J&J Snack Foods CEO Inspires Class of 1W6 at 123rd Commencement

“Williamson has an unbelievable history,” Gerald Shreiber, president and CEO of J&J Snack Foods, told the graduating seniors at the 123rd Commencement on June 3.

“It takes young men and gives them a free education for 1,000 days. It teaches them to be craftsmen with character and gives them a good start in life. I wish I had applied to be a Williamson student.”

Shreiber added, “Commencement is not the end, it is the beginning. You will find obstacles and challenges along the way through life and you will encounter twists of fate. These twists will help build you, learn from them.”

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He told the seniors of his own life’s challenges, which took him from humble beginnings growing up in the projects in Chester to today, head of a $1 billion a year company. “I worked hard and was thrifty and had help along the way. I also followed my instincts.”

Shreiber started his business in 1971 by purchasing a bankrupt soft pretzel company in Pennsauken, N.J. He had no experience in the food business and had eight employees. Today, J&J Snack Foods boasts $1 billion in annual sales; has 3,000 employees; operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Asia; bakes 2 million pretzels a day; and is the largest producer in the world of Churros. Among their well-known products are Super Pretzels, Pillsbury pies, Icees, Luigi’s Real Italian Ice, and Minute Maid products.

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He said he built his company by hiring good people and would like to see Williamson graduates working at his company. “You will do well if you surround yourself with good, loyal people.”

At the end of Shreiber’s keynote address, President Michael Rounds presented him with a metal cube that was manufactured by machine tool technology students and mounted on a wooden base as a memento of the day.

In the opening remarks, Rounds said to the Class of 2016, “This is a special day for a special class. You are the first class to graduate from Williamson College of the Trades and to have our new name on your diplomas. You have accomplished a lot and you should be proud. Your three years here have been a challenge and you have been through a few changes.

“I am just ending my third year as president and you are the first class I watched go through all three years to graduation. Remember, you are now going out into the world as role models representing Williamson College. Your classmates are like brothers and the faculty and staff care about you. I hope you appreciate what they have done to help you get your education.”

Rounds thanked the graduates for their class gift, which was combined with last year’s class gift to construct a student lounge in the lower level of Rowan Hall. He also recognized members of the Class of 6W6, who were there celebrating their 50th reunion. The invocation was given by class member Rev. Ronald Sherid.

Senior class president Jared Pendleton said, “This is the most exciting day of my life. It is awesome to be getting started in our lives. I especially appreciate the love, dedication, and sacrifice of the faculty and staff and all they did for us to get here today. Walk with integrity and you will have no shame.”

Pendleton then handed the senior gavel to Michael Schneider, president of the Class of 1W7, who thanked the seniors for all they have done in their three years for Williamson and for the underclassmen and wished them good luck.

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William Bonenberger 7W9, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees, filling in for Wayne Watson 4W8, board chairman, who was unable to attend, said “Chairman Watson congratulates you on becoming ‘Williamson Men.’ He is proud of you and says the next phase of your life is the best phase. As Williamson graduates you will be looked at differently, people expect more of you. I know you are up to the challenge.”

After the conferring of associate in technology degrees and three craftsman diplomas, and the granting of awards by Samuel Wrightson, vice president of education, the Artisans, under the direction of Sherre Gaertner, led the group in the singing of the alma mater.

As the new graduates exited the commencement tent on the school’s front lawn, they each rang the Commencement Bell one time, indicating they are now alumni.

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Carpentry Shop

• Alice and Granville Bohmler 4W8 Award, best overall performance: Ruben M. Silva
• Frank A. McKee Memorial Award, reflecting the values of Williamson: Philip T. Vecchiolli
• Beth Nelson Memorial Award, greatest contribution to underclassmen: Alexander R. Wilwert
• Lesterle F. Smith Memorial Award, greatest improvement: Jared A. Fersch

Horticulture

• Marjorie and Clarence W. Schrenk 4W9 Outstanding Achievement Award, best overall performance: Andrew W. Driver
• Isaiah V. Williamson Horticultural Award, reflecting the values of Williamson: Jordan T. Shaeffer
• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Service Award, service to horticulture: Joshua T. Shaeffer
• Longwood Gardens Award for Excellence in Horticulture, outstanding gardener: Andrew W. Driver

