More than 300 new grads honored at Fall Commencement

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.

Kerry E. Steinbacher, of Williamsport, helps to secure a classmate’s cap in a Genetti Hotel ballroom, the pre-commencement staging area where grads line up for their procession to the ceremony.

Celebrating prior to lineup are Aeron R. Schnure (left), of Milton; Steven M. Thompson, of Muncy; and Emily B. Miller, of Montoursville. They are part of the first cohort to graduate from the college’s part-time nursing major. (Miller is also an instructor of exercise science at the college.)

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 technology and welding & fabrication engineering technology graduate, receives 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.