PCToday

Penn College ‘Sweethearts’ Win Alumni Contest

Fri, 03 Feb. 2012 09:15:43 EST

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

Wed, 25 Jan. 2012 17:40:12 EST

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

Fri, 20 Jan. 2012 17:02:00 EST

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

Thu, 19 Jan. 2012 10:11:42 EST

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

Sat, 17 Dec. 2011 14:00:47 EST

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

Tue, 06 Dec. 2011 11:11:22 EST

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

Wed, 30 Nov. 2011 12:54:48 EST

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.

Penn College Winter Commencement Set for Dec. 17

Wed, 30 Nov. 2011 10:45:21 EST

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

Fri, 18 Nov. 2011 14:10:38 EST

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.

Alumnus, Faculty to Solo at Sunday's Civic Chorus Concert

Thu, 17 Nov. 2011 14:19:40 EST

The Williamsport Civic Chorus will hold its first concert of the season at 3 p.m. Sunday in the nave of St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1400 Market St. The concert will feature "The World Beloved," a mass with traditional portions but with bluegrass accompaniment. Featured soloists include Nicholas I. Buckman, a 2002 Penn College graduate in mass communications; Eric K. Albert, associate professor of machine tool technology; and Debra A. Buckman, assistant professor of chemistry and environmental science. Tickets for the concert ($10 for general admission and $8 for students) are on sale at Otto’s Bookstore and Robert M. Sides Family Music Center. Tickets at the door on the day of the concert are an additional $2.

Alumni Relations Office Seeks ‘Sweetheart Stories’

Wed, 16 Nov. 2011 15:43:28 EST

Did you meet your “sweetheart” at Penn College or its predecessors: Williamsport Area Community College and Williamsport Technical Institute? As the college continues its “Countdown to the Centennial,” the Alumni Relations Office invites alumni couples to share their love stories. One couple will win a special “Sweethearts’ Weekend” just in time for Valentine’s Day. “We’d love to hear how couples met at the college, what their lives were like on campus at that time, and what they’re doing now,” said Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations assistant, who notes that her office is aware of more than 500 alumni couples.

Veterans’ Portico Dedicated at Penn College

Fri, 11 Nov. 2011 14:20:48 EST

Penn College has formally dedicated a Veterans’ Portico on the main campus, honoring students, alumni, faculty, staff and retirees of the institution who have served in the nation’s armed forces. “Like all the generations before them, these men and women find a home on our campus,” President Davie Jane Gilmour said at the Veterans Day ceremony, held near the Veterans’ Fountain in front of the Breuder Advanced Technology and Health Sciences Center. “They find a place where they can grow into new civilian roles, where they can gain the skills they need to re-enter the workforce with confidence and pride. Our commitment to them will never waver. We will honor the sacrifices they have made to preserve and protect our lives and our freedom.”

A Note From the President

Thu, 10 Nov. 2011 12:46:13 EST

Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour has released a statement in response to the transition of leadership at Penn State.

Dining 'Do's and Don'ts' on Menu for Etiquette Dinner

Wed, 09 Nov. 2011 13:40:20 EST

Everyone knows manners are important, but what if dinner etiquette could jump-start your career? A "Dining for Success" Etiquette Dinner, hosted by Career Services and the Alumni Relations Office – and attended by 43 students and 10 mentors – was held Tuesday evening at Le Jeune Chef Restaurant. Faculty/staff from Penn College's School of Hospitality instructed students on proper etiquette and business practices useful in any professional setting, especially if an interview, meeting or conference resides over dinner. Students also learned how to introduce themselves, order from a wine list and improve their body language. At the end of the evening, they were given a "Too Many Forks?!" handbook that detailed the "do’s and don’ts" of dining etiquette.
Photos by Whitnie-rae Mays, student photographer

Faculty Member, Alumnus Returning to CTL Stage

Tue, 08 Nov. 2011 13:40:04 EST

Veteran Community Theatre League performers Brian M. McKeon, assistant professor of biology at Penn College, and 2002 alumnus Keith A. Wagner (computer information technology: data communications and networking concentration) co-star in “Heaven Help Me,” opening Friday at the 100 W. Third St. theater. McKeon plays the late Fred Holloway whose haunting presence at the family beach house puts a crimp in the resale plans of his brother, Kevin (portrayed by Wagner), and two other siblings. The show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 and 17-19 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 30. A public reception, to be attended by playwright Joe Simonelli, will be held following the Nov. 19 performance.

