News about Dining Services

Start building a Penn College future at Oct. 28 Open House

The Madigan Library (left) and Bush Campus Center are two of the facilities that visitors to Pennsylvania College of Technology may tour during Fall Open House on Sunday, Oct. 28.

Students looking for a bold next step in their educational journey are encouraged to attend an Oct. 28 Open House at Pennsylvania College of Technology, where “future made by hand” is a template for success.

“Visiting a college campus should be an experience. At Open House, students are able to touch, see and explore their future,” said Claire Z. Biggs, assistant director of admissions. “From the state-of-the-art labs to the knowledgeable faculty and staff, Penn College is the place to be if you want to be a tomorrow maker.”

The college will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for prospective students and their families to explore more than 100 bachelor’s, associate and certificate programs. Free bus service will be available on the main campus in Williamsport, and shuttles will transport guests to and from the nearby Lumley Aviation and Schneebeli Earth Science centers throughout the day.

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Acquired tastes

You've heard of cupcakes – one of the next available items may be Ghirardelli Mug Cakes.

These new Hershey's ice cream flavors are pretty cool.

Pepsi representative Chelsea Smith pours a new product for Jaquela Dyer, of Dover, Del., majoring in business administration: sports and event management concentration.

New cold-brew flavors ... including seasonal favorite Pumpkin Spice

A packed thoroughfare of free samples

A Wildcat Sampling event, in which students help Dining Services decide what items to bring to their convenience stores and retail line, was held from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday in the Bush Campus Center hallway. Approximately 12 vendors offered free servings of their wares, some of which will eventually be sold on campus.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Renaissance Feast returns to ‘Grand Hall’

Brada AEthelwald, target archery marshal for Region 3, explains differences between bows and arrows of then and now.

Enjoying the festive air are (from left) John F. Chappo, assistant professor of history/history of technology, and information technology majors Andrew W. Hofmann, of Cherry Hill, N.J.; Matthew J. Danner, of Taylor; and Scott W. Master, of Gifford.

Master gets a taste of "Capitol" punishment.

Displays and demonstrations add to the ambiance.

Dining Services’ Renaissance Feast, beckoning sirs and mistresses with a hearty “Come sit you down and have a good laugh,” was held in the Capitol Eatery’s “Grand Hall” on Wednesday evening. The Penn College community was invited to attend in costume and enjoy a tasty –  and utensils-optional! – menu that included carved turkey, beer-braised short ribs, roasted root vegetables, corn on the cob, smoked white cheddar mashed potatoes, roasted potato medley, apple pecan bread and berry-filled croustade. In addition, members of the Society for Creative Anachronism were on hand to share their historical expertise about the period.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Change of Venue? Same Fine Menu!

No one's going home hungry from this table!

Taking a chance on some sweet swag

Jason K. Eichensehr, dining services manager, serves up smiles with (from left) dining services workers Brandy L. Heaps, Sara B. Bernier and Rochelle A. Splain.

Thursday’s “Backyard BBQ” was moved inside the Keystone Dining Room due to inhospitable weather, but Dining Services’ bill of fare was no less mouthwatering: burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, pulled pork, cole slaw, baked beans, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and ice cream! In addition, students had the opportunity to win a variety of prizes – including passes to Knoebel’s.
Photos by J.J. Boettcher, student photographer

Campers Enjoy Fruits of Their Labor

Bloom talks campers through their edible creations.

Smiles abound during camp activities.

Camp buddies partake in show-and-tell snacking.

From preparation to presentation

Camp ESCAPE visited the Keystone Dining Room on Monday, making energy bites and fruit tarts with Rebecca L. Pawlik, registered dietitian, and Noelle B. Bloom, Dining Services’ assistant director.
Photos by Amy S. Lingg, Dining Services marketing assistant

Surf’s Up at Capitol’s Cabana

Dive into icy deliciousness

Cori Jo "C.J." Ruble (left), a general studies major from Mifflintown, and Rachel L. Hafer, an early childhood education student from Boyertown, create sand art.