Machine Shop

• Kenneth H. Groh Memorial Award, best overall performance: Dave E. Byers Jr.
• John D. Beccaria Memorial Award, reflecting the values of Williamson: Steven T. Nakrasius
• SCOTT® Shop Towels Award, most improved student: Michael Rullo
• R. Bruce Bellerjeau 6W9 Memorial Award, greatest contribution to underclassmen: Roger L. Burke

Masonry Shop

• Nuneviller 3W8-Fulmer Memorial Award, best overall performance: Michael J. Vega
• Pennsylvania Concrete Masonry Association Award, for reflecting the values of Williamson: Jesse D. Bradley
• John J. Sabia Memorial Award, greatest speed and skill in bricklaying: Cody L. Palmer

Paint Shop

• Alumni Association Award, best overall performance: Michael F. Gerolamo
• S.S.P.C. Award, excellence in structural coatings technology: Michael Messina
• Charles V. Trofe 4W9 Memorial Award, reflecting the values of Williamson: Michael Messina
• Michael S. Zimmerman 9W1 Memorial Award, academic excellence: Samir N. Inge

Power Plant

• Rupp 1888-Zipse 1953 Award, excellence in the electrical field: Kevin D. Costigan
• Thomas Gustave Furman 7W9 Memorial Award, excellence in the mechanical field: Michael A. Edwards, Emerson F. Fetterolf
• Exelon Power/Thomas M. Callahan 7W9 Memorial Award, reflecting the values of Williamson: Emerson F. Fetterolf
• Michael Savage 1W2 Memorial Award, reflecting the values of Williamson: Nicholas Rose

Academic

• John G. Boyd 2W8 Memorial Award, excellence in architectural drafting: Jared A. Fersch
• William H. Krell Memorial Award, excellence in mechanical drafting: Emerson F. Fetterolf
• Robert Crawford Award, greatest improvement in trade and academic work: Ruben M. Silva
• Academic Honors Award, attaining a cumulative average of 3.5 or better: Reivon W. Colon, Sean M. Connolly, Kevin Costigan, Andrew W. Driver, Carl D. Edwards Jr., Michael Edwards, Daniel J. Egan, Jared A. Fersch, Emerson F. Fetterolf, James T. Jensen, George J. Latella, Larry D. Lockhart Jr.,  John P. McKenna, Patrick M. Murphy Jr., Nicholas Rose, Jordan T. Shaeffer, Joshua T. Shaeffer, Zachary A. Speaker, Philip T. Vecchiolli, Alexander R. Wilwert
• Monroe L. Nute 2W3 Award, highest educational achievement: Emerson F. Fetterolf

General

• Work-Service Award, service above the call of duty: Jared E. Pendleton, Philip T. Vecchiolli
• Lynford J. Williams 0W7 Award, excellence in scholarship and athletics: Michel J. Vega
• Johnson Perseverance Award, for overcoming considerable adversity: Jared E. Pendleton
• Good Citizenship Award, no disciplinary points in three years: JamesA. Dierkes, Carl D. Edwards Jr., EmersonF. Fetterolf, Aaron M. Marr, Patrick M. Murphy Jr., Nicholas Rose, Alexander R. Wilwert
• Jeanette and James R. Clemens 3W4 Award, citizenship, leadership, and scholarship: Philip T. Vecchiolli

 

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• William T. and Veronica Swinehart Award for Machine Shop: Charles J. Faustino 1W8
• Arthur S. Yeaw Memorial Award for Music: Daniel J. O’Neill 1W7
• Arthur S. Yeaw Memorial Award for English: Cody M. Miller 1W8
• Greatest Yearbook Contribution: Joseph “Ricky” Denning 1W6
• Outstanding Service: Eric Sheller 1W7
• The Joseph C. Lonabaugh Sr. Memorial Award, to the power plant technology student who demonstrated excellence in leadership as a plant operator: Patrick M. Murphy Jr. 1W6
• Power Plant Technology, Best All Around Junior: Dominic J. Marascio 1W7
• Power Plant Technology, Best All Around Freshman: Cody M. Miller 1W8
• Power Plant Technology, Best Junior Class Mechanic: Sean F. McCloskey 1W7
• Power Plant Technology, Best Junior Class Trainer: Kevin P. Knapp 1W7
• Power Plant Technology, Best Junior Class Operator: Joshua D. Hauser 1W7
• Power Plant Technology, Best Junior Class I&C Tech: Daniel J. Coleman 1W7

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