The Community Arts Center was home to three Spring Commencement ceremonies held May 14-15 for more than 900 students graduating from Pennsylvania College of Technology. Friday's 3 p.m. proceedings featured students from the schools of Business and Computer Technologies, Hospitality, and Transportation Technology; Saturday's 10 a.m. ceremony honored students from the schools of Industrial and Engineering Technologies, Integrated Studies, and Natural Resources Management; and the weekend's final festivities (at 1:30 p.m. Saturday) comprised the schools of Construction and Design Technologies and Health Sciences. Student speakers, respectively, were Alyssa J. Giedroc, of Howard, who received a bachelor’s degree in technology management; Garrett M. Book, of Lebanon, awarded an associate degree in ornamental horticulture: landscape technology emphasis; and Kathryn A. Foster, of Hummelstown, who attained a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The college also bestowed Distinguished Teaching Awards (the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award and Excellence in Teaching honors) and an Alumni Achievement Award.
— Photos by Joseph S. Yoder, news bureau manager;
Jennifer A. Cline and Tom Wilson, news bureau writer/editors;
and Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist
A momentous occasion, duly noted on the Community Arts Center marquee.
Kathryn A. Foster delivers her Saturday afternoon remarks.
Garrett M. Book, Saturday morning's student speaker
Alyssa J. Giedroc, winner of the President's Award, was student speaker at Friday's commencement ceremony.
We made it!
A student peeks out from the line-up crowd.
The view from above
Graphic design student Jennifer L. Reeder
A pair of students enjoys the final moments before becoming graduates.
Eli Hughes, this year's winner of the Alumni Achievement Award
Registrar Denny Dunkleberger obliges nursing students.
Manufacturing engineering technology student Bradley T. Robinson
Building construction technology student Priscilla L. Snyder offers a sweet smile before entering the Community Arts Center.
The latest Penn College alumni exit the Arts Center on the first leg of their next journey.
Forestry professor Dennis F. Ringling, chosen as this year's Master Teacher, hugs President Gilmour.
Elizabeth A. Dahlgren, assistant professor of business administration/management, an Excellence in Teaching honoree
Harry W. Hintz, instructor of construction technology, acknowledges his Distinguished Teaching Award.
A heartfelt hug
Edward E. Race, a civil engineering technology graduate, stands for a tribute to veterans.
A student finds a familiar face among the faculty in procession.
Physical fitness specialist students gather for a photo op.
Carving out a piece of curbside turf for a multigenerational photo
School of Hospitality students Elisabeth J. Callahan and Matthew S. Dansky look to well-wishers as they process through the Arts Center foyer.
Kyle M. Pfueller, immediate past president of Penn College's Student Government Association, leaves the Genetti Hotel for his Friday date with a diploma.
Forestry students pause for a photo beneath a shade tree.
Hannah E. Fisher multitasks as the (temporarily) designated photographer for School of Hospitality classmates.
Hearty congratulations
All smiles on a big day
A human services student’s cap says it all.
In the "snap" of an instant, a permanent memory is made.
Speaker Garrett M. Book shares a laugh with Ward W. Caldwell, special assistant to the president for student affairs (left), and William J. Martin, the college's senior vice president.
Dental hygiene students show their program pride.
A nursing student prepares for the Saturday afternoon ceremony.
Students turn to the program to join in singing the Penn College alma mater.
Walter V. Gower, assistant professor of aviation, is congratulated by college President Davie Jane Gilmour upon earning his bachelor's degree in aviation maintenance technology.
Joseph R. Raup, outgoing president of the Delta Mu Delta honor society, is congratulated by smiling supporters – including his adoptive father, former Lycoming County Judge Thomas C. Raup (left), a 1992 recipient of a Distinguished Part-Time Teaching Award while a legal assistant instructor at the college.
Plastics and polymer engineering technology student Ashlin R. Hollinger
John R. Greenwood, Harrisburg, who earned degrees in manufacturing engineering technology, toolmaking technology and automated manufacturing technology − in addition to the Board of Directors' Award − greets President Gilmour.
A new graduate, reunited with loved ones outside the Arts Center, poses for a photo.
Tina M. Evans, associate professor of dental hygiene/applied health studies, accompanies students in the procession.
A jubilant grad shares the moment with her mom.
A warm smile for the president.
A commencement guest grabs a convenient floral tribute at Friday's ceremony.
Degree candidates enter the arts center.
Embraced by family in a postceremony reunion
Charles Chang McMorran, who graduated Saturday morning with a bachelor's degree in computer aided product design, gathers with family at a campus landmark.
A group of plastics and polymer technology and plastics and polymer engineering technology students gather with faculty member Tim Weston (rear left).
Early childhood education graduate Trena M. Paxton celebrates with her grandmother.
Graduates' collective accomplishment is applauded by class representative Kathryn A. Foster.
Wrapped in regalia, graduating students await their procession from the Genetti Hotel.
Adding a technology management degree to his postgrad toolkit, Timothy R. Cotter (a Student of the Month during the Spring 2010 semester) stands with proud parents.
President Gilmour turns the tassel of Alyssa J. Giedroc, making official the transition from student to alumnus.
Students make an instant memory, à la digital self-portrait.
Bradley S. Jackson, who earned a degree in information technology: security specialist concentration (as well as the Academic Vice President and Provost's Award), revels in the moment as he awaits entry to the Arts Center.
Photographers (and photo opportunities) abounded along West Fourth Street.
Tears of joy
A family shares the limelight.
Emotions quietly convey the day's importance
Electrical occupations student Michael Todd Sr.
Baking and pastry arts majors enjoy some time together before they say "Goodbye" ... for now.
A couple poses for multiple cameras.
Passing the Community Arts Center columns.
A young attendee finds a higher perch from which to watch a graduating family member (and whatever else catches her eye).
Student speaker Alyssa J. Giedroc gets a last-minute boost of confidence from her former dean, the School of Hospitality's Fred Becker.
A proud parent has camera aimed and ready.
Brothers Matthew S. and Michael R. Johnson earned bachelor’s degrees in construction management.
As students prepare to follow their dreams, happiness proves hard to contain.
Graduates pour out onto sun-splashed West Fourth Street in search of family and friends.
Gifts for a grad
A student takes full advantage of a mirror in the staging area.
The final graduate of the Spring 2010 class, speaker Kathryn A. Foster, crosses the stage.