New Experiences, Old Friends

Homecoming 2014, a spectacular continuation of Pennsylvania College of Technology's Centennial celebration, made institutional history while honoring it. Marked by the first-ever campus carnival, the inaugural reunion for Williamsport Area Community College alumni and employees, and an Oktoberfest, "Then ... Now ... Forever Proud" offered nearly a full week of activities that can't even fit into an online gallery of more than 140 photos. More images from the week's activities – which included a faculty lecture, a gallery opening, dedication of a conversation-starting art installation, several other get-togethers and the latest Athletic Hall of Fame induction – are available via Penn College Alumni Relations on Facebook.

 – Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer; Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue;
Abdullah H. Muaddi and Dalaney T. Vartenisian, student photographers;
Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations specialist; Whitnie-Rae Mays, technology management student;
and Jeremy R. Bottorf, coordinator of intramural sports and campus recreation

Wagner and Shott come to a laugh-filled landing after another exhilarating trip down the Fun Slide.

Exhibiting his fish-winning form along the carnival midway is Evan Miller, son of Tina M. Miller (left), director of marketing communications, and Ron Z. Miller, director of computer services/portal development.

Kimberly R. Cassel, director of student activities, bravely joins a boys' day out.

Stopping for a quick photo in the midst of food, rides and games are Disability Services' Sarah S. Moore; her husband, Joshua; and sons Colin (left) and Liam.

The carnival awakens to a new day ...

Piston-and-rod trophies for Saturday's show, handcrafted by Maslonik.

Garrett J. Maslonik (center), a diesel technology major from Patton, polishes his truck with help from Andrew J. Wassall (rear), of Manheim, a manufacturing engineering technology student, and Diesel Performance Club President Zachary A. Hurley, a diesel technology student from Six Mile Run.

David S. Miller, of Hallstead (foreground), vice president of the diesel club, helps welcome another entry to the show.

A touch of graveyard humor, not out of place for Halloween season, was provided by this converted 1983 Buick hearse owned by Bob and Lisa Ensinger. With a license plate that read "LASTRDE," the 1983 Buick included a coffin in the back and a cremation urn as a hood ornament.

A hard-working rig owned by diesel technology student Timothy J. Wanner, of Narvon, exhibits a show-quality shine that belies its weekend duty.

Brett K. Braker, a 2011 plastics and polymer engineering technology graduate, begins the Ultimate Frisbee match between alumni and students.

Making it look easy (despite the obvious athleticism required to keep up), teams get a workout on the Student & Administrative Services Center lawn.

Ryan J. Steer (left), who graduated in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology, reunites with plastics professor and Penn College Ultimate Frisbee Team coach Kirk M. Cantor.

Off-the-ground action en route to a 15-8 student victory.

Cousins Rebecca A. Clawson (left), a 2004 biology alumna, and Angela Sweely, a 2008 graduate in architectural technology, pose amid the seasonal color of the college's vertical gardens. Clawson is planning the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture's "Farming for the Future" Conference; Sweely is a drafting team leader with Construction Specialties in eastern Lycoming County.

Pausing ever-so-briefly on a whirlwind Homecoming Weekend are (from left) Lee D. Michaels, a recent winner of an Alumni Mentorship Award; Matthew A. Wagner, '14; and Kyle S. Miller, '10, civil engineering technology.

Members of the Diesel Performance Club staff a hot-dog grill, a concession fundraiser for the organization and the Wounded Warrior Project.

... and talks with James A. Potter II, a 2006 retiree from the building construction technology faculty, who attended the school reunion with wife, Marjorie.

Alumni Relations' Tammy M. Rich talks with Lee D. Michels (center), a 2011 construction management alumnus, and Gregory J. Miller, who holds degrees in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology (2010) and building automation technology: HVAC concentration (2012). The graduates acted as tour guides for the Victorian House and Field House, two of the four student-constructed buildings on main campus.

Kyle A. Oliver (left), who attended the construction reunion with his wife and two young sons, talks with Barry J. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement. Oliver earned Penn College degrees in building construction technology (1998) and residential construction technology and management (2008).

Marc E. Bridgens, dean of construction and design technologies, welcomes alumni and guests to the Thompson Professional Development Center, built by Williamsport Area Community College students in 1987 ...

A tour group learns about the Victorian House, dedicated in 1997 after years of involvement by students in a variety of majors ...

Unofficially the farthest-traveled among Sunday's construction alums is Shawn M. Strohman, with degrees in architectural technology (1996) and construction management (2001), now living in Sacramento, Calif.

