Tomorrow Makers: A Penn College Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Stabler, a Penn College graduate in plastics and polymer engineering technology and the Vice President of Operations and Innovation at SEKISUI KYDEX. Sean shares how his lifelong passion for hands-on learning and problem-solving shaped his journey as an engineer and leader. He offers insights on servant leadership, the evolving role of sustainability in manufacturing, and how his experiences at Penn College influenced his career. From the importance of curiosity to the future of innovation in materials science, this conversation is packed with inspiration for makers, leaders, and problem-solvers alike.

Mentioned on this episode:

• Dr, Kirk Cantor: Polymers & Possibilities Tomorrow Makers Podcast
• SEKISUI KYDEX
• Polymer Promise Scholarship

With the temperatures dipping into the single digits on campus, it seemed like an ideal time to catch up with Jason Embick, Executive Director of the Clean Energy Center. In this comprehensive conversation, we learned a lot about how the center helps businesses and homeowners reduce energy demands, boost efficiency, and lower consumption costs. Join us for an informative episode that will have you considering new ways to save on your monthly utility costs.

Mentioned in this episode

• Clean Energy Center
• Workforce Development at Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program
• Penn College Energy Specialist Apprenticeship
• Earth Forward Group
• Energy STAR | Energy Savings at Home
• Energy STAR | Expert Home Improvements
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Energy Programs Office
• Penn Energy Savers
• Clean Energy House

Like all life experiences, college is what you make of it. Sure, you'll takeaway technical skills and foundational lessons. But the full-college experience stretches beyond what happens in labs and lectures. Determined to maximize his time at Penn College, Samir does more than seek out opportunities to be a part of our community. He aims to influence campus culture while fine tuning a signature leadership approach that prioritizes kindness. Samir talks through his decision to come to Penn College, Lenfest scholarship, and vast student experiences. He also shares what it means to build his brand and what's on deck for him post graduation. If you're interested in hearing what it's like to live and lead at Penn College, give this one a listen.

Listen to the full episode at https://www.pct.edu/podcast/lasada_pippen_all_grit_no_quit.

In honor of First-Generation College Student Week, Lasada Pippen joined us to celebrate what's possible when you turn obstacles into challenges. His story of perseverance is a real-world example of what happens when you show up and fight for your passion. He rose from humble beginnings surrounded by crime and chaos to a professional speaking career that has given him countless opportunities to ignite positive change in youth across the nation. Lasada layers calm confidence with a competitive drive that begs you to ask, "What's next?"

Mentions in this Episode

• Michael J. Hudock, Sr. Center for Academic Excellence
• Lasada on YouTube
• Lasada on Facebook
• Lasada on Instagram
• Lasada on X

Listen to the full episode at https://www.pct.edu/podcast/dr_brian_mckeon_learn_to_learn.

If this conversation doesn't inspire you to seek new opportunities to expand your horizon, we don't know what will. Brian's approach to life doesn't follow the straight-and-narrow path. His far-reaching interests led him to earn a master's degree in biological sciences and a doctorate in philosophy and medical ethics. Now in his 19th year of teaching at Penn College, Brian has taken courses in everything from business and culinary to legal studies and physician assistant. He tells us how this knowledge quest allows him to connect with students from all disciplines to deliver a more meaningful educational experience. Our insightful conversation touches on countless topics, from AI to Monty Python.

Mentions in this episode:

• Dr. Craig Miller: https://www.pct.edu/podcast/2
• Community Theater League: https://ctlshows.com/
• Bedside Manor: https://www.pioneerdrama.com/SearchDetail.asp?PC=BEDSIDEMAN
• Jen Wahl : https://www.pct.edu/podcast/24
• Philosophy of Science and Religion https://www.pct.edu/catalog/courses/PHL231
• The Stone Reader: Modern Philosophy in 133 Arguments | Peter Catapano and Simon Critchley: https://wwnorton.com/books/The-Stone-Reader/
• 21 Lessons for the 21st Century | Yuval Noah Harari: https://www.ynharari.com/book/21-lessons-book/
• Neuralink: https://neuralink.com/
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Airspeed Velocity of an Unladen Swallow: https://interestingengineering.com/science/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail-airspeed-velocity-of-an-unladen-swallow
• Self Reliance | Ralph Waldo Emerson: https://www.owleyes.org/text/self-reliance/read/self-reliance

Working in the Public Relations & Marketing department at Penn College, we often get a front-row seat to a constellation of superstar students. Welding and fabrication engineering technology graduate Nate Lyon was one of those shining examples—always first in line to help with a photo, video, or voiceover project. As a student, he served as an admissions tour guide, resident assistant, new student orientation leader, and president of Campus Crusade for Christ.

