A Winter Wonderland of Grads, Grins and Gratitude

–  Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

Philip G. Berry, external records specialist in the Registrar's Office, greets a soon-to-be-grad at check-in.

Sheryl E. Snyder, of Montoursville, graduating in applied health studies, gets some help with her gown from sons Chase, 10 (center) and Cole, 7.

Chef Michael J. Ditchfield, instructor of hospitality management/culinary arts, helps School of Business & Hospitality students celebrate their accomplishment.

Wearing a red, white and blue honor cord that designates her military service, Tammy S. Ryder, a technology management major from Hughesville, is congratulated by Chester M. Beaver, the college’s veterans affairs coordinator.

Emergency medical services graduate Kathy L. Kling, of Watsontown, sports seasonal accoutrement to the customary cap and gown: reindeer antlers – a suggestion from her 13-year-old daughter.

Students and their faculty escorts gather in The Genetti's Grand Ballroom, awaiting procession to the Arts Center.

Motivational words adorn the mortarboard of Amanda N. Woolf, of Lititz, who graduated in business administration: management concentration.

A blueprint for student success

Selfies preserve a multitude of memories, each one uniquely personal

Business majors assemble near the hotel's holiday finery.

Nursing grads reminisce during final preparations.

Angel wings grace the cap of Andrea L. Bower, a part-time faculty member in the college's surgical technology major, who paid tribute to her father in earning a degree in applied health studies.

With a pace as brisk as the suddenly December temperatures, imminent graduates hurry toward the Arts Center to claim their hard-earned prize.

Devices get smaller, but graduation remains a huge achievement.

New forest technology alumni have their photo taken by instructor Eric C. Easton.

Pride and elation are on the menu as Chef Paul E. Mach and his son, Jeffrey P., delight in an associate degree in forest technology. (It was a big weekend for the Machs. Older son Vincent earned his master's degree from Carlow University the night before.)

Alumni Relations makes it easy to arrange a fitting photo opportunity.

A heartfelt clasp in the middle of the crowd

Looking for that special graduate, a well-wisher finds a higher vantage.

The Wiegand family from Trout Run forms a portrait of Penn College Pride. From left are Benjamin J., who graduated with an associate degree in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis; parents Brenda A., the college's internal facilities coordinator and a business management student, and Joseph A., who graduated from Williamsport Area Community College in machinist general and toolmaking technology; and Jessica R., who plans to earn a bachelor's in business administration: marketing concentration in May.

Brothers and their mentors! Matthew L. Gross (second from left), ’06, plastics and polymer technology, and Jason C. Gross, ’05, plastics and polymer engineering technology, enjoy pre-commencement conversation with their former professors Timothy E. Weston (far left) and Kirk M. Cantor.

Prior to receiving the Alumni Humanitarian Award, Jason C. Gross (seated at left), gathers with family members who traveled to Williamsport for the special event.

The glow of the holiday season is enhanced by a 28-foot Christmas tree in the Community Arts Center’s inner lobby.

Bradley M. Moriarty (center), a culinary arts and systems graduate, waves at the camera and shares a laugh with classmates.

Last-minute touches and smiles make their way into the Community Arts Center.

Graduates parade past a watchful ‘Nutcracker’ guard.

With the seriousness of his Registrar role balanced by a ‘'Santa" tie, Denny L. Dunkleberger oversees his final commencement procession.

Special accessories of the day

Jay Michael Rhoads Jr. offers insightful advice as student speaker.

Alumni award-winner Jason C. Gross rolls the Wello WaterWheel onto the stage and encouraged graduates to “share what you know, collaborate and make the world a better place."

The president turns the tassel of the student speaker, who also received the President’s Award for leadership and service to the college.

The audience ovation swells for military veterans among the day's graduates, asked by the president to stand and be recognized.

The colors of the season burst brightly in a beautiful floral arrangement on stage.

... maybe a rock-star reaction ...

Ana Nicole Uribe, baking and pastry arts graduate from Lewisburg, beams with pride.

Selifes with the president are still in style! Daniel T. Kreger, a building science and sustainable design graduate from Morris, revels in the moment.

... or an exultant slide ...

... while others offer a subtle, but cheery wave ...

A whisper in the wings: Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management/associate provost, listens to proper pronunciations from graduates.

As graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas, they are happy to share their enthusiasm in a variety of ways. Some can scarcely contain that sense of accomplishment ...

Dulcey J. Messersmith, instructor of nursing, poses for a special moment with her son, Justin G. Smith, a graduate in welding technology.

... or a decidedly "peaceful" demeanor ...

Michael J. Reed (right), interim dean of sciences, humanities and visual communications, shakes hands with his school’s graduates.

Sweet selfie smiles

... or recognition of yonder fans!

Snowflakes ... sparkles ... and a strong, yet simple sentiment shine during the singing of the Penn College Alma Mater.

A baking and pastry graduate enjoys a delicious day.

Acknowledging the appreciable audience reaction, Darth Vader (Dave A. Probst, assistant professor of engineering design) joins one of Santa’s elves (Paul E. Mach, assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts) as the final faculty members to depart the stage.

The wrapup of another winter commencement

The future looks bright for the new Penn College alumni filing out of the Arts Center venue.

As the curtain closes on another commencement and Registrar Denny L. Dunkleberger’s college career, he and President Gilmour (who publicly noted his 35 years of service from the podium) pose for a keepsake.

The tree offers a gorgeous backdrop for photos.

More family photo fun outside

The scene outside the Community Arts Center is filled with magical marquee moments.

Framed by family happiness is Bader A. Alghamdi, plastics and polymer engineering technology, and his parents.

It’s never too chilly to pose at the big college sign! After commencement, new nursing graduate Brenda Applegate poses with her family.