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Twenty-two Penn College students who enjoy volunteering their time – including members of student organizations and the Wildcat women’s basketball team – gathered with Shannon L. Skaluba, student organization specialist, in CC Commons on Saturday to write heartfelt messages of gratitude in nearly 450 holiday cards for military personnel. The cards were donated by Sarah R. Yoder, coordinator of admissions operations, and her husband, Adam J., an industrial technology specialist with Workforce Development; as well as Chet Beaver, coordinator of veteran and military services; and Skaluba.
The cards will be distributed with the help of Sarah, who has worked with the United Soldiers and Sailors of America program for the last several years. Her brother, Michael Shott, is a first lieutenant in the Army on active duty, currently serving stateside following a recent deployment.
“We are so happy to support this meaningful and collaborative initiative through '(community) Service Saturday,'" Skaluba said. "We did as well last year, and plan to keep that tradition going.”
In addition to the holiday cards, attendees also made pet toys from recycled T-shirts that will be donated to the SPCA.
The Office of Student Engagement thanks everyone who participated in the "(community) Service Saturday" initiatives this fall. The next service opportunity will be Feb. 12. Interested in volunteering? Contact OSE to be added to the list.
The cards will be distributed with the help of Sarah, who has worked with the United Soldiers and Sailors of America program for the last several years. Her brother, Michael Shott, is a first lieutenant in the Army on active duty, currently serving stateside following a recent deployment.
“We are so happy to support this meaningful and collaborative initiative through '(community) Service Saturday,'" Skaluba said. "We did as well last year, and plan to keep that tradition going.”
In addition to the holiday cards, attendees also made pet toys from recycled T-shirts that will be donated to the SPCA.
The Office of Student Engagement thanks everyone who participated in the "(community) Service Saturday" initiatives this fall. The next service opportunity will be Feb. 12. Interested in volunteering? Contact OSE to be added to the list.
– Photos by Shannon L. Skaluba
Applied health studies: radiography concentration student Anna A. Lovell composes her thoughts – and another note of sincerity – to armed-forces personnel. Lovell, of Galeton, represented the Medical Imaging Club at Saturday's service event.
Representing the Phi Mu Delta fraternity are Brandon M. Malchano (left), of McKees Rocks, and Jacob M. Pusateri, of Port Matilda, both majoring in building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration.
Holiday "thank you" cards await delivery to active-duty servicemen and women.
Basketball teammates Maci N. Ilgen (left), of Spring Mills, and Makaya Shadle, of Galeton, proudly display their off-court output. Ilgen is a nursing student; Shadle is enrolled in human services and restorative justice.
Fabric is recycled into chew toys, perfect gifts for four-legged friends!
Student leader Sophia G. Wiest, of Butler, a dual major in entrepreneurial innovation and landscape/plant production technology, adds a personal touch to a stack of greeting cards. Among her campus activities, Wiest is a resident assistant, a Connections Link and a Wildcat Events Board team leader.
Conscientiously distanced, yet intrinsically joined in a team exercise, the Wildcat women's hoopsters get down to work.
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