Alumni, Other V.I.P.'s 'Lead the Way' at College Homecoming

Befitting the themed focus on campus leaders − those from earlier days and those who continue their student mentorship as employees and graduates − Penn College Homecoming 2012 was one to remember. Full of reunions both playful and poignant, including the first inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame and two curricular anniversaries, many of the events showed an apt reverence for history as the college counts down to a 2014 centennial. (Not that there wasn't ample time for fun amid the formalities; consider that Homecoming Weekend included a Tailgate Competition, Chili Cook-Off, bonfire, Alumni Golf Outing, the Nearly Naked Mile charity run and an emphatically omnipresent mascot.) PCToday "Leads the Way" with a photo retrospective of this year's celebration.

− Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer;
Whitnie-Rae Mays, student photographer; Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations assistant; Valerie L. Fessler, director of alumni relations/annual giving;
Student Ambassador Alissa J. Harris; Pamela A. Mix, alumna;
and Michael J. Hersh, assistant director of student activities for programming

Sharing his knowledge during a Homecoming visit is Zachariah M. Ranck, a 2008 plastics graduate.

Keith L. Jeffcoat, an award-winning 2001 alumnus, made one of his frequent trips back to campus for a 25th-anniversary celebration of the college's plastics majors.

Sean M. Stabler, whose Penn College education includes a 2006 degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology, returns to the classroom as business development engineer for Arkena Inc.

Former Wildcats return to campus for an alumni soccer game.

William E. Mack, assistant dean of industrial and engineering technologies, leads Williamsport Technical Institute alumni and guests on a tour of the metallurgy lab.

As he and his soccer teammates are declared winners of the Homecoming Tailgate Competition, Christopher P. Brennan exults in an off-field victory.

Staccato R. Butler Jr. joins the Wildcat for the "Cha Cha Slide."

Craig C. Baker, right, serves up a winner in the Chili Cook-Off. The secret to his first-place finish? Italian sausage, corn and "a lot of spices."

Former faculty members at Saturday's WTI reunion (and a familiar and loyal presence at all manner of other institutional events): Dale A. Metzker, printing and publishing (left), among the college's Master Teachers, and Chalmer Van Horn, drafting.

President Davie Jane Gilmour catches the soccer action at the Athletic Field and shares a laugh with former archery coach Chad L. Karstetter (in blue jacket), one of the weekend's Hall of Fame inductees.

Web and applications development student Walter R. Toomes, a member of Students Making a Contribution, and Maximus, his red-nosed pit bull from the SPCA, were among those enjoying the "dog days of autumn."

Brian J. Parker, Hall of Famer and Wildcat archery coach, gets a congratulatory hug from his youngest fan: his daughter.

Chad L. Karstetter (left) accepts his Hall of Fame plaque from Scott E. Kennell, director of athletics.

Cher and Steve Stupar share comedic stories and heartfelt appreciation for the athletic opportunities their Hall of Fame daughter, Katlyn, enjoyed while earning her baking and pastry arts degree.

Max Wasson speaks after an introduction by Michael E. Maneval, one of his wrestlers and a 1981 construction carpentry alumnus. Maneval lauded his former coach for "honesty and integrity" and for instilling in his wrestlers a sense of "respect and good sportsmanship" that carried over into their postgraduate lives.

A warm glow falls over the PDC crowd during Saturday night's Athletic Hall of Fame banquet.

From his vantage as coach and athletic director, Mike Stanzione offers stories of student triumphs in and out of the athletic arena.

In perhaps the night's most heartfelt moment, golf coach Matt Haile − who played under Hall of Fame honoree Chet Schuman − hugs his mentor's widow, Pam, as she approaches the podium.

Robert String at the podium, talking basketball.

Steven Craig (right) accepts his Hall of Fame plaque from athletic director Scott E. Kennell.

The first class of Hall of Fame inductees is enshrined on a plaque, the birth of a Wildcat tradition.

Melony A. White, Dining Services service attendant, keeps the grilled hamburgers and hot dogs in plentiful supply.

Homecoming hunger meets its match under the Dining Services tent.

The Wildcat makes a soccer-field friend with a very high five (or two).

Eight alumni join current Ultimate Frisbee team members and adviser Kirk M. Cantor, professor of plastics technology, for a brisk Saturday morning match.

Lance B. Richardson, a 2011 plastics and polymer engineering technology graduate now working for W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., returned for Ultimate Frisbee fun and is joined by his parents, Robin and Glenn, retired secondary education teachers whose two other children are also Penn College grads. "As far as I'm concerned, this school is unbelievable," said Glenn, a 1971 liberal arts alumnus. "I talk it up as much as I can."

Kirk M. Cantor signals the start of Ultimate Frisbee play.

Zachary D. Derck and Hannah E. Marquis, culinary arts and systems students, serve free pumpkin spice cake and warm apple cider to shoppers at the Williamsport Growers' Market.

Emmie P. Leed considers her next move during the pumpkin-carving competition, held downtown by School of Hospitality students.

Bundled up to fend off the autumn chill, culinary arts major Christopher L. Trivelpiece serves up grilled tuna with Asian slaw and soba noodles.

