Wildcat Weekend upbeat despite downpour

Friday's bonfire lights the night, a temporary wall against impending chill. Guests choose from among treat-laden tables at a Dessert Showcase outside The Madigan Library. Cozy, right? A touch of blue up-lighting adds to the al fresco ambiance. Autumn's eve finds all the ingredients in place for a celebration. The Hatchet House returns with its mobile attraction, always a bull's-eye with the campus throngs. Fire and water strikingly add their elemental combination to the landscape. This year's Athletics Hall of Fame inductees (both coincidentally graduates of Lampeter-Strasburg High School in Lancaster) join President Michael J. Reed (left) and Scott E. Kennell, director of athletics, for a pre-reception photo on the campus mall. Robyn E. Beddow (second from left) earned two occupational therapy assistant-related degrees in 2015 and 2016, and Hailee L. Hartman is a 2019 nursing grad. Shimmering in their lighted cases, the Hall of Fame rings await the official presentation. "You were players that your coaches relied on, and your teammates and campus community looked up to," said the president, welcoming the 47th and 48th members into an exclusive and prestigious club. "Tonight, you become Hall of Famers that coaches will refer to, and current and future Wildcats will aspire to become." Emcee Matt J. Blymier (at podium), assistant director of athletics for compliance and athletic communication, introduces an on-screen tribute to the honorees. The video was accompanied by The Script's "Hall of Fame," the lyrics of which fittingly mention "breaking all the records they thought never could be broke." While joking that she's "a little salty about the turf field going in after I graduated," Beddow expressed serious gratitude to her former teammates and supportive family throughout her Penn College years. The honorees were each presented by their former coach, John McNichol Jr., now in his sixth season as head coach at Wilkes University, who spoke of their triumphs as student-athletes – including their leadership in transitioning to NCAA membership – and the sport's profound ripple effect into their professional lives. Introduced as "adaptable, reliable and strong," Hartman professed a weakness at public speaking. The first Hall of Famer to play all four years in the college's NCAA era proved herself wrong, however, nailing her remarks with sweet memories and genuine humility. Three iterations of high-scoring Wildcats (from left) deservedly stand at center stage: Beddow, who set a record of 32 career goals in 2015; Hartman, whose 35 goals topped that mark in 2017; and current player Kaelynn N. Sheetz, who scored her 36th goal against Altoona on Wednesday. Profiles in friendship form an expanded Mount Rushmore of sorts, a monumental reunion of former soccer teammates picking up where they left off and enjoying one another's company yet again. From left are Hanna J. (Williams) Wickman; Hall of Famers Hartman and Beddow; Jane (Herman) Thompson; and Lauren (Herr) Bucher. Baja SAE Club representing! Among those joining the “Hike with Mike” were these seasoned trailblazers, past and present. A group of hardy souls showed up in the rain for a crisp Saturday morning hike with the college president (at center in gray top). The happy hikers included students, parents, alumni and college employees. Leading the pack and enjoying a chat with the president are Brady C. Dunn (at center in black), a first-year diesel technology student from Andover, Mass., and his father. Undeterred by less-than-ideal weather, Arthur and Aimee Neary, of Columbia, N.J. embrace the trail. Their daughter, Elloree Eliza, a first-year welding student, stayed behind, opting for the dry warmth of the great indoors. The line of nature lovers makes its way along the Bluebird Trail at the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority. Hikers move along the beginner-friendly trail through Penn's Woods, getting a scenic workout on the first day of fall. Stopping to appreciate an eastern newt in its woodland habitat are James C. Fretz, of Collegeville, a construction management student and college relations assistant; his mother, Rebecca (left); and his aunt, Cynthia Gehman. The group – including Baja SAE club President Marshall W. Fowler, who's gone "underground" – explores what's left of the Remington Estate. "It never rains on the golf course," it's said ... but carts have roofs, just in case. Current Wildcats making the best of their day – and their friendly rivalry against past Penn College golfers – are (back to front) Gunner E. Redmond, Gavin L. Baer, coach Rob Lytle and Peyton M. Mussina. A signed baseball from Peyton's dad, former MLB pitcher Mike Mussina, was among the items raffled in a benefit for the team. The green, green grass of White Deer attracts this group of golfers, obliging a photographer with winning smiles. Anchoring the quartet is John J. Heebner (in red jacket), whose three Penn College degrees include a 2005 bachelor's in construction management. A friendly foursome, indeed, is this lineup of former Wildcat soccer players: William J. DeAngelo, Ethan J. Dunkle, Cody A. Sollenberger and Christopher J. Brennan. DeAngelo and Brennan are members of the Wildcat Athletics Hall of Fame. Bundled up for anything, it takes more than rain clouds to dissuade this crew. Whitnie Rae-Mays, recent recipient of Alumni Volunteer of the Year honors from Penn College, and partner Jason Baier add some much-needed sunshine to the day. Mays earned an associate degree in advertising art in 2012 and a bachelor's in applied technology studies in 2014. Finishing last among the 11 teams in contention was this nonetheless happy, multigenerational squad. From left are Steven L. Pittenger, a 1981 Williamsport Area Community College graduate in computer information systems; Richard M. Sarginger, a retired member of the Penn College building construction faculty; Thomas M. Whitehouse, '11, building construction technology, and '13, residential construction technology & management; and Daniel P. Kline, '11, information technology: network specialist concentration. Earlier, the time capsule that had been buried in this spot was dug up with the coordination of Chad L. Karstetter, horticulturist/grounds and motorpool manager. Nicole S. Warner, librarian, archives and special collections, assisted with salvaging some of the items that were “soaking wet” in the vault so that they could be shared at the unveiling. A crowd gathers in The Village courtyard, as Timothy J. Mallery (standing to the right of the time capsule), assistant director of residence life and housing operations, serves as “master of ceremonies." Mallery was on hand in May 1998 when the capsule was buried, so the longtime Residence Life employee was the ideal person to lead the event. Michelle (Goddard) Hood, a member of the Village Council that created the time capsule 25 years ago, offers a student perspective as her daughter, Madison (seated at left), records the proceedings. Hood, a pre-dental hygiene student in 1997-98, resides in Harrisburg. In her address, she honored the memories of two students: Joseph DeFeo, a student who died in April 1998 and for whom the time capsule was dedicated at the time, and Deena Jean Cooper, ’02, graphic design, another member of the Village Council instrumental in the time capsule, who passed away in 2017. "Cherish your time here at Penn College. Hold tight to your loved ones," Hood said. "Twenty-five years ago, I never would have dreamed that Joey and Deena would be missing this. Life is short. Tomorrow is not promised. Cherish today." Assisted by President Reed and Resident Assistant Aidan J. Weissenberger, Mallery moves the time capsule’s heavy lid for removal of the once-buried treasures. Not as excited about the proceedings as her people, Harper, a 3-year-old Sheltie, is distracted by a photographer. The pup hails from Fogelsville, and her student is Marshall J. Labuda, a business management freshman who already holds a degree in landscape/plant production technology. Mallery and Hood read letters written in 1998 by then Interim President Davie Jane Gilmour and Dean of Student Services James E. Fitzpatrick. Gilmour's letter to the "Village Residents of the Twenty-First Century," for instance, recounted the inspiration to build a suitable living and learning environment on campus. "We wanted students to feel comfortable and safe, and to have computer access to campus resources, a novel idea at the time but, I'm sure, quite ordinary as you read this," she wrote. "We wanted to create a community of scholars where students could develop academically and socially." Watching remotely via a cellphone (held by Nikolas J. Harnish, a welding & fabrication engineering technology student) was Steven P. Jacobson, director of residence life when the time capsule was interred. A 25-year-old mascot stares back from the past, seemingly quizzical and a bit worse-for-wear ... but still Wildcat-worthy! In 1998, Matthew Rosenberg placed this Giles & Ransome patch into the time capsule. He returned to see it reappear! Rosenberg earned an associate degree in heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis in 1999 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in information science from Penn State-Abington. He is employed by the State of New York. Back where it all begin! Alumni sweethearts and former Village residents Jon W. and Katie L. Mackey first met in this laundry room at The Village in 1997. Katie, assistant director of disability and access resources, recalls that Jon (who she recognized as “the hot guy in her English class”) had “spilled detergent in his laundry basket,” to which she quipped: “This is when you miss your mom the most.” The duo would again live in The Village as a young married couple from 2005-10 when Katie was a