Penn College News

Roller skates, cuddle dates

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Photos by Anna E. Reed, student photographer

Penn College students have reveled in the many engaging activities offered to kick off Spring 2025. (Yes, it certainly hasn’t felt like “spring,” so any events offering extra warmth have been welcomed.)

Among the fun: “Roller Skating Night” and “Hot Dog, You’re Back!” Both were hosted in the Field House by the Office of Student Engagement.

Billed as providing “good music, good food and good vibes,” the roller-skating event proved to be popular, as did the ever-adored cuddle fest that ensues when faculty and staff share their cute canines with students. The "dog date” also featured treats for both humans and fur-friends.

A “pawsome” piece of trivia: “Hot Dog, You’re Here!” (the original canine-cuddling program, held at the start of the academic year in August) is marking 15 (human) years, having launched in Fall 2010. “Hot Dog, You’re Back!” was added for the first time in January 2018 to warm-up the well-being of homesick students.

Gathering 'round the stars of the evening

Poppy gets up-close and comfortable. She's the "director of good vibes" in student advocacy (and canine colleague of Tanya Berfield, director of student advocacy and Title IX coordinator).

Limbering up with some limbo ...

... and securing those skates.

Chevy motors toward a snack, shared by Erin L. Nichols, graduation assistant.

A golden retriever, Chevy stares down his favorite human: Bradley M. Walter (on left), manager of campus recreation and wellness.

Flying across the Field House floor: Mason W. Horner, a resident assistant and applied management student. (He earned his electrical technology degree in May.)

A daredevil delivers a handstand at "center court."

Finn from the front ...

... and from the back (sporting a sweet winter sweater). He is the buddy of Timothy J. Mallery, director of residence life.

They "heart" roller skating?

Making picture-perfect moves

Resident Assistants Stephanie Campbell (at front) and Alec D. Rees enjoy the evening. She's enrolled in nursing and graduated from surgical technology. An applied technology studies senior, he holds degrees in metal fabrication technology and machine tool technology.