PLEASANT GAP — The Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology recently honored a donor by naming one of its newest and largest buildings in honor of Glenn O. and Thelma Hawbaker. A dedication ceremony was held Jan. 30.
In a large garage, with trucks and heavy machinery all around, a crowd listened as local politicians and school administrators praised Glen O. Hawbaker Inc. for its dedication to the school. It’s something that company president and CEO Dan Hawbraker said would have made his parents proud.
“My parents would have never imagined anything like this was possible from where they started, but it is an honor that we are really proud of, and wasn’t something that we expected,” said Hawbaker.
The honor was made possible because the company has made more than $1 million in donations to CPI. This is the first building to be named in honor of a donor at the school, and Richard Makin, CPI’s president, said he could not imagine a more fitting first tribute.
“The Hawbaker company and family has done so much for this school and this community, and so it’s perfect to name the building in their honor. They have been a longtime supporter of CPI,” said Makin.
The $10 million building has been in operation since 2013, and it houses the diesel technology, heavy equipment and CDL training programs. These programs are available for high school students from Bald Eagle Area High School, Bellefonte Area High School and Penns Valley Area High School, as well as adult students continuing their educations.
Makin said these programs are more important and popular than ever because they offer a chance for students to learn skills that employers in the community need. This was echoed by Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins.
“This facility brings a lot of value to the community by allowing high school students and adults to learn the skills needed for their careers, without gathering a lot of student loan debt,” said Higgins. “And, maybe they can start business of their own someday.”
This is what Penn Valley Area High School senior Jason Ticknor is hoping for. He is enrolled in the heavy machinery program and said it has been beneficial to have the up-to-date facility available for him to train for his future.
“I come here every day as part of my school day. I learn to operate the equipment and new machines. It can be a lot of fun,” said Ticknor.
Hawbaker said that when he was growing up, his parents taught him how to run a construction company.
“They were my CPI, they taught me, just like the students here are learning,” said Hawbaker. “We are glad to be a part of it.”
