Penn College News

Capricious Weather Tempered by Open House Excitement

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Saturday's biting breeze and snowy commute confirmed it: It's still March in Pennsylvania! Far more predictable was what campus visitors found all day at Penn College's Spring Open House, as helpful and personable students, employees and alumni encouraged potential enrollees and other visitors to explore a national leader in applied technology education.


– Photos by student photographers Elizabeth S. Greis, Caleb G. Schirmer and Dalaney T. Vartenisian;
Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
Cletus G. Waldman, clinical director of radiography; and Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations specialist


Answering a family's questions in the SASC is Dennis L. Correll (second from right), associate dean for admissions and financial aid.

Answering a family's questions in the SASC is Dennis L. Correll (second from right), associate dean for admissions and financial aid.

Even before noon, Admissions computers were in big demand by applicants in the Student & Administrative Services Center.

Even before noon, Admissions computers were in big demand by applicants in the Student & Administrative Services Center.

Danielle M. Liddic, coordinator of employer/industry relations, talks

Danielle M. Liddic, coordinator of employer/industry relations, talks "degrees that work" in the Bush Campus Center.

Construction & Design Technologies' Marc E. Bridgens, dean, and Carol A. Lugg, assistant dean, explain degree opportunities for a Thompson Professional Development Center crowd.

Construction & Design Technologies' Marc E. Bridgens, dean, and Carol A. Lugg, assistant dean, explain degree opportunities for a Thompson Professional Development Center crowd.

Jim W. Green, assistant director of financial aid, takes the mystery out of paying for college.

Jim W. Green, assistant director of financial aid, takes the mystery out of paying for college.

Frigid winds whip the large American flag at the campus entrance.

Frigid winds whip the large American flag at the campus entrance.

The Jackson family of Granville Summit handily fills the frame.

The Jackson family of Granville Summit handily fills the frame.

A trio of fervent Penn College cheerleaders – admissions representative Sarah R. Shott (left); Ryan Monteleone, presidential student ambassador; and admissions representative Claire Z. Biggs – share their exemplary pride.

A trio of fervent Penn College cheerleaders – admissions representative Sarah R. Shott (left); Ryan Monteleone, presidential student ambassador; and admissions representative Claire Z. Biggs – share their exemplary pride.

Ambassador Kyle D. Bomboy guides a family outside an information tent.

Ambassador Kyle D. Bomboy guides a family outside an information tent.

Bethany M. Reppert, of Minersville, graduating in May in applied human services, helps welcome her brother, Alex, enrolling for Fall 2015 in collision repair technology.

Bethany M. Reppert, of Minersville, graduating in May in applied human services, helps welcome her brother, Alex, enrolling for Fall 2015 in collision repair technology.

Ambassador Ryan S. Schrimp points a guest in the right direction.

Ambassador Ryan S. Schrimp points a guest in the right direction.

Veterans Affairs Work-Study employee Jacob M. Heuman, a building automation technology major from Boiling Springs, talks with a couple about their military education benefits.

Veterans Affairs Work-Study employee Jacob M. Heuman, a building automation technology major from Boiling Springs, talks with a couple about their military education benefits.

Faculty members Katherine A. Walker and Craig A. Miller assist a young visitor in 3D-scanning Olaf, the famous

Faculty members Katherine A. Walker and Craig A. Miller assist a young visitor in 3D-scanning Olaf, the famous "Frozen" snowman, in the engineering design technology labs.

Richard K. Hendricks, instructor of machine tool technology/automated manufacturing, warmly welcomes a family to College Avenue Labs.

Richard K. Hendricks, instructor of machine tool technology/automated manufacturing, warmly welcomes a family to College Avenue Labs.

Making brake pedals for the mini-Baja vehicle are manufacturing engineering technology juniors Jason B. Miller (left), of Mount Joy, and Shane A. Linderman, Leesport.

Making brake pedals for the mini-Baja vehicle are manufacturing engineering technology juniors Jason B. Miller (left), of Mount Joy, and Shane A. Linderman, Leesport.

Ryan J. Bollinger, a freshman in automotive restoration technology from Mount Joy, shows off his lab's vintage vehicles to visitors.

Ryan J. Bollinger, a freshman in automotive restoration technology from Mount Joy, shows off his lab's vintage vehicles to visitors.

Automotive instructor Eric D. Pruden converses with a family.

