Alumnus retiree establishes information technology scholarship

A computer science technology alumnus and retired 39-year full-time employee at Pennsylvania College of Technology has established a scholarship to benefit information technology students at the college.The H. David Kepner Scholarship has been established by David Kepner, who graduated from Penn College predecessor institution Williamsport Area Community College in 1970 with an associate degree in computer science technology. Kepner worked full time at the college from 1970 to 2009.When he retired, Kepner was manager of networking and telecommunications. He now works part time at the college as a network/telephone technician.“My degree from the college gave me the opportunity to enjoy a long and productive career,” Kepner said. “The college treated me well, so I wanted to give that opportunity to other students.“I definitely saw a lot of change in both technology and the campus itself during my years there. As a student, some of my classes were in historical homes near campus. We certainly have much nicer facilities now than we did when I was going to school. Seeing all of the changes over the years in the campus and the technology available to students certainly increases my pride in the college.”Kepner’s annual scholarship gives primary preference to full-time students who demonstrate financial need and who are enrolled in one of the following majors – information technology: information assurance and security concentration; information technology: network specialist concentration; information technology sciences: gaming and simulation; software development and information management; information technology: technical support technology emphasis; or any newly offered information technology-related program.Secondary preference will be given to students with a home residence in Lycoming County. Continuing students are eligible to receive additional awards from the Kepner scholarship, provided the recipient demonstrates academic performance and meets the award preferences.Established as part of the Penn College Scholarship Campaign, the scholarship begins granting awards in the fall 2013 semester.“Penn College was the beneficiary of the good work Dave performed during his long career here, and we are grateful to him for giving back to the college once again by establishing this scholarship,” said Robb Dietrich, executive director of the Penn College Foundation. “His generosity speaks to the experience he had as both a student and as an employee, and of his desire to help others have a similar experience.”Kepner’s wife, Linda, is also a Penn College retiree. They reside in Montoursville.For more information about making a gift to the campaign or establishing a scholarship fund to support Penn College and its students, visit www.pct.edu/InvestNow, email giving@pct.edu or call the Institutional Advancement Office toll-free at 866-GIVE-2-PC (866-448-3272).For more about Penn College, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.