Welcome Weekend

The Pennsylvania College of Technology community opened its arms, hearts and doors to greet new students during Welcome Weekend, lending a helpful hand during move-in, assisting with last-minute preparations before the start of the Fall 2011 semester, orienting first-year enrollees to the location of their classes, and answering any questions to put freshmen (and their parents) at ease. Rounding out the weekend were fun activities and a welcome from President Davie Jane Gilmour and other college representatives, moved into the Field House due to Sunday's rainy weather.

— Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer;
Michael S. Fischer, student photographer; and Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations assistant

Resident Assistants Corvin K. Oberholtzer, left, and Dustin C. Bailey stand ready with blue bins.

 

Kierstin L. Barcavage, a pre-dental hygiene student from Carlisle, meets the Wildcat.

 

Dana R. Suter, coordinator of part-time student employment and career programming, goes over the Welcome Weekend schedule for a freshman and his parents.

 

Students enjoy cotton candy in a Welcome Weekend favorite: "the big chair."

 

Bright balloons (along with friendly administrators, upperclassmen and staff) greet new students to College Avenue Labs check-in.

 

The U-Hall Crew awaits new students and their families.

 

Eugene M. McAvoy, dean of academic services and first-year programs, greets Penn College newcomers, as Student Government Association President Gregory J. Miller awaits his turn to speak.

 

Alumni Dad Daryl R. Hoffman ('84, computer information systems), with son Tyler L., a new automotive technology student.

 

While his father keeps a respectful (but not disinterested distance), Jacob P. Conlon – an automotive technology student from Ludlow, Mass. – checks in with Emily B. Miller, instructor of fitness and lifetime sports/physical fitness.

 

RA Kathrine E. Dixon affirms a successful move-in Saturday.

 

Karissa Kulp, of Boyertown, a pre-nursing major, moves in her fish named Blueberry.

 

Field House combatants do battle in the safety of an inflatable arena.

 

The Wildcat easily makes friends with RAs Kayla E. Bosley, left, and Amanda A. Allanah. In the background are Residence Life colleagues Robert J. Lamb and Ashley G. Maietta.

 

A brigade of blue bins made "efficiency" its byword for the day.

 

A spray-paint artist displays his craft for students.

 

Brothers Tom (foreground) and Scott A. Kew-Goodale, Weatherly, both enrolled in information technology sciences/gaming and simulation, were among the Saturday movers and shakers (as was Layne E. Eggers, assistant dean of hospitality, visible in the background).

 

While their aunt attended to her new-student checklist, young visitors strolled campus with grandparents.

 

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"Comfort food" among the essentials for campus living: Mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies!

 

Steven M. Beightol ('03, environmental technology management), left, lends a hand to U-Hall Crew member Andrew J. Scarpelli.

 

Disk jockey Mike Snyder entertains the CampusFest crowd.

 

Move-in crews make quick (and orderly) work of unloading vehicles at Dauphin Hall, as seen in this view from above.

 

Alumni volunteers Dee E. Bilger ('07, business administration: management concentration) and Cory D. Keys ('06, electrical occupations) get reacquainted with a new "old friend."

 

Crews converge on family vehicles, quickly emptying contents into apartment-bound bins.

 

Pride was enhanced by relief, as parents found their load lightened by yellow-shirted volunteers.

 

Helpful staff, with welcoming smiles, included Jami L. Hughes, coordinator of intercollegiate athletics/sports information, and Scott E. Kennell, director of athletics.

 

Kimberly R. Cassel, director of student activities, makes new students feel welcome.

 

With a goal of 10 minutes per vehicle, the U-Hall Crew gets to work.

 

The U-Hall Crew, runnin' and rollin' through the halls of Dauphin

 

Students pot cacti during a CampusFest activity.

 

With suddenly idle hands, family members stand amid a swarm of move-in helpers.

 

Mighty muscles are required for moving cool contents.

 

Whitnie-Rae Mays, a "Link" in the college's summer Connections orientation program, spins cotton candy in the Field House.

 

Elevators a "welcome" sight

 

Alana N. Bohn, a pre-dental hygiene student from Lebanon, with her parents, Shannon and Chris, in her new room in Dauphin Hall

 

From left, Information Technology Services employees Jim J. Folmar II, coordinator of advanced desktop computing applications; Brandon M. Penglase, technical support analyst; and Ron Z. Miller, director of academic/desktop computing and audio/visual services, provide student assistance.

 

RAs, returning students and staff comprise a cooperative contingent of move-in volunteers.

 

A beverage tent outside CAL offers refreshment to road-weary families.

 

Community Assistant Atlee J. Eshleman makes his point during Welcome Weekend remarks.

 

First-year students and their families were guided through the process from the very start, as their vehicles passed through the main campus entrance along Maynard Street.