WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A Pennsylvania College of Technology student has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from a coalition of longtime industry benefactors.
Nathan J. Lavallee, of Loganton, enrolled in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology (and continuing toward a bachelor’s degree in building automation technology: heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology concentration) is among 40 recipients of the Clifford H. “Ted” Rees Jr. Scholarship from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute’s Rees Scholarship Foundation.
The Arlington, Virginia-based foundation — in conjunction with AHRI and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America — has distributed more than $700,000 since 2003 in tribute to a former president of the organization for his efforts to promote a strong workforce in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and water-heating industry.
Faculty in the college’s School of Construction & Design Technologies endorsed the appropriateness of this year’s selection from among their students.
“Nate Lavallee has shown me that he works well with his peers and instructors,” said Kenneth E. Welker Jr., a member of the HVAC technology faculty. “He is a hard worker outside of the classroom and a leader in the classroom. I love his compassion for others; he always puts others ahead of himself. Nate will be a great asset to the HVAC industry and is deserving of this award.”
HVAC technology instructor Jason W. Killinger characterized Lavallee as “an energetic and well-disciplined student.”
“He has a very serious attitude toward his studies and is always willing to learn,” he said. “He is a leader inside the classroom and treats everyone with respect. His industrious abilities and academic accomplishments will make him a key player in the HVAC industry.”
“Nate is full of life, curiosity and attention to detail,” noted Richard C. Taylor, associate professor of plumbing and heating. “His love for his family and HVAC Is going to contribute to a satisfying and balanced career for him. This scholarship is well-deserved.”
The Clifford H. "Ted" Rees, Jr. Scholarship Foundation was established to assist with the recruitment and competency of future HVACR and water heating technicians by awarding scholarships to qualified students enrolled in institutionally accredited schools. Eligible students must be preparing for careers in residential or light commercial air conditioning, heating, water heating, or commercial refrigeration.
Penn College’s HVAC program is accredited by the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Accreditation; endorsed by ACCA; and approved as a training site for the National Oilheat Research Alliance.
For more about the School of Construction & Design Technologies’ related majors, visit www.pct.edu/hvac or call 570-327-4518. For more about building automation technology, based in the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, visit www.pct.edu/electrical or call 570-327-4520.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.