Flurries? That's Celebration in the Air!

Published 12.16.2017

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Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Fall 2017 graduation ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Community Arts Center, closing out the calendar year with a seasonal observance of academic achievement. The student speaker was Garrett Davis Corneliussen, of Hickory, North Carolina, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology. Also addressing the graduates and their well-wishers was J.D. Mather, assistant professor of engineering design technology, who was presented with the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award at spring commencement. Ornamental horticulture alumnus Jeremy L. Thorne received the Mentorship Award during the proceedings, in which nearly 300 degrees were conferred by college President Davie Jane Gilmour and state Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the Penn College Board of Directors.


– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor




 

A 24-foot concolor fir awaits the next group of Penn College graduates.

A 24-foot concolor fir awaits the next group of Penn College graduates.

Prior to the ceremony, a number of Thorne’s former faculty members stopped by the Capitol Lounge – including Carl J. Bower Jr. (center) and Michael A. Dincher, assistant professors of horticulture – to extend their congratulations on his Mentorship Award.

Prior to the ceremony, a number of Thorne’s former faculty members stopped by the Capitol Lounge – including Carl J. Bower Jr. (center) and Michael A. Dincher, assistant professors of horticulture – to extend their congratulations on his Mentorship Award.

Student speaker and board chairman meet for a photo op prior to commencement.

Student speaker and board chairman meet for a photo op prior to commencement.

Casey L. Smith (left) and Elizabeth J. Rabuck, earning their degrees in business administration: management concentration, in the CAC lobby

Casey L. Smith (left) and Elizabeth J. Rabuck, earning their degrees in business administration: management concentration, in the CAC lobby

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Like "someone else" this time of year, graduates review the list and check it twice!

Freeze frame! Although chilly weather made for a brisk walk to get back inside, this group from the School of Construction & Design Technologies – led by dean Marc E. Bridgens, returning to the classroom after more than 17 years in administration – readily obliged a photographer.

Freeze frame! Although chilly weather made for a brisk walk to get back inside, this group from the School of Construction & Design Technologies – led by dean Marc E. Bridgens, returning to the classroom after more than 17 years in administration – readily obliged a photographer.

Jan J. Bruegmann, an automotive restoration technology major, radiates elation.

Jan J. Bruegmann, an automotive restoration technology major, radiates elation.

Cellphones galore capture the procession of grads.

Cellphones galore capture the procession of grads.

With the platform party in place, Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, welcomes grads and guests.

With the platform party in place, Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, welcomes grads and guests.

Mather spoke about how students (“grasshoppers”) make their teachers (“masters”) better, noting that his selection as Master Teacher is a reflection of his students' inspiration and encouragement.

Mather spoke about how students (“grasshoppers”) make their teachers (“masters”) better, noting that his selection as Master Teacher is a reflection of his students' inspiration and encouragement.

Corneliussen, whose internship with Tesla led to a full-time position, speaks of the importance of failure in the process of success.

Corneliussen, whose internship with Tesla led to a full-time position, speaks of the importance of failure in the process of success.

Thorne talks about his love of Penn College and urges graduates to listen to others –“Everyone has a story” – and to connect with them in new and surprising ways.

Thorne talks about his love of Penn College and urges graduates to listen to others –“Everyone has a story” – and to connect with them in new and surprising ways.

Veterans stand to be acknowledged by an appreciative crowd.

Veterans stand to be acknowledged by an appreciative crowd.

The best gift, at the end of long days of studying!

The best gift, at the end of long days of studying!

In a sweet moment not lost on the vocally delighted audience, the college president interacts with the son of plastics grad Bader A. Alamri – clad in matching cap and gown ...

In a sweet moment not lost on the vocally delighted audience, the college president interacts with the son of plastics grad Bader A. Alamri – clad in matching cap and gown ...

A selfie-made moment

A selfie-made moment

A graduate puts

A graduate puts "me" over "meow" in charting her path to fulfillment.

Warmed by the pride and smiles of family, health arts: practical nursing emphasis grad Sherly Charles takes a moment to appreciate her triumph.

