MEDIA, PA — Delaware County Community College marked the 100th birthday of World War II shipyard worker June Robbins on Sept. 18 at its Marple Campus, using the milestone to connect women’s wartime entry into industrial jobs with their expanding roles in science, technology and the skilled trades.
Robbins, a Media resident, was a teenager when she joined the millions of American women who entered manufacturing, shipbuilding and other industrial jobs during World War II. She worked at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, helping build and repair ships for the United States and its allies, according to the college.
Students, faculty and staff joined U.S. Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon and Chrissy Houlahan at DCCC’s Advanced Technology Center for the Celebration of Women in STEM and Skilled Trades. The event concluded with a commendation from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and a cake recognizing Robbins’ 100th birthday.
The celebration also traced the progression of women into technical fields at DCCC. The college graduated its first female STEM students, then natural science majors, in 1972.
Current mathematics and natural science major Lillian Yost pointed to that history as a foundation for opportunities available to students today.
“I would not have the opportunities I have today without the women who came before me and fought for our place,” Yost stated. “It is an honor to celebrate June Robbins.”
Yost was selected in 2025 for the Wistar Institute Biomedical Technician Training Program, which provides students with experience in biomedical research. She plans to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a career in biomedical research.
DCCC student Christa Heyward, PhD, has taken a different path through the technical workforce. She is applying experience from the college’s Residential Carpentry program during a two-year fellowship with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office.
“The symbol of Rosie the Riveter, and people like June Robbins, continue to remind us that women are capable, we belong in these spaces, and that our experience and input add to the depth of these industries,” Heyward stated.
The event took place at DCCC’s 32,000-square-foot Advanced Technology Center, where the college provides training in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades including welding, carpentry, plumbing and HVAC.
DCCC President Marta Yera Cronin drew a direct connection between Robbins’ wartime work and the technical training taking place at the college eight decades later.
“During World War II, women like June Robbins paved the way by showing that women not only can do STEM and skilled trades jobs, but do them well,” Cronin stated.
Legacy Bridges STEM Academy Chief Executive Officer Joi Spraggins also addressed the role of women in technical careers, including aeronautics, and discussed the organization’s efforts to introduce girls to STEM professions.
Scanlon discussed women’s historical and future roles in STEM and skilled trades, including work at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, while Houlahan drew on her experience in the Air Force and as an engineer, entrepreneur and educator.
DCCC’s Marple Campus is at 901 S. Media Line Road in Media.
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