Monday, May 13, 2024
Photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor; Rob Hinkal, social media specialist; Cindy D. Meixel, writer/editor - Penn College News
Here is an "encore performance" of May Commencement images, leading off with Megan H. Witmer, a human services & restorative justice graduate, and Joanna K. Flynn (on right), vice president for academic affairs and provost.
The Community Arts Center spotlight shone brightly on graduates as they walked across the stage during Pennsylvania College of Technology's three commencement ceremonies, held May 10-11 at the historic theater in downtown Williamsport.
More than 600 graduates chose to enjoy their moment in the sun (despite some rain) and shared the occasion with family and friends, many of whom cheered loudly and wept quietly, celebrating the newest Penn College alumni.
Student speakers for the three ceremonies were: Shelby L. Pyatt, nursing, of Frenchtown, New Jersey; Nikolas J. Harnish, welding & fabrication engineering technology, of Newmanstown; and Michael Charles Carpenter, mechatronics technology, of Wellsboro.
Penn College presented four alumni awards across the two days: An Alumni Humanitarian Award was given to Kate McCall Stepnick, of Bloomsburg; Distinguished Alumni Awards were bestowed upon brothers Daniel T. Hornberger, of Seven Valleys, and Richard C. Hornberger, of Middletown; and an Alumni Mentorship Award was presented to Corey Sarver, of Sykesville, Maryland.
Following the Spring 2024 semester, more than 725 students had petitioned to graduate – the next group of Tomorrow Makers sharing their skills and making an impact.
The livestreamed links to the three ceremonies are still available for viewing on the Commencement webpage.
A preview photo gallery was offered earlier on Penn College News. Enjoy this "encore performance" of event images:
Commencement takes center stage.
Nursing graduate Hannah L. McLaughlin makes her way to the arts center with important fans in tow.
President Michael J. Reed welcomes the audience ...
... in the stunning space, a jewel in downtown Williamsport.
Dressed for success!
Wildcats on the move under the marquee
At the start of each ceremony, a camera pans the crowd of graduates, inspiring antics and laughter.
Sarver accepts his Alumni Mentorship Award, recognizing his longtime support in the construction management arena.
Jubilant spirits
Pyatt is congratulated by the president after he moves the student speaker's graduate cap tassel, in sync with her classmates, signifying their transition from students to graduates.
After each ceremony, graduates and guests reunite outside the arts center.
Human services & restorative justice graduate Seth Allen Wilkerson and his little fan catch a photographer's eye.
Harnish, a recipient of the President's Award, speaks to "the unwavering support and inspiration I found in my classmates and professors."
All the lovely touches
Margaret "Maggie" Mangene, a member of the college's championship softball team, makes a spirited walk across the stage to receive degrees in heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology (a bachelor's) and heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology (an associate degree).
A sea of applause as student-veterans rise for acknowledgement
Assisting Reed with the presentation of diplomas is Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the college's Board of Directors. In addition to Flynn, other key stage roles are performed by Jennifer McLean, dean of students, and Anthony J. Pace, associate vice president for enrollment and academic operations.
A posthumous diploma is accepted by Maddie Gross on behalf of her mother, Samantha Gross. Maddie is enrolled in nursing, as was her mother. Maddie's father, Kerry (at left), also participated.
A golden hue
Welding & fabrication engineering technology graduate Madison Ann Bickings enjoys photos on campus with her family.
A green sanctuary refreshes the top of a landscape/plant production technology mortarboard.
Outside the theater, a graduate celebrates his "uplifting" achievement.
Lisa Margareta Mari Sever, nursing, recipient of the Flight Award: Fearless Learning in Good & Hard Times, takes her turn on the stage.
The Hornberger brothers and Distinguished Alumni Award honorees pause on stage for an image with the president. (Photo by Island Photography.)
Reed congratulates Devin L. Shellhammer Smith, brewing & fermentation science.
Making memories with lifelong friends
Behind the stage, graduates patiently wait their turns in the spotlight.
A rainy day for golf
Even in the midst of Friday's downpours, graduates and their family members line up at the college entrance to capture memories. Dental hygiene graduate Meghan E. Miller is on the left.
A playful addition to a degree that works (courtesy of Austin Boettlin, diesel technology)
Kicking up her heels and showing off her new Wildcat blue boots: Marcayla M. Lutzkanin, applied management. A multiple-award winner, she also holds multiple degrees (diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar equipment emphasis included).
Zachary Thomas Hepler, civil engineering technology, finds a post-ceremony photo op at The Victorian House.
Megan Renae Kresovich, human services & restorative justice, receives warm congratulations from a loved one. She received the Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award.
Tyler T. Weimert is decked out in honors and shades. He graduated in architecture & sustainable design.
As she accepts the Alumni Humanitarian Award, Stepnick encourages the graduates to give back to their alma mater in various ways.
Carmen Marie Bates, dental hygiene, enjoys a photo moment with her brother, a member of the U.S. Navy, who surprised her by attending commencement.
Carpenter offers down-to-earth advice on authenticity as part of his student address.
Framed for success: architecture grad Tyler Nicole Crushong
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