PCToday

Penn College Degree Leads to Visible Success ‘Down the Road’

Tue, 02 Feb. 2010 11:41:17 EST

Alumna finds valentine visibility

Ever feel that success is passing you by? For one Penn College graduate, it is – and it’s among the highest tributes she could receive. Traveling to and from her job as a graphic designer with Weis Markets, Trisha (Corey) Herrick gets to see her work on the rear of the grocery chain’s trucks rumbling along area roadways. “How fun to drive down the highway and see your design right in front of you,” said the Sunbury resident, whose latest project includes Valentine’s Day messages that playfully direct motorists to buy flowers or confections for their special someones.

Student Health Services Still Administering Free H1N1 Vaccine

Mon, 01 Feb. 2010 15:21:32 EST

Student Health Services will continue to administer free H1N1 vaccine to Penn College students, employees and alumni through the end of February. There have been more than 85,000 cases of influenza-like illness since late August, and it is Student Health Services' goal to get the vaccine to as many people as possible who are at risk of suffering serious complications from the virus. Student Health Services is vaccinating all individuals ages over the age of 4. For more information, please contact Student Health Services by e-mail or at 570-320-5234. Hours for Student Health Services are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. Answers to frequently asked questions also are available from the Centers for Disease Control. To expedite the process, interested students, employees and alumni should read the Vaccination Information Sheet and bring a completed Consent Form to Student Health Services. Both documents follow:

Alumnus' Engineering Firm, Students Team Up for Highway Safety

Wed, 20 Jan. 2010 21:58:13 EST

Professional engineers Timothy Wentz, left, and Randy Webster

The co-founder of a local engineering and surveying firm, whose resume includes a 2002 "degree that works" – a bachelor's in civil engineering technology from Penn College – will join his business partner and two juniors from Maranatha Christian School, Watsontown, in a project aimed at safer roads. Alumnus Timothy Wentz, who, with Randy Webster, has offices in Muncy and Cogan Station, said the students will help conduct a study of Gold Road in Lewis Township, Northumberland County, beginning at 8:45 Monday morning.

Faculty Member, Alumni Featured in CTL Farce

Fri, 15 Jan. 2010 11:04:45 EST

Brian M. McKeon

CTL

Brian M. McKeon, department head for natural sciences in Penn College's School of Integrated Studies, co-stars as one of the philandering husbands in “Bedside Manners,” a British farce soon to open at the Community Theatre League, 100 W. Third St. When Ferris reluctantly agrees to look after his sister's seedy country inn during her holiday, he fails to foresee the wild comings and goings that will burst upon him on a single spring evening. Engulfed in lies, confusions and bewilderments, he tries to capitalize on preventing the inevitable meetings of husbands, wives and lovers in assorted compromising situations. The show – which also features in its cast Penn College alumni Keith A. Wagner (2002, computer information technology: data communications and networking concentration) and Thomas G. Degan (2009, building construction technology) – will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22-23 and 28-30, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 31.

Mentorship Award Presented to Social-Service Agency, Director

Sat, 19 Dec. 2009 13:47:05 EST

Mentorship recognized

Penn College presented a Mentorship Award to Snyder Union Mifflin Child Development Inc. and the agency’s executive director, Sharon Koppel, during a Dec. 19 commencement ceremony held at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport. The Mentorship Award recognizes alumni and/or businesses that have made significant or ongoing contributions to the education and development of Penn College students through mentoring opportunities such as internships, co-op placements, the hiring of graduates and professional input.

College Honors Alumna for Community, Volunteer Service

Sat, 19 Dec. 2009 13:33:26 EST

Humanitarian honored

Penn College has honored Meagan Murray, of Hughesville, with an Alumni Citizenship/Humanitarian Award. Murray, who received the award during Dec. 19 commencement ceremonies, graduated from the college in May with an associate degree in human services. She is employed as an IM4Q (Independent Monitoring for Quality Project) service coordinator for the Center for Independent Living of North Central Pennsylvania. Her community and volunteer activities include originating “Meagan’s Box,” a charity providing hundreds of Christmas gifts each year (beginning in 1998 when she was 15) to the YWCA of Northcentral PA’s Wise Options for Women and the Son-Light House, Muncy.

