Contributors to College Legacy Gather for Centennial Celebration
Friday, July 25, 2014
– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
Three of the college's presidents, whose administrations span nearly four decades of the institution's 100-year history, gather at Friday's Centennial Gala. Joining Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour are Robert L. Breuder (left), who served from 1981-97, and William H. Feddersen, who led Williamsport Area Community College from 1974-80.
Kate D. Hickey, director of the college library from 1983-96, chats with Russell C. Mauch, dean for community and continuing education from 1978-84, and his wife, Beverly.
While in the college's fine dining restaurant, Vivian Moon is delighted to run into an employee she hired during her 1978-88 tenure as associate professor of food services and dietetics: Craig A. Cian, associate professor of hospitality management/culinary arts.
President Gilmour welcomes "Gala Guests," a cross-section of more than 30 former employees and others to a luncheon in Le Jeune Chef.
William J. Martin, senior vice president from 1983-2011, leads one of two postlunch tours aboard a River Valley Transit trolley.
The tour of campus includes a glance into the newly renovated nursing labs on the first floor of the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center.
Nancy C. and Robert G. Bowers, longtime math faculty, oblige a photo request.
Outside the ATHS, the Mauchs grab a photo op with David M. Heiney, interim president of WACC from 1980-81 and dean of educational research and planning in 1982.
Colin W. Williamson, dean of transportation and natural resources technologies, offers insight into the Parkes Automotive Technology Center's Honda lab.
Another avid photographer in the group is James E. Middleton, vice president for academic affairs/provost, 1990-93, capturing a close-up of a restored Rolls-Royce.
Edmond A. Watters III, who served as dean for degree and certificate programs from 1978-81, investigates creations in the manufacturing technology lab.
One of the two tours winds its way to the CAL where Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, discussed the automotive restoration technology major – and where Luene Corwin (right), associate dean of career programming from 1980-83, snaps a photo.
William C. Bradshaw, a sports car enthusiast and former director of experiential learning and career services, eyes an MG on loan from K&T Vintage Sports Cars in Allentown.
In the welding lab, Breuder inspects two of the metal creations being crafted for "Student Bodies," a Centennial Art Installation that will make its official appearance on campus this fall.
Barry R. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement, enjoys conversation with William H. Feddersen, president of WACC from 1974-80, and wife, Roberta, as a trolley makes its way across campus.
Feddersen snaps a shot of a room in Dauphin Hall ...
... while Hickey captures a visual memory of the Capitol Eatery.
Hostesses for the evening, pausing only long enough for an all-star photo lineup, are (from left) Judy A. Fink, website content manager and supervisor of alumni/advancement marketing; Allison A. Bressler, assistant director of student activities for programming and Greek life; Sara H. Ousby, associate director of student activities for diversity and cultural life; Valerie A. Baier, administrative assistant to the president; President Gilmour; Brenda A. Wiegand, facilities and event management system specialist; Elizabeth G. Verbos, manager of conference and guest services; and Lenore G. Penfield, director of facilities utilization and college events.
Guests received a stunning piece of Centennial glass artwork when they departed.
The Madigan Library is transformed into a Gala-worthy space for entertaining.
Guests were greeted by a Centennial ice sculpture at the front door of the library.
Chalmer C. Van Horn (right) a drafting and CAD technology faculty member from 1962-2005, chats with the family of Kenneth E. Carl, director of the Williamsport Technical Institute from 1952-65 and president of the Williamsport Area Community College from 1965-73.
Ralph and Connie Horne, who served the college as administrators from 1979 to 2001, pose with President Gilmour and her husband, Frederick T., an alumnus, retired faculty member, a former executive director of the Penn College Foundation and a former director of instructional technology and distance learning.
President Gilmour is joined by Lycoming College President Kent C. Trachte and his wife, Sharon.
Appetizers mingle with books.
Robert L. Breuder addresses the Gala crowd.
James E. Fitzpatrick, who served as dean of student affairs from 1995-2002, listens intently.
Feddersen shares tales from his WACC days.
The glowing blue college seal tops off an eventful evening.
Gilmour, Penn College president since 1998, welcomes guests to the celebratory affair.
State Sen. Gene Yaw reads a Senate resolution commemorating the milestone prior to offering an official Centennial toast as chairman of the college board of directors.
The president poses with Kenneth E. Carl's daughters: from left, Marilyn Seeling, Susan Best and Joann Ertel.
Cathryn Addy, dean of North Campus from 1983-85, shares a lighthearted moment with George P. Wolfe, who served as director of academic computing from 1970-2001.
Robert E. Dunham, board chairman emeritus, offers heartfelt words about President Gilmour ...
... that led to a standing ovation acknowledging her contributions.
As part of the evening, guests enjoy visiting the Gallery at Penn College, on the third floor of the library, where "Collective Pop," an exhibit by internationally known pop artist Charles Fazzino and local middle and high school students, runs through Aug. 24.
Enjoying their reunion are (from left) Susan Middleton, John Penfield, James Middleton and Lenore Penfield.
One hundred blue and white carnations comprise this fitting floral tribute from the McCormick Law Firm, among the college's scholarship benefactors.