Extended Forecast: Snowy Morning, Followed by Brand-New Day

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor;
Tia G. La, student photographer;
and Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor

Bachelor-degree nursing students, anticipating Saturday’s commencement ceremony, enter their pinning ceremony in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium bearing candles.

At their pinning ceremony, nursing students express their gratitude to the family and friends who’ve supported their education.

Monica A. Flexer, of Williamsport, was presented a special gift for her tireless work in supporting the Nursing Program and fellow students. Among other roles, Flexer was president of the Student Nurses’ Association.

Nursing students chuckle at comments made by their chosen student speaker. From left are Courtney Kaster, of Lock Haven; Jocelynn M. Heichel, of Millerstown; Alexandra R. Harriman, of Montoursville; Chad R. Guiswite, of Loganton; and Emily B. Frymoyer, of Mifflin.

Nursing student Steven D. Robinette, of Selinsgrove, offers a touching address at a Friday morning pinning ceremony for graduating bachelor-degree nursing students.

Sharing an occasion both solemn and happy

Joni J. Pyle, assistant professor of nursing, pins Alicia A. Brant, of Mifflinburg. The pin was passed on to Brant by her grandmother.

Danielle M. Schriebmaier, of Sugarloaf, receives her pin in a ceremony that some believe has its roots in the Crusades, when men tasked with assisting the fallen fighters wore the Maltese cross.

Neil A. Ebert II, of Catawissa, joins fellow nursing grads in the Florence Nightingale Pledge.

Bachelor-degree nursing grads gather after their pinning ceremony.

It’s a Wildcat Christmas at the Community Arts Center!

During pre-commencement at The Genetti, the Wildcat pals around with Brittney D. McHugh, of Frederick, Md., and Nathan D. Strouse, of Spring Mills. Both received bachelor degrees in applied management to add to their associate degrees in baking and pastry arts earned in 2015.

Relaxed and ready to graduate are Elizabeth R. Hill, of Jersey Shore, business administration: banking and finance concentration, and Corbin P. Snyder, of Harrisburg, emergency management.

Sparkling grad caps recognize goals and a diagnosis code familiar to health information technology majors.

Aaron D. Lachat, recipient of the Board of Directors’ Award, teams up with the Wildcat for a memorable moment.

Nursing graduates make use of The Genetti Hotel's adorned lobby for a parting shot.

Armed with a selfie stick and smile, Alicia A. Brant, a nursing graduate from Mifflinburg, gathers a glorious group.

Striking a pose post-ceremony is Garrett L. Woodring, Tyrone, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, and our favorite mascot.

College seal? Check. Wildcat? Check. Diploma? Check. Dane M. Cessna, Meadville, electrical technology, covers all the bases.

Festive décor in the Arts Center’s Capitol Lounge

Spreading goodwill throughout the morning, the Wildcat joins Rachel R. Miller, a business management graduate from Montoursville.

Sylvia B. Bidelspach, health information technology, Williamsport, celebrates with a Wildcat selfie.

Bookending the Wildcat with friendly smiles are Robert W. Myers, manufacturing engineering technology, Williamsport, and Erica L. Strittmatter, welding and fabrication engineering technology, Lock Haven.

Pointing the way to Happy Holidays

Louis E. Hunsinger is among many devoted Arts Center volunteers who turn out to assist at the extra-special event. The Wildcat gives that dedication a big "thumbs up!"

The student speaker enjoys a pre-ceremony moment with the college president and board of directors chairman.

The winter weather didn’t chill the joy (or antics) of these graduates.

A group huddle keeps these graduates warm on their walk from The Genetti to the Arts Center.

Relishing their special day

Warm smiles fend off the morning shivers.

A perfect sentiment, no matter the weather!

A high-energy promenade along West Fourth Street

The frosty and celebratory air have this graduate (and veteran) ready to "Hang Ten!"

The president proudly takes to the podium for the culmination of the Fall 2016 semester.

