Alumni

Job Outlook Remains Steady in Up-and-Down Economy

Feb. 9, 2012 - 4:21 p.m.

Why would 21 Fortune 500 companies – including heavyweights General Electric, PepsiCo, Honeywell International, DuPont, John Deere, Corning and Textron – visit a career fair in central Pennsylvania in the midst of economic uncertainty? Because, experts say, even when the economy slows down, skilled, specialized positions can be hard to fill. Employers stay hungry for workforce-ready graduates. That explains the presence of the Fortune 500s at Penn College’s most recent career fair. “Our programs provide skills that are critical regardless of economic conditions,” said Jennifer McLean, Penn College’s director of career services. “It doesn't matter what the Dow Jones is at when you need health care or a working HVAC system for your building. These are not luxury items. … We produce graduates who fill needs that occur without regard for the economy. This makes many of our programs essentially recession-proof.”

Penn College ‘Sweethearts’ Win Alumni Contest

Feb. 3, 2012 - 9:15 a.m.

More than 17 years after they first met on campus, a Penn College alumni couple will return to celebrate Valentine’s weekend, Feb. 11-12. Jodie and Michael McVan, of Bensalem, have been selected as winners of the Alumni Relations Office’s “Sweethearts’ Contest.” The McVans, married for nearly 10 years, will be treated to dinner and brunch in the college’s Le Jeune Chef Restaurant and an overnight stay at the Victorian House on campus. The Alumni Relations Office recently invited alumni couples to share their love stories as part of its “Sweethearts’ Contest.” The McVans’ essay was selected as the winning story and is available for viewing, complete with photos, on the Alumni Relations website .

New Penn College Video Focuses on Construction Management

Jan. 25, 2012 - 5:40 p.m.

The field of construction management is explored in the latest video added to Penn College’s popular YouTube Channel . The nearly five-minute video profiles Corey A. Shank, of Chambersburg, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. The video follows Shank during his senior project development class, which required students to design a new athletic facility for campus.

Fitness Fans Flock to 'Healthy Weight Week' Activities

Jan. 20, 2012 - 5:02 p.m.

Events for Healthy Weight Week once again drew a crowd interested in trying new forms of fitness and learning more about living a healthy lifestyle. Free Zumba, instructed by Christina “Gigi” Dammer, and YogaFit, led by Erica Lemasters, offered fun and effective ways to relieve stress and burn some extra calories. On Thursday, family and friends gathered to support alumnus Brian R. Newcomer (’93, legal assistant-paralegal; and ’98, nursing), as he detailed his journey from a sedentary life to completing races such as the Megatransect – in his words, “going from couch to 100K.” He shared entertaining stories, as well as pictures and videos of his experiences while training and racing in the “PA Wilds,” including several rattlesnake sightings and awe-inspiring views from atop mountains in the area.
Photos by Kristi L. Hammaker, health and fitness specialist

Penn College Horticulture Alumnus Gains State Certification

Jan. 19, 2012 - 10:11 a.m.

Logan T. Richard, a May graduate of Penn College’s ornamental horticulture program, recently learned of his success in the Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist examination. The exam was administered in December by horticulture instructor Carl J. Bower Jr., who – like Richard – is one of about 300 PCHs in the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association’s Penn-Atlantic region. “Joining the ranks of certified horticulturists will help set Logan apart from the competition,” Bower said, “and the continued education to keep the certification will only strengthen its value.”

College Presents Humanitarian/Citizenship Award to Alumnus

Dec. 17, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.

Penn College presented Brian M. Webster with an Alumni Humanitarian/Citizenship Award during a Winter Commencement ceremony at the Community Arts Center. Webster was awarded an associate degree in nursing from the college in 2006 and received the Shirley Novosel Memorial Award for clinical excellence and client advocacy that same year. A registered nurse clinical supervisor for the Susquehanna Health Emergency Department, Webster has participated in five medical-relief trips to earthquake-ravaged Haiti since January 2010.

Retirees Return for Get-Together Breakfast

Dec. 6, 2011 - 11:11 a.m.

A number of local Penn College retirees gathered in the Capitol Eatery on Monday morning, part of a group that regularly reconnects over breakfast on campus. Clockwise from left are Paul and Shirley Schriner, Gail and Phil Landers, Jim and Janice Fox, and Linda and David Dietrick. (Schriner, Fox and Dietrick all were members of the welding faculty; Gail Landers was a group leader in the Children's Learning Center; and Phil Landers was an accounting professor.) Others in attendance were Larry and Shirley Stabler, Bill and Jean Curry, Fred and Marian Schaefer, Sally Metzker, and Nancy Yaudes.
Photo by Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations assistant

Donations of Professional Clothing Welcomed by Career Services

Nov. 30, 2011 - 12:54 p.m.

Want to help Penn College students dress for success? Faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to consider donations to Career Gear, a collection of professional dress clothes available to students facing interviews with prospective employers. Donors with clothing to share should visit Career Services in Room 202 of the Bush Campus Center or call 570-327-4502.

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Penn College Winter Commencement Set for Dec. 17

Nov. 30, 2011 - 10:45 a.m.

Nearly 370 students have petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the Fall 2011 semester at Penn College, which will hold a commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 17. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. The student speaker is Molly G. Goldsmith, of Liberty, who will receive an associate degree in forest technology. During the ceremony, college President Davie Jane Gilmour will present a Humanitarian/Citizenship Award to an alumnus.

‘Winter Mirror’ Wins Viewers’ Choice Award for Alumni Exhibit

Nov. 18, 2011 - 2:10 p.m.

A color photograph titled “Winter Mirror,” by Michael A. Dreese, of Kreamer, has captured the Viewers’ Choice award in an art exhibition celebrating the talents of alumni of Penn College and its forerunners, Williamsport Area Community College and Williamsport Technical Institute. “Kaleidoscope: The Alumni Exhibit” was on display at The Gallery at Penn College from Oct. 7-Nov. 6, with visitors voting for their favorite piece until the exhibit’s closing. “Winter Mirror” and other photographs by Dreese are on display in the gallery lobby through Dec. 11.