College community celebrated during 'Week of Togetherness'
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The COVID pandemic did not deter a “week of togetherness” as College Relations invited alumni, corporate partners, students, parents and friends to celebrate, virtually, all the ways they Transform Tomorrow, Together.
The week began with a video message from Loni N. Kline, vice president of college relations, inviting the Pennsylvania College of Technology community to come together via social media.
https://vimeo.com/478214841
"While the pandemic has influenced much change in the way we connect with constituents, it has not changed their collective impact on the student experience at Penn College. In fact, their steadfast support during these uncertain times continues to inspire and influence," she said. "Penn College is a remarkable place filled with a rich history of innovation and success that is made possible by a shared vision and team spirit. Until we can engage more freely on campus to showcase this collaborative spirit in action, we turned to social media and our virtual resources to celebrate and recognize those who come together to Transform Tomorrow.”
Among other events:
Constituents were asked how they envision the Penn College community transforming tomorrow together. While all delivered personalized responses, all shared the commonality that applied technology education prepares students for the dynamic needs of tomorrow’s workforce.
Alumni, corporate partners, scholarship donors and students shared their Penn College experiences via blogs communicating the successful outcomes that are made possible to those who pursue an applied technology education. Their Penn College Blog excerpts are featured below:
Graphic design alumna and Tomorrow Maker volunteer, Kimbr S. Filko, who now resides in Florida, shared how she envisions the college community Transforming Tomorrow, Together.
“Penn College is a place where students receive hands-on educational experiences with the latest technology – such as working with automotive and engineering equipment to aircraft repair, dental hygiene and the design of logos for real-world use around campus and the community. Faculty and staff work together to find opportunities for students to gain practical experience so they’re ready to go into the workforce after graduation. I’m constantly seeing examples of how students find opportunities to be involved and participate in events that are beyond the scope of the classroom.”
West Pharmaceutical Services, a longtime corporate partner, is grateful to collaborate with Penn College.
West “has consistently experienced very well-rounded, highly skilled and well-prepared individuals with excellent interpersonal traits – qualities that truly differentiate Penn College graduates. The words 'Transforming Tomorrow, Together' truly embody a solid and continuing relationship that exists between individuals and/or businesses who have shared visions to ensure a healthy and transformative future.
James E. Cunningham, award-winning alumnus, retiree and scholarship donor, reflected on his experience and investment in tomorrow.
“Success at 'transforming tomorrow' means sending students out into the world with the technical skills and academic preparedness needed for lifelong success. Scholarship funding ensures that the financial burden of a college education does not deter any student from the opportunity to achieve a degree and go on to success in life," he said. "Penn College’s unique focus on practical, hands-on technical education, along with a solid background in traditional academics, was an excellent investment that prepared me for my career and gave me the academic skills needed to be a lifelong learner, something especially critical in today’s fast-moving world.”
Mary C. Watts, an information assurance & cyber security student from Quakertown, shared how she is inspired by the collective Penn College community.
“Everyone has their own individual experience here, but I think all of us share a common outcome — a future made by hand. My most memorable moment as a student college relations assistant was being part of the Foundation Dinner and Auction. It was amazing to see individuals come together that night to raise over $100,000 for student scholarships. Being able to interact with the donors and hear about their experiences was inspiring and fun.”
The week began with a video message from Loni N. Kline, vice president of college relations, inviting the Pennsylvania College of Technology community to come together via social media.
https://vimeo.com/478214841
"While the pandemic has influenced much change in the way we connect with constituents, it has not changed their collective impact on the student experience at Penn College. In fact, their steadfast support during these uncertain times continues to inspire and influence," she said. "Penn College is a remarkable place filled with a rich history of innovation and success that is made possible by a shared vision and team spirit. Until we can engage more freely on campus to showcase this collaborative spirit in action, we turned to social media and our virtual resources to celebrate and recognize those who come together to Transform Tomorrow.”
Among other events:
- Alumni Relations hosted a virtual cooking event via Zoom in which alumnus and executive chef, Christopher R. Grove, guided guests in creating bacon mushroom pinwheels and cornbread stuffing from Le Jeune Chef Restaurant's kitchen. He was assisted by Janelle R. Becker, a culinary arts and systems major from Fort Loudon.
- Career Services hosted professional development opportunities for students and alumni.
- Student college relations assistants hosted a networking lunch via Zoom to connect with alumni who held that position while on campus and who are now successfully serving their industries.
Constituents were asked how they envision the Penn College community transforming tomorrow together. While all delivered personalized responses, all shared the commonality that applied technology education prepares students for the dynamic needs of tomorrow’s workforce.
Alumni, corporate partners, scholarship donors and students shared their Penn College experiences via blogs communicating the successful outcomes that are made possible to those who pursue an applied technology education. Their Penn College Blog excerpts are featured below:Graphic design alumna and Tomorrow Maker volunteer, Kimbr S. Filko, who now resides in Florida, shared how she envisions the college community Transforming Tomorrow, Together.
“Penn College is a place where students receive hands-on educational experiences with the latest technology – such as working with automotive and engineering equipment to aircraft repair, dental hygiene and the design of logos for real-world use around campus and the community. Faculty and staff work together to find opportunities for students to gain practical experience so they’re ready to go into the workforce after graduation. I’m constantly seeing examples of how students find opportunities to be involved and participate in events that are beyond the scope of the classroom.”
West Pharmaceutical Services, a longtime corporate partner, is grateful to collaborate with Penn College.
West “has consistently experienced very well-rounded, highly skilled and well-prepared individuals with excellent interpersonal traits – qualities that truly differentiate Penn College graduates. The words 'Transforming Tomorrow, Together' truly embody a solid and continuing relationship that exists between individuals and/or businesses who have shared visions to ensure a healthy and transformative future.James E. Cunningham, award-winning alumnus, retiree and scholarship donor, reflected on his experience and investment in tomorrow.
“Success at 'transforming tomorrow' means sending students out into the world with the technical skills and academic preparedness needed for lifelong success. Scholarship funding ensures that the financial burden of a college education does not deter any student from the opportunity to achieve a degree and go on to success in life," he said. "Penn College’s unique focus on practical, hands-on technical education, along with a solid background in traditional academics, was an excellent investment that prepared me for my career and gave me the academic skills needed to be a lifelong learner, something especially critical in today’s fast-moving world.”Mary C. Watts, an information assurance & cyber security student from Quakertown, shared how she is inspired by the collective Penn College community.
“Everyone has their own individual experience here, but I think all of us share a common outcome — a future made by hand. My most memorable moment as a student college relations assistant was being part of the Foundation Dinner and Auction. It was amazing to see individuals come together that night to raise over $100,000 for student scholarships. Being able to interact with the donors and hear about their experiences was inspiring and fun.”
Photos provided