Pennsylvania College of Technology is gearing up for its second annual "Homecoming." The celebration will be Monday, Feb. 1, through Saturday, Feb. 6.
A highlight of the festivities will be two basketball games on Saturday (Feb. 6) in the Bardo Gymnasium. The week will culminate with a Homecoming Dance and crowning of a Homecoming King and Queen. The first game on Saturday will pit Penn College's men's basketball team against Reading Area Community College at 3 p.m., followed by the professional Harlem Wizards team taking on the Penn College All-Stars, a team comprised of faculty, staff and students, at 5:30 p.m. The games are free and open to the public.
"We're hoping Homecoming will not only be a student, staff, faculty and alumni event, but something for the community, as well," stated Elliott Strickland, director of student activities. "People in the community are invited to come on campus and enjoy the basketball games with us."
The Harlem Wizards are a professional entertainment basketball team. Second only to the Harlem Globetrotters and teams within the NBA in terms of attendance numbers and longevity, the Harlem Wizards feature highly competitive basketball, theatrical entertainment and comedy routines. The team, including former college stars and NBA players, has toured over five continents since its inception 37 years ago.
The theme for Homecoming week is "Penn College Through the Decades," mirroring the College's current "Diamond 10" anniversary observance, commemorating the institution's 85 years of educational services. During each day of the week, a different decade will be observed with fun activities for students.
Activities include:
Monday, Feb. 1: The 1940s Swing Dancing, with Lessons, Penn's Inn, 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 2: The 1950s '50s Night Off Campus
Wednesday, Feb. 3: The 1960s Psychedelic Picture Stickers, CC Lobby, Noon-6 p.m. Men'sBasketball vs Central Penn, Bardo Gym, 8 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 4: The 1970s John Travolta Movie Night and Look-Alike Contest, Penn's Inn, 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 5: The 1980s Spirit Day Wear your Penn College attire to work and school Hypnotist Tom Bresdola, ACC Auditorium, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 6: The 1990s Tailgate Party with Free Food, Bardo Gymnasium, 2 p.m. Men'sBasketball vs Reading CC, Bardo Gymnasium, 3 p.m. Harlem Wizards vs Penn College All-Stars Faculty/Staff/Student Team, Bardo Gymnasium, 5:30 p.m. Semiformal Homecoming Dance & Crowning of Homecoming King & Queen, Bush Campus Center Penn's Inn, 9 p.m.
At the semiformal dance, a Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned by Penn College's president, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour. Student organizations nominate candidates who are then voted on with spare change from the student body. The candidates who collect the most money will be crowned the winners. Proceeds will be donated to a community charity chosen by the new king and queen. The contest is sponsored by the Residence Hall Association.
"It's neat to take time out of our school year and have a week of fun activities, especially during this dismal weather," added Strickland. "I'm especially impressed with how students have embraced Homecoming, with the dance and the king and queen competition. It's great that the money they raise goes back into the community."
Additional information is available by calling Penn College's Student Activities Office at 570-326-3761, ext. 4763 (internal calls, just dial 4763).