PCToday

Industry-Sponsored Wedding Cake Competition Invites Viewers

Fri, 10 Feb. 2012 11:24:43 EST

On March 2, the public is invited to view intricately decorated, multitiered cakes created by Penn College’s baking and pastry arts students. “Butterflies” is the theme for the cakes, which will be displayed as part of a contest developed for the students by an industry leader in the world of wedding cakes. Students have spent about eight weeks of class time on their cakes. The students’ cakes will be displayed for the public from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Mountain Laurel Room of the Thompson Professional Development Center at Penn College. A ceremony to announce the winners is scheduled at 1 p.m.

'Murder Mystery Dinner' to Be Served With New Orleans Flair

Thu, 09 Feb. 2012 15:14:37 EST

Tickets are available for this year's Murder Mystery Dinner – "Big Lies in the Big Easy" – set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Mountain Laurel Room of Penn College's Thompson Professional Development Center. Prices are $15 for students and $19 for faculty and staff; the event is sponsored by the School of Hospitality's catering class and the Student Activities Office.

WEB Event Offers Huggable Gifts at 'Bear' Minimum Prices

Thu, 09 Feb. 2012 14:20:03 EST

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Wildcat Events Board's Create-a-Gift event returned to the Bush Campus Center lobby Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon. The annual activity gives students the opportunity to stuff plush bears – at $6 for one or $10 for two – as presents for a "special someone" or other.
Photos by Michael S. Fischer, student photographer

Black History Month to Be Observed at Penn College

Tue, 07 Feb. 2012 17:02:13 EST

A lineup of comedy, music and commemorative cuisine will be offered as Penns College hosts several activities for the campus community and the public in observance of Black History Month.

‘ComiXnite’ Resumes This Month at Penn College’s Madigan Library

Mon, 06 Feb. 2012 11:01:51 EST

A new round of weekly ComiXnite programs, a continuation of a grant-funded series that debuted last fall, will be held throughout February at Penn College’s Madigan Library. “The 2012 program promises to deliver innovative presenters and creative, experiential learning,” said librarian Judy J. Zebrowski, one of the coordinators for ComiXnite. “From zombies and superheroes to cartooning and illustrated journaling, program participants will capture the excitement of the graphic novel and comics universe to learn, create, share and network with other comics enthusiasts.” Partially funded with a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, the programs will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays during February in Room 200 of the library.

Basketball Teams, Fans Mark 'Red Out' for Heart Health

Wed, 01 Feb. 2012 17:15:15 EST

The men's and women's basketball teams kicked off Healthy Heart Month with a "Red Out" in Bardo Gymnasium on Tuesday night. Both teams wore red shoelaces and other apparel to support the cause, and members of the dance team wore red ribbons in their hair. At halftime of the women’s game, intramural assistant Jeremy R. Bottorf emceed a "Let’s Make a Deal" game in which students won cash, rally towels and T-shirts. At halftime of the men’s game, a "reddest" contest was held. Brianna M. Savini won, taking home a $50 Sheetz gift card. The game was sponsored by the Off Campus Housing Organization, College Health Services and the Athletics department.
Photos by Whitnie-rae Mays, student photographer

Penn's Inn Transformed for Student Activities' Sushi Night

Wed, 25 Jan. 2012 16:14:25 EST

The Student Activities Office continued its popular Short Course program Tuesday night with a sushi-making event. Twenty-five students participated in the program, led by Chef Sam Morgante. The event started with Morgante teaching students about the history and various components of sushi, participants had their own sushi stations in Penn's Inn and, with instruction from Morgante, got to roll and eat their own creations.
Michael J. Hersh, assistant director of student activities for programming

Penn College Announces Winners of Annual Food Show

Mon, 23 Jan. 2012 14:40:45 EST

Penn College announced the winners for its annual Food Show, held in December as a showcase for final projects in advanced culinary arts and baking and pastry arts courses at the college. Taking the Chef Eugene Mattucci Best of Show Award was a chocolate house made by Alisha M. Howell, a baking and pastry arts student from Waymart. Her creation depicted an old-time theater decked out for the holidays. Mattucci was chef/owner of Mattucci’s Italian Restaurant in Mount Carmel and was a longtime Penn College advisory committee member and Food Show judge.

SkillsUSA Competitors Heat Up Penn College Labs

Fri, 20 Jan. 2012 17:04:21 EST

Penn College's well-equipped instructional facilities were abuzz Friday as students from nine schools visited main campus for the District 6 SkillsUSA competition to determine who advances to the state level April 18-20. Scattered among 11 labs in eight buildings, the young men and women competed in architectural drafting, automated manufacturing, automotive refinishing, automotive service, HVAC, masonry, plumbing, precision machining, residential wiring, technical drafting and welding before breaking for lunch and an awards ceremony. Before the award-winners were announced by Edward L. Roadarmel, assistant professor of drafting and computer aided design – and the college's SkillsUSA adviser – the crowd recognized a Penn College student who already is destined for national competition. Douglas R. Phillips, an aviation maintenance technology major, will be among the competitors in Kansas City, Mo. in June; there is no aviation category in state SkillsUSA competition, so the college annually holds its own qualifying event on Career Day. For more, visit the PCToday photo gallery.

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

Red Cross Reports 'Amazing' Turnout at Campus Bloodmobile

Thu, 19 Jan. 2012 16:27:40 EST

A total of 177 pints of blood were collected by the American Red Cross during Wednesday's visit to the Bush Campus Center, with so many appointments and walk-ins that agency officials may consider two-day campus drives in the future. As "amazing" as the totals were (each pint potentially saves three lives, so 531 people ultimately could benefit), donors also were treated to pizza and other giveaways courtesy of Woodbury Financial. The next Red Cross Bloodmobile visit to Penn College tentatively is scheduled for Wednesday, April 11.