College Presence Enlivens Holiday Classic at CTL

Sat, 12 Dec. 2009 08:56:10 EST

'Scrooge' at CTL

In a gathering as diverse and colorful as any holiday get-together, members of the Penn College family are putting their distinct spin on a yuletide standard – taking part in the Community Theatre League’s production of “Scrooge! The Musical.”

Variety of Homecoming Activities Unite College Community

Tue, 24 Nov. 2009 14:19:11 EST

Penn College’s Homecoming brought together hundreds of alumni and students during a variety of events at the college’s facilities. The Oct. 8-11 weekend’s theme, “Connecting the Pieces: Past and Present Unite,” embodied the institution’s long history, dating from the introduction of adult-education classes offered at Williamsport High School to the 20th anniversary of the college’s affiliation with The Pennsylvania State University. Among the highlights was a reunion for graduates of Williamsport Technical Institute, Penn College’s earliest predecessor.

Plastics Alumnus Opens Students' Eyes to Opportunity

Tue, 17 Nov. 2009 12:24:30 EST

Keith L. Jeffcoat

Keith L. Jeffcoat, a 2001 alumnus of the plastics and polymer engineering technology major, recently returned to campus to speak with several plastics classes. Jeffcoat is a staff development engineer in R&D at Ethicon-Endo Surgery, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies. Jeffcoat makes the visit to Penn College annually, talking to students about his career background and trying to open their eyes to important career topics often not covered in textbooks, such as networking and taking initiative. He also hosted an open forum to answer questions about Johnson & Johnson’s co-op program and its opportunities for new college graduates.

Employees, Alumni to Perform With Civic Chorus

Fri, 06 Nov. 2009 09:12:11 EST

Two Penn College employees and several alumni will perform "The Music of Faure" with the Williamsport Civic Chorus at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 142 Market St., Williamsport. Barbara Albert, program specialist for early childhood education, and Debra Buckman, assistant professor of environmental technology, sing with the chorus. Jim Buckman, a 1988 computer science graduate of Williamsport Area Community College, will perform as a soloist in the "Faure Requiem." Other alumni singers are Karen Gair (1997, occupational therapist assistant) and Nicholas Buckman (2002. mass communications). Paula Sager, a former Spanish teacher at Penn College, also sings with the chorus. In addition to the Requiem, the concert will feature three other Faure works: "Messe Basse," "Madrigal" and the "Cantique de Jean Racine." Tickets can be purchased at Otto’s Bookstore, Robert M. Sides Family Music Center or at the door. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students/senior citizens if purchased before Nov. 15 and $12/10 on the day of the concert. The event is supported, in part, by the college.

Students Dedicate Sale Proceeds in Memory of Alumna

Fri, 30 Oct. 2009 14:56:48 EST

Akacia Klick

Students at Penn College will dedicate proceeds from an upcoming bread and pastry sale to a memorial fund for a former classmate. The Baking and Pastry Arts Application class will dedicate its Nov. 13 sale to raising funds for the Akacia Klick Memorial Fund. Klick, who earned a degree in baking and pastry arts in May, died July 28 due to acute intermittent porphyria, a rare genetic enzyme disorder that had gone undetected until after her graduation. She was 21.

Penn College Names Alumni Relations Director

Thu, 22 Oct. 2009 11:57:16 EST

Valerie L. Fessler

Penn College has appointed Valerie L. Fessler as director of alumni relations. Fessler, who had been employed as development officer, direct marketing for the Geisinger Foundation, Danville, began her duties at the college on Oct. 19. “We are pleased to have Valerie become a member of the Institutional Advancement team at Penn College,” said Barry R. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement. “I am looking forward to introducing Valerie to our alumni from the Williamsport Technical Institute, Williamsport Area Community College and Pennsylvania College of Technology.”