... including Mark E. Kessler, the designer of the building, who earned an associate degree in architectural technology. Returning to the campus landmark 20 years after his graduation, Kessler added his firsthand memories to the day's conversation.

Residential construction technology and management: building construction technology alumnus Randy A. Kuhar, attending with Melanie Osborne, gets reacquainted with recent faculty retiree William F. Geyer.

Bridgens offers an overview of the Morgan Valley Retreat Center, another student-built facility, which opened in 1991 about 10 miles southwest of Williamsport. After lunch in the PDC, attendees had the option to tour the off-campus site.

Sunlight dances off the prancing waters of the Veterans' Fountain, dyed Wildcat Blue for the Homecoming celebration.

Among the latest additions to the college's award-winning History Trail is a heavy-equipment blade marking the former site of the Lycoming Construction Co. Homecoming guests passed by the massive monument on their way from the PDC to the Field House.

A 1999 addition to the college landscape, also built by students, is the Field House – home to intramural athletics and other activities on the western side of campus.

Cakes decorated by baking and pastry arts students helped to complete the Oktoberfest décor.

Fondant pumpkins top an Oktoberfest cake.

Catering students serve a mouthwatering and apropos Oktoberfest dessert: German-chocolate cake.

Cody M. Yonkin, a culinary arts technology student from South Williamsport, prepares spaetzle at Oktoberfest. He explains that nearly every culture has its version of cabbage and noodles, and spaetzle is Germany’s, featuring egg noodles hand made by the Catering class.

Culinary arts and systems students Rebecca L. Klinger, of Cogan Station, left, and Sammera T. Fleming, of Philadelphia, serve the Oktoberfest crowd with beer-braised bratwurst and knockwurst with sautéed onions and rolls.

S. Jordan Stammer serves sauerkraut and sausage fritters. Stammer, who petitioned to graduate in December with dual degrees in culinary arts technology and hospitality management, has already been hired to begin work at D.B. Bistro Moderne in Manhattan in January.

Culinary arts technology student David Q. Wylie, of Williamsport, and hospitality management student Amber S. English, of Lewistown, serve beverages during Oktoberfest.

Culinary arts technology student Maria K. Maneval serves German chocolate cake to a visiting family.

Amanda and Andrew J. Hamelly, of Liberty, oblige a photographer at the Victorian House gazebo. The couple was among the guests for the School of Construction & Design Technologies reunion; Andrew holds degrees in building construction technology (2005) and residential construction technology and management (2007).

Healthy foods and supportive words were offered to After Dark Run & Yoga participants before and after the event.

Running Without ED founder Julie H. Carr (center left), a senior in nursing from Souderton, and Shannon L. Skaluba (center right), the group’s adviser and Student Activities information center assistant, are joined by the group’s main circle of supporters before the run.

Prior to the one-mile run, participants were put through their warmup paces by Danilo S. Portugal, a physical fitness specialist sophomore from Medway, Massachusetts, and president of the Physical Fitness Specialist Club (seen in back, standing on Wildcat circle, in green T-shirt and black shorts).

In addition to glowing accessories, runners received this After Dark Run & Yoga T-shirt. Donations from the run will help the national Running Without ED organization pay the fee necessary to attain nonprofit status.

Glow sticks await participants ...

... who put the accessories to good use around their ankles, and as bracelets and necklaces.

Flowers for a benefactor were among the sweet touches at the Next Centennial Donor Reception. Logan B. Ault, a freshman in applied human services from Williamsport, brought the flowers and card for his special supporter, Ashley M. Stuck, a ’13 graduate from the same major.

A screen in the PDC lobby welcomes guests to the donor reception.

Alicia Kibler, a freshman in human services from Turbotville, enjoyed the opportunity to meet her scholarship supporter, Mindy J. Colony, a Penn College General Services employee and ’00 human services graduate. The two got acquainted at the Next Centennial Donor Reception, which celebrated the connection between first-time alumni donors and students pursuing the same majors as their benefactors.

Matthew A. Wagner, a 2014 alumnus in building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration major, and admissions representative Sarah R. Shott, the stars of Institutional Advancement's 72/72 scholarship "infomercial."

A canopy of sparkling lights illuminates the way for conversation between new scholarship donors and their beneficiaries.

Sean Stabler, a 1999 graduate in plastics and polymer engineering technology (left) meets his scholarship recipient: Collin A. Shableski, a freshman from Linden in the same major.

