On a sunny and steamy – but thankfully rain-free – Saturday, Penn College held its August commencement ceremony for more than 230 students who petitioned to graduate after summer sessions. Brandy Leigh Krause, of Pine Grove, whose associate degree in radiography caps a college career marked by academic excellence, campus involvement and athletic accomplishment, was the student speaker. The ceremony at the Community Arts Center also included a Mentorship Award for McClarin Plastics for its ongoing support of Penn College students.
— Photos by Joseph S. Yoder, public information director, and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
Acknowledging personal success, parental support
The wide-open spaces to the west of the Arts Center serve as an impromptu photo studio.
“‘Boys will be boys,” even in a family’s portrait of pride.
Natasha Kay Steppe, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in legal assistant/paralegal studies, stands amid her considerable cheering section.
All dressed up, with somewhere important to go
An instant memento
Processing along West Fourth Street, the transitional path from students to alumni.
Ashley M. Rishel, graduating in applied health studies: radiography concentration, reunites with a well-wisher.
Physician assistant graduate Megan E. Wright, with proud Mom Marianne E. DePasqua, client development specialist for Workforce Development & Continuing Education
Student speaker Brandy Leigh Krause greets a classmate outside the Arts Center.
A sunny Saturday celebration
Armed with his bachelor’s degree in accounting, Shane A. Davis looks confidently toward the future.
Nursing graduates enjoy their deserved moment in the sun.
Preserving a memory
A rare patch of solitude amid overwhelming pride and excitement
On such an important day, you can’t have enough helping hands.
Fresh from the ceremony, Carrie R. Eichenlaub – an applied health studies: radiography concentration graduate – has a warm embrace for program director Robert Slothus.
The theater marquee broadcasts the headline event.
A graduate’s young supporter is drawn to the camera.
Stalled at streetside, between the air-conditioned Genetti Hotel and the equally cool Community Arts Center, occupational therapy assistant student Brenda LeAnn Packer momentarily peels off her graduation gown to catch a breeze.
Occupational therapy assistant graduate Dana Lynn Sims celebrates with grandmother Joyce M. Taylor and mother Carol T. Sims (who, as student enrollment assistant in the Registrar’s Office, was enjoying a rare commencement day off).
Among the day’s graduating veterans were Jeffrey D. Lee, automotive technology (left), and Philip A. Jackson, individual studies.
Radiography students Nina Renay Peoria and Alicia Danielle Bennage show off their headworn handiwork.
Robert E. Secor distributes diplomas in his first commencement as board chairman.
Class representative Brandy Leigh Krause, is congratulated by President Gilmour upon the official turning of the tassel.
Ken C. Kuhns, assistant professor of electrical technologies/occupations, bears the college mace.
Rachel Marie Fasciano, earning an associate degree in surgical technology, draws attention with her whimsical commencement cap.
His red-white-and-blue honor cord denoting military service, Timothy W. Kemberling – graduating in health arts: practical nursing emphasis – stands for a tribute to veterans.
Class representative Brandy Leigh Krause
Mentorship honoree Todd R. Kennedy
President Davie Jane Gilmour
Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost
Health Sciences students acknowledge faculty, friends and fans on their triumphant entry to the Arts Center.
A light moment with Elliott Strickland, chief student affairs officer, eases any prespeech jitters for Brandy Leigh Krause.
Robert E. Secor, the new chairman of the Penn College board of directors, chats with Carolyn R. Strickland, assistant vice president for academic services.
Mentorship Award recipient Todd R. Kennedy (center), of McClarin Plastics, with William E. Mack, dean of industrial and engineering technologies (left), and C. Hank White, director of the Plastics Innovation & Resource Center at Penn College.
One Comment
Good morning Brandy. You did a magnificant job Saturday. Your understanding and use of balance certainly helped you in your career here at Penn College and will continue to help you in your medical career. Take care of yourself and please stay in touch. Robert