Automotive instructor Eric D. Pruden converses with a family.

Alumnus Christopher J. Allebach ('13, computer aided product design, and '12, computer aided drafting technology) chats with visitors in an engineering design technology lab where he presented

Alumnus Christopher J. Allebach ('13, computer aided product design, and '12, computer aided drafting technology) chats with visitors in an engineering design technology lab where he presented "A Journey From the Classroom to a Career" throughout the day. Allebach is a design engineer at Dorman Products in Colmar, a producer of automotive parts found on cars to 18-wheelers.

It's a full house for the 10 a.m. School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies overview in College Avenue Labs, featuring Brett A. Reasner, dean.

It's a full house for the 10 a.m. School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies overview in College Avenue Labs, featuring Brett A. Reasner, dean.

A new student-created masonry sign welcomes visitors to the Construction Masonry Building …

A new student-created masonry sign welcomes visitors to the Construction Masonry Building …

… where instructor Glenn R. Luse and Lee D. Bouton (far right), a buiding construction technology: masonry concentration senior from Stillman Valley, Ill., talk shop with visitors.

… where instructor Glenn R. Luse and Lee D. Bouton (far right), a buiding construction technology: masonry concentration senior from Stillman Valley, Ill., talk shop with visitors.

Hunter S. Forney (left) from Shippensburg, and Adrian I. Mundo, Selinsgrove, seniors in electronics and computer engineering technology, share their projects with a young guest.

Hunter S. Forney (left) from Shippensburg, and Adrian I. Mundo, Selinsgrove, seniors in electronics and computer engineering technology, share their projects with a young guest.

Electronics and computer engineering technology students fill a lab in the BWD ready to share their projects with visitors.

Electronics and computer engineering technology students fill a lab in the BWD ready to share their projects with visitors.

David C. Pistner (left), director of special projects, and John F. Strittmatter (right), director of the ShaleNet U.S. Regional Hub, enlighten visitors on job prospects in a dynamic field.

David C. Pistner (left), director of special projects, and John F. Strittmatter (right), director of the ShaleNet U.S. Regional Hub, enlighten visitors on job prospects in a dynamic field.

Charese M. Bova, a senior in electronics and computer engineering technology from Beech Creek, works on her senior project during Open House.

Charese M. Bova, a senior in electronics and computer engineering technology from Beech Creek, works on her senior project during Open House.

Matthew G. Cummings, a senior in electronics and computer engineering technology from Mountville, fine-tunes an inverted pendulum project. A four-year member of the Wildcat archery team, Cummings will move to Topeka, Kansas, in May to begin his job as a project engineer at Mars Chocolate North America.

Matthew G. Cummings, a senior in electronics and computer engineering technology from Mountville, fine-tunes an inverted pendulum project. A four-year member of the Wildcat archery team, Cummings will move to Topeka, Kansas, in May to begin his job as a project engineer at Mars Chocolate North America.

Standing ready in the Dauphin Hall lobby, Resident Assistants Hallie J. Liberti (left) and Charlie A. Geisel offer a warm welcome on a chilly day.

Standing ready in the Dauphin Hall lobby, Resident Assistants Hallie J. Liberti (left) and Charlie A. Geisel offer a warm welcome on a chilly day.

Colorful decorations atop the Capitol Eatery salad bar remind visitors of springy days ahead.

Colorful decorations atop the Capitol Eatery salad bar remind visitors of springy days ahead.

Dining Services' Bernadine M. Welkovitch (right) guides a family through the vast array of delicious options in Capitol Eatery.

Dining Services' Bernadine M. Welkovitch (right) guides a family through the vast array of delicious options in Capitol Eatery.

On a frosty morning, ambassador Ryan Monteleone breaks the ice at check-in.

On a frosty morning, ambassador Ryan Monteleone breaks the ice at check-in.

Ambassadors Trevor I. Brandt and Cassandra B. Mohr on check-in duty, providing valuable student perspective to possible freshmen-in-waiting.

Ambassadors Trevor I. Brandt and Cassandra B. Mohr on check-in duty, providing valuable student perspective to possible freshmen-in-waiting.

Ambassador Morgan N. Keyser maps out the day's itinerary.

Ambassador Morgan N. Keyser maps out the day's itinerary.

Under the see-all eyes of the campus mascot, Open House guests report for check-in at the Field House.