Students Honor King's Legacy Through Service

Tue, 17 Jan. 2012 11:34:23 EST

Fifteen Penn College students, joined by a Student Activities staff member and an organizational adviser, participated in the Martin Luther King Service Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 14. The event kicked off in Penn’s Inn at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast, sharing of the day's purpose and a group activity. The event is a part of United We Serve, President Obama's program to encourage Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to the nation's most pressing problems. Because classes were in session on Martin Luther King Day, Student Activities chose to conduct the service initiative Saturday. Students went to Albright Life and assisted with the removal of old equipment and attic cleanup; participants also were given a tour by staff, who shared the mission of the agency. Another group of students went to the West House, where they did outdoor work and deep cleaning, then spent the afternoon playing bingo with residents. The event was organized by Sara R. Hillis, assistant director of student activities for student services and involvement. Students were accompanied by Dementro "Debo" Powell, assistant director of student activities for diversity/cultural life, and Sharon Comini, who advises United Campus Ministry and serves as a campus ministry liaison between United Churches of Lycoming County and the college. The campus observance also included a gospel concert and a multimedia presentation. Visit the PCToday photo gallery for more.

Students Enjoy First 'Late Night' Event of New Semester

Mon, 16 Jan. 2012 16:36:12 EST

About 70 students attended the first "WEB Late Night" event of the Spring 2012 semester, a Friday evening of fun and games sponsored by the Wildcat Events Board. Students poured into CC Commons for a water-pong competition, bingo and a Call of Duty tournament, as well as for free food and the chance to win cash prizes.
Photos by Whitnie-rae Mays, student photographer

Penn College Pre-Eminence Again on Display in High-Profile Venue

Wed, 11 Jan. 2012 16:24:25 EST

Penn College is well-represented at the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show, with a daily rotation of faculty/staff and students who are spotlighting the commonwealth's premier technical college and its renowned "degrees that work." In addition to Alumni Relations and Admissions office staff, each of the college's eight academic schools will be on hand by the time the event closes Jan. 14. The School of Hospitality was a party to a pair of multimedia opportunities this week, as the (Harrisburg) Patriot-News "tweeted" Chef Michael J. Ditchfield's tips for roasting root vegetables and Penn College culinary student Darren J. Layre is visible in Pennsylvania Cable Network coverage of a cooking demo with Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett. A photo gallery, with additions planned as the week continues, has been posted.

Tuesday Events Mark Opening of Latest Gallery Exhibit

Wed, 11 Jan. 2012 16:21:05 EST

"Rights of Passage," an exhibit of Anila Quayyum Agha's mixed-media work, opened with a reception and artist's comments Tuesday evening in The Gallery at Penn College. The exhibit will continue through Feb. 22 on the third floor of Madigan Library; hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, 2-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays (closed Saturdays and Mondays).
Photos by Whitnie-rae Mays, student photographer

Wellness Tips to Be Plentiful During 'Healthy Weight Week'

Tue, 10 Jan. 2012 13:22:42 EST

Healthy Weight Week will be observed from Jan. 16-20, offering a series of activities – sponsored by Student Health Services, the Fitness Center, Dining Services, the Healthy Weight Week Committee and Healthy Wildcats – about achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Try Zumba and yoga (for free!), sample delicious food from around the world, talk with campus professionals about wellness, and relive alumnus Brian Newcomer's inspiring break from his sedentary past. For more information, visit online or consult the event flier:

Campus Activities, Community Service to Honor Martin Luther King

Mon, 09 Jan. 2012 16:49:57 EST

A multimedia presentation, gospel concert and community-service challenge are among the ways that Penn College will pay tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

‘The Force’ Is With Wildcat Comic Con

Fri, 06 Jan. 2012 16:18:43 EST

Storm Troopers, Rebel Fighters, Wookiees and many more from the “Star Wars” universe are set to invade the inaugural Wildcat Comic Con, to be held April 13-14 on Penn College’s main campus in Williamsport. Two international fan organizations will dress as iconic characters from the movie series and present costuming workshops and discussion groups dedicated to “Star Wars” during the event.

Characters Coming to Life for Wildcat Comic Con Costume Contest

Fri, 06 Jan. 2012 16:06:18 EST

This April 13-14, Penn College may look more like a film production set filled with characters out of a science fiction, fantasy or superhero movie, as comics fans invade dressed as their favorite characters for the Wildcat Comic Con. “Cosplay” – or costume play – can mean investing hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars and hours into the design and creation of a costume. “Cosplay isn’t just about admiration for an anime or game. It’s also about expressing yourself, stepping outside your comfort zone through the putting on of a costume,” said Tracey Amey, librarian for access initiatives at Penn College’s Madigan Library and coordinator of the Wildcat Comic Con’s cosplay contest. “It doesn’t just challenge your costuming or makeup skills. It challenges you to open yourself up to new experiences.”

Gallery at Penn College to Host ‘Rights of Passage’ Exhibit

Fri, 06 Jan. 2012 00:02:22 EST

The Gallery at Penn College, on the third floor of the Madigan Library, will host the mixed-media work of artist Anila Quayyum Agha from Jan. 10 to Feb. 22 in an exhibit titled “Rights of Passage.” The gallery will host a Meet the Artist Reception with Agha from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 10, with artist's comments at 5:30. The gallery is open 1-4 p.m. Sunday, 2-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday (closed Saturday and Monday).