Fall Commencement brings year-end burst of new beginnings

In a festive ceremony that warmly staved off the chill of encroaching winter, Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Fall Commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday. Student-athlete Maci N. Ilgen, of Spring Mills, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, was the class speaker. President Michael J. Reed presented an Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award to Anthony J. Peachey, a 2009 graduate in business administration: marketing concentration; and a number of award recipients were announced as the newest Wildcat alumni crossed the Community Arts Center stage.

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor;
and Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer

 

Floral embellishment provides a "photo finish" to the cap of nursing grad Tabitha Grace Flory.

Madison T. McClelland earned a bachelor's in nursing ... and, judging from her keepsake-filled hands, a minor in juggling.

A moment – and a friendship – to be cherished

Nicholas M. Snow, a plastics & polymer engineering technology and Wildcat cross-country runner, punctuates his Penn College successes with a stop by the entrance sign.

Human services & restorative justice grad Paige R. Benner, exults in accomplishment.

An intrepid group brrrrrrrrrings it back to campus for a photo at the PCT sign.

Human services & restorative justice alum Madison R. Clary, gathers with her family – including her father, Mark E. (rear left), a plumber with the college's General Services department – outside the Davie Jane Gilmour Center.

A bounding President Reed processes down the aisle, eager to shake hands with the future.

A president in profile prepares to deliver diplomas in waiting.

The student speaker drew upon her experiences on the basketball court, on a mission trip to Guatemala and in the nursing program to help formulate her ultimate calling. "I challenge you to find your purpose in life and to lead your legacy in this new chapter," said Ilgen, who will be joining the staff of Milton Hershey Medical Center's pediatric surgical care unit. "Be vulnerable and live the rest of your life full of happiness."

"It's never too early to start giving back," alumnus Peachey tells the fall graduates during his acceptance remarks. "There will always be someone that you can help. Yes, you will and do need other people ... but others also need you. So as you go out and show everyone what you can do – and we know you will – don't forget to turn around and bring a few others with you. Climb your ladder, but also lend a hand to help someone else take the next step on theirs."

Enveloped by extended applause that rightfully echoes from commencement to commencement, graduating veterans rise to be acknowledged by an appreciative audience.

“Winter Blessings,” indeed! Kristen M. Mouissi, a financial aid specialist at the college and brand-new graduate in business administration: management concentration, adds to The Genetti Hotel's glitter.

Looking hopeful (and with every reason to be) is Sherly Fernanda Mendez, who earned two degrees on the day: culinary arts technology and applied management.

Adventure clearly awaits applied management grad (and 2021 baking & pastry arts alumna) Corrina C. Blose, who is beginning the Disney Culinary Program in January.

Ma Theresa "Dessa" D. Valisno, championed by family watching the livestream in the Philippines, honors her homeland's flag. Valisno, who earned a degree in business administration: marketing concentration, was among the 2022 graduates who received the Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service to Penn College (named in honor of the now-retired president).

Needlepoint and paint accent a quote from "Anne of Green Gables" on the cap of Moira Agnes Smith, a baking & pastry arts graduate.

The passionate words of screenwriter Jennifer Lee adorn the mortarboard of Kennedie Lynn Bahr, among the human services & restorative justice students who transformatively traveled to Alaska earlier this year.

Felix-Taveras recognizes those who kept her focused, helping her choose hard work over easy surrender.

Forest technology students celebrate on their way into the graduation venue.

Offering to pose with one of the CAC lobby nutcrackers are (from left) Caleb Jeffrey Stemler and Moira Agnes Smith, baking & pastry arts; and Lance P. Bierly, culinary arts technology.

Literally building their careers are (from left) Jacob Bernard Campbell, Nicholas S. Greco and Sean M. Harrison, all graduating in residential construction technology & management. (Greco added an associate degree in building construction technology for good measure.)

Standing proud in bow-tie elegance is Eric L. Kriner, who claimed his associate degree in electrical technology.

A "President Mike" fist bump puts the icing on an exciting time to be Kylee D. Butz – a Wildcat volleyball player, part of a Global Healthcare Explorations trip to Guatemala and now the holder of a bachelor's degree in nursing.

A magnificent day demands a grand entrance!

Getting a sincere send-off from the Reed-Johnson tag team is business management graduate Sandra R. Calaman.

Deanna M. Mancuso, a human services & restorative justice graduate, cheerfully embarks on her next challenge

Michael D. DeLong's satisfied smile registers a job well-done, attaining dual degrees: one in heating, ventilation & and air conditioning technology and another in plumbing.

Reed shares the spotlight with another of the day's all-stars: heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology graduate Timothy W. Nearhood.

Welding alum Connor C. Kleckner waves to the loved ones cheering him on.

Dental hygiene alumna Lauren E. Groody wears a stunning smile befitting her chosen path.

Under blue and white lights that add a holiday sparkle, Cassidy S. Thomas picks up her associate degree in nursing.

Alp joins in a final round of applause for the final graduates of 2022.

Reed and Steven P. Johnson (right), a member of the Penn College Board of Directors, award degrees and certificates, their work made visible on an overhead screen. At left, Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost, reads each graduate's name.

Jillian T. Scanlon, an instructor of human services/social science, performs a soaring rendition of the national anthem.

Nesli Alp, vice president for academic affairs/provost, welcomes students' extended support network – family, friends and the Penn College community – to the celebration.

Elliott Strickland, vice president for student affairs, introduces the student speaker, whose leadership carries the "impact of quiet confidence."

The honored alumni volunteer joins the president at the podium.

Reed turns Ilgen's tassel from right to post-graduation left, as her classmates do the same in their seats.

Caroline N. Hawkins supplements her 2021 associate degree in baking & pastry arts with a bachelor's in applied management.

Jason K. Eichensehr embraces Reed ... and bolsters his toolkit with a bachelor's in business administration: management concentration.

This semester's winner of the President's Award, as well as completing her coursework in human services & restorative justice, Ashlee C. Felix-Taveras shakes hands with Reed.

Human services & restorative justice grad Caitlyn M. Rishel commemorates the day, carrying a major source of inspiration.

Two days after a pre-winter storm blanketed the area in snow, sleet and slush, the sun shone on the reunions outside the CAC.

A literally heartfelt gesture conveys Reed's congratulations to Samar Alquraish, a nursing graduate who was also presented with the Board of Director's Award.

Nearing its 30th anniversary, the Arts Center still provides arresting views from new angles.