Spring's Class of '13 Honored in Three Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Pennsylvania College of Technology held three commencement ceremonies May 17-18 for more than 875 students who petitioned to graduate following the Spring 2013 semester. The Friday afternoon proceedings honored students from the schools of Business and Computer Technologies, Hospitality, and Transportation Technology. The schools of Industrial and Engineering Technologies, Integrated Studies and Natural Resources Management were spotlighted Saturday morning; students from the schools of Construction and Design Technologies and Health Sciences graduated that afternoon. The student speakers were Kierstin G. Steer, South Williamsport, who received a bachelor’s degree in technology management Friday; Kyle S. Mullin, of Pottsville, who received a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology Saturday morning; and Jonathan M. Probst, of Allison Park, who received a bachelor’s degree in residential construction technology and management Saturday afternoon. The college also bestowed Distinguished Teaching Awards, two alumni awards and a posthumous degree to Michael Storm Fischer.
− Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; Whitnie-Rae Mays, student photographer;
Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue; Joseph S. Yoder, public information director;
Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer; and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
A happy fan helps Alyssa K. Bedison celebrate her associate degree in legal assistant/paralegal.
Relieved veterans of MGT497, a Business Policy and Strategy capstone course, jubilantly assemble in a hotel ballroom.
Added ingredients enhance the mortarboard of Jessica A. Reppert, a culinary arts and systems major from Northampton.
Chefs Charles R. Niedermyer and Michael J. Ditchfield, faculty members in the School of Hospitality, share in their students' proud day.
Christopher H. Van Stavoren, an assistant professor of automotive technology (center), reconnects with students after Friday's ceremony.
Synchronize your watches: Registrar Denny Dunkleberger apprises students of their imminent departure from The Genetti.
Health information technology graduate Tiffany S. Vaughn carries balloons and optimism.
Reuniting with well-wishers outside the Arts Center
Students rise in tribute to Gerri F. Luke on her selection as this year's Master Teacher.
Robin K. Morrison, graduating in the two-year hospitality management major, draws encouragement from Chef Paul E. Mach, assistant professor of hospitality management and culinary arts.
A family takes advantage of a less-crowded photo venue west of the Arts Center.
Near the corner of West Fourth and William streets – the crossroads between college life and the world beyond – students eagerly await graduation.
The Registrar's Office assists the steady flow of students checking in for commencement.
Bachelor's-degree graduates Ryan J. and Kierstin G. Steer gather for a celebratory family photo with (from left) sister, Anna; mother Rebecca A. (an Admissions Office assistant at Penn College); sister Jamie L. (a human services student at the college); and father Ralph. Kierstin, Friday's student speaker, earned a degree in technology management; her brother graduated in plastics and polymer engineering technology.
Students signal their excitement from across the room.
Friday's procession is blessed by sunshine – and a visit from the college mascot.
Friends help early childhood education graduates Kirstie A. Swisher (left), and Kelsey A. McGarry preserve a memory in the college's Remembrance Garden.
River Valley Transit buses carried graduates and their guests from campus to commencement and back.
The family of the late Michael S. Fischer visits a commemorative brick on campus prior to Saturday morning's ceremony.
David S. Price's grandmother Virginia (left) and mother Ana browse the Wildcat wares in The College Store on Saturday morning; Price received a bachelor's degree in construction management.
The Keystone Dining Room hosted receptions for graduates and their families both days.
... and Alexander T. Reiver, who earned a two-year degree in landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis.
Drew F. Graves, a diesel technology grad, with an entourage that knows how to travel
Spring flowers and a window on the season's greenery adorn a reception in the Keystone Dining Room.
Nathan M. Galbraith supplements his electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis degree with a snack.
Amber B. Phillips, an applied human services graduate, exults by the entrance fountains.
... Murtdha M. Al-Abdullah, a plastics and polymer engineering technology major ...
... including Jenna H. Weston, a forest technology student ...
Penn College's entrance sign poses a fitting backdrop for graduates and families capturing one last photo before their exit ...
A colorful crowd cheers as soon-to-be grads march in.
Waving to loved ones
Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, greets the audience.
Friday's speaker, Kierstin G. Steer
Gerri F. Luke, face buried at center, registers the shock of recognition as President Davie Jane Gilmour reveals her selection as Master Teacher.
The president congratulates Kierstin G. Steer after turning her tassel as class representative.
Board of Directors Chairman Robert A. Secor offers his encouragement to a new graduate.
Anita R. Girton, assistant professor of computer information technology (right), congratulates daughter Anna Maree Manciet as she receives a bachelor's degree in web and interactive media.
A milestone moment with the president
Graduating in business administration: human resource management concentration, Matthew D. Christopher shakes hands with proud father Daniel K., assistant professor of health information.
Graduates seize the moment in a variety of ways: the acknowledgement of family members whooping from the loge ...
Rory K. Kania, who already holds a variety of degrees from majors in the School of Natural Resources Management, adds a bachelor's in technology management to his toolkit.
With a video screen projecting the activity below, a student accepts her diploma on the spacious CAC stage.
A future so bright, they've gotta wear shades
Megan E. Endres, graduating with a four-year degree in culinary arts and systems, confidently strides toward her career.
... the chillness of a "hang 10" gesture ...
... apprehension that turns to sheer satisfaction ...
... the poignant power of a silent wave ...
... and the triumphant fist pump.
