Homecoming Continues College Mission, Countdown to '14 Centennial
Published 10.13.2013
– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations assistant; Marc T. Kaylor, student photographer;
Valerie L. Fessler, director of alumni relations/annual giving;
Darlene A. Warner, secretary to the Dunham Children’s Learning Center;
and Jeremy R. Bottorf, intramural assistant
Returning alumni saw a welcoming message on the campus rock, thanks to the Residence Life Office.
A player lofts a cornbag toward its mark along the parking-lot midway.
Wildcat blue, with a sky to match
The Wildcat takes careful aim at the WEB pong table.
The Penn College Diners Club took the $100 first prize for its chili recipe. Serving samples and greeting patrons are (from left) Benjamin A. King, Lewis D. Robinson, Eileen Harrington and Katlyn J. Hackling.
Among Chili Cook-Off competitors is Ryan M. Egan, a pre-emergency medical services student from Levittown.
A Wildcat hug is shared with a young friend, whose Dad (Mathew D. Johnson, a manufacturing engineering technology major from South Williamsport) represented Sigma Nu in the Chili Cook-Off.
What's a tailgate without a grill?
... and joins inductee Adam N. Waigand (right) a 2005 graduate and former Wildcat soccer defender, along the sidelines the following afternoon.
Members of the Penn College Construction Association play an entertaining game of "Stump," flipping a hammer between their legs ...
... grabbing it by the handle and, in one fluid motion, pounding an opponent's nail.
A challenge, yes ...
... but not beyond the hands-on skills of the Wildcat!
Larger-than-life paw prints, painted at campus entrances in advance of Wildcat Pride Week, lead the way to Homecoming activities.
Phi Mu Delta joins in the tailgate fun, with a mix of games, tunes and food.
Two Sigma Nu brothers show off their pingpong prowess.
The Residence Hall Association won the $100 prize for the best tailgate, where visitors had the option to dip their feet in washable paint and leave their mark (temporarily) on the dance floor.
The women's soccer game, which ended in a 1-1 tie despite two overtime periods, was a paw-biter for the mascot.
The pregame warmup for the men's soccer team includes some video-game downtime.
Bargain-hunters pore through jerseys and other sports apparel in a uniform sale behind the Field House.
Members of the Wildcat Events Board climb aboard the oversized, inflatable chair for photo fun.
Even though the weather was highly unsuitable for sleigh travel, a familiar guest takes a dance break with the Wildcat.
And THAT is how the game is played!
Sign welcomes soccer fans to campus celebration.
Athletic Hall of Fame plaques await awarding to deserving inductees.
Scott E. Kennell, director of athletics, welcomes the large crowd to Friday night's induction dinner in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant ...
Matthew R. Haile with his mentors: His high school coach, Lonnie Grace (left) who introduced him to the banquet audience, and his 92-year-old grandfather, Robert, who introduced him to the sport of golf.
Shawn C. Naylor hugs his father, Mark, who introduced him to archery and summarized his achievements at the Hall of Fame dinner.
Shawn C. Naylor's Hall of Fame acceptance speech is captured on his wife's cell phone.
Bambi A. Hawkins, former women's volleyball coach, accepts the award for her former athlete, Maria Bova Strohl. In addition to speaking about Strohl, Hawkins read an acceptance speech that she sent from her home in Florida.
Scott E. Kennell presents a Hall of Fame plaque to Adam N. Waigand, who was introduced by his father, Al (right).
Michelle L. Wright hugs her father, William, after he introduced her; the honoree's mother, Lynn, smiles nearby.
The Hall of Fame gathering ends with a special moment: "On the eve of the college's Centennial," a time to honor tradition and continuity, Dennis L. Dunkleberger said it was appropriate to pass to Matthew R. Haile a Williamsport Area Community College letter that the late Chester D. Schuman had given him. Dunkleberger noted how proud Schuman was of Haile, his former player and successor as Wildcat golf coach.