Benjamin M. Schappell, ’14, computer aided product design, shares his special story of appreciation for scholarship support. Others speaking at the Next Centennial Donor Reception were James E. Cunningham, ’73, computer science and recently retired vice president for information technology, who spoke about his family’s personal giving story, and Robb C. Dietrich, executive director of the Penn College Foundation.
 

Welding lecturer Matt W. Nolan, ’87, welding, and ’96, occupational therapy assistant, converses with a scholarship recipient.

Scholarship recipients Logan B. Ault, applied human services, and Jonathan D. Straub, graphic design, were dressed up and dapper for the Next Centennial Donor Reception. The first-year students are both from Williamsport.

Matthew M. Frye, ’03, technology management, and wife Nichole E. (Michael) Frye, '05, nursing, share a laugh with former classmates at the Next Centennial Donor Reception.

Parents of a 4-month-old daughter, Richard “Vince” Baus III, ’02, construction management, and his wife, Sarah, enjoy a well-deserved weekend respite.

Baus shows off his coveted Construction Management Challenge Coin – a special memento of camaraderie among graduates of that major.

Lee D. Michels (center), traveled to Homecoming from Virginia and enjoyed conversing with Donald McTarnaghan (right), ’66, building construction technology, and Edward J. McCabe, a lecturer in electrical technology occupations. McTarnaghan, a successful general contractor based in Florida, remembers the college’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1964. “They had a lot of banquets and there were a lot of 'old' people," he recalled with a laugh.

Dara Derk Bailey (left) ’06, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration, converses with her scholarship recipient, Calah D. Doyka, a freshman from the Pennsylvania town of Saint Thomas who is enrolled in the same major.

Alumni sweethearts attending the Next Centennial Donor Reception included, from left, Anthony J. (’09, business administration: marketing concentration) and Hannah Yates Peachey (’10, accounting); David R. (’11, technology management) and Dara Derk Bailey (’06, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration); and the Fryes.

Donning everything from a WACC sweatshirt to a necktie, welding students at Friday's dedication seem pleased to escape their typical working attire for a short while.

Gilmour addresses a large dedication crowd. One of two “Student Bodies” History Trail markers can be seen in the foreground.

Mirroring motions in a sculpture, Michael K. Patterson’s sharp wit and inspired thoughts please the crowd at the dedication of the "Student Bodies" art installation created by his welding students.

David L. and Kathleen A. Maciejewski (a part-time welding instructor), enjoy the "Student Bodies" ceremony. Members of the college’s Pillar Society of planned givers, David is a 1982 graduate in computer information systems, and Kathleen holds degrees in welding technology (1994) and general studies (2007).

Andrew S. Wisner (center), a 2008 welding and fabrication engineering technology alumnus – and a former Student Government Association president, reminisces with retired dean and faculty member Donald O. Praster (right).

The college president with two welding technology alumni: Gene B. Hillyard (left) from the Class of 1992, and Jason D. Praster, '03. (Praster also earned a degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology in 2005).

The crowd begins to gather on the campus mall prior to the "Student Bodies" dedication.

Teague W. Ohl (right), a sophomore in welding technology from Cogan Station, enjoyed sharing his creativity with his mother (left) and his grandparents, who traveled to campus from the York area.
 

Stephanie M. Puckly peeks through one of the abstract sculptures she created during the nearly yearlong “Student Bodies” project. A sophomore in welding and fabrication engineering technology, Puckly hails from Spartansburg.

Wesley J. Moomaw, a 2011 welding technology graduate, leads a cookout chow line, followed by David P. Young, a sophomore in welding and fabrication engineering technology from Spring Mills.

Joshua T. Marvin, ’14, welding technology, of Shickshinny, returned to campus with his mother for the welding reunion and dedication of “Student Bodies.”

Carl Peters (center) director of training for Lincoln Electric, a Cleveland-based company with a long-playing record of supporting Penn College, converses with administrators and students following the “Student Bodies” dedication.

Freshmen Luke T. Lesuer (left) and Travis M. Brownlee, on a bench near a commemorative construction blade to enjoy conversation and picnic fare following the “Student Bodies” dedication. Lesuer, from Cambridge Springs, is enrolled in welding and fabrication engineering technology; Brownlee, from Claysville, is a welding technology student.

Matthew H. Gordon, a junior in welding and fabrication engineering technology, revels in a postdedication moment with his grandparents, who visited from North Carolina, and his mother, Lauren A. Rhodes (in black top) assistant professor of mathematics.

The “Wildcat Blue” fountain can be seen behind the metal artwork gracing the campus mall.

