August grads 'soak in every moment' of hard-won accomplishment

Published 08.05.2023

Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor

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    Members of Pennsylvania College of Technology's summer "Class of '23," stepping across the Community Arts Center stage during Saturday's 11 a.m. commencement ceremony, were urged by their student speaker to slow down and appreciate the "monumental moment" at which they realized their longtime goal of a college degree. "All of us have put ourselves in uncomfortable situations throughout our time here," said Kathryn Ann Plankenhorn, of Montoursville, among those hooded upon attainment of their Combined Bachelor/Master of Science degrees in physician assistant studies. "I want you to just pause and look at where you're seated now." The day also featured the college's first four students to earn master's degrees in nursing, as well as an Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award to two-time graduate Whitnie-Rae Mays.

    On their way! It’s a thumbs-up day!
    On their way! It’s a thumbs-up day!
    The first graduates of the college’s Master of Science in Nursing (from left): Crystal L. Hanner, of Williamsport; Nicole B. Cowperthwait, of Bloomsburg; Alicia M. Freed, of Freeburg; and Lauren M. Scheetz, of Wellsboro.
    The first graduates of the college’s Master of Science in Nursing (from left): Crystal L. Hanner, of Williamsport; Nicole B. Cowperthwait, of Bloomsburg; Alicia M. Freed, of Freeburg; and Lauren M. Scheetz, of Wellsboro.
    And the final graduating class from the college’s associate degree in practical nursing, joined by assistant professor Sherry L. Hyland (in black).
    And the final graduating class from the college’s associate degree in practical nursing, joined by assistant professor Sherry L. Hyland (in black).
    As graduates enter the glowing venue, proud family members capture the auspicious occasion.
    As graduates enter the glowing venue, proud family members capture the auspicious occasion.
    With flowers on caps and dresses, the graduates walk into the sunshine.
    With flowers on caps and dresses, the graduates walk into the sunshine.
    Chris L. Eckenrod, director of radiography, snaps a selfie with her crew.
    Chris L. Eckenrod, director of radiography, snaps a selfie with her crew.
    Zachary B. Smith, of Chester Springs, acknowledges the camera as he enters the Community Arts Center. Smith earned a degree in heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology.
    Zachary B. Smith, of Chester Springs, acknowledges the camera as he enters the Community Arts Center. Smith earned a degree in heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology.
    Physical therapist assistant grad Emily Smith’s cap makes a fun play on words. Smith is from Fredericksburg.
    Physical therapist assistant grad Emily Smith’s cap makes a fun play on words. Smith is from Fredericksburg.
    Alicia M. Walters, a culinary applications grad from Osceola, makes her way to the CAC.
    Alicia M. Walters, a culinary applications grad from Osceola, makes her way to the CAC.
    Tamaka F. Carter – a financial aid assistant, alumna and current marketing student – hits a high note during her glorious rendition of the national anthem.
    Tamaka F. Carter – a financial aid assistant, alumna and current marketing student – hits a high note during her glorious rendition of the national anthem.
    The class representative radiantly punctuates her speech with the point of it all: "That we find happiness and success as we step out into this world and achieve new and great things. That we do so with humility and humbleness amidst this newness we will be experiencing. That we remember where we come from, and recognize all who have helped us along the way. That we never stop learning, both in our respective careers and in life. And that we never stop smiling."
    The class representative radiantly punctuates her speech with the point of it all: "That we find happiness and success as we step out into this world and achieve new and great things. That we do so with humility and humbleness amidst this newness we will be experiencing. That we remember where we come from, and recognize all who have helped us along the way. That we never stop learning, both in our respective careers and in life. And that we never stop smiling."
    "I wouldn't be who I am today without Penn College. My life changed the moment I first heard about the campus, and I knew I was meant to be here," alumni award-winner Mays told the graduates. "Trust the process and trust the timing of your life; everything is going to work out exactly how it is supposed to."
    "I wouldn't be who I am today without Penn College. My life changed the moment I first heard about the campus, and I knew I was meant to be here," alumni award-winner Mays told the graduates. "Trust the process and trust the timing of your life; everything is going to work out exactly how it is supposed to."
    The hooding process for the college's first master's grads in nursing – including Nicole B. Cowperthwait, recipient of the Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award – signifies success in completing the graduate program.
    The hooding process for the college's first master's grads in nursing – including Nicole B. Cowperthwait, recipient of the Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award – signifies success in completing the graduate program.
    This grad's headgear takes a comedic turn, while affirming that her achievement is far from just another day in "The Office."
    This grad's headgear takes a comedic turn, while affirming that her achievement is far from just another day in "The Office."
    President Michael J. Reed – who earlier said, "There is no greater honor for a college president" – obviously enjoys his assignment.
    President Michael J. Reed – who earlier said, "There is no greater honor for a college president" – obviously enjoys his assignment.
    Veterans, wearing honor cords denoting their military service, rise to applause from the audience.
    Veterans, wearing honor cords denoting their military service, rise to applause from the audience.
    Fab four! The family of Jacob Benjamin Keir, landscape/plant production technology, shows its Penn College pride "to a T."
    Fab four! The family of Jacob Benjamin Keir, landscape/plant production technology, shows its Penn College pride "to a T."
    The turn of the tassel provides visible verification of graduates' passage from one level of learning to another.
    The turn of the tassel provides visible verification of graduates' passage from one level of learning to another.
    The great outdoors beckons from this grad’s cap.
