Penn College News

'Let your gifts, talents shine brightly'

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor

"Let your gifts and talents shine brightly in a world that desperately needs them," charged student speaker Tamaka F. Carter to her graduating class of Pennsylvania College of Technology.

After singing her trademark glorious rendition of the National Anthem, Carter addressed the crowd during Penn College's Fall 2024 Commencement, held Dec. 21 in the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport. 

The Williamsport resident, Penn College financial aid counselor and ordained minister earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration: management concentration and received the Board of Directors Award, a collegewide honor among student achievement awards.

"We are innovators, creators and leaders shaping a better tomorrow," Carter advised the new alumni.

Also recognized at the Fall 2024 Commencement was heating, ventilation & air conditioning alumnus Jeffrey C. Comitz, who was honored with the Alumni Achievement Award. The Montoursville resident is director of operations at Thermal Product Solutions, New Columbia.

In his address, Comitz shared how he "found that elusive interest and ambition," enrolling as an adult student at Penn College, and how his degrees "gave me an edge that helped catapult my career and differentiate me from others in the workplace and industry."

Nearly 290 students petitioned to graduate following the Fall 2024 semester.

A livestream broadcast of the 90-minute ceremony was offered online and is still available for viewing.

Joy abounds! Nursing graduates Justina M. Quiggle and Arianna Renae Welch make their way into the ceremony.
Penn College President Michael J. Reed congratulates graduates as they cross the Community Arts Center stage.
Outside the downtown Williamsport venue, families celebrate following the ceremony. Here, Alexander J. Lockcuff, automotive technology, embraces the moment.
Gazing at her fans in the audience, nursing grad Haley Damgaard is moved by emotion. She is a recipient of the Board of Directors award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions.
The arts center offers a beautiful space for the special celebration.
On her way: Daija Skye Mehaffie, human services & restorative justice.
A sea of blue and black graduate gowns decorates the scene.
The college president turns the tassel of the student speaker.
Prior to commencement, graduates (like nursing grads Angel Fitzgerald, left, and Alexia Kennedy) gather in the Genetti Hotel ...
... to prep for the important event and connect with classmates.
With faculty in the foreground and the audience in the background, Jaxon Rounsville picks up degrees in residential construction technology & management and building construction technology.
A grad cap speaks to being a light in the darkness
Nursing grads warm their way on a chilly day.
Joanna K. Flynn (at podium) welcomes the graduates and their guests.
Student veterans stand for recognition.
Kimberly S. Cordrey (front center), aviation center assistant, and President Reed enjoy a photo op with aviation graduates (from left): Brayden Alan Yount, Dominic Valentine, Caleb Jeffrey Kitka and Quentin Robert Jenkins.
Carter offers her gift of voice for the National Anthem.
Center of the street and center of attention: Matthew Deane, mechatronics technology, a recipient of the Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented for devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness and high ideals.
Nursing graduate Kathryn N. Meeh enjoys a photo op with her mother.
Comitz shares his journey as an adult student supported by the college's many services.
Applied management graduate Tywanna D. Gatling shares a laugh with the president.
Despite the cold weather, Tyler J. Conley, diesel technology, marks the moment with family at the Penn College entrance sign.
President Reed expresses his pride in the "tomorrow makers" that sit before him.
Lots of energy in the procession line
Grad caps galore in the Genetti lobby! At center is Lauren R. Bleistein, nursing, who is birthing a career as a labor & delivery nurse.
Stylin' in some mighty fine footwear: Amy Marie Harris, nursing
A line of new alumni under the Community Arts Center marquee
Front row and in the spotlight today!
A nod to a guardian above
Temitope Olanrewaju, nursing, is the picture of graduate glee.
Embracing flowers and loved ones: Madison Noelle Keiser, nursing
Beautiful images of achievement: Julie Anne Anthony, nursing ...
... and engineering design technology grad Zachary W. Anderson
Grabbing that selfie with a grad on the go! (That's Cole A. Bernier, automotive technology, decked out in a bow tie.)
Manufacturing engineering technology classmates Jacob T. Martin and Jeffrey L. Martin Jr. (on right) savor the celebration.
A shining example of a Penn College graduate and veteran: Christopher Steven Sandoval, nursing
In downtown Williamsport's seasonal decor, McKenzie F. Hakin, applied health studies, processes to the arts center.
Reuniting after the ceremony (from left): Kayla M. Wilson, Amanda E. Pennington and Emily Elizabeth Myers. Wilson earned degrees in culinary arts technology and applied management. Pennington and Myers graduated in baking & pastry arts.
Carter makes a humorous point during her address teeming with wisdom, wit, gratitude and grit.
Dental hygiene graduate Faith M. Matthews meets her moment on stage.
As the stars of the day take their turns in the spotlight, this image offers a sense of the golden glow enveloping the audience.
T-Jay Gonzalez, human services & restorative justice, receives his presidential handshake.
Cameron Brandon Jones, residential construction technology & management and building construction technology, makes one last stop at the campus entrance.
Brilliant in blue: Emma G. Smith, allied health
Holiday decor in the Genetti lobby offers a perfect backdrop for photo ops for Daija Skye Mehaffie and Noah Christopher Bowers, human services & restorative justice.
Jennifer McLean, dean of students, introduces the student speaker.
Devon D. Braden, residential construction technology & management and building construction technology, is all smiles walking across the big stage.
Friends to the end: welding & fabrication engineering technology grads (from left) Alexander Elerian Flores, Trevor R. Mauk and Camden J. Esposito.

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