Alumni Couple Enjoys Belated (but Still Sweet) Visit to Campus
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
As Pennsylvania College of Technology's reigning Alumni Sweethearts, Joshua A. and Aurora D. (DiRocco) Bonner visited campus this past weekend to stay overnight at the Victorian House and dine in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant. Their trip to campus, initially scheduled for Valentine's weekend (Feb. 15-16), was postponed due to winter weather, but springtime rolled out an even better red carpet.
"Seeing the campus in spring, preparing to bloom, was worth the wait," Aurora said. "The weather was gorgeous!"
The Bonners, both 2003 advertising art graduates who reside in Tunkhannock, were greeted upon arrival by Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations specialist, and given a tour of campus.
"We were absolutely floored by the campus," Aurora offered. "Although many of our fondest places remain, the campus has grown so much since we were students. The new Dauphin Hall residence hall was so sprawling and accessible, that we immediately agreed that our own children would be very happy as students there themselves. And, the library and gallery occupy a stunning space and are architecturally so captivating. I would have spent all of my time there as a student!"
Shaner enjoyed showing the couple the new highlights on campus and said, "It's always fun to experience the connection that takes place between alumni couples visiting campus. Watching them relive special moments that ultimately brought them together as husband and wife always brings a smile to my face."
The Alumni Sweethearts "thoroughly enjoyed" their meals in Le Jeune Chef.
"The student-inspired tuna appetizer and the signature chocolate soup particularly astounded us!," Aurora said, adding that they also appreciated the chance to speak with some of the college's hospitality students. "Our conversations with the future alumni of Penn College reiterated what we already knew: a Penn College education is an exceptional one."
The Bonners, who were selected through Facebook polling as Penn College’s 2014 Alumni Sweethearts, were the third annual winners of the contest.
"Seeing the campus in spring, preparing to bloom, was worth the wait," Aurora said. "The weather was gorgeous!"
The Bonners, both 2003 advertising art graduates who reside in Tunkhannock, were greeted upon arrival by Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations specialist, and given a tour of campus.
"We were absolutely floored by the campus," Aurora offered. "Although many of our fondest places remain, the campus has grown so much since we were students. The new Dauphin Hall residence hall was so sprawling and accessible, that we immediately agreed that our own children would be very happy as students there themselves. And, the library and gallery occupy a stunning space and are architecturally so captivating. I would have spent all of my time there as a student!"Shaner enjoyed showing the couple the new highlights on campus and said, "It's always fun to experience the connection that takes place between alumni couples visiting campus. Watching them relive special moments that ultimately brought them together as husband and wife always brings a smile to my face."
The Alumni Sweethearts "thoroughly enjoyed" their meals in Le Jeune Chef.
"The student-inspired tuna appetizer and the signature chocolate soup particularly astounded us!," Aurora said, adding that they also appreciated the chance to speak with some of the college's hospitality students. "Our conversations with the future alumni of Penn College reiterated what we already knew: a Penn College education is an exceptional one."
The Bonners, who were selected through Facebook polling as Penn College’s 2014 Alumni Sweethearts, were the third annual winners of the contest.
Photo by Marc T. Kaylor, student photographer