Podium flowers add to the ambience of an already-radiant day ...

Tremendous applause always greets the moment when student veterans are asked to stand.

Despite inclement weather, there was a full house in the stunning Community Arts Center.

As she receives her diploma, a graduate turns to see her fans shouting from the loge.

A photogenic graduate prompts laughs as he pauses en route to his diploma.

Ryan M. Strickland snaps an on-stage photo with Brian D. Walton, assistant dean of business and hospitality. Strickland, from Fuquay Varina, N.C., earned a bachelor of science degree in technology management.

Cartmell regales the audience with tales of his first semester – when he managed to succeed in his classes (and at dining) despite two broken arms. He urged each of his fellow graduates to “be a contributing member of society.”

Turning a tassel ... and another page in Penn College history

An overhead screen amplifies the grandeur of each graduate's symbolic journey across the stage.

Selfies with the president are still in style! An international student makes a memory.

... and perfectly complement this graduate’s red suede boots.

A triumphant graduate smiles at his family.

Silawat Kaewpijit, an automotive technology management major from Thailand, bows with respect for his alma mater's administration.

A special escort at the conclusion of commencement!

The president takes a final photo of the Fall 2016 graduates.

Cellphone fun as the graduates prepare to recess to a medley of tunes including “Best Day of My Life.”

A graduate from the School of Business & Hospitality packs a one-two pun.

True enough: As headgear goes, it's pretty impressive!

Renewable energy technologies graduates know how to stay warm! They are: Matthew M. Bernick (left), of Lewisberry, and Chet A. Schwoyer Jr., of Williamsport.

The marquee announces the luminous day.

A young fan delights in the Wildcat outside the Arts Center.

A family's pride, obvious and overflowing

Hooked on a feline?

Beautiful in blue!

Industrial design majors Collin J. Mikkelsen, of Bristow, Va., and Ashley E. Mahaffey, of Hughesville

The Genetti ballroom offers ample room and some sparkle in which to prep for the important day.

Sporting one of the new patches recognizing international students and those who have studied abroad is Holli E. Styer, who spent time in Nicaragua. The dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration graduate hails from the Lancaster County borough of Denver.

Lighting up the hotel lobby

Gratitude is always in fashion.

Gladhanding the gauntlet

Welding technology graduate Bryce A. Binkley, of Williamsport

Penn College Police Officers Justin M. Hakes (left) and Charles E. O'Brien share laughs with a furry buddy.

Friends gather in a classic bros' pose.

In the midst of rejoicing, a moment of reverie

Eyes wide-open to a future that's now

Associate-degree graduates turn their tassels, making it official.

Norman C. Sabin Jr., president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers student chapter, walks by his class speaker and Elliott Strickland, chief student affairs officer.

Daniel W. Yoas, associate professor of computer information technology, acknowledges the achievement of his godson, David M. Belzer, who earned an associate degree in machine tool technology. (Belzer's mother, Marjory D., is a 1986 alumna in food and hospitality management and is employed in the college's Capitol Eatery.)

Automotive restoration technology student Krishna M. Yadav, featured in the Spring 2016 issue of the college magazine, accepts congratulations from President Gilmour.

Grads follow along with lyrics exulting their "proud Penn College days."

Three faculty characters (Eric K. Albert, David A. Probst and Paul E. Mach) bring laughs to the occasion.

Learn locally, succeed globally

A Williamsport mother-daughter duo (who helped each other with their studies) start their joint celebration outside the CAC: Lori E. Pepperman (left), technology management, and Marissa E. Ray, business administration: management concentration. (Mom is a financial aid assistant at the college; her daughter worked in Dining Services while a student.)

Smiles that could melt the thickest ice

A perennial center of attention, the Wildcat is predictably in the middle of the crowd forming in the street after the proceedings.

All through the day and across the board, generations blend in celebration.

... and tossing their caps into the air.

International students ignore the cold and celebrate their accomplishment, throwing caution to the wind ...