WILLIAMSPORT – Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), as chairman of the Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors, extended his congratulations today to three graduates who exemplify the school’s resourceful and engineering spirit.
Caila Nicole Flanagan, Franchesca Cheyenne Ybarra and Charlee Marshall each earned bachelor’s degrees during commencement ceremonies that honored the last of 750 students who graduated this spring.
“These bright young women represent the best of Penn College’s legacy as an institution that has uplifted its community and trained tomorrow’s workforce for more than a century,” Yaw said. “Caila, Franchesca and Charlee will each blaze trails, just as they have during their time at Penn College, and I wish them nothing but success.”
Flanagan, of Danville, earned both a bachelor’s and associates degree in business administration during the May 13 ceremony. Ybarra, an Oregon native who now calls Williamsport home, graduated May 14 with a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology and has accepted a position with Harley Davidson. Marshall, of Snow Shoe, received her bachelor’s degree in construction management on May 15.
As a self-proclaimed motorhead himself, Yaw is thrilled that Harley Davidson in York County will be the next step in Ybarra’s career. Marshall accepted a position in Washington D.C. with Hensel Phelps, one of the nation’s largest construction management firms, and Flanagan will stay in Williamsport and serve as a member of the colllege’s residence life staff.
“Our future is now more diverse and inclusive than it’s ever been thanks to students like Caila, Franchesca and Charlee,” Yaw said. “I look forward to watching you all leave your mark on this world.”
The weekend’s ceremonies also ushered in the end of an era for retiring President Jane Gilmour, who has watched 20,000 graduates cross the commencement stage during her 24-year tenure. Gilmour and Yaw have likewise been friends for nearly 40 years.
“Although graduation is often focused on the future, it can also be a time to reflect on old friends, good times and past experiences that can never be repeated – like the many decades I’ve known and worked with President Gilmour,” Yaw said. “That’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and, indeed, it’s something that will probably never be repeated. Frankly, I will miss my friend in this capacity.”
The Pennsylvania College of Technology is the state’s premier technical institution, offering certificates and advanced degrees across more than a dozen program areas and boasting a 96.2% graduate placement rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked it among the top 10 of best regional colleges in the Northeast, including the fourth best college for veterans and 17th overall for “best value.”
CONTACT: Nick Troutman, 717-787-3280