Warmed by the pride and smiles of family, health arts: practical nursing emphasis grad Sherly Charles takes a moment to appreciate her triumph.

Samuel H. Bressler, a welding technology grad  from Curwensville, poses with family at the campus entrance.

Samuel H. Bressler, a welding technology grad from Curwensville, poses with family at the campus entrance.

Chillin’ in line are Nicholas E. Mills, building construction technology, and Ashley M. Roush, civil engineering technology.

Chillin’ in line are Nicholas E. Mills, building construction technology, and Ashley M. Roush, civil engineering technology.

Among the graduates proudly sporting the international patch is Chelsea B. Eberly, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration, who traveled to Nicaragua.

Among the graduates proudly sporting the international patch is Chelsea B. Eberly, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration, who traveled to Nicaragua.

Rene Ramirez's cap honors his South American heritage and his chosen profession.

Rene Ramirez's cap honors his South American heritage and his chosen profession.

Nursing grad Duncan Rodriguez (left) is among those making their way to the big event.

Nursing grad Duncan Rodriguez (left) is among those making their way to the big event.

College employee Diane B. Bubb, already a Penn State alumna, adds a certificate in applied innovation leadership to her academic repertoire.

College employee Diane B. Bubb, already a Penn State alumna, adds a certificate in applied innovation leadership to her academic repertoire.

Logan M. Tubiello, who served the college as a Presidential Student Ambassador, is ready to take his degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology into the workforce.

Logan M. Tubiello, who served the college as a Presidential Student Ambassador, is ready to take his degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology into the workforce.

After turning his tassel, the college president takes a selfie with the student speaker.

After turning his tassel, the college president takes a selfie with the student speaker.

Pointing to fans in the loge is Cody A. Hill, of Bellefonte, graduating in business administration: marketing concentration.

Pointing to fans in the loge is Cody A. Hill, of Bellefonte, graduating in business administration: marketing concentration.

John M. Good III, automation and computer integrated manufacturing instructor, receives a hug from his son, John M. IV, an engineering design technology graduate.

John M. Good III, automation and computer integrated manufacturing instructor, receives a hug from his son, John M. IV, an engineering design technology graduate.

Engineering design technology graduate Richard M. Wood with his mother, Anita R., associate professor of computer information technology, and the college president.

Engineering design technology graduate Richard M. Wood with his mother, Anita R., associate professor of computer information technology, and the college president.

The stage is bathed in a Wildcat-blue glow.

The stage is bathed in a Wildcat-blue glow.

A magnificent occasion befitting the impressive ambiance

A magnificent occasion befitting the impressive ambiance

A regional landmark that hosts five Penn College commencement ceremonies each year, the Community Arts Center wraps its guests in warmth and grandeur.

A regional landmark that hosts five Penn College commencement ceremonies each year, the Community Arts Center wraps its guests in warmth and grandeur.

Two happy families! Nursing instructor Tonja R. Pennycoff (second from left) and her family hosted exchange student Karla Ramirez Jodon (fourth from left), who earned health arts: practical nursing emphasis (’09) and applied health studies (’11) degrees from Penn College. Karla’s brother, Rene Ramirez, graduated Saturday with his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Karla and Rene’s parents joined the celebration.

Two happy families! Nursing instructor Tonja R. Pennycoff (second from left) and her family hosted exchange student Karla Ramirez Jodon (fourth from left), who earned health arts: practical nursing emphasis (’09) and applied health studies (’11) degrees from Penn College. Karla’s brother, Rene Ramirez, graduated Saturday with his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Karla and Rene’s parents joined the celebration.

Alayna R. Bertothy, of Philipsburg, a nursing grad, makes a memory with her niece.  (She is wearing a photograph of her parents' truck; they were traveling for work and could not attend.)

Alayna R. Bertothy, of Philipsburg, a nursing grad, makes a memory with her niece. (She is wearing a photograph of her parents' truck; they were traveling for work and could not attend.)

Braving the snow and chill is Samantha Lelko, of Perkiomenville, a hospitality management graduate.

Braving the snow and chill is Samantha Lelko, of Perkiomenville, a hospitality management graduate.

