NCAA Celebration Heralds New Era for Penn College Athletics

The campus community officially entered an exciting new age Wednesday night: celebrating Pennsylvania College of Technology's full membership in Division III of the NCAA – not to mention the attendant boost to school pride from a dynamic new logo, an exciting mascot makeover and a literal driving force for institutional marketing. A short program outside the Field House marked the occasion, recognizing the members and sponsors of Athletics and the Wildcat Club booster society, followed by a women's soccer game at the Athletic Field and a women's volleyball match in Bardo Gymnasium.

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor;
Tia G. La, student photographer;
Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer;
and Becky J. Shaner, manager of student/alumni engagement and special events

Fans of Abby Williams lavish support on their favorite midfielder.

Soccer fans make a joyful noise with their vuvuzelas, the horns made (in)famous during the 2010 World Cup.

Spectators' smiles easily erase any attempt at game-face seriousness.

A fan-tastic night to catch Wildcat fever!

Wildcat archer Kaylee N. Burk takes in the action at the Athletic Field.

Matt Blymier, assistant director of athletics /sports information director, traverses the bleachers amidst the Wildcat Faithful.

A spinning header by Christina Webber (12), who also assisted a goal

Hailee Hartman, who assisted one of Dominque Brown's three goals in the shutout Battle for the Lumber victory against Lycoming College

Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management/associate provost; Elliott Strickland, vice president for student affairs; and daughter Emma join the mascot during a halftime of the soccer game. The Stricklands provided the money to purchase two Wildcat outfits based on the new logo design.

... along with John Opachinski, of PepsiCo.

Susquehanna Trailways' Cam Kephart, a top-level member of the Wildcat Club and a 1997 graduate in business management, is recognized for phenomenal corporate support ...

The latest in "mass(cot) transit" sits outside the Student & Administrative Services Center, the debut for one of two Wildcat-wrapped Susquehanna Trailways motor coaches that will carry the Penn College name across the miles.

Malachi J. Atkinson gamely makes a fashion statement, confident that his Wildcat Blue ensemble may well be the hottest look of the season.

Alyssa E. Sickler (left) and Lindsey A. King show off their handmade pom-poms. Pride tables allowed students to make pennants and headbands and other team-spirit items, as well as face-painting and temporary tattoos.

Ever in search of student interaction, the president engages Resident Assistants Lloyd A. Shope and Emily K. Conklin in a photo finish.

Beads and tattoos are among the Wildcat bling.

The Wildcat Club affords a variety of options for the championing of student-athletes.

A new logo and a new way to support Penn College Athletics

Pretzel sticks and candles add sparkle and glow to the evening's festivities.

Efrem K. Foster pulls Dining Services worker Sara B. Bernier into his photo.

Jordan D. Suter (left) and Paul M. Lasell are Penn College Proud, sporting appropriate accessories from a photo-ready prop table.

Mary K. Slipe and the Wildcat frame up some fun.

Guests enjoy food in the full tent ...

... while other attendees overflow onto the lawn.

The college mascot enjoys refreshments with members of the men's soccer team.

John P. Goetze (left) and Matthew R. Hamilton, with homemade pennants to cheer on women’s volleyball team member Corianne Wilson

Even the littlest fans deserve a big cat hug!

Genevieve M. Kelly was honored to place a Wildcat tattoo on the hand of the college president.

The Wildcat high-fives the Stricklands for their support.

Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour presents the official commemoration of the college's NCAA membership to John D. Vandevere, director of athletics ...

... who holds it aloft, likening its prestige to a Super Bowl championship trophy.

Alum John R. Yogodzinski III, CEO of The Graphic Hive, is among those honored at the Coach’s Level of the newly formed Wildcat Club.

Inaugural members of the Wildcat Club, on hand for the celebration

A pair of MVPs – the director of athletics and his closest co-worker – preserve a milestone moment.

A painterly pawprint adorns Drake R. Lenker.

Everett B. Appleby and Erin N. Shaffer share the limelight with the college's new traveling spokesmodel.

Volleyball coaches and players huddle before the start of play.

Savannah Slough (6) contributes some formidable net play.

Though ultimately on the downside of a 3-1 loss to Penn State Abington, the Wildcat women provided no shortage of high points.

Wildcat fans celebrate a volleyball point by waving blue towels, among the celebratory night's giveaways.

Linda and Ed Alberts, scholarship donors and longtime friends of the college, cozy up to the 'cat. Linda, a member of the Penn College Foundation Board of Directors, joined the Wildcat Club at the Varsity Level.

Tom Speicher, writer/video editor, interviews Loni N. Kline, vice president for institutional advancement, against a visually vibrant backdrop.

Joining the family-friendly fun