Retirees rekindle campus connections

The second annual Retirees Luncheon was held recently in the Thompson Professional Development Center. Pennsylvania College of Technology retirees and their guests enjoyed hearing from three student speakers who shared their exciting engagements with the Kentucky Derby, Wildcat Athletics and Global Experiences.

Felicia D. Donnie, a baking & pastry arts student from Shippensburg, discussed her internship at the 150th Kentucky Derby, where she was assigned to The Mansion, a luxury venue at Churchill Downs. “Retirees were dazzled as she shared pictures of extraordinary butter carvings, luscious-looking lobster tails and the delicious dessert tables,” shared Erin S. Shultz, college relations manager. “Felicia shared that she was working at the Kentucky Derby on her birthday, so the staff at The Mansion made her a special dessert box featuring some of that day’s scrumptious desserts.”

Madison J. Herriman, of Danville, offered stories about her experience as a Wildcat softball player and a bachelor's degree nursing student. “Madison shared her story of heartbreak with a broken hand and months of occupational therapy to helping her team to win the United East Championship, while staying laser-focused on her nursing classes and clinicals,” Shultz said. Herriman also shared her joy over being selected to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region Squad. 

Lauren B. Klinger, a resident of Kresgeville who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Architecture major, reviewed photographs of her adventures with the Global Experiences class: European Sustainable Building, Historical Architecture & Art. “Lauren captivated the retirees, showing her pictures while vividly recalling her explorations when visiting Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Milan, Lake Como, Verona and Venice,” Shultz explained.  

Also addressing the gathering were Penn College President Michael J. Reed and Anthony J. Pace, associate vice president for enrollment and academic operation. Reed welcomed the attendees and shared the college’s 97.7% placement rate, mission, and high rankings related to innovation and return on investment. Pace offered updates on recent enhancements in the college’s recruiting and admissions efforts, and also discussed the purpose of the Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence. 

Shultz shared updates on the Penn College Retirees’ Scholarship, an endowed scholarship first awarded during the 1997-98 academic year, and information on the Global Learning Fund, mentioned during Klinger’s presentation. 

After lunch, retirees and their guests were offered a “sneak peek” at the new architecture labs on the fourth floor of the Klump Academic Center. Naim N. Jabbour, associate professor of architecture, led the visit. “Retirees were in awe of the new space and couldn’t stop looking at the numerous student projects adorning the walls to showcase how students are designing their futures,” Shultz shared. 

Numerous retirees stay connected with the college through the Retiree Tomorrow Makers Program.