Alum lauded as plastics industry 'star'

Plastics News has recognized a Pennsylvania College of Technology alumnus. Luke S. Orzechowski was named one of the industry’s 35 biggest stars age 35 and under by the publication devoted to the global plastics trade.

Orzechowski is a senior process engineer at Cordis Inc., a developer and manufacturer of minimally invasive cardiovascular products, located in Miami Lakes, Florida. Prior to that, he had engineering roles at International Medical Industries Inc., Ethicon Inc. and American Leistritz Extruder Corp.

A 2018 graduate, Orzechowski earned a bachelor’s degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology. He was a Dean’s List student and inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. In 2021, he obtained a graduate certificate in plastics engineering fundamentals from University of Massachusetts Lowell.

“I am deeply honored to be named one of the top 35 plastics engineers under 35 by Plastics News,” he said. “This recognition feels like a culmination of my education at Penn College and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, as well as the invaluable experiences I’ve gained alongside remarkable engineers throughout my career.”

Kirk M. Cantor, professor of plastics and polymer technology at Penn College, said he enjoyed having Orzechowski in class. "Luke worked hard as a student in our program to become a high achiever. I remember that he sought out and excelled in beneficial summer internships,” Cantor said. “After college, he continued to advance his career by pursuing increasingly challenging opportunities. This recognition from Plastics News is a well-deserved honor.”