Under the see-all eyes of the campus mascot, Open House guests report for check-in at the Field House.

Automotive instructor Chad H. Rudloff outlines the curriculum in the Mopar CAP program, the college's newest factory training major.

Automotive instructor Chad H. Rudloff outlines the curriculum in the Mopar CAP program, the college's newest factory training major.

A portable injection molder helps visitors answer the question,

A portable injection molder helps visitors answer the question, "Why study plastics?"

Hands-on examples of occupational therapy assistants' invaluable contributions.

Hands-on examples of occupational therapy assistants' invaluable contributions.

School of Health Sciences' well-equipped labs are perennially popular with visitors.

School of Health Sciences' well-equipped labs are perennially popular with visitors.

The job-ready tools of the surgical technologist

The job-ready tools of the surgical technologist

Instructor Spyke M. Krepshaw details an array of possibilities for a typical crowd of information technology prospects.

Instructor Spyke M. Krepshaw details an array of possibilities for a typical crowd of information technology prospects.

Virtual reality on a real-world campus

Virtual reality on a real-world campus

Ambassador Stephanie E. Falcone spreads the word on social media.

Ambassador Stephanie E. Falcone spreads the word on social media.

Men's volleyball club coach Bambi A. Hawkins (left) and women's volleyball coach Monica L. Brown helped staff the Wildcat Athletics tables in the Bush Campus Center TV Lounge.

Men's volleyball club coach Bambi A. Hawkins (left) and women's volleyball coach Monica L. Brown helped staff the Wildcat Athletics tables in the Bush Campus Center TV Lounge.

Penn College Pride, off the rack and on the road to success!

Penn College Pride, off the rack and on the road to success!

The wide-ranging menu for campus involvement is shared by Anthony J. Pace, assistant director of student activities for student organizations/orientation.

The wide-ranging menu for campus involvement is shared by Anthony J. Pace, assistant director of student activities for student organizations/orientation.

All smiles for social media: What's not to

All smiles for social media: What's not to "like?"

Fitness Center assistant Domenick S. Schiraldi-Irrera offers an overview of the equipment ... and an impressive view of campus.

Fitness Center assistant Domenick S. Schiraldi-Irrera offers an overview of the equipment ... and an impressive view of campus.

The faces of the future make an instant memory.

The faces of the future make an instant memory.

Another good sport enjoys her campus visit.

Another good sport enjoys her campus visit.

David R. Cotner, dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies, presides over an informative session in Penn's Inn.

David R. Cotner, dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies, presides over an informative session in Penn's Inn.

Andrew Bartholomay (left), assistant professor, and instructor Eric C. Easton talk with forest technology prospects.

Andrew Bartholomay (left), assistant professor, and instructor Eric C. Easton talk with forest technology prospects.

Joseph C. Straw, assistant professor of diesel equipment technology, acquaints visitors with equipment-related majors at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center.

Joseph C. Straw, assistant professor of diesel equipment technology, acquaints visitors with equipment-related majors at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center.

Diesel curriculum is outlined by instructor Mark E. Sones.

Diesel curriculum is outlined by instructor Mark E. Sones.

Student Daniel F. Clark (left), of Royersford, and horticulture instructor Carl. J. Bower Jr., take an Open House attendee through the hydroponic garden.

Student Daniel F. Clark (left), of Royersford, and horticulture instructor Carl. J. Bower Jr., take an Open House attendee through the hydroponic garden.

Landscape/horticulture graduates Kyle B. Brown, '11 (left), and Jeremy L. Thorne, '13, revisit as alumni volunteers.

Landscape/horticulture graduates Kyle B. Brown, '11 (left), and Jeremy L. Thorne, '13, revisit as alumni volunteers.

An equipment competition put participants through their paces ...

An equipment competition put participants through their paces ...

... in a series of judged events that tested dexterity (and cold-weather stamina).

... in a series of judged events that tested dexterity (and cold-weather stamina).

Instructors William J. Bashista Jr. and Claude T. Witts share their diesel/heavy equipment experience.

Instructors William J. Bashista Jr. and Claude T. Witts share their diesel/heavy equipment experience.

Tylor J. Burkett, an aviation maintenance technology major from Middletown, adds his perspective to a Lumley Aviation Center tour.

Tylor J. Burkett, an aviation maintenance technology major from Middletown, adds his perspective to a Lumley Aviation Center tour.

