Campus and People Articles

The U.S. Department of Education awarded a $96,099 grant to Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Dunham Children’s Learning Center to help reduce fees for eligible students whose children are enrolled at the early childhood education facility in 2024-25. The CCAMPIS grant (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) helps the Children’s Learning Center to provide reduced fees to Penn College students whose income makes them eligible for Federal Pell Grants.

“Penn College Pride” could not be dampened despite the drizzly weather that lingered throughout Wildcat Weekend Sept. 27-29. The autumn tradition, welcoming the return of alumni and campus visits by students’ families and friends, continued to roll out its full array of fun events, delivering an action-packed weekend for all Wildcat supporters.

In a time-honored tradition ushering in Wildcat Weekend, the Veterans’ Fountain on Pennsylvania College of Technology’s main campus mall has been dyed an appealing shade of “Wildcat blue” by representatives of the Student Government Association.

Enticed by "stuffies” and freebies, about 50 students gathered on the back patio of The Madigan Library on a recent sunny, September Sunday. Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement, this “Sunday Funday” was a winner for students, offering the opportunity to make a stuffed animal and score prizes. Each plush toy came with a tag revealing hidden surprises, including a bingo voucher, movie ticket or smoothie coupon.

Pennsylvania College of Technology may have been the best-kept secret, but that's about to change. Penn College earned impressive 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, including No. 3 top public school, as well as No. 1 school for innovation – and for veteran students – in Regional Colleges (North). Enjoy this new 30-second video, offering a glimpse into the campus where students "learn by doing, in STEM and technical fields that drive our economy. They're mastering skills that make a difference."

Illustrator Brian Lutz returned to his alma mater for two days of inspirational exchanges. The 2008 advertising art grad engaged students in hands-on work in two Illustration classes, delivered a public lecture in Penn’s Inn and answered questions during a reception in The Gallery at Penn College, where his “Full Circle” exhibit in on display through Oct. 4. It was in the gallery and his classes that Lutz was first inspired to pursue a career in illustration, so the exhibit’s title is an apt description.

Sounds like team spirit! “Wildcat Wars,” a Penn College tradition since 2014, brought its raucous and respectful rivalries to the UPMC Athletic Field. Competing in kickball, dodgeball and tug of war, four residence life teams battled it out on a picture-perfect September evening.

Jason K. Embick has been appointed executive director of the Clean Energy Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Embick had been serving on the Clean Energy Center’s leadership team as director of training operations. He joined the center in 2015 and has fulfilled multiple roles, including instructional specialist, special projects coordinator and assistant director.

The Dunham Children's Learning Center at Penn College celebrated grandparents on Friday, Sept. 6, with an activity, snack and outside play. Grandparents' Day or National Grandparents' Day is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, with this year’s official observance landing on Sunday, Sept. 8.

The Dunham Children’s Learning Center hosted a “back to school” employee engagement event for employees whose children attend the on-campus early childhood education center. Designed to help welcome and connect the center’s employee parents, the event provided photos ops with the Wildcat.