Penn College News

Homesick blues vanish amid nonjudgmental nuzzling

Thursday, February 6, 2020

The winter version of Student Affairs' popular “Hot Dog, You’re Back!” mixer, recently held in the Field House, provided an opportunity for Penn College students to get reacclimated in the company of friendly pets and the faculty/staff bipeds who cherish them. The now-biannual event has proved to be among the campus's most popular since it debuted in 2010.


– Photos by Tim Wegman, student photographer


Rocky Mountain, a Labrador retriever owned by Lizze R. Winters (right), first year student transition coordinator, attracts an appreciative crowd.

Rocky Mountain, a Labrador retriever owned by Lizze R. Winters (right), first year student transition coordinator, attracts an appreciative crowd.

... dropping to the proper level for a nose-to-nose assessment.

... dropping to the proper level for a nose-to-nose assessment.

"Paw" de deux? Employees' pets get acquainted at midcourt ...

Lori E. Pepperman's multitasking beagle, Lillie, indulges student attention while keeping both eyes on the camera. Pepperman is a financial aid specialist for educational loan programs.

Lori E. Pepperman's multitasking beagle, Lillie, indulges student attention while keeping both eyes on the camera. Pepperman is a financial aid specialist for educational loan programs.

The event's warm intent is embodied in the welcoming temperament of Winnie, a golden retriever owned by Drew R. Potts, assistant professor of civil engineering technology.

The event's warm intent is embodied in the welcoming temperament of Winnie, a golden retriever owned by Drew R. Potts, assistant professor of civil engineering technology.

Dexter, the canine companion of Cathy E. Gamez, Rose Street Commons hall coordinator, is never far from a willing student handler. Joining him in the Field House is Resident Assistant Kyle T. Hansen, a building automation technology student from Waldwick, N.J.

Dexter, the canine companion of Cathy E. Gamez, Rose Street Commons hall coordinator, is never far from a willing student handler. Joining him in the Field House is Resident Assistant Kyle T. Hansen, a building automation technology student from Waldwick, N.J.

Students make friends with Jett and Bruno, playful pugs accompanied by owner/alumni relations specialist Rhonda S. Walker (foreground).

Students make friends with Jett and Bruno, playful pugs accompanied by owner/alumni relations specialist Rhonda S. Walker (foreground).

Marci M. Hessert, secretary to the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies, brought her crowd-pleasing German shepherd, Odin.

Marci M. Hessert, secretary to the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies, brought her crowd-pleasing German shepherd, Odin.

Embracing the

Embracing the "wag more, bark less" mentality