Athletic Hall of Fame inductees (from left): Shawn C. Naylor, Dennis L. Dunkleberger, Michelle L. Wright, Matthew R. Haile and Adam N. Waigand. A sixth honoree, Maria Bova Strohl, lives in Florida and did not attend Friday's banquet.
Family paparazzi preserve the Hall of Fame festivities.
Abundant sunshine dances off the Wildcat-blue waters of the Veterans' Fountain.
Richard V. Baus III, a 2002 construction management grad, brought along his daughter, Ella, on his return to campus.
Haylea D. Estright, a pre-nursing major from Lanse (right), enjoys a chance meeting with her First Year Experience instructor, Jennifer McLean, director of counseling, college health, disability and career services, who was on campus with some of her family.
A picture-perfect day for Homecoming activities
Is that a wildcat? No, it's a black cat named Sebastian, belonging to Ryan Steer ('13, plastics and polymer engineering technology). While Steer was participating in the Alumni Frisbee Game, Sebastian made the rounds with Braden T. Conner (left), a sophomore in automotive technology from Reading; Jamie L. Steer, a former human services student and Ryan's sister; Cortney Swinehart, ('13, mass media communications), from South Williamsport; and Jamie Larson, a friend.
Capturing all the action is Christopher J. Goodwin, a junior in web and interactive media, from Jericho, Vt., and a student video production assistant with College Information & Community Relations.
A vocal crowd fills the bleachers for a soccer doubleheader.
Is this the perfect toss, frozen in midair?
The tailgating members of the Penn College Diesel Performance Club.
... and invite all your friends over to watch the game!
A high-flying kick tempts the goalkeeper's grasp during the Lady Wildcats' double-overtime game.
The men's soccer team pauses for an impromptu team photo prior to midafternoon play.
With an overtime soccer match prolonging the suspense, student activities director Kimberly R. Cassel awaits the royal announcement.
The mascot adds coronation to a full weekend of duties.
Congratulations to the 2013 Homecoming queen and king: Katie N. Reitbauer, of Shillington, a health information technology major, and Benjamin L. Thayer, of Hampton, N.J., enrolled in building construction technology. Nearly $1,085 was raised in the voting, to be split between the students' designated charities, the American Cancer Society and Favors Forward.
The 2013 Homecoming Court gathers at midfield. From left are Katie N. Reitbauer and Benjamin L. Thayer, king and queen; the Wildcat; Alexandra R. Donatelli, a building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration major from Perkiomenville; runner-up Alanna P. Ottenberg, of Williamsport, a construction management student; and Everett J. Zaluski, of Warrington, also majoring in construction management.
Queen Katie N. Reitbauer is reunited with her parents, Darren and Sharon, after the crowning. As proud as they are, her mother said, "It's all about the cause. We've had too many family members taken by cancer."
Kay E. Dunkleberger, coordinator of disability services at Penn College, introduces her Hall of Fame husband, Dennis L.
Phi Mu Delta's John D. Wuest, whose chili placed second in the cook-off, dishes out samples for judges to taste. He is a computer aided product design major from Severna Park, Md.
What to do when metal bleachers are so uncomfortable? You bring a touch of the TV room to the sidelines ...
Youngsters and staff at the Dunham Children's Learning Center show off their Wildcat Pride, donning Penn College gear in a group display of spirit.
Lenore G. Penfield, director of facilities utilization and college events, tees off on the picturesque seventh hole.
Penn College welding faculty are among the day's all-star golfers. From left are Donald O. Praster, Matthew W. Nolan, Aaron E. Biddle and Ryan P. Good.
It's all in the family for these two teams: Raymond J. Fischer Jr. and son Raymond J. III, and twin brothers Rodney D. and Ronald Z. Miller.
The father-and-son team of John C. Lauchle, a 1970 accounting alumnus, and John C. Jr., who graduated in 2003 from the former computer information technology: data communications and networking major
Whimsical wardrobe choices take the edge off the day's competition for these alumni golfers. From left are Kyle Z. Godfrey, Jared M. Rabell, Brett M. Germeroth and Timothy R. Palmer.