Aviation instructor Michael R. Robison takes an Open House group through the airport hangar.

Aviation instructor Michael R. Robison takes an Open House group through the airport hangar.

Student as spokesperson: a tradition at Penn College Open House. Kira I. Dorn, an aviation maintenance technician major from Centerville, leads a tour of the Aviation Center.

Student as spokesperson: a tradition at Penn College Open House. Kira I. Dorn, an aviation maintenance technician major from Centerville, leads a tour of the Aviation Center.

With a day full of activities to cross of their lists, families hit the ground running by attending a helpful information session in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium.

With a day full of activities to cross of their lists, families hit the ground running by attending a helpful information session in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium.

Joseph J. Balduino, director of admissions, provides an introduction to Penn College during a general session in the ACC.

Joseph J. Balduino, director of admissions, provides an introduction to Penn College during a general session in the ACC.

Welding lecturer James C. Tanner meets with a group in the Avco Lycoming Metal Trades Center.

Welding lecturer James C. Tanner meets with a group in the Avco Lycoming Metal Trades Center.

Electrical technologies-occupations/building automation instructor Kevin J. Snyder brings nearly two decades of industry experience to his lab.

Electrical technologies-occupations/building automation instructor Kevin J. Snyder brings nearly two decades of industry experience to his lab.

A visit to the Physician Assistant Center

A visit to the Physician Assistant Center

Wintry temperatures even left this School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications resident chilled to the bone.

Wintry temperatures even left this School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications resident chilled to the bone.

A summary of Penn College's human services program is provided by instructor Deb Q. Bechtel.

A summary of Penn College's human services program is provided by instructor Deb Q. Bechtel.

Open House: touting

Open House: touting "degrees that work" in working laboratories.

... including the folding of

... including the folding of "towel animals."

Le Jeune Chef Restaurant provides an impressive venue for activities in the School of Business & Hospitality ...

Le Jeune Chef Restaurant provides an impressive venue for activities in the School of Business & Hospitality ...

Adam J. Yoder, a 2011 graduate in building automation technology, returns to campus as an alumni volunteer.

Adam J. Yoder, a 2011 graduate in building automation technology, returns to campus as an alumni volunteer.

Who better to explain a major than a current student?

Who better to explain a major than a current student?

Veteran faculty member Richard C. Taylor, associate professor of plumbing and heating, shares success stories of highly marketable HVAC graduates.

Veteran faculty member Richard C. Taylor, associate professor of plumbing and heating, shares success stories of highly marketable HVAC graduates.

Shaping up for a career as a physical fitness specialist?

Shaping up for a career as a physical fitness specialist?

Sharing Penn College's hands-on majors in the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies

Sharing Penn College's hands-on majors in the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies

A virtual training module gives guests a welder's-eye view of a wise occupational choice.

A virtual training module gives guests a welder's-eye view of a wise occupational choice.

Edward A. Henninger, dean of health sciences (along with the off-camera Sharon K. Waters, associate dean), address the crowd at one of three school sessions.

Edward A. Henninger, dean of health sciences (along with the off-camera Sharon K. Waters, associate dean), address the crowd at one of three school sessions.

Nursing educators lend a personal touch to a popular program.

Nursing educators lend a personal touch to a popular program.

Friendly faces share information about their trending major.

Friendly faces share information about their trending major.

Summer 2014 radiography grad Cortney N. Allen, among the alumni who generously honor their Penn College roots.

Summer 2014 radiography grad Cortney N. Allen, among the alumni who generously honor their Penn College roots.

Successful alumni returning to share their day include Jared P. Miller, a 2008 graduate in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis, vice president of City Hill Construction in Penn Yan, N.Y.

Successful alumni returning to share their day include Jared P. Miller, a 2008 graduate in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis, vice president of City Hill Construction in Penn Yan, N.Y.

Diesel technology grads Eric F. Faust (left), Class of 2009, and John D. Motto, '11, lead a tour of their former ESC labs. Motto, a diagnostic technician with the Penn Power Group in Muncy, services machinery for Faust, an equipment foreman with Halliburton.

Diesel technology grads Eric F. Faust (left), Class of 2009, and John D. Motto, '11, lead a tour of their former ESC labs. Motto, a diagnostic technician with the Penn Power Group in Muncy, services machinery for Faust, an equipment foreman with Halliburton.