In the Genetti Hotel ballroom that serves as a staging area, nursing graduates Danielle N. Dent (left) and Francesca B. Monse make final adjustments in a conveniently placed mirror.

In the Genetti Hotel ballroom that serves as a staging area, nursing graduates Danielle N. Dent (left) and Francesca B. Monse make final adjustments in a conveniently placed mirror.

Melyce E. Kenyon, a culinary arts technology graduate from Canton, heads to the Arts Center.

Melyce E. Kenyon, a culinary arts technology graduate from Canton, heads to the Arts Center.

A confident glance carries the day for Nathaniel C. Puckett, of Venetia, claiming his four-year degree in construction management.

A confident glance carries the day for Nathaniel C. Puckett, of Venetia, claiming his four-year degree in construction management.

A cap combines a favorite book and future career.

A cap combines a favorite book and future career.

Soon-to-graduate plastics students give the camera “thumbs-up.”

Soon-to-graduate plastics students give the camera “thumbs-up.”

The Fall 2017 class of welding engineering and fabrication technology pauses en route to the Arts Center.

The Fall 2017 class of welding engineering and fabrication technology pauses en route to the Arts Center.

A new alum's sunny smile hints at her post-graduation potential.

A new alum's sunny smile hints at her post-graduation potential.

Facing a happy milestone

Facing a happy milestone

The procession up Fourth Street brings out grins.

The procession up Fourth Street brings out grins.

Landscape/horticulture technology grads pose for a group photo.

Landscape/horticulture technology grads pose for a group photo.

New nursing graduates Nicole Marie Mestach (background) and Francesca B. Monse beam as they exit the Arts Center.

New nursing graduates Nicole Marie Mestach (background) and Francesca B. Monse beam as they exit the Arts Center.

Kelly L. Liuzza, of Watsontown, flashes a smile that sums up her journey to a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Kelly L. Liuzza, of Watsontown, flashes a smile that sums up her journey to a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Jacob M. Snyder, a graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis, accepts a hug from his mother, Bridgette, secretary to the directors of the paramedic and physical therapist assistant programs.

Jacob M. Snyder, a graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis, accepts a hug from his mother, Bridgette, secretary to the directors of the paramedic and physical therapist assistant programs.

Charlie A. Geisel and Morgan M. Reibsome, who graduated from the health information technology major in May, made signs to catch the attention of their friend Elizabeth M. DiMaio, who graduated from the same major on Saturday. The one they’re holding features DiMaio’s pets.

Charlie A. Geisel and Morgan M. Reibsome, who graduated from the health information technology major in May, made signs to catch the attention of their friend Elizabeth M. DiMaio, who graduated from the same major on Saturday. The one they’re holding features DiMaio’s pets.

Brody C. Bushnell takes an after-ceremony photo with his family, including a young cousin.

Brody C. Bushnell takes an after-ceremony photo with his family, including a young cousin.

A family finds space for photos among the crowd.

A family finds space for photos among the crowd.

A grad shares his accessories with a loved one.

A grad shares his accessories with a loved one.

Information technology sciences: gaming and simulation graduate Frank R. Suchwala with his proud dad, Chef Frank M. Suchwala, associate professor of hospitality management/culinary arts.

Information technology sciences: gaming and simulation graduate Frank R. Suchwala with his proud dad, Chef Frank M. Suchwala, associate professor of hospitality management/culinary arts.

Nursing graduate Elena I. Kranz, of Williamsport, takes a selfie with her boyfriend and daughter.

Nursing graduate Elena I. Kranz, of Williamsport, takes a selfie with her boyfriend and daughter.

... who continued the festive mood outside.

... who continued the festive mood outside.

Timothy M. Kainzbauer, a new information technology sciences-gaming and simulation graduate from Mifflinburg, takes a photo with his family in front of a silver landmark that fits the campus’s winter wonderland.

Timothy M. Kainzbauer, a new information technology sciences-gaming and simulation graduate from Mifflinburg, takes a photo with his family in front of a silver landmark that fits the campus’s winter wonderland.

Large ornaments, beneath the CAC tree

Large ornaments, beneath the CAC tree