Hundreds Attend Kickoff to Collegewide Career Fair

Wed, 14 Oct. 2009 09:48:30 EST

Coaching from the sidelines of the Campus Center lawn, Career Services staff served more than 200 students at the Pre-Game Tailgate to the Career Fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday. The event, which included free food, fun and giveaways, began a series of activities that will culminate at the Oct 20-21 Career Fair. Congratulations to the student winners, who can pick up their prizes at the Career Services Office (CC, Room 202): Joel Hague (grand-prize winner), Briana Walker, Ryan Burton, Nancy Ivie, Ilya Bezugly and Crissy Mitinger. A complete Career Fair-related schedule follows:

Culinary Alumnus to Appear on Episode of Food Network Series

Mon, 12 Oct. 2009 15:17:45 EST

Dean Yasharian, who earned a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts technology in 2003, will appear on an episode of Food Network series “Chopped” this week. The episode, titled “When Chefs Collide,” will premiere at 10 p.m. Oct. 13 and will be rebroadcast at 1 a.m. Oct. 14 and 8 p.m. Oct. 23.

Past, Present Beautifully Merge in Homecoming Festivities

Mon, 12 Oct. 2009 14:42:25 EST

A crowning achievement

From campus royalty to a historical photo exhibit in The Gallery at Penn College, to sporting events and alumni reunions, to a car show and "floats" that didn't move, the college was alive this past weekend with a "Connecting the Pieces: Past and Present Unite" Homecoming celebration. For more, visit the PCToday Photo Gallery.

College Presents Outstanding Varsity Athletic Alumni Awards

Mon, 12 Oct. 2009 11:20:22 EST

Alumni athletes honored

Penn College recently presented Outstanding Varsity Athletic Alumni Awards to Becky J. Shaner, of Hughesville, (cross-country) and Bobby String, of New Cumberland (basketball). The honors were presented by Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour during Oct. 10 Homecoming festivities at the college. To be eligible for the award, recipients must have been a varsity athlete for two or more years, demonstrate the importance of their education at Penn College, participate in leadership roles and demonstrate a commitment to the community in which they reside, and be a graduate of the college or its immediate predecessor institution, Williamsport Area Community College.

Students, Expert Pair for ‘A German Food and Wine Tasting’

Thu, 17 Sept. 2009 14:08:18 EST

Penn College’s School of Hospitality will host an internationally recognized wine expert on campus and, as part of his visit, will offer “A German Wine and Food Tasting” to benefit international student programs at the college. During the Oct. 7 event, Klaus Wahl, professor of viticulture at the Technical University of Munich, will share his knowledge of wine as diners experience the five tasting portions prepared by School of Hospitality students and faculty. While on campus, Wahl will also speak to students in Wine and Beverage Management and Wines of the World classes and offer professional development for Le Jeune Chef dining room staff.

Welding Students Create Bench in Memory of Former Classmate

Wed, 02 Sept. 2009 12:54:17 EST

Welding students' craft memorial bench

Members of the American Welding Society student chapter at Penn College designed and fabricated a bench to memorialize Colt W. Jenny, a former classmate who died in a September 2008 automobile accident. “To the whole group, Colt was a good friend who was always in good spirits,” said Kade E. Poorman, a May graduate of the welding and fabrication engineering technology major and an AWS member. “He was always smiling and had a good attitude toward just about anything. Overall, he was just a good friend to all of us, due to having spent so much time with everyone in the (welding) shop.”

Mentorship Award Presented to Printing-Industry Firm, Employee

Sat, 08 Aug. 2009 14:27:45 EST

Mentor honored

Penn College has presented a Mentorship Award to Christopher Kendig/Komori America Corp. for their continuing support of the college’s graphic communications program. Kendig, a district sales manager for the Tokyo-based Komori America Corp. – a premier manufacturer of sheet-fed and web offset printing presses – has worked with Penn College faculty, staff and students for the past six-plus years.

Accounting Graduate Included on Roster of Exemplary Seniors

Thu, 09 July 2009 17:22:48 EST

A graduate of Penn College's four-year accounting major has been included among the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants' "Outstanding Seniors" for the year. Gina M. Indelicarto, of Jersey Shore, was honored in May with the PICPA Award, presented by the college's School of Business and Computer Technologies for excellence in accounting studies under criteria established by the institute. The cum-laude graduate is listed among this year's award-winners at PICPA's " CPAZone ," a Web site exclusively dedicated to Pennsylvania students and educators interested in the accounting profession.