A stream of sunlight, Pennsylvania's closest thing to beach-like conditions in May, warms the Dauphin Hall dining unit.

Candy-colored treats evoke the deep, blue sea.

Bernice C. Weaver (left), of Newville, enrolled in the residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration, joins Dining Services' Denise M. Rhodes at the prize table.

Dining Services hosted a Beach Party in Capitol Eatery on Tuesday evening, serving a summer-themed buffet (with a side order of fun and games) to help students unwind and get ready for suntan season.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Where’re the Wares? At the Artisan Market, Of Course!

The father-son sales team of Brad E. and Bryce Lenig sold pie-scented candles as a fundraiser for Cub Scout Pack 12. A part-time Information Technology Services employee, Brad is also enrolled in information technology: network specialist concentration.

Mozug Custom Woodworking caters to a coffee-loving clientele with its caffeinated coasters.

The creators of these masterpieces bring home special rocks from their Greek vacation spot to make jewelry.

Head cook Cody I. Miller offers a selection of smoked sharp cheddar, provolone and pepper jack cheeses produced in Capitol Eatery, along with dipping options.

Colorful characters add whimsy and warmth to a blustery weeknight.

Dining Services’ final Artisan Market of the semester, featuring local craftspeople and Penn College favorites, was held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Bush Campus Center.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Dining Services Previews Fall Menu Additions

A perennial friendly face in the KDR, Dining Services' Denice D. Scott keeps it happy AND healthy.

The Capitol Eatery's head cook, Cody I. Miller, at your service

Just one of the many dishes to sample

Deb E. Munro, a Dining Services assistant manager, helps fill the plate of John A. Gondy, of Glenmoore. Gondy majors in residential construction technology and management: architectural technology concentration.

"Showcase" offers more meal options than diners have hands!

Thursday’s New Recipe Showcase, a two-hour event in the Keystone Dining Room, gave the Penn College community a sneak peek (and more than a few nibbles) at dishes that Dining Services plans to add to campus menus in the fall.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Egg-Scramblers’ Quest Again Fulfilled by Campus Vets

Meeting the mascot

An excited egg-seeker, with "spidey" bucket at the ready

The event lends a uniquely colorful cast to the always-beautiful Vic House grounds.

With energy and focus, the search is afoot.

A golden opportunity awaits.

A morning chill gave way to a spectacular Sunday for Penn College’s annual Wildcat Egg Hunt, which attracted more than 100 children from infancy to age 10 – along with about 120 parents and guests. Chet Beaver, coordinator of veteran and military services, said the Omega Delta Sigma veterans fraternity filled about 3,500 eggs over the past few weeks, then spent about three hours “hiding” them around The Victorian House on Sunday morning. Snacks were donated by campus veterans and Dining Services, two groups that have been involved for all four years of the popular event.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Gaelic Goodies

Festively outfitted and wishing "life's many blessings" to all are (from left) Jessica L. Cavanaugh, of Lewistown, a health information management major and substitute dining services worker; and dining services workers Wanda A. Gardner and Janet L. McDermott.

Colored beads aid in the wearin' of the green.

A mouthwatering menu – including chicken in an Irish whiskey cream sauce – awaits diners.

Corned beef: a crucial, cultural ingredient in the holiday's celebration

Enjoying the evening's fare are Natali J. Fargus, an accounting major from Lock Haven, and Matthew A. Jones, of Sellersville, an engineering design technology student.

Irish eyes were smiling – Irish taste buds, too! – when CC Commons hosted a St. Patrick’s Day Buffet on Thursday evening. Dining Services prepared a fitting feast (including Guinness Stew, corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, potato/leek soup and bread pudding), a pool tournament beckoned from nearby tables, and patrons could test their Emerald Isle knowledge with Quizzo.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Cooking Demo Adds to Soulful Soiree

Commemorative balloons accent the festivities.

