Students welcomed into Community Arts Center's volunteer ranks
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Nearly 30 Penn College students, including fraternity brothers and Wildcat athletes, joined the Community Arts Center volunteer corps for comedian Bert Kreischer's Thursday performance at the historic downtown venue.
"I am very thankful for the opportunity to usher at the CAC for the Bert Kreischer stand-up show, as it provided me and my teammates with the chance to serve our community while bonding and enjoying the show as a team," said wrestler Ryan D. Berstler, a construction management student from Middletown. "The show exceeded my expectations, as my teammates and I found Bert to be hilarious!"
Also aiding the cause were eight members of Phi Mu Delta, some of them returnees to a gig that is open to the entire student body.
"We always love volunteering at the CAC. The people there are wonderful and helpful to be around," noted Brandon M. Malchano, of McKees Rocks, president of the fraternity's Mu Xi chapter, who is pursuing a degree in building science & sustainable design: architectural technology concentration. "The volunteering is simple, as well, because we mostly just help people to their seat, then watch the show and tell someone if something's wrong. We strive to play a part in our community, and this is just one of the ways we try to help."
"It was a pretty great experience," added Phi Mu Delta brother Chard R. Cort, of Williamsport, enrolled in electronics & computer engineering technology: electronics & computer engineering emphasis. "It was nice to hang out with my friends while helping the local community."
Six members of the softball squad were on board, too, turning an initially confusing assignment into a valuable team-building exercise.
"We were all split up and assigned different sections throughout the theater," said Maggie J. Mangene, of Bellefonte. "I feel that this was a growing moment for our freshmen because the girls had to rely on themselves to make sure that people were seated properly. But when the show was ready to start, everyone had a seat ... and it was a great opportunity to give back to our community."
The heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology student said being able to stay for the show was an admitted incentive to volunteer: "As broke college students, we had to take that opportunity!"
And while looking forward to another volunteer opportunity, she readily added that there are more lasting benefits to the experience.
"At the end of the night, we all got pretty close as a team," Mangene said. "For me, doing these events outside of school and softball is important because you can see people in their non-natural environment and this is where you really get to see who your teammates are."
More information on volunteering at shows in the 220 W. Fourth St. theater is available at the CAC website.
"I am very thankful for the opportunity to usher at the CAC for the Bert Kreischer stand-up show, as it provided me and my teammates with the chance to serve our community while bonding and enjoying the show as a team," said wrestler Ryan D. Berstler, a construction management student from Middletown. "The show exceeded my expectations, as my teammates and I found Bert to be hilarious!"Also aiding the cause were eight members of Phi Mu Delta, some of them returnees to a gig that is open to the entire student body.
"We always love volunteering at the CAC. The people there are wonderful and helpful to be around," noted Brandon M. Malchano, of McKees Rocks, president of the fraternity's Mu Xi chapter, who is pursuing a degree in building science & sustainable design: architectural technology concentration. "The volunteering is simple, as well, because we mostly just help people to their seat, then watch the show and tell someone if something's wrong. We strive to play a part in our community, and this is just one of the ways we try to help."
"It was a pretty great experience," added Phi Mu Delta brother Chard R. Cort, of Williamsport, enrolled in electronics & computer engineering technology: electronics & computer engineering emphasis. "It was nice to hang out with my friends while helping the local community."
Six members of the softball squad were on board, too, turning an initially confusing assignment into a valuable team-building exercise.
"We were all split up and assigned different sections throughout the theater," said Maggie J. Mangene, of Bellefonte. "I feel that this was a growing moment for our freshmen because the girls had to rely on themselves to make sure that people were seated properly. But when the show was ready to start, everyone had a seat ... and it was a great opportunity to give back to our community."
The heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology student said being able to stay for the show was an admitted incentive to volunteer: "As broke college students, we had to take that opportunity!"
And while looking forward to another volunteer opportunity, she readily added that there are more lasting benefits to the experience.
"At the end of the night, we all got pretty close as a team," Mangene said. "For me, doing these events outside of school and softball is important because you can see people in their non-natural environment and this is where you really get to see who your teammates are."
More information on volunteering at shows in the 220 W. Fourth St. theater is available at the CAC website.
Photo provided by Brooke S. Styborski, CAC operations manager