Thompson Professional Development Center
Pennsylvania College of Technology History Trail 7
| | 1914 Centennial 2014 | |
Constructed in 1986
The Thompson Professional Development Center was the first on-campus facility designed and built by students, faculty, and staff as a testimonial to the quality of instruction in the College's construction-related programs.
The center hosts meetings, conferences, seminars, and social events. It features a dιcor that echoes the local environment. A native mountain stone fireplace and walls of rough sawn "boom wood" taken from the nearby Susquehanna River are among its attractions.
From the River
"Boom wood," featured in the center's interior, is salvaged crib lumber from the 1880s, an era when Williamsport was known as the lumbering capital of the world. Logs were sent down the nearby river for transport beyond the local region. Many lumber-related businesses were located on the site, taking advantage of the area's access to the river.
Today, the River Walk that follows the Susquehanna is a popular recreation area for students and the public.
Inside the Professional Development Center (PDC)
Mountain Laurel Room
Tiadaghton Room
Atrium
John F. Thompson
The Professional Development
this page online
[Marker timeline images, from left to right]
Railroad tracks that served factories along the former Susquehanna Street once ran through the center of campus in the vicinity of this facility.
The Mountain Laurel Room stone fireplace built by Robert A. Bamonte, '85, was a favorite feature of College President Robert L. Breuder.
Events ranging from press conferences and board meetings to college council gatherings and student presentations take place in the Professional Development Center.
[School's centennial timeline]
1914 - Williamsport Area School District Adult Education
1941 - Williamsport Technical Institute
1965 - Williamsport Area Community College
1989 - Pennsylvania College of Technology
Erected 2014 by Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1986.
Location. 41° 14.098′ N,
Regionally, this marker is in the Pennsylvania Wilds and in the Susquehanna Valley. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Parkes Automotive Technology Center (a few steps from this marker); Lycoming Construction Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center (within shouting
Also see . . . Penn College History Trail. (Submitted on August 24, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3. submitted on July 27, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
