Williamsport, Pa. — A Penn College graduate who spent decades in the automotive industry was honored during graduation ceremonies this spring.
The college presented Clifford H. “Pep” Martin Jr., of Dade City, Fla. with the Distinguished Alumni Award at its Spring Commencement ceremonies, held May 16-17 at the Community Arts Center.
Martin was honored at the Saturday morning ceremony, which was one of three formal celebrations for graduates.
A Williamsport native, Martin is a 1972 automotive technology graduate of Williamsport Area Community College, Penn College’s immediate predecessor institution.
He continued his education at the University of Maryland and at Mansfield University, graduating with a business administration degree. He also served in the U.S. Navy (active duty and reserves) for eight years.
Martin was employed in sales and marketing for Ford Motor Co. for 17 years and then owned and operated three Ford dealerships in Florida for 26 years, retiring in 2024.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to those who have made significant contributions in their chosen fields, demonstrated the importance of their education at Penn College or its predecessors, participated in leadership roles within the community, and demonstrated a commitment to their alma mater.
Martin has spoken to automotive students over the years and is a member of the college’s Alumni Tomorrow Makers Program.
Martin is a board member and two-time past president of the Rotary Club of Dade City. His previous community affiliations and associations include: Dade City Chamber of Commerce, board member and past president; Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, member and 2018 Member of the Year; AdventHealth Foundation, board member (in Zephyrhills and Dade City); Ford Motor Co.’s Orlando Region Advertising, board member; East Pasco Habitat for Humanity, board member; and East Pasco Boys & Girls Club, board member.
Martin has been married for 43 years to his Williamsport High School sweetheart, Joan, who is also a WACC graduate. They are the parents of three adult children and have two grandchildren.
Their first date was at the Capitol Theatre, the historic playhouse that Penn College would later revitalize into the Community Arts Center — the venue for its commencement ceremonies and where Martin received the Distinguished Alumni Award.