'Welcome Weekend' Helps Students Get (Re)Acquainted With Penn College

First-year students and returnees alike said "Goodbye" to summer and "Hello" to the Fall 2012 semester during Penn College's Welcome Weekend festivities. After check-in and move-in for newcomers Saturday, the evening included a presidential welcome, fireworks display and another visit from a traditionally popular hypnotist. Activities continued Sunday with CampusFest on the Athletic Field and a comedy show in the Rose Street Courtyard, and free donuts and other refreshments marked Monday's first day of  instruction – courtesy of Dining Services and Student Affairs, who took photos on students' cellphones for parental confirmation that sons and daughters started the week on the right foot.

– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday; Whitnie-Rae Mays, student photographer;
Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations assistant; Mike Cunningham, vice president for information technology and business;
and Katie L. Mackey, coordinator of off-campus living and commuter services

Students heading to The College Store to buy their textbooks, tools and Penn College garb were met with this welcome sign on the west side of the Bush Campus Center.

... and delivering the goods to student apartments.

A boon to road-weary families, Resident Assistants and members of the U-Hall Crew made quick work of unloading vehicles ...

Jennifer McLean, director of counseling, career and disability services, was among those making student check-in as smooth as possible.

A line of first-year students and their families travels along the Parkes Automotive Technologies Center, where Penn College Police provided directions to the nearby College Avenue Labs check-in site.

With students making textbook purchases for the imminent start of classes, and new Penn College families looking to buy memorabilia before heading home, The College Store saw brisk weekend business.

Among the blue-shirted alumni pitching in was Michael D. Womelsdorf ('06, electronics engineering technology: semiconductor processing technology emphasis, and '08, technology management).

Todd R. Moore, a 1986 advertising art alumnus, does his part on move-in day.

A photographer's vantage in York yields a particularly picturesque view of campus.

Jasmine A. Derr, a pre-dental hygiene major from Selinsgrove, greets her first semester with a fitting smile.

Collision repair technology student Evan Scott, of Oakmont, consents to a cellphone photo.

Enjoying a free donut on his first day of class – and mugging for the folks back home – is Erik G. Knecht, a machine tool technology major from Craneville.

Janae B. Rohrer, of Manheim, enrolled in the occupational therapy assistant major, lets her family know that she's classroom-bound.

Another good sport on Monday morning was Kelly M. Daum, of Wysox, an occupational therapy assistant student.

Benjamin J. Holschuh, of Swoyersville, majoring in information technology sciences-gaming and simulation, approaches his Monday morning with optimism.

A collision repair class takes a break for refreshment.

Eugene M. McAvoy, dean of academic services and first year programs, welcomes students to Penn College.

Fireworks light the Saturday sky.

Resident Assistants Ethan D. Kline and Elizabeth A. Loomis stand ready to help the college's newest arrivals.

Community Assistant Katherine P. "Katie" Wylezik, one of the many friendly faces at check-in

Energetic members of the Welcome Weekend team at CAL included Katie L. Mackey, coordinator of off-campus living and commuter services, and Elliott Strickland Jr., chief student affairs officer.

Filling the night with color

Fireworks add a brilliant splash to a beautiful Saturday.

Students fall under the spell of Sailesh, always a hit with campus audiences.

Student Government Association President Ryan M. Enders

Exposing the playful side of campus life - and posing in a manner decidedly contrary to their Welcome Weekend helpfulness - are (from left) Brian M. Johnson, director of residence life and judicial affairs; Resident Assistant Troy C. Weimer; Elliott Strickland Jr., chief student affairs officer; and RA Janae B. Rohrer.