Endowed Scholarship Aims to Alleviate Veterans’ Financial Hardship

Published 02.15.2017

News

An endowed scholarship benefiting veterans attending Pennsylvania College of Technology was recently established by an alumnus – who is also an Air Force veteran and college employee – and his wife.

The Marlin and Brenda Cromley Veteran Scholarship will benefit veterans having completed at least one year at Penn College with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship will generate annual awards of $1,000, with the initial award being made this semester.

“I’m extremely grateful to Marlin and Brenda for establishing this scholarship,” said Debra M. Miller, vice president for institutional advancement. “Penn College has a proud history of welcoming students who are veterans of the United States military and providing them with the support needed to be successful. This scholarship adds to that tradition by helping with the challenge of paying for their education.”



As a part-time customer service associate in The College Store, Marlin had an encounter with a veteran who, unable to pay for a few necessary school supplies, had to put them back on the bookstore shelf.

The thought of a veteran, who sacrificed so much, unable to purchase basic items weighed on Marlin's mind that day. He shared his experience with Brenda that evening and both agreed that they needed to do something to financially assist Penn College veterans.

“Prior to obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College, I graduated from WACC (Penn College predecessor Williamsport Area Community College) in 1978 with an associate degree in business management. Both Brenda and I received scholarships when we attended college and were very grateful for the assistance, knowing that someday we would pay it forward,” Marlin said of the couple’s gift.

“As an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War Era, I fully understand the financial hardships that a veteran faces while attending college. The reason we established the Marlin and Brenda Cromley Veteran Scholarship is to lessen that hardship and as a way for us to salute those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces.”

Students who wish to apply for the Marlin and Brenda Cromley Veteran Scholarship – or any of the more than 200 scholarships administered by the Penn College Foundation – should complete an online application.

Those interested in contributing to a Penn College scholarship or establishing one can send a donation to the Penn College Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701; give online or call the Institutional Advancement Office toll-free at 866-GIVE-2-PC (866-448-3272).

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.