Penn College instructor wins national concrete education award
Williamsport, Pa. — Penn College building construction technology instructor Franklin H. Reber, Jr. received the American Concrete Institute’s Clyde E. Kesler Education Award during the institute’s fall convention, held Oct. 11-14 in Atlanta. Reber was nominated for his “outstanding contributions to concrete education through hands-on instruction, creation of a unique concrete science degree program, and dedicated outreach that prepares and inspires the next generation of concrete professionals.” Reber initiated the addition of an associate degree in concrete science technology to Penn College’s building construction program to help fill a void in the industry. Enrollment has nearly doubled each year since the program began eight years ago, and its graduates have a 100% job placement rate, according to the college. “Throughout his 20-plus years of teaching, he’s always stayed abreast of the latest material advances, as well as the innovations in the design and construction of concrete structures and has eagerly continued to mentor our numerous graduates on the many benefits of a career in concrete,” said Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies. A Mifflinburg High School graduate, Reber worked as a cabinet builder for Yorktowne Kitchens, now Yorktowne Cabinetry, and in modular home construction for Ritz-Craft
