Thursday, November 12, 2026
photos by Rob Hinkal, social media specialist
Penn College hosted its fourth First-Generation Celebration & Student Showcase Nov. 5.
The event aimed to recognize the achievements of first-generation students, who make up about 40% of the student population.
A first-generation college student is defined as someone whose parents or guardians have not earned a four-year college degree.
The celebration served four purposes:
“Our goal is to continue to grow the student showcase portion of the first-gen celebration moving forward. This was only the second year for that,” said Kaysey L. Beury, assistant director of student success. “Students were so excited to share projects and highlight the hard work they are doing in their courses, and the enthusiasm was awesome from both participants and folks who showed up to support them. It was enlightening to learn about what students in majors like polymer engineering, architecture, welding and graphic design are doing. We also had a student share some of the beautiful wood passion projects they have been working on in the Dr. Welch Workshop here on the campus.”
Eleven offices and six student organizations hosted tables, and faculty in five different minors were on hand with two of their current students. Students who visited at least five support tables and five student project tables were eligible to win door prizes. Little Pine Coffee Co. and Mama Martina’s food truck were available for refreshments.
Beury credited faculty, staff and students for making the event successful.
“A special shoutout for the First-Gen Advisory Committee who all showed up to table, organize, and make sure things ran smoothly, especially Nick Henning, coordinator of student success,” she said.
To learn more about activities for first-generation students at Penn College, visit www.pct.edu/first-gen.
Rachael S. Lamb, a welding & fabrication engineering technology student from Beaver, showcases her artwork in a variety of media.
Jacob A. Martinez’s woodwork, created in the Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College, includes the tie he’s wearing. Martinez, of Bushkill, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in automation engineering technology.
One of several door prizes.
Harleen Kang shares pieces from her growing portfolio of work. Kang, of Easton, is pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture.
Kaysey L. Beury, assistant director of student success, is joined at the event by 14 students from her FYE class.
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