Surroundings that beautifully fit the majesty of the moment
Gowns of blue (associate degree students) and black (baccalaureate candidates) fill the center orchestra section.
Emblems of a special day: programs, diplomas, honor cords – and the hands with which new alumni will craft their futures.
Jami L. Hughes, coordinator of intercollegiate athletics and sports information (in yellow), is among the college employees on hand to applaud the Class of 2013.
With diploma covers in hand, graduates file out of the theater.
Abounding joy
Master Teacher and daughter (who made a surprise visit from Maine)
Thomas E. Ask, associate professor of industrial and human factors design, reads the inscription on the back of his hand-painted glass artwork that he presented to Michael S. Fischer's family. The painting, which depicts the rolling green hills that were the late cross-country runner's playground, is signed by Ask with the words: "For Michael Fischer, a designer of wonderful things who left before we were ready."
Robert M. Fischer points out a group of former cross-country runners who gathered in the balcony on behalf of his son.
Cross-country teammates, coach Michael J. Paulhamus (under the "D" in "WILDCATS") and the Fischer family meet for a postcommencement luncheon at the Paulhamus home in South Williamsport.
The overriding sentiment of the weekend
An appropriate adornment for an early childhood education major’s cap.
Graduates smile as they wait in front of the Community Arts Center.
Genuine joy shines through.
Applied human services graduate Ellen M. Bardo
Ashley M. Stuck, an applied human services major, registers her graduation gladness .
Early childhood education major Amanda A. Galer
Brian M. Guinter, graduating with an associate degree in early childhood education.
Board of Directors Award-winner Judy L. McMullen, an applied human services graduate, has her photo taken with her faculty adviser, Susan Slamka, and her proud children.
Nursing graduates show the results of their cap-decorating “party.”
A little help from a friend in graduation preparations
Director of Nursing Sharon G. Auker (face hidden) offers a congratulatory hug to a nursing grad.
Building automation grads play it cool as they await the procession.
A dental hygiene tradition
Laughing it up with classmates is part of the weekend’s celebration.
An unfading smile carries a graduate to the Community Arts Center.
A justifiably proud grin for the camera
Kathrine E. Dixon offers an enthusiastic graduation-day greeting.
Graduates from the School of Health Sciences pause with Tina M. Evans, associate professor of applied health studies.
Savoring the moment
A family gathers for a photo.
A new dental hygiene alumna poses with family.
A moment with Dad
President Davie Jane Gilmour joins the family of Michael Storm Fischer in the Capitol Lounge prior to Saturday morning's ceremony, at which she awarded him a posthumous degree. Fischer, a member of and volunteer coach for the Wildcat cross-country team and a student photographer for College Information and Community Relations, died last summer – just shy of earning a degree in industrial and human factors design.
Flower sales were brisk along West Fourth Street.
Elliott Strickland with Saturday morning's student speaker
While waiting to enter the auditorium, President Gilmour (center) talks with Chairman Secor and Carolyn R. Strickland, assistant vice president for academic services.
The day's VIPs parade through the Arts Center.
Speaker Kyle S. Mullin keeps the mood light.
The recipient of this year's Alumni Achievement Award, Jennifer R. Brinkley is an inspiration to young woman in so-called STEM careers.
Alumni mentor Robert Capps offers tips for graduates embarking on full-time employment.
Quick on his feet, award-winning speech instructor John D. Maize delivers on an impromptu assignment.
Excellence in Teaching honoree Ryan P. Good says the best award is the opportunity to teach students.
As his seated classmates move their tassels from right to left in unison, Kyle S. Mullin continues a graduation tradition.
Saturday afternoon's student speaker, Jonathan M. Probst, has a last-minute meeting with Elliott Strickland, Penn College's chief student affairs officer.
Spotting friends in high places
A nursing grad adds a personal touch to her graduation garb.
Jonathan M. Probst at the podium
A turn of the tassel makes it official for Jonathan M. Probst.
Veterans – wearing honor cords of red, white and blue – stand to be recognized by an appreciative audience.
Kelly M. Lucas-Clark, a nursing major commissioned last week in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps, is congratulated by President Gilmour.
A few more hugs while waiting in the wings
Yes, gentlemen, you did it!
Brian Arnold, a building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration major who will be commissioned in August as an Army ROTC officer, takes part in one of Saturday's ceremonies.
On this day, it's a very lucky number.
Eager to tackle what lies ahead
How's the day going? Very well, indeed!
Moving quickly into an exciting future
Helping a photographer frame the image
A less-than-subtle shout-out to a No. 1 fan
Enjoying his day in the sun
Taking it all in
The Friday afternoon crowd files out of the Community Arts Center in this view from above the marquee.
An obvious sense of accomplishment
Sharing a family occasion
Multiple devices capture a singular event.
A special visitor greets commencement guests.
Business administration: marketing concentration Megan L. Ripka, with friend and co-worker Heidi V. Mack
The Wildcat makes its rounds.
School of Hospitality graduate Megan E. Endres: another "degrees that work" success story
Striking a pose with a faculty mentor
A multigenerational celebration
Relishing their academic accomplishment
A bear hug lifts the mascot off its paws.
A furry friend finds Lady Wildcat Kierstin G. Steer.
A bump from a booster
A round of smiles
A beaming Kathleen K. Hart says it all.
A day to share with friends ...
... friends ...
A photo op gives classmates one more reason to stick together.
... and more friends.