Horticulture Grad Plants Inspiration on Return to ESC

Thu, 03 Nov. 2011 16:15:00 EST

A May 2010 ornamental horticulture graduate returned to Penn College's School of Natural Resources Management on Thursday, speaking to students in Carol A. Lugg’s First Year Experience course and Carl J. Bower Jr.’s Landscape Operations class. “If you care about your education, you will get so much more from this experience," students were advised by Garrett M. Book, now employed by Earth, Turf & Wood Inc. in Lancaster County. "Graduating from Penn College isn't the end of your education, it is just the beginning." To prepare her students for the alumnus' Schneebeli Earth Science Center homecoming, Lugg – the school's matriculation and retention coordinator, who also provided the photos above – showed them a video of Book's commencement address. “Garrett is a perfect example of how you never know what life will bring," Bower said. "Being prepared for anything and working hard are the keys to success. That was the lesson I was hoping my students would get."

Forestry Students, Alumnus Honored for Academic Achievement

Wed, 02 Nov. 2011 16:29:46 EST

A recent forest technology graduate of Penn College and a current student in the same major in the School of Natural Resources Management have been awarded scholarships from the Council of Eastern Forest Technician Schools for their 4.0 GPAs. May 2011 graduate Lance E. Armstrong, of Muncy, and Matthew R. Crosbie, of Cogan Station, were among the scholarship recipients chosen from CEFTS member institutions, which include dozens of schools with forest technology programs. Three other students were cited for their academic performance: James W. Daniels, of Williamsport; Molly G. Goldsmith, of Liberty; and Angela N. Poleto, of Lock Haven, all were named to the CEFTS Honor Society.

Alumni Prevalent Among Employers at Career Fair

Tue, 18 Oct. 2011 13:04:45 EST

More than 160 employers were on Penn College's main campus and at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center on Tuesday, recruiting for nearly 1,900 full-time jobs, part-time positions and internships at the Career Fair. Greatly adding to the experience was the presence of blue-ribboned alumni, returning on behalf of their postgraduate employers. The Main Campus Career Fair (with opportunities for all students) was held in Bardo Gymnasium during the afternoon; the Natural Resources Management Fair (for majors in that specific school) was held earlier in the day at the Earth Science campus south of Williamsport. WNEP's Jim Hamill shot a segment that aired during Tuesday evening's newscasts. For more, visit the PCToday photo gallery.

Alumni Chart Career Arc From College to Gas Industry

Fri, 14 Oct. 2011 15:51:28 EST

Two Penn College alumni, whose "degrees that work" led to employment in the natural gas industry, shared their stories with area high school students visiting campus for Friday's Career Day. At separate sessions in the Thompson Professional Development Center, Anadarko Petroleum Corp. employees Brandon J. Howe, a 2001 graduate in information technology: data communications and networking, and Mark A. Barbier, who earned a degree in environmental technology management in 2009, differentiated between the jobs they've held and the professions they've chosen. "Be open to opportunities – focus more on your career and not your first job out of college," Howe said. "I took classes in the environmental sciences, I took classes in physics. Take those extra math classes. It'll give you more opportunities, more resume-building, and will open doors for you." Barbier, who enrolled in college on the G.I. Bill after several jobs and four years in the Navy, said his education allowed him to broaden his vision and ultimately stay in the area. "I love Pennsylvania, I love the country, I love the hills, I love to fish," he said. "Penn College is a huge aspectof why I'm still sitting here. It allowed me to continue, to have this career today." Also taking part in the presentations were Mary Wolf, governmental relations adviser at Anadarko; Scott Staruch, with America's Natural Gas Alliance; and Tracy L. Brundage, Penn College's assistant vice president for workforce and economic development. Among industry representatives elsewhere on campus were Chief Oil & Gas and Endress+Hauser, who presented information sessions to some of the 900 visitors. Sponsored by Outreach for K-12, Career Day is offered twice a year to acquaint students with a wide variety of technical careers represented by the college curriculum.

Alumni Exhibit Winners Announced at Gallery at Penn College

Wed, 12 Oct. 2011 16:31:03 EST

The Gallery at Penn College announced the winners of “Kaleidoscope: The Alumni Exhibit” during an opening reception on Oct. 7. The Kaleidoscope exhibition is a celebration of the talented alumni of the college and its forerunners, Williamsport Technical Institute and Williamsport Area Community College. It features original artwork by 29 alumni from all three institutions.