The semester-long project was no picnic for the students. Extremely wet conditions during the first several weeks forced the class to rely on leaf blowers and heavy duty wet-dry vacuum cleaners to remove excess water from the conduit. Running the conduit itself proved to be challenging due to the bends required to reach the pavilions. Handling over 5,000 feet of heavy electrical wire and trying to finish the complex job in freezing temperatures added to the challenge.
But the students would have it no other way.
“We learn a lot in lab, but seeing and overcoming obstacles put in front of you in the real world is where it’s at,” said Richard A. Baney, of Trout Run. “I got to do stuff that I wouldn’t normally do if we were at the lab at school. It’s very valuable.”
“It’s good to get that real-world experience and see what everything is about firsthand, because this experience is not something you can get in the classroom,” said Ian J. Chilcote, of Altoona. “I feel you learn more out here than in the classroom.
“To seek employment, they always ask, ‘What’s your experience level and what experience do you have?’ Well, this project is a perfect example of experience.”
The college’s involvement with the approximately $35,000 grant-funded project began over a year ago when students in the Electrical Drawing and Print Reading course – taught by Eric W. Newcomer, lecturer of electrical technologies/occupations – crafted drawings and blueprints of the proposed electrical system for permitting purposes.
“They have really saved us a ton of money, both in drafting and the electrical work and the hours the students have put in,” said Thomas Zavalydriga, who served as project director for the East Lycoming Recreation Authority. “I’ve been in management all my professional career, and these students have done just an outstanding job from a professional standpoint and a personal standpoint.”
Their instructor agreed. “Overall, I would give them an ‘A,’” Raup said.
“I could not be prouder of the work our students did on this project,” said David R. Cotner, dean of Penn College’s School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies. “This entire process has served as a tremendous example of how a project can enhance students’ ‘degrees that work’ and simultaneously benefit the community. It’s a win for the students as well as for the park and its patrons.”
The students appreciated the initiative’s community focus.
“We actually got to go out and do something for the public. That’s what’s nice,” Baney said. “It’s a park, so you know for years to come people are going to be enjoying what these guys and myself actually helped put together.”
Added Chilcote, “I actually plan on coming back and saying, ‘Hey, I did that.’”
In addition to Chilcote and Baney, the following students worked at the park throughout the semester: Ethan Y. Boedker, Bloomsburg; Daniel F. Clark, Royersford; James A. Dansereau, Williamsport; Derrik T. Holton, Canton; Erik C. Huey, Frenchtown, New Jersey; Dominic E. Kulina, Harrisburg; Jordan L. Nasoni, St. Marys; Zachary R. Nugent, Russell; Ryan S. Pellow, Perkasie; Kenneth L. Rounds III, Stafford, Virginia; Daniel L. Sherman, Fayetteville; Cole E. Taylor, Orangeville; and Noah A. Treaster, Lewistown.
Raup also thanks Kevin J. Snyder, instructor of electrical technologies/occupations, for providing engineering advice during the project.
A video documenting the students’ work at the park can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/ZsePPWUm3oI.
Electrical majors at Penn College include the associate degree in electrical technology, an associate degree in mechatronics engineering technology, and a bachelor’s degree in building automation technology.
Information about those majors and other programs offered by the college’s School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies is available by calling 570-327-4520 or visiting www.pct.edu/icet.
For information 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.