With Spring 2010 classes just around the corner, Pennsylvania College of Technology greatly eased the start-up process for more than 150 new and transferring students. Joined by their families for the opening of Welcome Weekend on Jan. 9, freshmen were met by an energetic and informed contingent of employees and students who provided pointers about college survival, helped cross those last-minute items – textbooks, parking permits, ID photos, etc. – from the "to-do" list, aided move-in to college housing and spotlighted the support network that will follow enrollees throughout their connection to Penn College. Sunday would bring the arrival of returning students; information on campus involvement, services and athletics; and a performance by comedian Sheng Wang.
— Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor
Erin M. Datteri, assistant director of student activities for Greek life and leadership, was among those greeting new students and their families in the Bush Campus Center.
Brenda A. Wiegand, secretary to the special assistant for student affairs/student development, lends a helping hand to a parent in Penn's Inn.
Edward A. Henninger, dean of business and computer technologies, meets with new students in a Campus Center classroom.
With the student's schedule in hand, College Store clerk Chad M. Chervinsky helps choose the right textbooks.
Brian M. Johnson, director of residence life, assists with check-in to on-campus housing.
Campus View Resident Assistant Adam S. Feather lightens a family's load during move-in day.
Marc E. Bridgens, dean of construction and design technologies (joined in the Campus Center by Assistant Dean Anne K. Soucy, right, and Steven K. McCoy, the school's coordinator of matriculation and retention) discuss the changes that will accompany their new students' transition into college.
Incoming freshman James S. Fox, a welding technology student from Bradford, has his student ID photo taken in the Campus Center.
More than 150 students and their families are welcomed to campus by college President Davie Jane Gilmour.
Penn's Inn audience learns about the varied offerings on campus and in the Greater Williamsport community, including a brief video about Greek life.
Assistant Dean Brett A. Reasner outlines academic tools and expectations in the School of Natural Resources Management during an afternoon session in the CC TV Lounge.
Spurred by "The Price is Right" theme song, members of the Wildcat Welcome Team "come on down" to introduce themselves and lead students to information sessions.
College officials were on hand across campus to provide valuable information for students and parents alike – advice on finances, academics and other concerns that accompany the higher-education adventure.