Faith Integrity Diligence Excellence Service
Spring 2022 Vol . 85 , No . 1
The Williamsonian
Entered as Periodical at Post Office , Media , Pa .
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF WILLIAMSON COLLEGE OF THE TRADES
Wesley to Speak at 129th Commencement
Joseph L . Wesley , the donor who made the extremely generous gift of $ 21.5 million to build the Joseph L . and Marion M . Wesley Student Center , which is now under construction , will deliver the address at the 129th Commencement at 10 a . m ., Friday , June 3 , on the Betty and Russell 5W0 Harvey Athletic Field .
Wesley will inspire the Class of 2W2 as they receive associate in specialized technology degrees and are sent into the world of work as “ Williamson Men .”
Wesley has a deep love of the United
Goeke ’ 80 Delivers Founder ’ s Day Keynote Address
Trustee Thomas Goeke 8W0
States , is very patriotic , and recognizes that Williamson ’ s mission is helping young men get a good start in life . He supports Williamson because of how the school prepares young men for life .
Wesley founded the American Equipment Rental Co . in 1967 . The company grew through acquisitions into one of the country ’ s major crane rental companies and in the early 1980s changed its name to AmQuip Corp ., “ The Crane People .” Later the named was changed Continued on page 3
Founder ’ s Day , a day to honor Isaiah V . Williamson and his legacy , featured a keynote address by trustee Thomas Goeke 8W0 . It also included the bestowing of the board of trustee ’ s Isaiah V . Williamson Award and the C . W . Schrenk 4W9 Young Alumnus Award , and the Sons of the American Revolution ’ s William J . Yearsley 4W1 Award .
Held in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel , the event was done COVIDstyle with only students , a few guests , and the Artisans in attendance , all wearing face masks . Others watched virtually on their computers at home .
Addressing the students , Goeke said “ There are three things that are a recipe for success - show up , because edu- Continued on page 4
Joseph Wesley , the donor who made the Joseph L . and Marion M . Wesley Student Center possible , stands in front of the center ’ s construction site .
Bonenberger ’ 79 Delivers Rowan Day Keynote Address
“ When people like Henry Rowan and the Rowan family believe in you , you begin to think things that were impossible , aren ’ t ,” said William J . Bonenberger 7W9 , chairman of the board of trustees , in his keynote address at the 5th Annual Rowan Day event .
Bonenberger , speaking in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel on Nov . 16 before an audience wearing masks in accordance with the COVID-19 requirements , said “ Next year we are starting a new electrical trade program , our first new program in over 30 years and we have plans to start more . This is what the Rowan family and other major donors down the line have provided . The building we are in is called Rowan Continued on page 5
Huntoon Delivers Remarks at 4th Scholarship Celebration Dinner
The benefactors who have provided annual and endowed scholarships to Williamson students were honored during the 4th Annual Scholarship Celebration Dinner in April .
The event brought donors together with the students they are supporting in the Rowan Hall dining room so they could get acquainted during a dinner which was followed by remarks by several speakers .
Charles Huntoon , a scholarship supporter , in his donor remarks , said there are four reasons why he supports Williamson . “ The first is the schoo ’ s core values - Faith , Integrity , Diligence , Excellence , and Service .”
Secondly , he is impressed with Isaiah Williamson ’ s statements and philosophy . “ He became an apprentice in a country store . He was diligent in investing his money , some of it in real estate . He had a willingness to help people who were trying hard to help themselves . He said that it was seeing boys lounging about the streets , growing up with no education , no trade , and no idea of usefulness that caused him to think about founding the school .
“ He was sure that a young man who learned a trade and was honest and industrious would be certain of success in life . It was the trades that made this country great and they are still needed today . Although a lot has happened since the school was founded , some things have remained the same - skilled tradesmen are needed now more than ever .”
His third reason is the spirit of the school . “ Anytime I am on campus , it is exciting to meet the students - in the halls , the shops , at a dinner . I feel an excitement . I feel their energy and creativity . I see their desire to achieve and capture the skill necessary to complete the project they are working on .”
Huntoon ’ s fourth reason is his son Chip , who died tragically in a work accident in 2014 . “ I know if he were here Continued on page 8
Chairman William Bonenberger 7W9
Charles Huntoon