldest financial institution headquartered in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Back at the helm, his sights are set on establishing the course for the Bank’s promising future by harnessing tradition. The historical financial institution based in Honesdale, Pa has done anything but remain stagnant since its inception, often bringing the first of improved customer experience offerings to the area such as the first TV Auto Bank Drive-Up system in 1968, to its most recent deployment of a checking product suite that focuses on benefits that enable their customers to take advantage of all aspects of their life, including protection, wellness and promotion of shopping in our local communities through exclusive deals and discounts. “The benefits that community banks bring to the areas we serve is a point of pride,” said Sheridan. “The directors, management team, and staff at HNB have done an outstanding job in moving the bank forward. They have targeted their efforts on helping our area to prosper by focusing on what is best for our customers. In each and every role, HNB’s people are truly concerned with assisting our customers and willing to provide the extra effort to help.” Sheridan believes that bankers serve a unique and important role in helping communities grow. Ultimately, aiming to elevate all of the factors that make our communities such a desirable place to live, play and work In the Bank’s historic service span, Sheridan noted there have been many extreme challenges to the economy. He shared how HNB not only persevered, but more importantly, helped improve many difficult situations for local businesses and families to help the area forge new beginnings. “Experience has taught us that the greatest innovations are often the result of the need to overcome some significant challenge. The pandemic has forced many of us to face changes. With many people being relieved of the need to live within commuting distance of work, our area is now a residential option for telecommuting. We are very fortunate to live in an area that still embraces the spirit of community. We look forward to providing banking services for the business opportunities of an expanding area and new customers providing that growth,” he said. “The HNB team spends their time and talents thinking of ways for the Bank to better meet the needs of our customers at every stage of life,” said Sheridan. Facing what could be a turbulent year ahead with prospects of inflation, recessions, regulatory scrutiny and more, HNB bodes confidence in its service model as it also prepares to crest $1 billion in assets. Echoing the steps that have been taken in recent years by the Bank’s leadership team, Sheridan stated, “We will continue our quest to stay ahead of the technology curve. With each advancement in technology the ease, speed and security of meeting our customer’s needs is improved and with that comes a better banking experience. Most importantly, we will not lose sight that personal service will always be important in meeting our customer’s needs.” “Our concern for the wellbeing of the people and businesses who bank with us has been the foundation upon which we have built such a long history,” Sheridan said. “This is the standard that has been set and passed on throughout the years among employees and board members. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to contribute to progressing that mission.”
