Summer Commencement 2009
Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Summer Commencement ceremony Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. Andrew R. Christoffel, of Lancaster, awarded a bachelor’s degree in environmental technology management, was student speaker for the event. More than 200 degrees were conferred by college President Davie Jane Gilmour, accompanied by Board of Directors Chairman Robert E. Dunham. During the ceremony, a Mentorship Award was presented to Christopher Kendig/Komori America Corp., significant contributors to the education and development of students.
— Photos by Joseph S. Yoder, news bureau manager, and Tom Wilson, writer/editor
Student speaker Andrew R. Christoffel shakes hands with college President Davie Jane Gilmour.
Graduating students find it hard to hide their happiness.
Student veterans rise in tribute from the audience, which soon groundswelled to a standing ovation.
Sign language conveys the on-stage activity.
Let the celebration begin!
Commencement candidates show a mixture of joy, pensiveness upon entering the Arts Center.
Andrew R. Christoffel addresses his classmates.
Robed and ready, students spot a photographer in the balcony overlooking a Genetti Hotel ballroom.
Christopher Kendig, district sales manager for Komori America Corp., accepts the college's 2009 Mentorship Award.
A graduate and her streetwise companion strike a playful stance.
Sunglasses were the order of the day under bright, summer skies.
The commencement contingent begins its march to the Arts Center.
Students acknowledge faculty and family prior to the ceremony.
James E. Temple, an assistant professor and commencement marshal, and Carolyn R. Strickland, assistant vice president for academic affairs, preside over the procession.
A student makes a last-minute adjustment for her big day.
President Davie Jane Gilmour turns the tassel of class representative Andrew R. Christoffel, signifying his status as college graduate.
Robert E. Dunham, chairman of the college's board of directors, authorizes the conferral of degrees and certificates.
The College Store established a presence downtown ...
... strikingly filling an adjacent storefront with Penn College merchandise and other items.
En route to the day's proceedings, students browse the official program.
A day for smiles and friends.
Christopher Kendig, honored for mentorship, displays his award in the Arts Center Patrons Lounge.
Patrick W. Herr, an emergency medical services graduate, with a tuckered-out well-wisher.
A hearty hug from a Health Sciences faculty member.
Edward A. Henninger, dean of business and computer technologies, and Richard B. Seymore, who earned a bachelor's degree in information technology: network specialist, stand at the head of the procession.
Students take advantage of the Genetti Hotel's reflective wall for one final look.
Colin W. Williamson, dean of transportation technology, accompanies soon-to-be-graduates from his school.
Health Sciences graduates, who comprised more than half of the day's honorees, included these physician assistant majors gathered for an impromptu group photo.
Family members aim to photograph their celebrity's magic moment.
A sidewalk flower shop finds buyers outside the Arts Center.
All along West Fourth Street, there was no bad time to stop for commemoration.
A young supervisor oversees the primping and preparation.
Marc E. Bridgens, dean, (left), talks with students graduating in construction and design majors.
Faculty members descend the stairs to take their supportive place on stage.
Caught in celebration, not a rare mood on this sunny afternoon.
At day's end, time for one more photo at a campus landmark.