WTI/WACC Reunion celebrates past, present

An occasion to reminisce and renew, a special reunion welcomed alumni of Williamsport Technical Institute and Williamsport Area Community College back to campus. The predecessor institutions of Pennsylvania College of Technology laid the groundwork for today’s educational achievements and are an important part of the college’s legendary legacy.

The recent gathering also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of WACC, one of the state’s first community colleges, in 1965. (WTI, established in 1941, will mark its 85th anniversary next year.)

Kicking off the reunion was Lori A. Boos, alumni and career engagement manager for Penn College. Her warm welcome set an enthusiastic tone for a day of reminiscing and celebration: "Good morning, everyone! Welcome back to campus! It's absolutely fantastic to see so many familiar faces here today."

Also sharing remarks was Penn College President Michael J. Reed, who highlighted the enduring legacy of WTI and the pivotal role WACC played in shaping the educational landscape of the region. The spotlight then turned to state Rep. Jamie Flick (R-83), a WACC alumnus who earned a degree in computer information systems in 1981. Flick presented Reed with a special recognition honoring WACC’s 60th anniversary and commending the college on its vital contributions to the community.

The WTI/WACC Reunion gave attendees the opportunity celebrate shared experiences. Boos engaged the audience with a series of lighthearted questions, prompting laughter and waves from alumni who had traveled far, reconnected with old friends, or had the unique experience of seeing their children and grandchildren follow in their footsteps as Penn College students. A special moment was dedicated to honoring the WTI alumni, whose foundational years were celebrated with enthusiastic applause.

The program then shifted to showcase the dynamic present and future of Penn College, with presentations by faculty and students from majors representing the college's three innovative schools: emergency management & homeland security from the School of Business, Arts & Sciences; physical therapist assistant from the School of Nursing & Health Sciences; and automated manufacturing from the School of Engineering Technologies.

Presenters were:
Emergency management & homeland security: William A. Schlosser, instructor, and Colten C.B. Hajicek, a junior in the major from Redmond, Washington
Physical therapist assistant: Victoria Hurwitz, director, and Emily N. Dalawy, a second-year student in the major from McClure
Automated manufacturing & machining: Krishna C. Vistarakula, instructor, and Gavin L. Baer, a senior in manufacturing engineering technology from Bainbridge

Highlighting the college’s continuing commitment to hands-on learning experiences and applied technology education, the presentations included short videos and Q&A sessions.

Following a lunch prepared by Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, Shelley L. Moore, senior director of the Center for Career Design, shared updates on the college’s Oral History Project, further connecting the past with the present.

As the reunion drew to a close, Boos expressed heartfelt gratitude to the attendees: "Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for coming to the 2025 WTI/WACC Reunion celebration!" She encouraged guests to enjoy student-made truffles as a token of appreciation. 

The alumni were also offered optional tours of the Emergency Management & Homeland Security Lab, Physical Therapist Assistant Lab, and Gene Haas Center for Innovative Manufacturing. The recently renovated spaces provided a firsthand look at Penn College’s cutting-edge facilities and capped off a memorable day of celebration and reconnection.

Visit the Alumni Relations webpage for more information on how to stay connected and get involved. View the college's History webpage for more information on the institution's inspiring past.