Fall graduates close out '23, equipped for what's ahead

Prior to the ceremony, Jay K. Patel enjoys a photo op with Heidi E. Roupp, disability and access resources specialist and his American Sign Language interpreter for two and a half years. Patel received the Board of Directors’ Award and degrees in manufacturing engineering technology and automated manufacturing technology. Welcoming guests (and taking their tickets) with a festive spirit is Tamaka F. Carter, financial aid assistant ... ... who also shares warm greetings with fellow employees like Penn College Police Officer Jeffrey E. Kriner. Just before dismissing near-grads for their march up West Fourth Street, Registrar Maria N. Piselli provides last-minute instructions in a Genetti Hotel ballroom. Sunshine on their shoulders, graduates make their way into the Community Arts Center. An overflow of hard-earned happiness In the venue’s lobby, this seasonal “guardian” makes a favorite photo op for many a visitor, including culinary arts technology grads Gunner T. Vuocolo (left) and Jordan S. Brouse. Alongside every successful graduate is a faculty cheerleader or two, and the welding program is no exception. Instructor Michael R. Allen (right) talks with Matthew R. Vonada, welding & fabrication engineering technology, about the road ahead. With holiday greenery behind them and a bright future ahead, a group of grads waves at a photographer. Joyful faces, ideal December weather and red-ribboned wreaths decorating the downtown Sharing contagious smiles on a momentous day are Tanya Berfield, director of student advocacy and Title IX coordinator, and Nate Woods Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation. A grad signals thumbs-up on an exciting day. Waiting for the processional to the CAC, a group of students from Penn College's manufacturing program lines up in "ready for whatever comes our way" mode. Continuing to bring the fun, Carter cheers on the graduates as they file into the Arts Center ... ... and are greeted with yet more welcomes, including fist bumps from the college president and an added helping from Woods (back to camera). Dane S. Druckenmiller marched away with three degrees: applied management, baking & pastry arts, and brewing & fermentation science. Sharing her vocal talents, Coryn Aliyah Oswald sings the national anthem prior to accepting her degree in plastics & polymer engineering technology. Joanna K. Flynn participates in her first commencement as the newly appointed vice president for academic affairs and provost. Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends adorn the mortarboard of Kathleen A. Ross, who earned a bachelor's in nursing and who – quite fittingly – will begin the Disney College Program in April. Jennifer McLean, dean of students, introduces the student speaker. "There's not anyone in this world that can author your story for you," Pringle told his graduating classmates. "Not parents, other family members or your friends. While they could have influence on your life decisions, ultimately, it’s your decision to make. So if you don’t take anything else from this speech, always remember: You’re the author of your story." And speaking of family members, he elicited some audience sniffles in inviting applause for "my beautiful mother." Among the college employees presenting diplomas to loved ones are Dorothy J. Gerring, associate professor of architecture, and Joseph A. Schaefer, automotive instructor. Gerring’s son and Schaefer’s wife were among the day’s graduates. The alumni honoree regales the audience with a conversation about his Penn College days and the importance of mentoring. "I’ve learned ... that the further you want to go, the harder it is to go alone, Riedel said, earnestly urging the graduates to stay connected and foster future generations of Wildcats. "Actually, it’s impossible. Success requires teamwork. Great teamwork needs great leadership. And great leaders likely learned from the mentors in their lives." Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of Penn College’s Board of Directors, authorizes the conferral of degrees and certificates. President Reed turns the student speaker’s tassel. Veteran students stand for applause and recognition from the full house of graduates and guests. While many his age would fuss and fidget, this young man sat – program in hand – attentively watching for his favorite graduate. Reed prepares to award degrees. Veteran Jeremy N. Lakes, who earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration, shakes Yaw’s hand. Veteran Joyce M. Fernandez Rivera graduates in emergency management & homeland security. After confirming pronunciations with each graduate, Anthony J. Pace, dean of enrollment and academic operations, announces their names. Among the faculty applauding graduates as they cross the stage is Tammy M. Rich, associate professor of business administration/management/event management. Rich is among the campus mentors who received a special shoutout in the student speaker’s speech. Smiles that speak volumes from Corinne R. Rinehimer, nursing LPN-RN ... ... and classmate Sunday Dawn Weller, nursing LPN-RN. It was full day for Nathaniel A. Mathias, racking up a bachelor's in manufacturing engineering technology (magna cum laude), associate degrees in automated manufacturing technology and machine tool technology (high honors in each), and a certificate (with distinction) in CNC machinist. A gorgeous setting for the prestigious occasion This selection of grads' caps was especially pretty – and pretty sparkly. The Arts Center marquee reflects the day's abundant sunshine ... ... a transcendant glow that bathed the theater's interior, as well. Kae A. Little, who will seamlessly move from an associate degree in human services & restorative justice to the bachelor's major in the spring, shares an oh-so-genuine moment with mother Jennie, one-half of her proud parental support team. Baking & pastry arts grad Sofie E. Howard celebrates with dad Chris, the Wildcats' baseball coach, and his wife, Eyvonne. Plumbing and heating instructor Kenneth E. Welker Jr. (right) congratulates Brock W. Doyle, who earned an associate degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology and a certificate in plumbing. With multiple cameras pointed in her direction, Shannon M. Helman – showing the compassion you'd expect from a nurse – makes time for a college photographer. Sonia C. Good poses for photos with Carl J. Bower Jr., assistant professor of horticulture. Good earned an associate degree in landscape/plant production technology. An embrace as warm as a 50-degree day in mid-December Fresh from receiving his bachelor's in business administration is Cody D. Miller, joined by well-wishers that include partner Natasha Martin, who holds Penn College degrees in applied management and in landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis. Tashad Thompson Jr., who attained his bachelor's in accounting, is engulfed in familial love. Reuniting outside the Arts Center are John G. Upcraft (left), instructor of machine tool technology/automated manufacturing, and Dhruv Singh, a 2022 graduate in automotive technology management. Singh (now employed by Toyota North America) is a former member of the college's Baja SAE team, for which Upcraft serves as adviser. Recreating a photo that appeared online when Troy V. Patcyk moved into his residence hall to start his freshman year are the new network administration & engineering technology graduate and his mother, Misty. Victor Angelo Mumtaz celebrates the day with his loved ones, including Ashlee C. Felix (in blue dress), assistant director of student engagement. Sporting his Phi Theta Kappa honor society medal and stole is electrical construction grad Ethan M. Ryan. Patrick J. Moran enjoys a post-ceremony photo op with his parents, grandparents and girlfriend. Moran earned a degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology. It’s a Wildcat blue bonanza for John (“J.J.”) Jenkins Steneck, heavy equipment technology: technician emphasis, and his parents. With two graduates to celebrate, the Schaefer family has a truckload of blessings. Natalie Jo Schaefer (on left in blue graduate gown) earned her degree in nursing LPN-RN and brother-in-law Bryan C. (in black grad gown) attained a bachelor's degree in applied technology studies (to add to three earlier degrees). Bryan is a maintenance mechanic/millwright specialist at the college. A bouquet of red and white flowers and pine cones makes the perfect accent for photos of Sierra M. Kunig, emergency management & homeland security.