Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Summer Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport. The student speaker was Kenneth B. Kephart, of State College, a professor of animal science at The Pennsylvania State University and a voluntary emergency medical technician who was awarded a certificate in paramedic technician from the School of Health Sciences. During the ceremony, the college presented a Mentorship Award to Emilie E. Faillo, of Narberth, a 2001 culinary graduate who, in the course of her professional life, has coordinated a variety of real-world work experiences and mentoring opportunities for Penn College students, and a College Service Award to faculty member, department head and Penn College Education Association President Jim E. Temple.
— Photos by Joseph S. Yoder, public information director, and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
— Photos by Joseph S. Yoder, public information director, and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
Student speaker Kenneth B. Kephart
Mentorship Award-winner Emilie E. Faillo is congratulated by Chef Paul Mach, assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts (left), and Fred Becker, dean of hospitality.
Jim E. Temple, College Service Award recipient, thanks the graduates for sharing their day – and wishes them each a career to rival his in satisfaction.
Neither drizzle nor downpour dampened the day's happiness.
Fresh from a dash through the rain, a graduating student breezes into the Community Arts Center.
Acknowledging a well-wisher
With programs in hand and pride in their step, students cross the Arts Center foyer.
Carol J. Kafer, associate professor of biology, talks with students at The Genetti Hotel.
Matthew G. Barner, of Mill Hall, an emergency medical services graduate, celebrates with daughter Riley.
Soon-to-be-graduates, appropriately equipped for – but unfazed by – foul weather
Veterans, identified by red-white-and-blue honor cords, are applauded by classmates and commencement attendees.
The class speaker stands with Elliott Strickland, chief student affairs officer, who soon would introduce him from the podium.
Nursing graduate Stefanie A. Kreamer, of Selinsgrove, salutes the daughter who inspired her to success.
A radiant smile shines through the clouds.
Under the watchful eye of Registrar Denny Dunkleberger, graduating students process to the theater.
Robert E. Dunham, chairman of the college board of directors, authorizes the conferral of degrees and certificates.
As he has for ceremony upon ceremony, Jim E. Temple carries the academic mace to the stage.
Surgical technology majors gather in a hotel ballroom, trying to satisfy multiple photographers prior to their big moment.
With smiles both broad and contemplative, rising alumni prepare to take their seats.
Speaker Kenneth B. Kephart gathers his thoughts.
The cap and gown are joined by an umbrella, as a soggy West Fourth Street requires an addition to the academic regalia.
Even on a rainy morning, graduating students walk confidently toward their day in the sun.
President Gilmour shares a moment with the class representative after turning his tassel to mark his graduation.
Colin W. Williamson, dean of transportation technology (right), shares a word or two with graduating students.
Do-it-yourselfers make a memory.
Monae S. Rector, a nursing graduate from Williamsport, adorned her cap with tools of the profession.
President Gilmour and Jim E. Temple
Classmates in the physician assistant major await procession to the Arts Center.
Graduates' umbrellas, to be reclaimed after the ceremony, form an impromptu 'rain check' in the Arts Center lobby.
A River Valley Transit bus, transporting graduates and their families back to campus, flashes its point of departure.
Graduates steadily cross the stage to receive congratulations from President Gilmour and Chairman Dunham.
New alumni, their families and friends wait out the storm under the marquee.