News about Dining Services

Hugs and home fries: a Finals Week recipe for reprieve

Athletics and Residence Life proved to be able partners for Dining Services. Keeping the parade moving are (from left) Christa Matlack, women's soccer coach; Jamie R. Miller, wrestling coach; Residence Life coordinator Blaise E. Marshall; and baseball coach Chris H. Howard.

As Finals Week makes its presence known, peppering students with an exam-filled onslaught of exhaustion, Penn College thoughtfully provides sustenance and sanctuary for the battle against end-of-semester burnout. Among the events that form the cornerstone of the anti-anxiety attack? Dining Services’ 21st Midnight Breakfast − second only to commencement in traditional longevity − on Thursday night, preceded by Wednesday’s Madigan Library visit from therapy dogs that live to be loved.

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‘Yule’ be sorry if you missed this one!

Jewelry by Ellen Montis graces the market entrance outside CC Commons.

Alexandra "Ali" D. Petrizzi, a graphic design major from Langhorne, searches for the perfect gift (or maybe just a way to beat the chill).

Ornaments by Kat Leon add to the festivities.

Hand-knitted hats, scarves and other accessories – courtesy of Jenna Evelhair's Minimalist Outpost

Dining Services’ latest Artisan Market, overflowing with the fruits of local talent, brought the handmade joys of the season to the Bush Campus Center this past week. The next craft showcase is tentatively set for Feb. 13.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Counting blessings, countering need

Service with a smile: Gayle M. Kielwein, student activities accounting assistant, delivers comfort food to thankful guests.

A free family-style Thanksgiving dinner was served to 620 students Monday night − the equivalent of three full seatings in the Keystone Dining Room! − and an earlier “Soup for the Soul” benefit helped ensure that such bounty could be shared by those struggling with food insecurity. Sponsored by the Student Engagement Task Force and served by a cross-section of campus employees, the traditional dinner with all the fixin’s was delayed from Thursday due to last week’s storm. CC Commons was the site for the Nov. 14 event, at which the first 50 registrants received a meal of chicken tortilla or cheddar broccoli soup served in handcrafted bowls made by Penn College ceramic students. Part of the college’s Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week, both activities featured donations of cash and canned goods to The Cupboard, the college’s food pantry. Institutional Advancement added to the week of gratitude with its “Thank a Donor” and “One Tray at a Time” initiatives.

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Celebrating uncommon allegiance

Stars, stripes and a patriotic serving line

Giveaways – everyday reminders of selfless service – are offered by college veterans organizations.

Empty tables across campus, courtesy of the college's Veterans Affairs Office, pay silent tribute to fallen heroes.

Students pay tribute through their patronage of Bush Campus Center dining unit.

A Veterans Celebration, sponsored by Dining Services in CC Commons, offered “all-American fare” to the Penn College community on Thursday. The event, one of several on campus in conjunction with Veterans Day, gave students pause to honor the military service of their classmates.
Photos by J.J. Boettcher, student photographer 

Things that go ‘Yum’ in the night

Students queue up for creepy, cobwebbed cuisine.

Come closer ... if you dare.

Jessica L. Cavanaugh, a substitute Dining Services employee, serves up ribs to the passing parade of patrons. The Lewistown resident is a health information management student at the college.

Make no bones about it: Capitol Eatery has food to die for!

Dining Services’ Halloween Boofet re-inhabited Capitol Eatery this past week, offering students an appetizing menu of “eerie entrees, scary sides and hauntingly delicious desserts.”
Photos by J.J. Boettcher, student photographer

Artisanal wares salute autumn’s arrival

Alumna Kierstin G. Steer caters to the tastebuds with a variety of tempting items.

Terrariums, dish gardens and airplants were among the offerings from the green thumb of Dining Services' Vicki K. Killian.

Adipocere Soap, specializing in vegan products that go beyond its name, is represented by Madigan Library's April N. Line (left).

Alyssa L. Fink, assistant baker in Dining Services, brought cannoli, cakes and such to the table.

The past week’s Fall Artisan Market filled the Bush Campus Center hallway with such treats as fresh kettle korn, fresh honey and pumpkin fudge, all courtesy of local craftsfolk. (A holiday version of the popular market will be held in the CC on Wednesday, Nov. 28.)
Photos by J.J. Boettcher, student photographer

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

Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State