Wednesday, September 24, 2025
photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor; Anna E. Reed, photographer (student); and Rob Hinkal, social media specialist, except as credited
Guests gather around Welcome Weekend’s traditional Friday night centerpiece: a bonfire on the Madigan Library lawn, where students, alumni and families also enjoyed a dessert showcase provided by Le Jeune Chef Restaurant and ax throwing with Hatchet House.
It was a “wild” weekend at Penn College as alumni, students, family and friends gathered to celebrate Wildcat Weekend Sept. 19-21 on campus and in the surrounding communities, woodlands and waterways.
Activities kicked off Friday night with a gathering of 37 alumni at Kimball’s Pub. A dessert showcase, hosted by Le Jeune Chef, ax throwing with The Hatchet House and another successful bonfire were attended on campus by nearly 300 guests.
On Saturday, more than 50 participants embarked on a 2.5-mile hike at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center with President Michael J. Reed, who highlighted the programs, clubs and organizations at the ESC. The hike included a portion of the NCAA Division III cross-country team’s course. Led by Coach Tom F. Leeser and his cross-country student-athletes, it was a beautiful day to explore the facility.
Sixty-four cars were on display during Phi Mu Delta’s Cars & Coffee event, far exceeding expectations. Phi Mu Delta alumni and current members worked with the Office of Student Engagement to plan the event. Jerry J. Hudak, a 2021 information & cyber security grad, said the car show raised $418 for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and about $100 for the chapter.
“This event was a fantastic opportunity for our alumni to reconnect with the school and the active chapter, while also demonstrating two of Phi Mu Delta’s core pillars: service and brotherhood,” Hudak said.
Penn College hosted a sold-out, two-hour cruise on the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat. One hundred people enjoyed college-themed cake pops and cookies while taking in the sights along the Susquehanna River.
Back at the college, attendees of the Family Fall Festival enjoyed a photo booth, cornhole, pumpkin painting, face painting, and “Wildcat Crunch” ice cream, developed by Eder’s Ice Cream for Wildcat Weekend. Kaysey L. Beury, coordinator of student success solutions, hosted a table at which guests could write encouraging messages for first-generation students.
A collaboration of the brewing & fermentation science program and Ron Ott’s Beverage Management & Service Applications course, a Tour & Taste event encouraged more than 140 people to check out one of three locations on campus – the new Physical Therapy Clinic, the Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing or a general campus tour – while later sampling snacks from Le Jeune Chef and featured brews from 12 breweries that employ Penn College brewing & fermentation science grads. Head wrestling coach Dalton Rohrbaugh also spent time with attendees and highlighted the wrestling room.
In partnership with Timothy L. Yarrington, instructor of brewing & fermentation science, and alumni, the following breweries were represented:
In the evening, Wildcat Bingo & Karaoke drew more than 200 students, families and alumni, featuring 15 rounds of bingo for fall and Penn College-themed prizes.
A sold-out Farewell Brunch was held Sunday morning at Le Jeune Chef, where more than 125 guests enjoyed a chef-curated menu featuring sweet and savory favorites.
During the weekend’s athletics events, the women’s soccer team beat La Roche University, 6-0, while the women’s volleyball team split a tri-meet against Cheyney University and SUNY Morrisville, beating Cheyney, 3-0.
Outside the festively lit Madigan Library, bonfire attendees take a break from the heat and indulge in desserts prepared by Le Jeune Chef Restaurant.
Sweet food and sweet friends: what Wildcat Weekend is all about!
A large group gathers for a 2.5-mile hike at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center with President Michael J. Reed.
More than 50 participants embark on the adventure. Photo by Kimberly R. Cassel, college relations director
Phi Mu Delta brothers check out a classic car during the fraternity's car show, which drew 64 vehicles and raised money for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Phi Mu Delta brothers and alumni, who organized the well-attended Cars & Coffee. Photo by Mallory L. Weymer, director of student engagement
Pumpkin and face painting are hits during the Family Fall Festival.
Fall-themed activities during the Wildcat Weekend Family Fall Festival offer guests a chance to get a jump start on their autumn decorations.
“Wildcat Crunch,” developed by Eder’s Ice Cream ...
... is a hit for this family (and many, many others). In the center is Daniel F. Charcon, a mechatronics student, with his alumni stepfather Stephen Griegel '07, information security; and mother, Catherine. The family is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A photo booth allows for do-it-yourself keepsakes at a favorite campus photo stop.
Putting the "family" (and the fun!) into the Family Fall Festival.
Kyle A. Smith (left), senior executive director of college relations, engages a group visiting the Jean McMahon Soars Center for Additive Manufacturing, one of three tours attendees of the Tour & Taste event could enjoy for before sampling brews and snacks in the Field House.
Twelve breweries offer samplings to more than 140 people who attended the Tour & Taste event. Each of the breweries employ Penn College brewing & fermentation science grads. Many of the alumni employees were on hand to help serve the beverages, with assistance from students in the hospitality program's Beverage Management & Service Applications class.
Le Jeune Chef Restaurant offers an array of appropriately paired snacks.
Showing good sportsmanship during a Tour & Taste cornhole match is President Reed (left).
The event attracts 12 breweries and more than 140 guests.
Wrestlers reminisce in the team's practice facility during the Tour & Taste event in the Field House. Photo by Becky J. Shaner, alumni and donor relations director
During the weekend’s athletics events, the women’s volleyball team split a tri-meet against Cheyney University and SUNY Morrisville, beating Cheyney, 3-0. Haylie Thomsen (center) had 11 kills and had 14 digs in the win.
The women's soccer team warms up to play La Roche University. The Wildcats won 6-0, continuing their 32-game unbeaten streak.
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