Williamson celebrates commencement, local grads earn awards
MIDDLETOWN » James E. Nevels, founder and chairman of the Swarthmore Group, of Philadelphia, one of the largest investment advisory firms in Pennsylvania, told the graduating seniors at the recent 124th Commencement at Williamson College of the Trades to make service a part of their lives.
“As a graduate of Williamson College of the Trades, your problem-solving talents are great, and so is the need out there,” Nevels said. “So put those talents to work for others. In your career. And in your communities. You will be better for it by every measure.
“We all know service is the right thing to do. I’m here to share a secret – service is the very best way to succeed in your business careers. It has made mine. Serving others is the very best way to ascend in business life.”
Nevels said his company has succeeded not just because of their investment prowess, but because they serve their clients.
“We seek to serve them. Relentlessly. Unexpectedly. Enthusiastically. They know that. And they never forget it,” he told the grads.
Nevels, who grew up poor in Alabama and became the founder and chairman of a large investment firm, said, “it doesn’t matter where you came from. It’s where you will end up. And in the process of going there, you must serve.”
Several years ago, Nevels served Williamson by facilitating a meeting that led to Williamson receiving the largest gift in its history – $40 million from Henry and Lee Rowan and H. FitzGerald “Gerry” and Marguerite Lenfest.
At the end of Nevels’ keynote address, President Michael Rounds, presented him with the first ever honorary associate in specialized technology degree from Williamson and the traditional Commencement Speaker Award, a metal cube that was manufactured by Williamson’s machine tool technology students.
In his opening remarks, Rounds said to the Class of 2017, “You made it. Your class officers have led you through some interesting times, including the fact that you enrolled in the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades and are graduating today from Williamson College of the Trades,” referring to the school’s name change.
He also thanked the class for their gift to the school of the new entrance sign along Middletown Road.
In his remarks, senior class president Michael Schneider, said, “I already miss this place. The bond between us students is what I miss the most. The Williamson bond is a very special thing.”
He then closed saying, “How many of us have debt — zero. How many of his have jobs — all of us. Life is good.” Schneider then passed the senior gavel to Raymond Drulik, president of the Class of 2018.
Next, awards were presented by Samuel Wrightson, Ed.D., vice president of education, and William Bonenberger, board chairman, followed by the conferring of diplomas and degrees by Rounds and Wrightson.
As the 72 graduates exited the commencement tent on the school’s front lawn, each rang the Commencement Bell one time, indicating they are now alumni.
Local graduates are: Nicholas A. Bruno, carpentry, Clifton Heights; Brendan C. Buchanan, Broomall, paint and coatings technology; Brandon A. Butler, Springfield, construction technology-carpentry; Daniel J. Coleman, Boothwyn, power plant technology; Jon P. Collins, Glenolden, power plant technology; Christopher Colvin, Clifton Heights, construction technology-carpentry; Tom Concannon, Drexel Hill, horticulture, landscaping, and turf management; Daniel E. Crowley, Upland, paint and coatings technology; Joshua K. Dardeen, Brookhaven, power plant technology; Kyle R. Dawson, Collingdale, power plant technology; Brandon G. Deeck, Media, horticulture, landscaping, and turf management; Daniel J. Dickinson, Springfield, construction technology-masonry; Brian J. Ellixson Jr., Aston, power plant technology; Shane P. Goodworth, Norwood, horticulture, landscaping, and turf management; Thomas C. Heffner Jr., Boothwyn, power plant technology; Anthony J. Karalis, Springfield, paint and coatings technology; Kevin P. Knapp Jr., Springfield, power plant technology; Dominic J. Marascio Jr., Springfield, power plant technology; Thomas J. McHale, Broomall, paint and coatings technology; Seamus C. Meekes, Drexel Hill, paint and coatings technology; Andre Merrell, Upland, paint and coatings technology; Robert Murphy, Springfield, construction technology-masonry; Daniel O’Neill, Glenolden, horticulture, landscaping, and turf management; Anthony J. Pirato, Folcroft, power plant technology; Nicholas P. Rotandi, Upper Darby, horticulture, landscaping, and turf management; Michael S. Schneider, Gradyville, horticulture, landscaping, and turf management; Eric M. Sheller, Glen Mills, power plant technology; Ian J. Steveline, Marcus Hook, construction technology-carpentry; Ronald T. Vann, Chester, construction technology-masonry; Justin T. Venditti, Clifton Heights, paint and coatings technology; Kevin Whitfield, Brookhaven, paint and coatings technology; Brandon C. Williams, Aston, power plant technology; John A. Yentch, Ridley Park, power plant technology.
Local graduates earning awards are: Daniel Coleman, Academic Honors Award for attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better, and the Good Citizenship Award for no disciplinary points in three years; Jon Collins, Academic Honors Award for attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better, and the Good Citizenship Award for no disciplinary points in three years; Christopher Colvin, the Frank McKee Memorial Award to a carpentry student who reflects the values of Williamson; Thomas Concannon, Academic Honors Award for attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better; Brian Ellixson, the Rupp-Zipse Award for excellence in the electrical field by a power plant technology student, and the Academic Honors Award for attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better; Shane Goodworth, the Robert Crawford Award for greatest improvement in trade, academics, and character; Thomas Heffner, Academic Honors Award for attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better, and the Good Citizenship Award for no disciplinary points in three years; Kevin Knapp, the Michael Savage Memorial Award to a power plant technology student who contributed most to underclassmen; Dominic Marascio, the Exelon Power/ Thomas Callahan Memorial Award to a power plant technology student who reflects the values of Williamson, and Academic Honors Award for attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better; Robert Murphy, the John Sabia Memorial Award to the masonry student who demonstrates the greatest skill and speed in bricklaying; Anthony Pirato, Academic Honors Award for attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better Michael Schneider, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Service Award to the horticulture student who was active in community service, campus projects, and the Flower Show, the Academic Honors Award for attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better, and the Monroe Nute Award for highest educational achievement; Ian Steveline, the Lesterle Smith Memorial Award to the carpentry student who showed the greatest improvement.