Yesterday's 'overcomers' prepped for tomorrow's challenges

With his robe refreshingly unfastened and the Veterans Fountain spouting cool water, surgical technology alumnus Timothy E. Singer, of Rimersburg, raises his arms in accomplishment. Around his neck is a medal marking his service as a Resident Assistant, helping first-year students transition from back-home accommodations to on-campus housing.

Recalling the obstacle-strewn path that she and many of her classmates trod, a hard-working and humble Bitner noted a common element of their individual perseverence. “One thing I found we all had was each other,” she said. “Teamwork was one of the most vital things we learned here in class and during clinicals. The fact that we are not alone and none of us is an island. Wherever you go, remember that you are always part of a team. They might be new faces to start, but soon they will be old friends … just like what we have become.”

PA graduate Saurabh Shah, of Highland Park, N.J, with his wife and daughter … and a well-wishing unicorn

Returning to the CAC, where he was presented with the President’s Award in May 2016, the alumni honoree reunited with many familiar faces from his time at Penn College. And not surprisingly, as a four-year member of the Wildcat basketball squad, he continued the theme of collaboration in predicting this class of “overcomers” will change the world. “The work is not done,” Thompson cautioned. “A new world is going to be put into your hands as soon as you walk out these doors. But remember that your peers, right here, are those that you can rely on. Everybody here at Penn College – they want the best for you, as well. When you come back to this campus, you ARE home. You have a huge support system behind you, and we are cheering you on each and every day.”

Awash in sunshine and success is Juvy A. Orillaza, who graduated in occupational therapy assistant. A former student photographer, Orillaza is this summer’s recipient of the UPMC Susquehanna Program Award for Occupational Therapy Assisting.

Among the day’s unofficial winners of “Fan Favorite” accolades, human services and restorative justice graduate Delvonne Rashene Williams attracted much audience goodwill during her time to shine.

A new infusion of health care workers, representing some of the many Penn College offerings proven mightily essential during the ongoing pandemic, enters an expectant workforce.

Addressing new alumni who “symbolize the future of Penn College” and the communities in which they’ll prosper, the president recommended they they each “find five minutes, sit down by yourself and think about where you’ve been – that’s important – but think about where you’re going. Think about what you can do. Think about what you can accomplish. Because if the last year and a half has taught us anything, it is that anything is possible. You can do anything that you set your minds to. It won’t be easy, it may not be fun all the time, but you can do anything.”

Francesca M. Timpone, of Smithtown, N.Y., who now proudly holds a Penn College degree in health arts: practical nursing emphasis, reconnects with Mom outside the Arts Center. Timpone was an all-conference honoree as a multi-year member of the women’s soccer team.

Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the Penn College Board of Directors, authorizes the president to confer degrees upon the day’s graduates.

Emily E. Longenecker – a Hummelstown resident who graduated in physical therapist assistant – makes a memory with her parents.

A self-fulfilling prophecy of the best kind

Mikhail S.P. Bahr, of Williamsport, among the day’s physician assistant grads, radiates coolness on a sweltering August day.

After a splendid debut during the closing commencement ceremony in May, Loni N. Kline returns to the stage to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Kline is vice president for college relations.

Taylor A. Steinbacher, of South Williamsport, doubles down on eye-popping bouquets in celebrating her associate degree in health arts: practical nursing emphasis.

Facilitating the distribution of student honors are Michael J. Reed, vice president for academic affairs/provost, and Joanna K. Flynn, dean of curriculum and instruction. Accepting the Thelma S. Morris Award for “outstanding qualities of a practical nurse in the clinical area” is Tammy L. Subarton, of Montoursville.

“I did my best and God did the rest,” proclaims the cap of Paciely L. Nunez, of Reading, mixing personal satisfaction with divine inspiration. The surgical technology grad included a shoutout to her Dominican Republic heritage with a red, white and blue sash.

Wearing a white stole denoting membership in the Alpha Chi baccalaureate honor society, physician assistant graduate Charles T. Crawford, of Wilmington, Del., plays to his supporters.

Physican therapist assistant alumna Keyona R. Shoff, of Shamokin – a conference scholar-athlete as a member of the Wildcat basketball team – joins her brother for a family memento. Jantzen C. Shoff, who graduated from Shamokin Area High School this year, donned his cap and gown for pics with his sister; they were to be honored at a joint celebration later in the weekend.

Paul H. Beiter beams in the company of granddaughter Carinne, of Williamsport, who earned an associate degree in occupational therapy assistant.

Life-saving “letter grades”

The student speaker (right) talks with Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management/associate provost.

Trevor H. Kennedy, of Montgomery, moves confidently toward a two-year degree in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis, his shades reflecting supportive friends.

Alumni honoree Thompson gathers with his parents and fiancée, honoring his esports/gaming outreach and invoking the motivating “B.E.A.S.T.” within us all.

A beautiful arrangement at the base of the podium brings a touch of summer – so obvious in the sun-dried air beyond the theater doors – to the proceedings inside.

(And a poet, too, we should add.)

President Gilmour prepares for one of 150 handshakes on the day alongside another commencement tradition: the college mace, designed by her alumnus/retiree husband, Fred.

The flowered dress of Lauren R. Ball, a physicain assistant alumna from Danville, accents the picture-perfect botanical feature near the campus tennis courts. Ball was this year’s recipient of the Russell M. Trapp Professionalism Award, which honors a former PA program director who died in March 1998.

Physician assistant graduate Maepearl E. St. George, of Pleasant Gap, puts a distinguished cap on her Penn College years (which included service as a Presidential Student Ambassador and Community Peer Educator).

A grad’s cap borrows from rock musician Henry Rollins to make the salient point that much can be attained through struggle.

These boots were made for, well, you know.

Radiography grad Brent M. Kile, of Millville, adorned his headgear with photographs.

Austin D. Robertson patiently hangs out prior to the procession. On the other side of his wait? A degree in building automation engineering technology. (He also has an associate degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, earned in 2017).

Turning the tassel of the class representative, who added a PA degree to an impressive roster of achievements: a doctorate, an earlier bachelor’s degree and military service, among them

Striding joyfully toward her moment is Lauren M. Swavely, an occupational therapy assistant graduate.

On-screen lyrics guide graduates through the vocal remembrance of their “proud Penn College days.”

PTA grad Shayla M. Bickel, of Shinglehouse, is accompanied by her parents and brother in front of the blooming “PCT” on the west end of campus. Bickel, sporting a student-athlete sash, was an outfielder on the softball team that went to this year’s NCAA Division III Championship tournament.

Art and purpose intersect for this new School of Nursing & Health Sciences alumna.

The student speaker, the last of the day’s graduates to cross the stage, pauses in mid-stroll to acknowledge the audience’s warmth.