And they're off: 900+ job-ready examples of Penn College Pride!
Sunday, May 19, 2019
– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor;
Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer;
Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
and Kimberlee R. Rusczyk, manager of social media/online marketing
Rich seizes the moment with a number of Wildcat baseball players who took multiple classes with her.
Set to begin a position at Geisinger, Nau's mortarboard includes the diagnostic code for a headache ... relief from which can surely be found in finishing college and finding employment.
Framed by faculty members Craig A. Miller (left) and Spyke M. Krepshaw, Denise S. Leete – an associate professor of computer science, retiring after a quarter-century – shares a poignant goodbye with a graduate.
Unaware that he'd soon be receiving an Excellence in Teaching Award, Potts (right) talks with Barney A. Kahn IV, instructor of building construction technology.
The last class of exercise science students marks the end of an era that includes the retirement from faculty of Ronald E. Kodish (far left, back row) and Judy Quinti (front row, center).
A "fan" of Winston M. Wright Jr. finds a cool way to note his success in building construction technology.
Andrew Bartholomay (center), assistant professor of forestry, talks with seniors prior to their procession from the Genetti Hotel ballroom.
Landscape/horticulture technology majors gather with assistant professor – and fellow alumnus – Carl J. Bower Jr. (in black robe).
Financial Operations' William P. Kiessling proudly rejoins wife Christina M. outside the Arts Center after Saturday morning's commencement, at which she earned an associate degree in dental hygiene.
Tom Zimmerman, psychology professor and faculty adviser to Wildcat Athletics, grabs a Saturday selfie with Herr.
Dental hygiene major (and former Madigan Library student worker) Michaela R. Diehl meets up with Mom after Saturday morning's ceremony.
Joining alumni parents Michael J. (a faculty member with three welding-related degrees) and Laurie A. (forest technology), Victoria L. Nau prepares to claim her bachelor's in health information management (magna cum laude) and an associate degree in health information technology (with high honors).
Earning their associate degrees in nursing are Khaleema Lavonne Johnson and Nikolus Edward Williams-Daniels, of Williamsport.
There's more than one way to get that photo!
... designating their membership in the Penn College Construction Association.
An applied management grad (summa cum laude) with a near-lifelong devotion to all things Scooby-Doo, Andrea L. Solenberger takes the mystery out of how to personalize her headgear.
Stephanie L. McGinness, who earned an associate degree in business management, marks the occasion with friend and studio arts student Wita Dominika Kuglasz.
Well-wishers wait for their brush with celebrity: Grace C. Heaton, who received the Dental Hygiene Faculty Award in addition to her associate degree.
Not even close to crying "uncle" is the niece of Ryan P. Kerstetter, content to hitch a ride in happy acknowledgement of his degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning design technology (magna cum laude).
Way borrows a line from Ariana Grande in personalizing her cap. And what's next, you ask? As indicated by the unchecked Juris Doctor box, she's off to Quinnipiac University School of Law with a health care focus.
Accustomed to shepherding thousands of students along the road to graduation, Jennifer McLean – associate dean of student affairs – celebrates with her son. Patrick McLean Bowes, who will continue his education at Penn State in the fall, earned an associate degree in business management (with high honors).
Freshly fortified with a bachelor's in aviation maintenance technology, Messiah J. Ajayi Clark returns to campus for one last photo op before showing the world his strengths.
Putting some bite in her 'board is Nicole M. Woleslagle, who received a bachelor's in dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration.
Levon A. Whitmyer, instructor of building construction technology, talks with students in that program, giving each of them a pin ...
Rebecca J. Brown, a plastics and polymer engineering technology graduate who was encouraged by Charlotte “Charley” Roxberry to enroll at Penn College, wears an LGBTQI rainbow stole in honor of her late friend. "Charley" died tragically in June 2015 and, recently, the Registrar's Office noticed that she had completed all the credits necessary to attain an associate degree in plastics. Joining President Gilmour (center) for presentation of that posthumous diploma are (from left) Brown; Megan Roxberry, Charley’s sister; Karen Roxberry, Charley’s mother; and Mackynzee Roxberry, Charley’s niece.
Keeping things running smoothly at the Community Arts Center – behind the scenes and at the entrance – are (from left) Jordan Miller, production coordinator, and volunteer ushers Lou Hunsinger and George Casella.
A never-gets-old sentiment echoes in another ceremony.
Shenanigans on the way to the Arts Center
“Hey! Let’s get our photo taken with the City Police!” (said one of the graduates)
Suave and confident, Frank D. Truden moves ever closer to his date with a degree in welding technology.
