Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Winter Commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. The student speaker was Micah A. Metzel, of Dallastown, who received a bachelor’s degree in technology management from the School of Business and Computer Technologies. Also speaking was Christine M. Kessler, assistant professor of physician assistant and this year's recipient of the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award. More than 350 degrees were conferred by college President Davie Jane Gilmour, accompanied by state Sen. Gene Yaw, a member of the Penn College Board of Directors. During the ceremony, a
Hail, the conquering hero
Special congratulations for Mom, a general studies grad
Soon-to-be-graduates cross the Community Arts Center foyer.
Student speaker Micah A. Metzel
Arts Center decked out in holiday finery
A painted cap was a commencement gift from a daughter to her graduating mother.
Debbi Chrisman, mother of Board of Directors Award-winner Andrew R. Chrisman, receives special recognition from President Davie Jane Gilmour for her dedication in driving Andrew, who uses a wheelchair, from their home in Selinsgrove to classes each day and becoming part of the campus community.
Students process from a festive Genetti Hotel.
A mother's warm congratulations
A pre-commencement grin
School of Hospitality faculty members – Frank M. Suchwala, left, and Michael J. Ditchfield – smile from the second floor.
Associate-degree nursing students gather before the ceremony.
Thaddeus J. Temple, who earned a degree in manufacturing engineering technology, hugs his father, Jim, an assistant professor of electrical technology/occupations.
Landscape/nursery technology graduate Emily S. Turney takes the stage with her proud father, Lynn, an instructor in machine tool technology/automated manufacturing technology.
A student's gesture ecstatically declares, 'I made it!'
Christine M. Kessler, this year's Master Teacher, addresses graduates and their supporters.
Faculty members descend to enter the auditorium.
Sharon Koppel, executive director of Snyder Union Mifflin Child Development Inc., accepts a mentorship award.
Student speaker Micah A. Metzel strides toward the outstretched hand of college President Davie Jane Gilmour.
Soon-to-be grads from the welding technology major
The president turns the tassel of class representative Micah A. Metzel, making official the conferring of degrees.
New grads check out their folders.
State Sen. Gene Yaw, a member of the Penn College Board of Directors.
Flowers were conveniently available for purchase outside the Arts Center.
Something old and something new: New graduates process past the downtown’s historic facades.
The day's speakers – Christine M. Kessler and Micah A. Metzel – greet other members of the platform party, along with Ward W. Caldwell, special assistant to the president for student affairs (center).
Students follow the college's alma mater through lyrics in the commencement program.