On Cusp of Second Century, College Congratulates Final Centennial Class

Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Winter Commencement on Saturday at Williamsport's Community Arts Center, honoring Fall 2014 graduates  and ringing down the curtain on a yearlong 100th-anniversary celebration. Student speaker Nicole Marie Reyes-Molina, of Lancaster, a deaf student who received an Associate of Applied Science in building construction technology: masonry emphasis, represented the year's final Centennial class during the 11 a.m. event. Nearly 300 degrees were conferred by college President Davie Jane Gilmour and state Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the Penn College Board of Directors, who was surprised with a leadership award during the ceremony.

–  Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

 

 

 

Carol A. Lugg, director of transfer initiatives, meets with soon-to-be Penn College graduates who began their education at other institutions.

A line of students forms around Kay E. Dunkleberger, among the college employees on hand to help with pre-commencement wardrobe assistance.

Stephanie G. Dewalt-Gallagher, who graduated in hospitality management, added a shiny duct-tape bow to her regalia.

Awaiting marching orders in a seasonally festooned Genetti ballroom

Four-year nursing graduates turn their eyes forward, allowing a look at their colorfully appointed mortarboards.

Brian K. Manley, a part-time student for 20 years who finished his degree online, traveled to Williamsport to claim his much-deserved bachelor's degree in automotive technology management. An automotive instructor and cross-country/track coach in the Cherry Creek School District in Greater Denver, Manley traveled – appropriately enough – from the town of Centennial, Colorado, and planned to enjoy the regional sights with his high school-age grandson before returning home.

Marie E. Howey, a web and interactive media major, shares her special day with parents Donna and Keven Howey and daughter Maylene Cline.

A group of transfer students from Hudson Valley (New York) Community College, a mix of HVAC and building automation technology majors, savors the moment.

"Trust me, I'm an engineer!" Former student-athlete Britni M. Fennell, a Wildcat softball player earning degrees in automated manufacturing technology, manufacturing engineering technology and machine tool technology, proves that academics and extracurricular activity can co-exist.

A graduating senior employs a "selfie stick" to attain the proper vantage for a memento.

The procession forms in The Genetti Hotel before moving outdoors and down West Fourth Street.

Brittany M. Ottenmiller reveals the persistence that led to her degree in early childhood education - and a job in her field.

A congratulatory message overhangs its street-level audience outside the CAC.

John R. Bartolomucci (second from right), assistant professor of plastics technology, stands in celebration and solidarity with his students.

Sharing the day with proud loved ones

A heartfelt moment in the heart of the crowd

... and embraces faculty colleague Chef Charles R. Niedermyer II.

Happiness reigns during the postgraduate reunion of new alumni and their supporters.

Members of the 2010 South Williamsport Area Jr./Sr. High School class, Kristina M. Williams (left) and Kelsey L. Beard also graduated from college together on Saturday. Williams earned an associate degree in baking and pastry arts and Beard received her bachelor's in nursing. (Williams' twin sister, Emmalee J., is a graphic design major who helped create the Centennial mosaic on the college's main campus.)

Nursing grad Adriane D. Maurer is awash in encouragement during a photo op outside.

Hagan Way is choked with vehicles as graduates return for a parting shot by the Penn College sign at the main entrance.

Gifts of the season adorn the Capitol Lounge.

The magnificent Community Arts Center ups the grandeur with a Christmas tree reaching for the ornate ceiling.

Graduates entering the auditorium walk a red carpet of sorts, "watched" by beautiful newcomers just beyond the velvet rope.

A nutcracker flashes its pearly smile, perhaps in honor of the students' accomplishment.

Student speaker Nicole Marie Reyes-Molina, with Sarah S. Moore, her mentor and Disability Services sign language interpreter.

A silent sentinel photobombs School of Business & Hospitality friends.

School of Business & Hospitality students file past a vigilant presence in the CAC lobby.

Sporting a Centennial pin on his gown, a student spots a familiar face.

Imagine the roar if it were turned up!

A commencement cupcake tantalizes from atop a baking and pastry arts grad's cap.

Cramped quarters prove no obstacle to "self-preservation."

Davie Jane Gilmour presides over the final commencement ceremony of a busy Centennial year.

Faculty onlookers share in the joy of the class speaker's splendid day, captured with the help of chief student affairs officer Elliott Strickland.

Dorothy M. Mathers, associate professor of medical-surgical nursing – this year's recipient of the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award – shares valuable advice for the December graduating class. Among her gems? That proper attitude can mean the difference between job performance and job satisfaction.

In remarks as poetic as they were poignant, Strickland introduces Nicole Marie Reyes-Molina ...

... who signed an inspiring message of optimism over misery ...

... of fearlessness in the face of adversity ...

... and advocating an embrace of the journey, wherever it leads.

The president presents a once-in-a-lifetime Centennial Leadership Award to state Sen. Gene Yaw, a 30-year advocate of the college and chair of its board of directors ...

... who, surprised by the honor, takes a moment to let the sentiment sink in ...

... before expressing his gratitude, as well as his congratulations to the day's graduates.

A new alumnus, clad in the varied colors of his academic achievement, offers a contented smile.

As the tassel turns, another group of students instantly transforms into alumni.

Veterans and active-duty military personnel stand to receive sustained applause from a grateful audience.

A curtsy to the crowd is among the crowd-pleasing antics of happy grads.

The day also included fists raised in triumph, both singly ...

... and in tandem ...

... acknowledgement to some help from above ...

A spacious canvas on which is written intensely personal stories

... and indescribable excitement simply too big to contain.

... a "you know who you are" shout-out ...

Following the president's orders, a grad is all too willing to freeze the festivities via photos.

... a peaceful "V" for victory ...

Robert I. Mitchell, associate professor of mathematics, presents a diploma to his daughter, Claire N., who graduated in individual studies.

Jonathon L. Correll, who earned a bachelor's degree in legal assistant-paralegal studies, enlists the president in unfurling a Sigma Pi fraternity flag.

... an all-purpose "thumbs up" ...

Gilmour signs her congratulations to Reyes-Molina, who also received the Board of Directors Award. Among those watching with pride is Marc E. Bridgens (left), her School of Construction & Design Technologies dean.

Monumental surroundings, befitting the occasion ...

... as graduates fill the choicest seats in tribute to their success.

The cap of nursing graduate Courtney E. Servey is accented by a festive red ribbon.

In a traditional move that humors the audience, Chef Paul E. Mach switches his academic headgear for a Santa hat ...

With arms and diplomas raised toward the balcony, graduates prepare to recess.

Temporarily closed to vehicles, West Fourth Street takes on a block-party atmosphere.

Her arms filled with floral tributes, a new alumna makes memories (as well as plans for the day ahead).

Juggling the job ahead with an all-important job at hand

A recurring theme among baking and pastry arts majors: Seize the day ... and a cup of joe.

An impromptu photographer moves back to fit a sprawling family in the frame.

Whitnie-Rae Mays, whose widespread campus leadership was reflected in receipt of the President's Award, celebrates her applied technology studies degree on familiar turf.

Technology management grad Marco G. Peralta talks with Joseph A. Tavani, a Honda PACT faculty member.