Applied human services graduates show off their warm personalities: Jernae A. Drummond (left) and Lori A. Guthrie, mail services clerk at Penn College.
Turning the spotlight outward, Maize applauds her fellow grads, encouraging them to embrace gratitude for the college, their faculty and their family of supporters. She has taken a job with Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials.
John M. Estep, a 1974 associate degree graduate in mechanical drafting from Williamsport Area Community College, graciously accepts his Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Physics professor David S. Richards accepts his second Excellence in Teaching Award; his first was in May 2007.
Welding students jump to their feet and cheer the announcement of a faculty favorite as Master Teacher.
A surprised and grateful Ryan P. Good, the college's 33rd Master Teacher
In an emotionally powerful moment, Megan Roxberry (at podium) joins family members in accepting her sister's diploma.
State Sen. Gene Yaw, in his capacity as chairman of the college's board of directors, authorizes the conferral of degrees at Friday's proceedings.
Showing off his diploma to adoring fans
... but an awful lot of grads find it in the balcony!
Support can come from anywhere ...
Faced with the tremendous task of ensuring that each name is announced correctly, Strickland confers with a graduate.
Latricia M. Scutching, applied human services, makes a memory with the president.
Pomp and pacifier? En route to her degree, Mom totes a "mini-grad" to greet President Gilmour.
Engineering CAD technology graduate Catherine E. Weatherman awaits the recessional with roses in hand.
Good and funny! The newly-minted Master Teacher (second from left) enjoys a laugh with his school’s administrators (from left) Dave R. Cotner, dean, and Bradley M. Webb and Stacey C. Hampton, assistant deans of industrial, computing and engineering technologies.
Retiring faculty member Chef Paul E. Mach (center), assistant professor of culinary arts, enjoys a selfie-made moment with Elliott Strickland Jr., vice president for student affairs, and Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management/associate provost, in the Capitol Lounge prior to the Saturday afternoon commencement.
Wisneski reunites with her culinary arts faculty mentors Mike J. Ditchfield (left) and Paul E. Mach.
It’s all business – and a dash of fun – for these business graduates and their faculty mentor Tammy M. Rich (far left), assistant professor of business administration/management/event management.
The cap of Tristan D. Scott, a web and interactive media graduate (cum laude) – and recipient of a faculty award in that major – includes a less-than-subtle message (ingeniously surrounded by a QR code that leads to his portfolio).
The inspirational cap of Hope Miller-Cupp, an applied management graduate (cum laude) who works in the college's Human Resources Office as an employment assistant
Student veteran Matthew D. Buesgens, automotive technology management
Jason M. Mulderig, automotive technology, offers his optimistic verdict on the day.
A regular on the commencement scene, Penn College Police Officer Charles O’Brien shakes hands with graduates as they proceed into the graduation venue.
The one, the only: Sam Pham, cum laude grad! A friendly and familiar face, both on main campus and at the Lumley Aviation Center, the aviation maintenance technology student – and eager student leader – flashes a trademark grin.
Gadalla shares the extraordinary story of his family’s move from Egypt and the triumphs that have followed. The student speaker will work on campus as the Connections intern this summer before traveling to Pittsburgh to further his education – the first in his family to pursue a master’s degree.
“Chopped Champion” Kristina M. Wisneski accepts her Alumni Achievement Award.
Shanice N. McDowell, business administration: management concentration, is congratulated as she crosses the stage.
A meaningful weekend in a magnificent space
Personal attention is accorded each graduate under the president's watch.
Projected lyrics to the college alma mater help audience members "sing this song of praise."
The president, having a ball
Smiles and pride: Brian S. Mogel, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis, and parents
A grand day for Nathaniel C. Parker and his grandparents! Parker graduated with honors in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.
It’s all in the family for cum laude graduate Marianne DePasqua and her daughter, Megan E. Wright, ‘12, physician assistant. DePasqua, a client development specialist with Penn College’s Workforce Development, earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration: management concentration.
Jacob R. Courtley, a landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis grad, joins his family at the college sign.
Amaris T. Smith, who graduated in culinary arts and systems, lines up with T-shirted relatives honoring “Amaris’ 2019 PCT Graduation” …
... and spelling out their family connection for anyone in need of an explanation.
A “Wise decision” coming to Penn College! The family of Christiaan A. Wise, automotive technology: Ford ASSET emphasis, selects a pretty spot outside the Madigan Library for photos.
The cap of Rachel E. White, who earned two degrees (architectural technology and building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration) evokes a classic Tootsie Pop commercial.
Yes, she surely did! (And the "summa cum laude" embellishment by dental hygiene graduate Renae M. O'Donnell brings the message further home.)