A ghoulish, but garden-fresh, student creation.

In a preview of the evening's big event, Athletic Hall of Fame inductees are recognized at midfield during an afternoon soccer game.

Whitnie-Rae Mays, 2011 queen, crowns Michelle C. Markardt.

Last year's king, Ryan M. Enders, helps Tyler J. Durham into his royal retinue.

The top 10 money-earners (temporarily joined by a furry friend) comprise this year's student Homecoming Court.

Homecoming runners-up are Kathrine E. Dixon, Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association; and Kyle S. Mullin, Sigma Nu. Dixon also finished second in the day's Chili Cookoff.

The college's mascot "photobombs" the newly crowned Homecoming royalty: Michelle C. Markardt, Early Educators; and Tyler J. Durham, representing the Student Government Association. A total of $3,554.12 was raised, to be split between the students' chosen charities: Connor's Connection (Markardt) and Camp Victory (Durham).

The Wildcat joins the 2012 faculty/staff Homecoming Court (and escorts) at half-time of the women's soccer game.

Chosen as faculty/staff king and queen during Homecoming balloting, and raising $362.35 toward student scholarships, were Shannon L. Skaluba, Student Activities information center assistant, and Jason K. Eichensehr, Dining Services manager.

A Homecoming landmark, at the intersection of yesterday and today.

Depicting the history of X-rays, the Medical Imaging Club won third prize in the "float" competition.

A true Penn College family shares its musical gifts: Benjamin R. Mix, an electronics and computer engineering technology major; his mother, Pamela A., who has three degrees from the School of Business and Computer Technologies; and his father, Kevin M., an audiovisual specialist who also holds a broadcasting degree.

The Penn College Construction Association won second prize with its cedar-tinged "Lead the Way to Sustainable Building" project.

WTI alumni and their guests learn about the college's new automobile restoration technology major and more during a tour of the collision repair lab with Eric D. Pruden, automotive instructor, and Debra M. Miller, director of corporate relations.

Samantha E. Purcell, an applied human services student, tempts a contest judge with her Buffalo Turkey Chili.

Having fun (and maybe huddling against the occasional chill, Student Activities co-workers staff the Chili Cook-Off judging table. From left are Sara R. Hillis, associate director; Malinda C. Love, assistant director for diversity and cultural life; and Kimberly R. Cassel, director.

Students of Musical Development, its interactive entry demonstrated by heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis major Aron T. Harmon, won first prize in the "Stand-Still Float" contest.

The Lady Wildcats defeated Valley Forge Christian College, 6-0, in a Homecoming runaway.

Sara R. Hillis, associate director of student activities, holds the Homecoming Queen's sash, crown and flowers moments before the anticipated announcement.

Frisbees, footballs and beanbags were flying during tailgate hours across the wide-open parking lot.

Sigma Nu brothers enjoyed all the comforts of home at the tailgate: video games and cozy furniture inside a rental truck, and a cookout just outside their door.

Enjoying a burst of fall sunshine and the company of friends, Construction and Design Technologies students join the tailgate fun.

The men's soccer team won the Tailgate Competition with a well-stocked playground of video games, music, food, poker ...

Winning form is exhibited on the tennis courts alongside the Field House, site of an 8-1 Homecoming Weekend victory against Penn State Lehigh Valley.

Along with members of each decades' graduating classes, the WTI reunion included recognition for the veterans among them.

Debra M. Miller, director of corporate relations (in blue) and Marilyn L. Palmer, secretary to the vice president for institutional advancement (behind counter), welcome WTI reunion attendees during check-in.

WTI alum William L. Lewis enjoys a School of Hospitality brunch in CAL.

Barry R. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement, welcomes WTI alumni and guests to brunch.

Buoyed by longstanding friendships - and equally long memories - Williamsport Technical Institute graduates reunite at College Avenue Labs.

Pam Schuman honors her late husband's legacy, telling some humorous Chet tales and sharing her appreciation for the outpouring of support following his December death.

Clad in this year's official "Lead the Way" T-shirt, student referees prepare to officiate the dodgeball competition.

Participants in Thursday's "Black-Light Dodgeball" game amass in the Field House.

Sigma Nu brothers before the Nearly Naked Mile ...

Physician Assistant majors Ashley P. Imrisek (left) and Mattison B. Baker know it's best to layer your clothing − even undergarments donned as outerwear −if some of it will soon be tossed.

Participants in the Nearly Naked Mile combine unbridled fun with unselfish community spirit.

Directional signs lead racers to a good cause.

Participants in the Nearly Naked Mile shed their clothes for charity, dropping items into collection bins at several stops along the route.

... and at the finish line

A bonfire lights (and heats) the night behind the Rose Street warehouse.

Darry Miller & the Veil entertain a Friday night crowd.

The Wildcat helps last year's king and queen, Ryan M. Enders and Whitnie-Rae Mays, enjoy the last few minutes of their reign before crowning their successors.

Valerie L. Fessler, director of alumni relations/annual giving, welcomes former student leaders back to their alma mater.

Current SGA President Ryan M. Enders

President Gilmour delivers remarks in appreciation of student notables.

