Wildcat Club recognized for crucial assist to student-athletes

Thursday, December 6, 2018

A Wednesday night reception in Bardo Gymnasium recognized the Wildcat Club for its commitment to Penn College Athletics and the vital role it plays in keeping students in the game − athletically AND academically. At a men's/women's basketball doubleheader against Penn State Berks, honored guests met and mingled with student-athletes, were greeted by the college mascot and President Davie Jane Gilmour, networked with other club members, enjoyed tailgate-style appetizers, and cheered during the hardwood action.

− Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

Director of Athletics John D. Vandevere and Christine A. Limbert, an officer with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and a volleyball player, converse with guests. Limbert is an architectural technology student from Curwensville.

Wildcat holiday ornaments decorate a table of collegiate memorabilia.

Wildcat Club members Ed and Linda Alberts (far left and right) get acquainted with the family of Kyle A. Smith, executive director of the Penn College Foundation.

Limbert is ready to distribute Wildcat gear bags, which were offered to the first 100 students at each of the evening's games.

Courtside game props and a reminder to share photos through social media

Thanking club members for their commitment

The nook on the east side of Bardo Gym serves as an ideal locale for the pregame “tailgate.”

Smiles and gear a-plenty! From left: Angela E. Myers, director of annual giving; Becky J. Shaner, senior manager of donor relations and special events; and Zachary J. Kravitz, student development assistant and construction management student, offer options for club membership – including a student level.

All in the family: Head wrestling coach Jamie R. Miller (center) is joined in Wildcat Club membership by his parents Anna and Robert S. Miller, of Wellsboro. Jamie is also a residence life coordinator.

Clownin’ and cattin’ around with the Cassel kids! The Wildcat “paws-es” for a photo op with the sons of Kimberly R. Cassel, director of alumni relations.

The Wildcat waits to see if Smith’s son will come closer. Nope … this was his comfort zone in the “end zone” at Bardo Gym.

The off-court reception provides an ideal vantage from which to watch the women's warmup.

Among the lucky early birds to get Wildcat swag!

Game action begins in front of a full house.

The college mascot “stands guard” during the opening game, as the men's squad awaits its turn on the court.

At halftime of the women’s game, Austin T. Hoover’s hoops skills won him an Amazon Fire HD8 tablet. Other halftime prizes included a second tablet, two pair of sunglasses and a hot dog. Hoover is an automotive technology management student from Quakertown.