Residence Life employee. Their first-born son, Jackson, also resided with them. Katie graduated in 2002 with a degree in applied human services. Jon has earned three degrees from the college including emergency management & homeland security in 2023. A guest book revealing those present during the 1998 dedication of the time capsule shows their signatures: Katie Spoerke and Jon W. Mackey. Mallery and the Mackeys enjoy a trip down memory lane along with Kevin L. Imes (second from left), construction management, ’07, and building construction technology, ’03. Another unearthed relic is a May 1998 edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette announcing Gilmour's selection as president. The author of the article (who had at least one other front-page byline that day) was Joseph S. Yoder, now associate vice president for public relations and marketing at Penn College. Gilmour would hold the position until her retirement in June 2022. An ode to the day when “the Village People” would toss a disc or two in the complex's courtyard During a break in the rain, electrical construction student Tyler W. Eberle, with his mom, Wendy (left), aunt Leah and dad, Henry, grab a photo in front of a floral feature. Eberle is from Warren, N.J. Taking a chance at bingo is Elizel Irizarry, here visiting Damarais Y. Canales-Bustillo (pre-radiography) and Elvia D. Rosario (business administration), both of Lebanon. Waiting for the right numbers Bingo draws a standing-room-only crowd to CC Commons. Alan G. Stanaback, a junior in heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology, shows Samir Saba the technology he employs in lab. Graphic arts grad Karl Foor, ’77 (left), checks out the brewing & fermentation lab, helped by Brian D. Walton, assistant dean of business & hospitality. Howard W. Troup, assistant professor of automated manufacturing/machine tool technology, shares the features of a brand-new piece of equipment: the Bihler 4 Slide-NC, a metal stamping and forming center entrusted to the college for two years by Otto Bihler Maschinenefabrik and Bihler of America Inc. Listening is manufacturing engineering technology student Michael A. Hostler III, of Tyrone, with his parents, Nancy and Mike (Jr.) Hostler and grandmother Deb Hostler. The diesel drag truck, a project for students since 2000, makes an appearance on campus after participating in an off-campus car show that supported suicide prevention. Inside are TJ Buck, treasurer of the Diesel Performance Club, and Marcayla M. Lutzkanin, club president. Buck, of Warminster, is studying diesel technology. Lutzkanin, of Port Carbon, earned degrees in 2022 in diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis and is pursuing a bachelor’s in applied management. Bonding around the bingo table are Alex S. Broyles, an automotive technology student from Chadds Ford, and his parents, Melissa and David. Payton S. Stief (third from left), a pre-radiography student from Lancaster, and Meg R. Agan (fifth from left), a pre-dental hygiene student from Elmira, N.Y., and their families gather in CC Commons to play for their chance to win Penn College prizes. Kellor A. Schooley, a business administration student and all-around campus leader from Turbotville, calls the bingo game. He hosts bingo weekly in CC Commons. Escaping the damp weather for a dinner buffet in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant are (from left) Eli and Amanda (Ritter) Zimmerman and Abigail Sneeringer. Amanda Zimmerman graduated in building science & sustainable design: architectural technology concentration in May; Sneeringer completed a bachelor’s in human services & restorative justice in 2022. Gathering for dinner in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant are (from left): Ashley (Hoffer) Hammond, ’22; Wesley McCray, ’22; Mathew Hammond, ’23; Josh Rosenberger ’21; Rebecca High ’22; Stephen Brodecki ’22; Alli Ault (partially obscured); and Daniel Wright ’22. Patrons check out menus from Real Taste and The Mad Griller at the annual Food Truck Rally outside UPMC Field. Known for its cold brew, Fox Den Coffee LLC no doubt saw brisk trade in hotter fare on Saturday afternoon. Toting umbrellas and dodging puddles in the parking lot Making a return trip to campus, Slick Angel's food truck brought its wares from Mansfield. The Wildcat men's soccer team reverently huddles before its match against Penn State Berks. Keeper Cole Catherman was instrumental in the shutout, denying any goals that would negate the home team's ultimate 1-0 victory. Moved into Bardo Gymnasium by the weather, an open-to-the-public Wildcat wrestling practice was no less attended ... ... as spectators were treated to an exhibition of the teammates' prowess and passion. As the seconds tick down toward their midafternoon contest against Penn State Berks, the women's team is clearly pumped. Forward Sara Darlington leaps into the fray. The Wildcats played to a