Elliott Strickland Jr., chief student affairs officer, poses with student leaders/successful alumni Richard K. English, a 2000 graduate in graphic design (left), and Joseph M. Tertel Jr., who earned degrees in advertising art and graphic design in 2002 (right).

An impressive array of student leaders attended a Homecoming reunion in the Community Arts Center's Capitol Lounge (including Whitnie-rae Mays, who took the photo).

Former Student Government Association presidents pause for a group photo at the Student Leaders Reunion downtown. Seated, from left, are Jesse R. Viani (2002-03) and Scott M. Elicker (Fall 2009) . Standing, from left, are Gregory J. Miller (2011-12), Brian D. Walton (2008-09) and Adam J. Yoder (2010-11).

Alumni Relations' entry in the door-decorating contest fittingly honors a "Legacy of Leaders."

Physician Assistant students Heather A. Miller (left) and Sheree N. Regisford spoon up a sampling of Miller's chili − which was served with bacon-cheddar cornbread.

Graham M. Waters, a culinary arts and systems major, was one of 13 chili cooks in the competition.

... and roasting of marshmallows over a grill/hand-warmer.

Oh, what a beautiful morning for Ultimate Frisbee fans outside Madigan Library

With the college's new entrance sign greeting Homecoming returnees, a student tosses a Frisbee on the library lawn.

Years and years of service − and an incalculable accumulation of inspiration to students and co-workers alike − were represented in a reunion of the college's Master Teachers and Excellence in Teaching awardees.

Back on campus for the program's 45th anniversary, architectural technology alums gather outside the Bush Campus Center following an Architectural Design session where they gave current students feedback on their projects. From left, are: Anthony Visco, Roger M. Williams, Michael A. Gibble and Jeff LeFevre.

An architectural design jury, conducted in the architectural technology wing of the Hager Lifelong Education Center, is comprised of alumni experts. From left: James J. Bohensky, David M. Hamilton, Ernest L. Airgood, Roger M. Williams, Clifford "Matt" Forsythe II and Jeff LeFevre.

Passionately sharing his design wisdom, Clifford "Matt" Forsythe II leaps to the board to offer thoughts on a design presented by Jimmy R. Lupica, Chalfont.

Michael A. Gibble, ’00, architectural technology (center), shares his insights with architectural technology students Anthony J. Reed (left), of Flinton, and Levi Speicher (back to camera), of Manns Choice, during a design review session in Penn’s Inn.

Alumnus Anthony Visco advises Kendel F. Baier, architectural technology student from Jersey Shore, during an open design review in Penn's Inn.

Roger M. Williams, '84, architectural technology, listens attentively to Brian G. Losell, of Williamsport, and Alicia M. Stryker, of Carlisle, as they present their design project.

Architectural technology students Nicholas A. Marshall, of Danville (right), and Cody J. Wood, of Berwick (center), discuss the concepts behind their model with alum Anthony Visco.

Hamming it up for the photographer is a foursome from Construction Specialties, including three alumni: David Bailey, ’00, technology management; Brent D. Hamm, ’98, plastics; and Anthony J. Peachey, '09, business administration. Team captain was Curtis M. Fessler (second from left).

Alumni relations assistant Becky J. Shaner kept things lively, yet running smoothly, on the golf course.

Amber L. Dreese, a 2007 recipient of the Outstanding Varsity Athletic Alumni Award (left), with Maria K. McNett, her friend and former women's volleyball teammate

Architectural technology alumnus Michael A. Gibble and his son, Wyatt

They may look silly, but their performance in the Alumni Golf Outing at White Deer Golf Course was anything but. Shooting a 56 on the Vintage Course was a team headed by Wildcat golf coach Matthew R. Haile (temporarily donning a green wig for an impromptu Alumni Relations photo). From left are Haile's fellow alumni Anthony C. Stopper, Eric J. Schall and Jeffrey S. Kerr II. Schall was among Haile's first players when he began coaching at Penn College; the other two were former teammates when Haile was a student.

Suddenly a redhead, Kenneth C. Kuhns, an assistant professor of electrical technologies/occupations (right), joins his teammates in a quick wardrobe change at the alumni tournament's "dress-up hole."

Terri L. Haluck, a 2000 graduate in occupational therapy assistant (left), assembled a team for the alumni golf tournament.

A fun-loving foursome, from left: Michele M. Mach and husband, Paul E., assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts; Fred Becker, dean of hospitality; and Joseph J. Smith, who earned degrees in plastics and technology management.

Joseph J. Smith, whose two Penn College degrees (plastics and technology management) helped him land a job with Kensey Nash Corp., shares his experience with students.

Alumni brothers Darryl ('72, liberal arts), and Allan Kehrer, '74, business management, talk with President Gilmour and her alumnus husband, Fred, during a Sunday brunch for award-winning graduates.

Plastics alumni and faculty celebrate the program's silver anniversary at The Valley Inn in DuBoistown.

Plastics faculty at Friday's night reunion are, from left, Tim E. Weston, associate professor; Kirk M. Cantor, professor; and John R. Bartolomucci, assistant professor.

Same group, take two