Brothers Mike (left) and Jim Cunningham show their Penn College allegiance.
From left: Joshua D. Wilson, a 2011 accounting grad; Nathan E. Pish, part-time member of the mathematics faculty; Chad M. Chervinsky, who also earned an accounting degree in 2011; and Joe Nededog, assistant professor of business administration, management and marketing came to play ...
... and to play around at the fun-filled "dress-up hole."
Comprising an august foursome are, from left, Richard L. Manny, a General Services retiree; Thomas A. Zimmerman, associate professor of psychology; Marc E. Bridgens, dean of construction and design technologies; and Walter V. Gower, assistant professor of aviation.
Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations specialist, picks up some Hall of Fame pointers from alumni/employee/Wildcat golf coach Matthew R. Haile.
Valerie L. Fessler, director of alumni relations/annual giving, coaches Casey A. Poeth through some necktie "issues."
The most seasoned veteran at the alumni golf tournament: Ray Eck, a 1941 graduate of Williamsport Technical Institute
Dennis P. Skinner, assistant professor of horticulture, leads alumni and their guests on a tour of the ESC hydroculture garden.
Reunion attendees add their impressive presence to the rustic entrance of the Schneebeli Earth Science Center.
Ronald A. Burger, co-owner of a Luzerne County garden center and recent recipient of an alumni mentorship award from Penn College
Many of the alumni attending the horticulture celebration – including 2000 landscape/nursery technology grad Ryan E. Buckwalter – welcomed their reunion with faculty retiree/mentor Richard J. Weilminster.
Jeffrey N. Walizer, a 1993 landscape/nursery technology graduate, lunches with Jeremy L. Thorne, who earned two ornamental horticulture degrees in May.
Ryan K. Allar, a 2005 landscape/nursery technology graduate, details his background during introductions of an alumni panel at the ESC. As part of the anniversary celebration for the major, students were treated to industry advice in a lively discussion moderated by instructor Carl J. Bower Jr.
The Wildcat men's soccer team turns out in support of the women's volleyball team during "Jam the Gym" night.
Members of the Construction Management Association, sponsors of Thursday's "Jam the Gym" night in Bardo Gymnasium, supervise the Volleyball Pong game between sets.
Alumni Relations handed out cookies, hot chocolate and Homecoming schedules from a pop-up tent near the athletic field during Wildcat Pride Week.
A door hanger alerts the campus community to the variety of activities.
Decked out in its Penn College attire, the Financial Aid Office staff colorfully observes Wildcat Pride Week.
Joining the celebration are (from left) Brian D. Walton, coordinator of academic operations for the School of Business & Hospitality; David R. Cotmer. dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies; and Stacey C. Hampton, assistant dean.
All too happy to show her Penn College Pride!
Master Teacher Richard J. Weilminster returns to the ESC for a horticulture panel discussion and lunch, toting a camera and a copy of the college's latest Centennial book.
The Nearly Naked Mile, in which runners shed clothes that are donated to charity, steps off Thursday night.
Nearly Naked Milers pass by a collection bin for clothing.
Runners cross the finish line, held by Allison A. Bressler, assistant director for student activities for programming and Greek life, and student Derek E. Teay.
Friday's Homecoming bonfire warms the crowd.
Flames lick the evening sky, silhouetting bonfire spectators.
Alumni and current students met on the Madigan Library lawn for a popular Ultimate Frisbee match Saturday morning.
Keen competition on a beautiful fall morning.
Landscape/nursery technology alumnus Frank D. Brouse, a 1980 graduate who returned for his major's 40th anniversary, holds his own on the Frisbee front.
The "ultimate" in energetic athleticism
Black light turns the Field House into an eerie arena ...
... for spectral dodgeball competitors.
Photographer's artful camerawork captures the blur of black-light action.
A sideline umbrella telegraphs the drizzle at Thursday's Homecoming flag-football game between first-year students and upperclassmen.