scoreless tie against the Nittany Lions, aided by Nicole Lichtinger's record 11 saves in goal. Classy calligraphy draws visitors into the Bush Campus Center ... ... where they could register for trolley tours of a downtown area as historically significant as the college itself. Colin J. Shay and grandparents hold up Penn College apparel – including the limited-edition Wildcat Weekend T-shirt (center) – in The College Store. Shay, of Blandon, is enrolled in engineering design technology. J.J. Rice Jr., an automotive technology student from Orefield, shops with his father. The College Store offers wall-to-wall Wildcat gear (not to mention a warm refuge from the drizzle). Readily rocking the hoodie look are diesel technology student Cole J. Bortree, of Greentown, and his mom. A family emerges from the American Welding Society’s virtual welding tractor-trailer, parked behind the college’s welding lab on Saturday. The impressive and roomy facility offers four units with Lincoln Welding simulators and full-screen monitors, each with an employee dedicated to assisting guests with their experience. Welding & fabrication engineering technology sophomore Cierra D. Miller tries her hand at gas metal arc welding via the simulator. From Dover, Miller is a Wildcat soccer player, so her Saturday was a busy one! Zachary M. Beekley encourages his mom, Linda, to try her hand at the welding simulator. Beekley is a senior in welding & fabrication engineering technology from Pottstown. A member of the college’s inaugural brewing class, William B. Ernst-Wingfield, brewer at John Ryan Brewery, pours a sample at the Alumni & Friends Tent Party (moved inside despite its original "in-tent"). The celebrities of the evening: brewing & fermentation science alumni and their instructor Timothy J. Yarrington (at back in gray T-shirt). Alison Rhoads, ’14, early childhood education, enjoys a night out with her husband, Jeff, who is sporting a Williamsport Area Community College hat just because he “likes the colors." WACC is a predecessor of Penn College. A great reason to gather! From left are Michael D. Ferraiolo, ’11, aviation maintenance technology, and his wife, Melyssa; Clifford T. Early III, ’11, aviation maintenance technology, and his wife, Holly; and Thomas J. Petrusky, ’08, information technology: web & applications development concentration, and his wife, Devin. Still wearing their Penn College Soccer shirts, alumni couple Michelle L. (Paul) and Ryan B. Mack kick back for a little liquid therapy after a long day of cheering their Wildcat soccer-playing son in the rain. Their son, Evan Pickering, is a sophomore in business administration. Ryan holds four degrees from Penn College, including manufacturing engineering technology, ’02. Michelle is a 2000 graduate in business management: travel & tourism emphasis. Victory brewer Logan M. Walton, ’23, brewing & fermentation science, offers up a tasty sample to a guest. A roster of regional favorites on tap reflects the breadth of the business and the reach of Penn College graduates. "It's hard to overstate how humbling it is to know this program has influenced so many bright, passionate brewers," Yarrington later said. "It is also rewarding to see them growing and succeeding in their professional careers. This is truly a program punching above its weight, and it is having a big impact on the craft brewing industry in Pennsylvania and beyond." Brews in the foreground and games in the background The Field House floor provides ample room for catch-up conversation. Reed thanks alumni for their contribution to the institution’s recent excellent rankings in U.S. News & World Report. The president turns to Kevin L. Imes, construction management, ’07, and building construction technology, ’03, and Whitnie-Rae Mays, ’14, applied technology studies and ’12, advertising art, to announce ... ... an Alumni Relations 50/50 Raffle with money raised going toward regional, alumni outreach and board events. Because Mays was celebrating her birthday, a College Relations employee added a sparkly sash to her outfit. Oodles of tickets! Mays gets ready to select the winner ... ... Kristy L. Bower, ’21, business administration: management concentration! Two runners-up received gift bags of college swag. Savory samples to balance the beverages Ally M. George, ’22, human services & restorative justice, cheers a successful alumni evening. Magician-comedian Michael Kent engages his Klump Academic Center Auditorium audience from the get-go on Saturday night ... ... and prepares to blow the mind of a student volunteer. A visiting dad signed a $20 bill that turned up in the yolk of a cracked egg. Huh?!?!?? Kent performs a bottle trick ... ... and rightly predicts that a parent would choose the three of diamonds from a deck of cards. (The signboard, which seemingly read "ESP NOW VIP," was flipped to reveal the magician's prescience. A fantastic finale, shimmery confetti and all