More than 300 new grads honored at Fall Commencement
Monday, December 22, 2025
photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
During Penn College’s Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 20, President Michael J. Reed congratulates Angelina K. Mendez, of Cogan Station, who completed an associate degree in human services & restorative justice.
Saturday’s Fall Commencement at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center celebrated more than 300 students who completed a Bachelor of Science, Associate of Applied Science or certificate during the Fall 2025 semester.
The student speaker was Hayden D. Lester, of Jersey Shore, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She also received the President’s Award, presented for leadership and service to the college. Also addressing the graduates were 2025 Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award recipient Ed G. Owens, associate professor of mathematics, and Nate Lyon ’20, who received the college’s 2025 Alumni Humanitarian Award. Lyon, who holds a bachelor's degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology and an associate degree in welding technology, teaches at Milton Hershey School.
Degrees and certificates were conferred by Penn College President Michael J. Reed and state Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the college’s Board of Directors.
Watch a recording of the ceremony at www.pct.edu/commencement.
Prepping in a Genetti Hotel ballroom, the pre-commencement staging area where grads line up for their procession to the ceremony.
Stuart A. Dare (left), of Mifflintown, stretches to grab a selfie with fellow nursing bachelor’s degree grads as they process from the Genetti Hotel to the Journey Bank Community Arts Center.
A graduate’s stole signifies membership in SALUTE, a national veterans honor society.
Grads react to seeing live shots of themselves on the theater's big screen.
Joanna K. Flynn, vice president for academic affairs/provost, greets the gathering.
Tamaka F. Carter, a financial aid counselor, sings the national anthem.
President Michael J. Reed extends congratulations to the graduates, noting the tremendous difference they are positioned to make as indispensable employees in business, industry and the public sphere.
Ed G. Owens, an associate professor of mathematics and the latest recipient of the college's Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award, addresses the audience.
Student speaker Hayden D. Lester, of Jersey Shore. Lester received the President’s Award for leadership and service to the college.
Nate Lyon (right), a 2020 welding graduate, accepts congratulations from Reed. Lyon received the Alumni Humanitarian Award.
State Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the college’s Board of Directors, authorizes the conferral of degrees and certificates.
Lybbi Ann Switzer, of Berwick, crosses the stage. She completed and associate degree in culinary arts technology.
Dennis Anthony Jackson Jr., of Williamsport, graduating with a bachelor’s in human services & restorative justice.
Nicole R. Lichtinger, of Erie, completing a bachelor’s in applied health studies. She received an associate degree in physical therapist assistant in August.
Lillian Renee Storms, of South Williamsport, graduating with a bachelor’s in nursing.
The student speaker accepts her diploma folder from her mother, Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies.
Reed congratulates graduates as he exits the Arts Center, exchanging a fist-bump with Maddi H. Smith, of York, who completed degrees in culinary arts technology and applied management.
With a nod to a classic sitcom, Kayla D. Welch, who graduated with an associate degree in nursing, celebrates with her “Friends.” Welch is from Russell.
Fans surround Patriot Award winner and new nursing graduate Cadence Copson, of Montoursville. The Patriot Award is presented to a current member of the military or a veteran of the armed forces who has enhanced the college experience for the veteran student community.