While many Homecoming events are geared to graduates, Penn College makes sure to let current students in on the celebration. Along with the multiday carnival on the library lawn, a dance added to the campus nightlife.

A Bush Campus Center sign touts discounted merchandise at The College Store, as well as a shout-out to returning WACC alums.

Blue skies and a welcoming atmosphere greeted late-morning arrivals for Saturday's numerous activities.

With the towering Ferris wheel behind them, Rebecca L. Rizzo (left), Anders T. Felton and Brianna M. Latovich were among the students who took in the sights, sounds and sways of the Homecoming Carnival. Rizzo is a sophomore in baking and pastry arts from Palmyra; Felton is a senior in welding and fabrication engineering technology from Armagh; and Latovich is a sophomore in nursing from Mount Carmel.

The sun sets on another carnival day … and on another Homecoming weekend.

A group of ready-and-rowdy sophomores is ready to "hang ten" at the Homecoming Carnival. From left, are: Andrew L. Darr, Kelvin A. Ortiz-Gomez, Cory M. Callihan, Daniel S. Lewis, Alivia L. Bollock and Michael B. Mullner.

Multiple majors with a singular purpose – to tackle the "Bear Affair" ride – Darr, Ortiz-Gomez, Callihan and Lewis await the "spin" cycle.

A sign points the way into Klump Academic Center, a fitting setting for the WACC reunion. ...

This group of friends gathered together again to attend the WACC Reunion. From left, Julie Hoot (’85 accounting) from Hughesville; Steve Adamcik (’85 accounting) from Alexandria, Virginia; Peggy Yurcho (’85 dental hygiene) from Pipersville; Alfred Mason (’84 computer science) from Orlando, Florida; and Laura Kinney (’85 accounting) from Sterling, Virginia.

Homecoming giveaways includes the three Centennial books published to date.

Susan Stavoy-Smith (left) of Williamsport, and Carol Grantier Riechel, of Muncy, graduated in 1968. Riechel was a member of the first WACC cheerleading squad and Stavoy-Smith was in the first WACC play – Frank D. Gilroy's “Who’ll Save the Plowboy?” Both women fondly recall the 1967 Neil Diamond concert (Stavoy-Smith even remembers running the soda machine that night).

The big screen on the ACC Auditorium stage

Alton Glatfelter, ’80, electrical, was among those who rose to share memories. He spoke of a group of friends he had during his WACC days who are “still great friends today.”

June Kilgus, adjunct sociology faculty member, shared appreciation for the educational foundation that WACC provided her.

Richard L. Conklin attended WACC for accounting in the early 1970s – and went on to build a successful career as a nuclear medicine technologist.

Among those with fond memories is Paul L. McQuay, an award-winning Williamsport Technical Institute graduate whose distinguished career includes time at WACC as a full professor and as director of the Engineering and Design Technologies Division.

A reflective moment for retired accounting faculty member Phillip D. Landers, a 44-year employee of WACC and Penn College

The college's Centennial logo offers an appropriate backdrop for a Q&A with WACC-era employees. From left are Edward J. McCabe, a faculty member in electrical technology occupations; Roy P. Fontaine, professor of psychology; Phillip D. Landers, emeritus professor, business administration/management; Dennis F. Ringling, retired professor of forestry; Chalmer Van Horn, retired associate professor of drafting; Dale A. Metzker, retired associate professor of printing and publishing; Bernadette Eck Servey, retired secretary to the vice president for academic affairs/provost; Charles H. Whitford, retired programmer/analyst; and Robert Kissell, who taught history and government.

... and comes fully to life in the neon nighttime!

Running for daylight in the twilight of a Homecoming flag football game

Jacob R. Miller culled his personal history for universal truths in a "My Last Words" lecture that helped kick off Homecoming Week.

Linda A. Sweely, a 1982 graduate in food and hospitality management – and former director of the college Food Services – checks in at the WACC Reunion with her daughter (and Penn College alumna) Rebecca A. Clawson.

An appropriately garbed Tammy L. Rich, alumni relations director, mingles with (from left) retirees Paul Schriner, Charles Whitford and David Kepner.

President Gilmour talks with retiree Phillip D. Landers outside the ACC Auditorium.

... and an unsurprising venue for campus hospitality.

From WACC faculty member to Penn College president, Gilmour shares the story she lived and the history she has helped shape.

An alumna, employee and author of several books about the institution's fascinating history, Elaine J. Lambert shares her unique perspective at the first-ever Williamsport Area Community College reunion.

Lambert's presentation includes a trailer for "Working Class," a college-prepared documentary to air on WVIA in conjunction with a book of the same name.

