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 décor 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 Center is dedicated in memory of John F. Thompson, who served as associate academic dean during its design and construction. At the time of his death in 1987,
Thompson supervised the College's academic and secondary programs.
[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
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