Friday, May 5, 2023
Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
Williamsport Technical Institute alumni make memories.
The event had not been held since 2019 due to the pandemic, but 21 alumni experienced a happy homecoming in the Thompson Professional Development Center. In addition to time for reminiscing, bolstered by a display of archival memorabilia, those gathered enjoyed presentations by three Pennsylvania College of Technology students, conversations with President Michael J. Reed and a delicious lunch.
Taking the alumni and their guests on a “tour” of the Schneebeli Earth Science Center (from the comfort of the PDC), three students shared their academic experiences in words and visuals: Sophia G. Weist, of Butler; Marcayla M. Lutzkanin, of Port Carbon; and Jake M. Spinosa, of Wood-Ridge, New Jersey. Wiest has petitioned to graduate this month with a degree in landscape/plant production technology; she already holds a degree in entrepreneurial innovation. Lutzkanin, an applied management student, has earned degrees in diesel technology and heavy equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis. Spinosa is enrolled in heavy equipment technology: technician emphasis.
Also sharing their expertise at the gathering were: Nicole S. Warner, archives and special collections librarian, and Crystal J. Rice, library operations/public services coordinator, who offered a sampling of vintage photographs, publications and objects stored in The Madigan Library Archives.
Rice (at left) and Warner eagerly engage the knowledgeable alumni in information gathering.
Following the luncheon, the alumni were offered optional tours of the newly renovated Physician Assistant Lab and Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center.
WTI was a world-renowned institution credited with numerous innovations in hands-on adult education from 1941-65. Prior to WTI and starting in 1914, a small industrial arts shop operated in the basement of the Williamsport High School (now the college’s Klump Academic Center). WTI evolved into the Williamsport Area Community College in 1965, followed by its current iteration as Penn College, beginning in 1989.
Penn College Archives asks for assistance in identifying people, places and equipment.
Ronald Good, ’67, draftsman mechanical, pores over old photos with his wife, June.
Kimberly R. Cassel (standing left), college relations director, and President Reed (standing right) converse with machinist alumni Harold “Lou” Chance (seated at left) and Lynn Clark (seated at right).
The hats have it! Ken Getz (left), ’49, drafting, and James Harmon, ’65, carpentry and building construction, enjoy the day.
Mechanical and industrial drafting graduates who had instructor Chalmer Van Horn (second from left) always step up to the reunion table. From left: Ronald Good, ’67; Van Horn; Arthur Mann, ‘65; and Everett Brandt, ’66. Van Horn graduated from mechanical drafting in 1958.
Thomas Chapman (right), ’64, technical illustration, converses with Joel “Kurt” Hinebaugh, ’63, tool design technician, and ’61, machinist.
Hinebaugh poses with a 1963 image of tool design students.
Archives offers an array of memorabilia and tools ...
... including this treasured ruler from days gone by.
A 1963 WTI class ring
Reed warmly welcomes the returning alumni.
Lori A. Boos, alumni and career engagement manager, shares information and introduces the student speakers.
Wiest (at podium) takes the guests on a “tour” of the landscape major via a video offering a glimpse into campus and community work ...
... and adeptly answers questions from the crowd.
From the Diesel Performance Club to the Cheerleading Team, Lutzkanin shares her full range of extracurricular fun.
Alumni listen intently to the students’ presentations.
With confidence, Lutzkanin answers a question.
Spinosa digs into the day ...
... and good-naturedly absorbs the alumni interest.
With a springtime-green campus background, the reunion luncheon awaits ...
... its hungry guests.
Chet Beaver, coordinator of veteran and military services, and Katie C. Burke, veterans services specialist, join in the luncheon.
A vintage parking tag and faces from the past continue to be cherished elements.
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