Elaine J. Lambert, special assistant to the president for creative development and public relations, moderates the WACC panel discussion.

Michael K. Patterson is joined by family and friends at one of the History Trail markers for "Student Bodies."

The president celebrates the third of three recent art installations, this one created by welding students who also held a Homecoming reunion on Friday.

Curious humans join the handcrafted "Student Bodies" along the campus mall, forming a considerable crowd for Friday's dedication.

Patterson makes the seamless journey from teacher to artist to raconteur.

Jami Hughes, assistant director of athletics/sports information director, at the Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony.

Athletic Director Scott Kennell presents a Hall of Fame plaque to cross-country standout Mark Cordeiro.

A Hall of Fame inductee for softball, Lisa Miller is warmly hugged by Roger Harris, her coach for three seasons.

Andy Richardson, Penn College's first men's soccer coach, gets his due.

Philip Woodring, who played baseball throughout his four years at Penn College, holds his plaque by coach Chris Howard.

This year's Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, from left: Philip Woodring, Andy Richardson, Lisa Miller, Mike Paulhamus and Mark Cordeiro

Former cross-country coach Mike Paulhamus, a Hall of Famer who returned this season in an interim capacity

The colorful orbit of a carnival ride

Round and round she goes!

Bartlebaugh Amusements puts on a carnival ... and a light show.

Thanks to free wristbands from the Student Activities Office, carnival daredevils enjoy the rides.

Quizzo contestants harness their brain power in CC Commons.

Six heads are better than one during Quizzo.

Benjamin R. Mix, an electronics and computer engineering technology major from Williamsport, asks the tough questions as Saturday's Quizzo master.

From left, international students Rakan M. Alsafrani, Abdulaziz M. Alqahtani and Abdulrahman R. Aldebas enjoy the new fireplace on the Bush Campus Center patio.

And for the DJ's next number?

A dance-floor selfie

A Sadie Hawkins-themed event in the Keystone Dining Room ...

... fills the campus dining area with a lively after-hours dance party.

Homecoming dancers answer the question, "How low can you go?"

The traditional Homecoming bonfire creates Friday night light near the General Services warehouse.

"100 Works!" for 100 years ...

... and a chance to speculate on life in 2114.

Gallery patrons move among the varied wonders of the Centennial exhibit.

President Davie Jane Gilmour opens the "100 Works!" Centennial art exhibit in The Gallery at Penn College, assisted by Richard Rinehart, director and chief curator of Bucknell University's Samek Art Museum, the prize judge for the show.

The bonfire crowd turns back autumn's encroaching chill.

Before returning to Nashville, musician Dan Henig ends his recent tour with a Friday gig at Penn College.

Students "tailgate" during Friday night's bonfire.

Every great journey (and mile run) begins with that crucial first step.

Participants in the benefit Glow Run cool down – and light up – in the Field House.

A welding faculty foursome: From left are Aaron E. Biddle, Ryan P. Good, Jacob B. Holland and Matthew W. Nolan.

The winning team in the fourth annual Alumni Golf Outing, including Eric L. Barr (second from right), a 1985 graphic arts alumnus

The White Deer tournament included a "Beat the Golf Coach" hole, featuring the Wildcats' Matt Haile and wooden clubs as a throwback for the college Centennial.

Brandon L. Snyder's "Infinite Spin III: Past, Present, Future" gallery piece was named Best in Show. Snyder is a 2012 graphic design graduate of the college.

Suitable for framing is the golf swing of David R. Bailey, a 2011 technology management graduate, assisted by Anthony J. Peachey, his Construction Specialties colleague and a 2009 business administration: marketing concentration alumnus.

Chalmer Van Horn and Dale A. Metzker (center) are exemplary of the experience represented on the WACC panel – a legacy of lives touched and loyal service to the institution.

The college's Blue Crew painted "The Rock" for Homecoming, making sure to include the Centennial hashtag for weekend tweeting.

Jennifer L. Hammond (left background), coordinator of tutoring, talks with alumnus Stephen Cunningham during Friday's Academic Tutor Reunion in the ACC. Cunningham is a former director of strategic planning and research for the college; his brother, David – also a WACC graduate – was tutoring coordinator at the time of his 2001 death. Looking at the college's Centennial books in the foreground is Juliann T. Pawlak, a longtime math tutor. The Homecoming reunion coincided with National Tutoring Week, recognized by the Association for the Tutoring Profession and the College Reading and Learning Association (which this year renewed the college's tutor-training certification).