Apropos a hands-on campus, Simmons turns ingredients into inspiration ...

... demonstrating her mouth-watering craft for hungry clientele.

Another noteworthy Dauphin Hall happening!

The seventh annual Soul Food Dinner, a Black History Month tradition, was held Wednesday in Penn College’s Capitol Eatery. This year’s event featured a live cooking demonstration by LaToya C. Simmons, assistant cook at the Dauphin Hall dining unit.
Photos by J.J. Boettcher, student photographer

Near and Dear

And who wouldn't want a valentine from this hirsute suitor?

Cupid’s arrow whizzed through the heart of campus during Valentine’s Day week, bringing a warm supply of affection and attention to a variety of activities: a girls’ night out in the Thompson Professional Development Center, a holiday-themed buffet in Capitol Eatery and a women’s basketball game in Bardo Gym that spotlighted the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. The “Galentine’s Day” slumber party on Tuesday included delicious snacks from Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, crafts, games, prizes and priceless camaraderie. “It seemed like everyone had a lot of fun and enjoyed having a space just for women to hang out,” said Community Peer Educator Nina L. Walk, who co-organized the PDC event with Resident Assistant Bryonna A. Aldubayan. “It was so great seeing these two students work so hard to create a really fun event that focused on positive female friendship,” added Mallory L. Weymer, coordinator of student health and wellness education/suicide prevention specialist. From 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dining Services presented a Valentine’s Buffet that featured such mouth-watering treats as grilled steak, pasta with vodka sauce and salted caramel mousse. Valentine’s Day wrapped up with a “Pink Out” game for breast cancer awareness, with colorfully clad hoops fans sharing their admiration and advocacy.

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Market Vendors Offer ‘Sweetheart Deals’

Shoppers survey wares in the Campus Center lobby.

"Meditation cushions" colorfully pose a soft-sell for customers' contemplation.

With steady hand and steely-eyed focus, Dining Services' Alyssa L. Fink, assistant baker, displays her cake-decorating skills.

Literal love letters set a warm tone in the CC.

Handmade housewares, inexpensive and invaluable!

Dining Services’ popular Artisan Market series returned with a tempting pre-Valentine’s Day medley this week, filling the Bush Campus Center entryway with offerings from more than a dozen local and Penn College craftsfolk. For three hours on Monday evening, browsers and buyers alike could check out baked goods, woodcraft, jewelry, soaps and other handiwork of local practitioners. The market will return to the CC from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 4.
Photos by J.J. Boettcher, student photographer

Making Friends on a (More Than) Three-Dog Night

Noelle B. Bloom, assistant director of Dining Services, brought along Lily, her daughter's Yorkshire terrier.

​Employees’ canine buddies joined Student Affairs on Monday evening in welcoming students back to campus during a “Hot Dog, You’re Back!” event in the Field House. A fall tradition for nearly a decade, which was added to the spring calendar for the first time this year, the gathering provides homesick students the opportunity to connect with friendly faculty/staff, helpful campus support services … and, of course, dogs! Held indoors for the comfort and well-being of humans and pooches alike, the evening included hot dog-shaped sugar cookies prepared by Dining Services.

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College Family Lends Hand to Neighbors in Need

Fifteen Penn College employees traveled to the local Central Pennsylvania Food Bank on Wahoo Drive ...

... packing hundreds of boxes for community distribution.

In conjunction with a professional-development session, 15 Penn College faculty/staff members helped pack 250 boxes Thursday for distribution by the Williamsport branch of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The food bank is the umbrella organization that provides much of the food to The Cupboard, the college’s on-campus food pantry. This was a great way for college employees to help the local community while gaining knowledge surrounding the operation/distribution of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and The Cupboard through information sessions and tours. The event was jointly sponsored by Campus & Community Engagement, Dining Services and Human Resources.

Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State