When we heard about his latest career move to teach welding at Milton Hershey School, we couldn’t wait to catch up with him. This broad discussion covers everything from his early hands-on experiences and journey to Penn College to his secret camping spot atop a mountain nearby campus.

Whether it was his decision to call Williamsport “home,” choice to mentor young men at a wilderness camp, or latest career move to teach welding to underserved students at the Milton Hershey School, Nate consistently values community in every equation and looks for true purpose in his life decisions. We hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation with changemaker Nate Lyon.

Resources:

• Deerfoot Lodge Adirondack Boys Camp
• Milton Hershey School
• House Parent Recruitment at Milton Hershey School

We couldn't have planned this one better. Wildcats women's soccer coach Ian Scheller sat down with us to reflect on his team's groundbreaking season. He spills all of his secrets to success (OK, maybe not all of them) and we catch him off guard with a few surprise questions from his players. This episode is an excellent reflection on what it takes to build a successful team dynamic on and off the field. Additionally, it got us thinking about the vital role coaches and mentors play in our lives. We'd love to hear about coaches who have empowered your journey or mentors who have shaped your lives. Please share yours. Send us a voice memo or email at [email protected].

What do physics professor Dr. Dave Richards and CNC machining and automation instructor Bryan Schaefer have in common? They both enjoy exploring the magic of the night's sky. We brought together two wildly curious minds for a conversation that covers everything from time machines and astrophotography to brewing and their history as a teacher and student. When we recorded this, Bryan was employed as a maintenance mechanic/millwright specialist at Penn College. Today, he's teaching the next generation here at Penn College. Get inspired by natural wonders and learn what it takes to capture breathtaking stars, planets, and galaxies.

Cherry Springs State Park: Located one and a half hours from campus, this prime location offers perfect conditions for night sky enthusiasts.

Dr. Justin Ingram: Science & Brewing: Check out this past podcast where we tap into Justin's love of science and brewing and explore how he crafted a career that unites these two passions.

In honor of First-Generation College Student Week, Lasada Pippen joined us to celebrate what's possible when you turn obstacles into challenges. His story of perseverance is a real-world example of what happens when you show up and fight for your passion. He rose from humble beginnings surrounded by crime and chaos to a professional speaking career that has given him countless opportunities to ignite positive change in youth across the nation. Lasada layers calm confidence with a competitive drive that begs you to ask, "What's next?"

Mentions in this Episode

• Michael J. Hudock, Sr. Center for Academic Excellence
• Lasada on YouTube
• Lasada on Facebook
• Lasada on Instagram
• Lasada on X

We were gifted the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Kerry Magro to discuss his transformative journey from a non-speaking individual with autism to an award-winning professional speaker and best-selling author. While on campus to deliver the keynote address for our 2024 Transition Conference, Kerry graciously carved out time to inspire us with his story while inviting our audience to consider the power of inclusion and to lead with compassion.

His books on autism awareness have become top titles for the disability community, parents, teachers, advocates, and supporters. We talk about his career as a professional speaker, his work as a consultant on films including “Joyful Noise” with Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah, the Emmy-award winning series “Love on the Spectrum,” and what he’s got on his eye on next. Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who has reached out with kudos for the Tomorrow Makers podcast. Your support means so much. Keep those guest recommendations coming!

Mentions in this Episode

• Dr. Kerry Magro
• Autism Acceptance Month
• Cognoa app
• Lunch & Learn Event
• A Letter I Would Have Written for My Parents When I Was Nonverbal
• Autistics on Autism: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams
• Universal Design for Learning
• Common Core
• Sensory & Autism Spectrum Support for Youth (SASSY)
• Individualized Education Program
• National Disability Employment Awareness Month
• Love on the Spectrum