Fear not: This Halloween event was wickedly cute

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-Penn College News

The first floor of the Davie Jane Gilmour Center, typically abuzz with traffic to and from the student-centered offices on either side, briefly catered to a younger crowd on Halloween morning: a parade of trick-or-treaters from the Dunham Children's Learning Center.

Dressed as different colors of Play-Doh, the groups moved from station to station, filling their bags with sweets donated by employees in various Penn College offices – many in costume and all having just as much fun as the kids!

This boy's superpower? Hugging, of course!

A discerning trick-or-treater chooses wisely.

Hillary E. Hofstrom, vice president for people and culture, gets down to a child's level for eye-to-eye bonding over a shimmery pumpkin.

Mermaid Man (of "SpongeBob SquarePants" fame) and Wonder Woman – Chet Beaver, assistant director of student advocacy for veterans/military, and Christie A. Bing Kracker, director of the Center for Academic Excellence – team up in the first-floor lobby, delighting the children through their commitment to character.

Nostalgia was warmly honored in the Financial Aid Office ...

... where Lori E. Pepperman (left) coordinator of educational loan programs, and Jessica S. Hunter, director, were among those distributing goodie bags.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. form a united front with Superman (barely disguised as his Clark Kent alter ego) and Supergirl. From left are Kyle W. Kern, coordinator of student success; Kaysey L. Beury, coordinator of student success solutions; Melissa M. Stocum, coordinator of peer counseling; Chuck D. Crews Jr., assistant director for secondary partnerships; and Allison M. Savage, coordinator of student success.

CLC Director Linda A. Reichert and friend get acquainted with a decorative owl.

Groups lined up for photos before resuming their candy collection.

Penn College Police Officer Jeffrey L. Hughes Jr. shares his pretzel supply.

Enjoying the Halloween visitors to People & Culture's well-stocked table are (from left) Jessica M. Boyd, generalist; Mattie L. Pulizzi, manager of employee engagement; and Margaret D. McCracken, manager of talent acquisition.

Pleasantly proving Lucy Van Pelt's observation that "a person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality" are Kimberly A. Felix (left), financial aid support specialist, and Kelly S. Watkins, financial aid specialist, federal programs.

Childcare teacher Rebecca L. Helminiak (right) introduces her group to a costumed trio (whose real-life identities are Daniel J. Clasby, assistant dean of academic operations; Barbara J. Stevens, office assistant; and Tanya Berfield, director of student advocacy/Title IX coordinator).