Words From the Class of 2011

Asked about an unforgettable moment, Christina L. Reichenbach, a nursing graduate from Williamsport, said: "Every Wednesday, during my first year of clinicals at Valley View (Nursing Center), there was this lady named Flo who would play an old ragtime piano and make six or seven of us students get up in front of all the residents and do the chicken dance. I'll always remember that."

Yajaira A. Lockhart, a graphic design graduate from Bethlehem, recalls some of the valuable advice she received: "Stay strong and always pray. My family told me that. They were my stability."

The Advanced Technology and Health Sciences Center is the favorite spot of Rachel Andrews, a nursing graduate from Hughesville. "I like to sit upstairs in the atrium." Jonathan Gialouris offered a different perspective: "Some place to eat! Probably Penn Central – I like the pizza there." Gialouris, of Stroudsburg, received a degree in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis.

Amanda K. Fetter, a forest technology graduate from Stevens, shares a moment she hopes her classmates will forget: "Two weeks ago, we were out measuring trees, and we were walking down a steep hill, and I tripped over a log and rolled all the way down. The guys in my class were laughing so hard."

Amanda "Kelcie" Angstadt, baking and pastry arts, was asked what she wanted to be when she 12 years old, and what she wants to be now: "A pastry chef and a pastry chef! When I was little, I was watching a national pastry competition on TV, and I recognized that cooking and baking could be an art. It inspired me. I'd always baked in the kitchen with my mom, but I realized then that I could apply my creativity to it, as well."

"My Dad was my biggest help. He helped me with stressful emotional situations and paid for my tuition," said Lauren K. Harris, a hospitality management graduate from Mont Alto, as she cited who she has to thank for getting her to graduation day.

Tyler Walter, building science and sustainable design, talked about how he and his goals have changed during his college years: "Maturity. When I first came here, I enrolled in AT (architectural technology). I only wanted a two-year degree. But I loved it and continued on to four years. At some colleges, you have to commit to a four-year degree. But, here, you can do 2+2. That allowed me to mature and progress at my own pace. Now, I'm going to grad school at the University of Cincinnati. I just got accepted for their master's of architecture program. And I'm going to be an architect!" Walter hails from New Paris.

Tiana J. Soles-Ahner's advice for freshmen: "Know where their classes are. Check it out first – and where the food points are in between classes, because that's important!" Soles-Ahner, of State College, received a degree in baking & pastry arts.

Asked something he'd like to do or see one last time before graduation, Timothy Betts, a plastics and polymer engineering technology graduate from Linden, said: "A large get together with all my friends from the Gamers' Guild. We'd eat food, play games and have a great time." Zachary T. Robey had a more humorous outlook: "One of our cops getting someone right at the entrance. And I'll be glad, 'cause it ain't me." Robey is a heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology graduate from Carlisle.

Daniel O. Gomes offered his favorite places to eat: "CC Commons – at night – there are more options. And, I like the pizza at Joe's Pizza, the hoagies at Hoby's Hoagies, and I like Rocco's, too." Gomes, of Bethlehem, received a degree in electronics and computer engineering technology.

Beth A. Meisenhelder, a graphic design graduate from Tolland, Conn., described her favorite spot on campus: "The ATHS Mac lab – that's where I spend all my time. It's like my home! The computers are big and nice. Other than that, I'd say the library – it's a beautiful building."

Andrew J. Levering sited a Penn College faculty member he will never forget: "Mr. (James) Temple. He was very helpful and a great guy." Levering, of Williamsport, earned a degree electrical technology.

Laura A. Ault, a nursing graduate from Williamsport, recalls a moment she will always remember: "When she (pointing to a fellow classmate) tackled me in class because I spit water on her. We laughed hysterically. We're still friends."

"Lisa Bock was one of my best teachers ... also Professor (Bahram) Golshan and Anita Girton, my adviser," said Robert T. Sulouff, of Northumberland, who received a degree in information technology: technical support technology. "Aaron Hale was also one of my favorites and Shawna (Shawnalee Miller) in Career Services. She was the secretary in TRIO and then worked in Academic Support (Services). She helped me out a lot, and we picked on each other – it was always fun."