Embroidery and Legos colorfully meet on the regalia of Kimberly P. Masullo, who received an associate degree in building construction technology on Saturday morning.
Sporting a Wildcat Athlete stole: Tennis player Tyler J. Marks, adding a bachelor’s degree in building construction technology: masonry concentration to his two associate degrees (attained in 2017) in building construction technology and a masonry emphasis.
The HVAC gang not surprisingly plays it cool, even during such a significant event.
Abigail S. Way, graduating with a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration, has a smile as bright as her future.
Spring is in full bloom in downtown Williamsport!
Dental hygiene graduates bask in their accomplishment – and sunshine's welcome comeback.
Grin and share it
A familiar face on the student veterans front is Jennifer Nicholson, striding toward a bachelor's in applied health studies: radiography concentration. (She earned an associate degree in radiography in 2018.)
And ICU, too, nursing grad Amanda E. Connelly!
An ideal, sun-dappled day for these nursing graduates
Vanessa N. Klees, nursing, incorporated her dog's pawprint into her cap design.
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Herr, who founded the college's Women in Construction club, encourages her classmates to overcome the fear of failure by "saying 'Yes' to opportunities" – from leadership positions to potential jobs to personal relationships. “What will you say 'Yes' to in your careers and in the rest of your lives?” Herr has accepted a position at Centurion Construction Group LLC, with whom she interned.
Darryl W. Kehrer shows off his vintage WACC cap as he accepts the Alumni Humanitarian Award.
Excellence in Teaching awardee Drew S. Potts gestures to his family, thanking them for their support; he also urged graduates to "embrace change, but more so challenge."
Gilmour turned the tassel of each student speaker as all grads turned theirs.
Extended applause for student veterans
Williams-Daniels' cap borrows from a Disney classic to express a lion's pride.
Mark A. Fink, graduating with high honors in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, snaps a selfie with President Gilmour. (“Never too old to get it done!” his cap read.)
Sporting a grad cap bedecked with floral accents, dental hygiene graduate MaeKayla L. Brown complements the display at the podium.
A sea of blue caps and statements
Board of Directors member Blannie E. Bowen participated in the awarding of diplomas at both of the Saturday exercises.
Already making a splash on the national graphic design scene, summa cum laude graduate Brandon M. Wolff added a bachelor's and the Academic Vice President and Provost's Award to his collection.
And you can bet we'll be watching!
Husband-and-wife grads Zachary T. and Melissa (Missy) Robey each earned a bachelor's degree Friday: his in building automation technology, hers in applied human services.
Words to soar by
With numbered cards in hand, the imminent grads wait for the countdown to commencement.
Lined up for a rewarding walk along West Fourth Street are (from left) Jacob R. Miller, associate professor of computer science, tasked with introducing the program's grads from the Arts Center stage; applied technology studies student Edward C. Zawislak III; and information assurance and cyber security majors Henri Gabriel Alexandre Jr., Matthew Philip Bikle and Breanna M. Fieger.
The panoramic view along William Street
Representing engineering design technology are (from left) Derrick M. Fake (summa cum laude), Tanner Andrew Huff (cum laude) and Christopher Austin Hurtt (magna cum laude).
The best is yet to come!
A student's long road ends satisfactorily, with head held high.
Shakespeare's description of Hermia, adapted for an empowering day
Applied human services graduate Stephanie L. Johnson displays a medal commemorating her service as a resident assistant.
Pointing the way to the CAC
Attention, soon-to-be-grads: Your future will begin in five minutes!
Faculty wave from upstairs as the processing students enter the theater.
Acknowledging a shout-out from an inspiring voice
Graduates follow the instructions of Maize, Friday's student speaker, who encouraged them to immediately send a text to someone they wanted to thank.
Cum laude graduate Erin N. Shaffer – graphic designer, student-athlete and international traveler – pauses with the president.
Friday's student speaker is jubilantly hugged by her father, speech communication/composition instructor John D. Maize after she received her diploma from the president.
Jernae A. Drummond surrounds herself with loving support.
Only recently installed, the new sign at the main entrance is already a prime spot for paparazzi.
Plastics and polymer technology grad Scott P. O’Brien shares the day with his family and girlfriend, physician assistant student Tia G. La.
Brian J. Daniels, a mechatronics engineering technology major from Lake City, stands for a Madigan Library photo with his support team before leaving campus for Friday's ceremony.
Talal A. Almohaimeed graduated with two degrees: a bachelor's in engineering design technology (summa cum laude) and an associate degree in advertising art (high honors).