Penn College News

Fear not: This Halloween event was wickedly cute

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-Penn College News

The first floor of the Davie Jane Gilmour Center, typically abuzz with traffic to and from the student-centered offices on either side, briefly catered to a younger crowd on Halloween morning: a parade of trick-or-treaters from the Dunham Children's Learning Center.

Dressed as different colors of Play-Doh, the groups moved from station to station, filling their bags with sweets donated by employees in various Penn College offices – many in costume and all having just as much fun as the kids!

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This boy's superpower? Hugging, of course!

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A discerning trick-or-treater chooses wisely.

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Hillary E. Hofstrom, vice president for people and culture, gets down to a child's level for eye-to-eye bonding over a shimmery pumpkin.

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Mermaid Man (of "SpongeBob SquarePants" fame) and Wonder Woman – Chet Beaver, assistant director of student advocacy for veterans/military, and Christie A. Bing Kracker, director of the Center for Academic Excellence – team up in the first-floor lobby, delighting the children through their commitment to character.

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Nostalgia was warmly honored in the Financial Aid Office ...

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... where Lori E. Pepperman (left) coordinator of educational loan programs, and Jessica S. Hunter, director, were among those distributing goodie bags.

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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. form a united front with Superman (barely disguised as his Clark Kent alter ego) and Supergirl. From left are Kyle W. Kern, coordinator of student success; Kaysey L. Beury, coordinator of student success solutions; Melissa M. Stocum, coordinator of peer counseling; Chuck D. Crews Jr., assistant director for secondary partnerships; and Allison M. Savage, coordinator of student success.

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CLC Director Linda A. Reichert and friend get acquainted with a decorative owl.

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Groups lined up for photos before resuming their candy collection.

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Penn College Police Officer Jeffrey L. Hughes Jr. shares his pretzel supply.

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Enjoying the Halloween visitors to People & Culture's well-stocked table are (from left) Jessica M. Boyd, generalist; Mattie L. Pulizzi, manager of employee engagement; and Margaret D. McCracken, manager of talent acquisition.

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Pleasantly proving Lucy Van Pelt's observation that "a person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality" are Kimberly A. Felix (left), financial aid support specialist, and Kelly S. Watkins, financial aid specialist, federal programs.

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Childcare teacher Rebecca L. Helminiak (right) introduces her group to a costumed trio (whose real-life identities are Daniel J. Clasby, assistant dean of academic operations; Barbara J. Stevens, office assistant; and Tanya Berfield, director of student advocacy/Title IX coordinator).

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The procession winds its way along the building's north side, where Sarah R. Yoder, coordinator of admissions operations, added to their bounty.

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Chillin' in the pumpkin patch