Sunday, August 4, 2024
Photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
Catherine Joan Coy, of Clinton Park, New York, is among Penn College Summer 2024 graduates receiving hoods for the combined Bachelor/Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies.
The stars on the stage at the Community Arts Center on Saturday were none other than the latest group of Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates. The Summer 2024 Commencement featured student speaker Phillip Jeffrey Silvagni, of Williamsport, who received a combined Bachelor/Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies and two of 29 student awards. Also addressing the audience was Distinguished Alumni Award honoree, Michael Wert, a Williamsport native who resides in New Hope. After conferring degrees upon the graduates, President Michael J. Reed acknowledged all alumni in attendance and invited applause for the extraordinary Penn College alumni family. A livestream broadcast of the 90-minute ceremony was also offered and is still available for viewing on the Commencement website.
The downtown Williamsport arts venue presents a stunning space to highlight student success.
Processing from the Genetti Hotel to the Community Arts Center, the lineup of new graduates includes Breanna Rebekah Joy Free, of Williamsport, physician assistant studies.
A beautiful day, indeed!
President Reed offers his familiar fist bump to the new alumni as the procession steps on.
Radiography graduate Alara Zade Emig, of Hughesville, meets her moment on the stage. She is the recipient of the Mount Nittany Medical Center Excellence in Customer Service Award.
Prior to making their way to the Community Arts Center, graduates enjoy photo ops in the Genetti's ballroom, including this group representing the physical therapist assistant major.
Pre-ceremony relaxation! From left: Gavin J. Lohnes, of Williamsport, diesel truck maintenance technician; Matthew D. Young, of Kennett Square, and Anthony Joseph Massaro Cavanaugh, of Sandy Spring, Maryland, both in diesel technology.
President's Award winner Jake Spinosa (third from right) savors the support of diesel equipment technology faculty following his award presentation in the Capitol Lounge. Spinosa, of Wood Ridge, New Jersey, earned degrees in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis and technician emphasis. He also received the Earth Science Center Service Award.
Surgical technology takes its turn at a memory-making moment.
On their way ... it's a prestigious day!
Radiography students are equipped with "X-ray vision" and creative caps.
Another view of that presidential fist-bump tradition that not only welcomes but eases nervous jitters.
Radiography grads Megan Rachel Kreider (left), of Palmyra, and Billiegean Dawn Hennessy, of Holtsville, New York, are all smiles. Hennessy is wearing a Wildcat Athletics stole, honoring her role on the women's soccer team.
The picture of graduate grace: Jamie Olivia Krause, of Lititz, physical therapist assistant, who received the UPMC Program Award for Physical Therapist Assistant.
Joanna K. Flynn, vice president for academic affairs & provost, welcomes the graduates and their guests.
Alumna and student Tamaka Carter lends her outstanding voice to the National Anthem. She is a financial aid support specialist.
Listening to Carter's awe-inspiring rendition
Silvagni speaks to courage and commitment.
Attentive ears in the sea of blue and black
Wert encourages the new alumni to "be open" (to hard work, lifetime learning and all opportunities).
One by one, the day's special stars take their turns on the stage.
The college's historic theater casts a golden glow and blue hue.
In the spotlight: Billiegean Dawn Hennessy, recipient of the Evangelical Community Hospital in Memoriam of Bethany Hughes, Clinical Excellence Award for Radiologic Technology Student Achievement
A meaningful moment for Andrew J. Venema, of Montoursville, a dual-degree recipient in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis and technician emphasis
Rays of light shine on a radiography grad: Molly Ann Wright, of Clarendon.
A front-row photo op with President Reed
Paramedic playfulness on display
An extra-special day for Hannah E. Day, of Selinsgrove, physical therapist assistant, as she rejoins her fans outside the Community Arts Center.
Accents of the day
Creative keepsakes are held by surgical technology graduate Marisa Jane Barnard, of Loganton, who is joined by one of her steadfast supporters.
Barry Devin Decker signals his approval. The Spring Mills resident is a dual-degree earner in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis and technician emphasis.
A family photo for Navy veteran Rayann Chavon Singleton Bodle, of Williamsport, human services & restorative justice
The president leans in to the paparazzi-palooza.
A marquee milestone for physician assistant studies graduates (from left) Erin Theresa Braxton, of Berwyn; Catherine Joan Coy, of Clinton Park, New York; and Lisdeymi Prieto Yanes, of State College.
Beautiful bouquets (appropriately wrapped in Wildcat blue tissue paper) are presented to Hannah Cordes, of Nazareth, surgical technology.
Back on campus, Resident Assistant Aidan Joseph Weissenberger, of Hightstown, New Jersey, celebrates his architecture & sustainable design achievement.
Surgical technology classmates gather at the floral PCT (from left): Gretta Coleen Ratay, of Penn Run; Marisa Jane Barnard, of Loganton; and Allison Ann Enders, of Halifax.
A parting shot at a refreshing spot for Jonathan Wilhide, of Slippery Rock, who earned degrees in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis and technician emphasis.
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