    The great outdoors beckons from this grad’s cap.
    Elise Carolyn Mullen, who graduated in the combined physician assistant studies bachelor/master's degree, makes it official with help from Joanna K. Flynn, interim vice president of academic affairs and provost.
    Elise Carolyn Mullen, who graduated in the combined physician assistant studies bachelor/master's degree, makes it official with help from Joanna K. Flynn, interim vice president of academic affairs and provost.
    Camden Thomas Nuttle, paramedic science, enjoys his moment in the spotlight.
    Camden Thomas Nuttle, paramedic science, enjoys his moment in the spotlight.
    A wide shot of the stage beautifully illustrates the many hands involved in successfully commemorating student success. From left are Anthony J. Pace, dean of enrollment and academic operations; Scott A. Geist, program director, announcing the graduates in surgical technology; associate degree recipient Abby L. Underhill, honored with the Surgical Technology Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the college's board of directors; Jennifer McLean, dean of students; and Flynn
    A wide shot of the stage beautifully illustrates the many hands involved in successfully commemorating student success. From left are Anthony J. Pace, dean of enrollment and academic operations; Scott A. Geist, program director, announcing the graduates in surgical technology; associate degree recipient Abby L. Underhill, honored with the Surgical Technology Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the college's board of directors; Jennifer McLean, dean of students; and Flynn.
    The significance of Peyton A. Biscoe's accomplishment, earning a two-year degree in diesel technology, clearly registers with on-stage onlookers.
    The significance of Peyton A. Biscoe's accomplishment, earning a two-year degree in diesel technology, clearly registers with on-stage onlookers.
    After receiving her hood, PA grad Kori-Ann Angelique Taylor turns to shake hands with Flynn.
    After receiving her hood, PA grad Kori-Ann Angelique Taylor turns to shake hands with Flynn.
    Twins Erin R. and Sofie A. Dean sport equally creative caps. The radiography graduates are from Harrisburg.
    Twins Erin R. and Sofie A. Dean sport equally creative caps. The radiography graduates are from Harrisburg.
    Human services & restorative justice graduate Monique C. Anderson-Parker enjoys a playful fist-bump with the president, who had asked students to signal how they wished to be greeted.
    Human services & restorative justice graduate Monique C. Anderson-Parker enjoys a playful fist-bump with the president, who had asked students to signal how they wished to be greeted.
    A heartfelt shoutout to a range of supporters.
    A heartfelt shoutout to a range of supporters.
    Following the presentation of diplomas, the president calls for another round of applause for the Summer 2023 graduates.
    Following the presentation of diplomas, the president calls for another round of applause for the Summer 2023 graduates.
    A family almost blends with its after-party surroundings.
    A family almost blends with its after-party surroundings.
    A group of paramedic program grads shows off its fun and inspiring headwear.
    A group of paramedic program grads shows off its fun and inspiring headwear.
    Dental hygiene grad Sarah C. Bennett, of Farmington, N.Y., shows off her hard-earned credential.
    Dental hygiene grad Sarah C. Bennett, of Farmington, N.Y., shows off her hard-earned credential.
    Paramedic science grad Breyanne E. Johnson, from Danville, finds an appropriate photo backdrop.
    Paramedic science grad Breyanne E. Johnson, from Danville, finds an appropriate photo backdrop.
    Brittany N. Neeper, a surgical technology grad from Lancaster, shares a hug with a supporter.
    Brittany N. Neeper, a surgical technology grad from Lancaster, shares a hug with a supporter.
    More plays on words in radiography
    More plays on words in radiography
    Physician assistant studies graduates Fatma R. Hassan and Kori-Ann A. Taylor, both of Williamsport, celebrate after the ceremony.
    Physician assistant studies graduates Fatma R. Hassan and Kori-Ann A. Taylor, both of Williamsport, celebrate after the ceremony.
    Grads gravitate back to campus to capture more photo-worthy moments ...
    Grads gravitate back to campus to capture more photo-worthy moments ...
    ... including Dustin Michael Taylor, who earned a combined bachelor/master of science in physician assistant studies.
    ... including Dustin Michael Taylor, who earned a combined bachelor/master of science in physician assistant studies.
    On the campus mall, Gabrielle P. Krupilis poses with her diploma holder and her Surgical Clinical Performance Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding clinical performance and professionalism in surgical technology.
    On the campus mall, Gabrielle P. Krupilis poses with her diploma holder and her Surgical Clinical Performance Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding clinical performance and professionalism in surgical technology.
    Blooming on campus and in her career is Courtney Morgan Case, combined bachelor/master of science in physician assistant studies. (Her father, Greg L., graduated from electrical occupations in 1992.)
    Blooming on campus and in her career is Courtney Morgan Case, combined bachelor/master of science in physician assistant studies. (Her father, Greg L., graduated from electrical occupations in 1992.)
    Radiography graduate Kelsey Jo Kronenwetter and her cooperative crew gather for a group photo at the building where she spent a great deal of time.
    Radiography graduate Kelsey Jo Kronenwetter and her cooperative crew gather for a group photo at the building where she spent a great deal of time.
    Griffin D. Kunze, manufacturing engineering technology, captures a keepsake with his mother.
    Griffin D. Kunze, manufacturing engineering technology, captures a keepsake with his mother.
    Wildcat soccer player Morgan Feeley, applied health studies: radiography concentration, strikes a refreshing pose at a campus fountain.
    Wildcat soccer player Morgan Feeley, applied health studies: radiography concentration, strikes a refreshing pose at a campus fountain.
    The family of Jacob M. Klokis, a new graduate in heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology, savors the celebration.
    The family of Jacob M. Klokis, a new graduate in heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology, savors the celebration.
    A family exits the scene with enduring milestone memories.
    A family exits the scene with enduring milestone memories.

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