News about Events

Penn College Calendar

For a list of all events on campus, go to the Calendar.

Students crack ‘code,’ open window onto IT careers

Students from South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School use a “Tower of Hanoi” to learn the foundations of computational thinking – which requires no computer.

High school students draw paths for their Ozobots.

Alicia McNett, instructor of computer information technology, offers encouragement to a group of students from Milton High School.

Spyke M. Krepshaw, instructor of web and interactive media, confers with students from South Williamsport.

A high-schooler draws multicolor paths to direct her color-sensing Ozobot.

Penn College took part in a worldwide movement on Monday as host of an Hour of Code event for students from five high schools. A collaborative effort between the college’s School of Business & Hospitality and School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, the event provided lessons in coding without technology and programming Ozobots, led by faculty members Anita R. Wood, associate professor of computer information technology; Spyke M. Krepshaw, instructor of web and interactive media; and Alicia McNett, instructor of computer information technology, as well as a campus tour. Wood emphasized to students that computer programmers are not necessarily smarter than others, but they are persistent in trying to solve puzzles and problems. The Hour of Code movement started as a one-hour introduction to computer science designed to demystify “code,” to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. Most events take place during or near Computer Science Education Week. The week is held annually to recognize the birthday of computing pioneer Adm. Grace Murray Hopper on Dec. 9, 1906. More than 219,000 events were registered in more than 180 countries in 2018. Schools participating at the Penn College event were Commonwealth Charter Academy, Hughesville High School, Milton High School, South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School and York County School of Technology.

‘Snowball’ festively signals semester’s imminent end

Illuminated in blue and highlighted by the tree's seasonal glow

Students – including Christopher D. Hogan, of Halifax, and Nicolette B. Crow, of Elizabethtown – take to the dance floor.

Alumnus Caleb G. Shirmer, of Williamsport, and student Holly J. Wilson, of Lock Haven, enjoy the food and ambience.

The crowd dances to "Cotton Eye Joe."

Among the attendees are Hannah E. Dawson and James C. Hendrie, both of Williamsport.

A sold-out crowd enjoyed Snowball 2018 this past week, flocking to the Thompson Professional Development Center for the Wildcat Events Board’s annual semiformal dance.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Conventional thinking, with room for debate

A delegate from The Volunteer State quickly researches a point brought forth by another delegate.

A Williamsport Area High School student, representing Missouri, argues an amendment that would expand states’ rights, allowing them to enter agreements with other nations.

State representatives cast their votes during a plenary session, during which each amendment that was approved by committees was considered by the full group.

A WAHS student shares his state’s point of view during the plenary session in Penn’s Inn.

Students from nine northcentral and northeastern Pennsylvania school districts convened on campus Friday for the second Penn College Mock Constitutional Convention. Students played the roles of delegates from each of the 50 states considering amendments to the U.S. Constitution. After delegates spent their morning in committees hashing out proposed amendments, they went into caucus meetings and finally a plenary session, during which amendments were debated before the entire group for vote. School districts attending were Berwick Area, East Lycoming, Hazleton Area, Jersey Shore Area, Loyalsock Township, South Williamsport Area, Susquenita and Williamsport Area.

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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Wildcat Club recognized for crucial assist to student-athletes

The nook on the east side of Bardo Gym serves as an ideal locale for the pregame “tailgate.”

A Wednesday night reception in Bardo Gymnasium recognized the Wildcat Club for its commitment to Penn College Athletics and the vital role it plays in keeping students in the game − athletically AND academically. At a men’s/women’s basketball doubleheader against Penn State Berks, honored guests met and mingled with student-athletes, were greeted by the college mascot and President Davie Jane Gilmour, networked with other club members, enjoyed tailgate-style appetizers, and cheered during the hardwood action.

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After a splash of winter, an overdue celebration of fall

An art project marks the season.

The busy-ness of families at play

Bonding in the food line

Photo props add to the fun ...

... but who's that hiding behind the mask?

Two weeks after it was postponed by snow, an autumn festival recently filled the Dunham Children’s Learning Center with sunshine and smiles. Parents helped their children make turkey “Thank you” cards, and children fashioned their own masks to wear into a photo booth that was added for the occasion. Early childhood education students Ophelia G. Arnold, of New Oxford, and Rachel L. Hafer, of Boyertown, assisted with the crafts.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Two-day blood drive to benefit THON

Campus blood drive scheduled Jan. 15-16Members of the Penn College community are encouraged to contribute life-saving blood during next month’s collection for the American Red Cross. Online appointments are available for the visit, scheduled from noon-6 p.m. Jan. 15-16 in Penn’s Inn (Bush Campus Center, second floor). Pediatric cancer patients also will be helped by the two-day drive, as $4 will be donated to the Four Diamonds Fund on behalf of Penn College Benefiting THON for each unit of blood collected. College Health Services will provide special THON T-shirts to successful donors, and director Carl L. Shaner – fresh from the snowy disruption of a November Bloodmobile – has “fingers crossed that the weather is good!”

‘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

Campus ministry groups gather in faith, friendship

Representing three of the evening's five sponsoring organizations are (from left) Cru's Dillon W. Wertman, of Auburn; CMI's Tyler C. Geer, of Wellsboro; and UCM's Holly J. Wilson, of Lock Haven.

United Campus Ministries, which hands out weekly coffee and treats in the Hager Lifelong Education Center lobby, provided refreshments.

Cru's Natali J. Fargus. of Lock Haven, and Ethan M. Yoder, of Denver, lead more than 100 people in worship.

ARC Prayer Group leader Timothy L. Pegg, of Lexington Park, Md., shares his testimony of a life changed by Christ.

A Cru-organized worship team moves the crowd.

Penn College’s five faith-based student organizations – Cru, United Campus Ministry, Campus Ministries International, the ARC Prayer Group and The Harbor – recently collaborated on a Campus Worship Night. Faculty/staff, students and community members gathered in Penn’s Inn for an evening of friendship, music, testimony and refreshments facilitated by the groups, which hold regular meetings and special activities throughout each semester.
Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Warm holiday happenings take the chill off

Student artistry extended beyond the cards – well beyond, in fact – as automotive restoration and metal fabrication majors created a jaw-dropping 12-foot toy soldier.

A pair of campus holiday traditions dovetailed near dusk Wednesday: the fifth annual decorating of the Veterans Tree outside Madigan Library and the lighting of the oversized greeting cards on the mall. Chet Beaver, coordinator of veteran and military services, mustered a hardy troop of helpers to hang 399 stars fabricated in the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies to represent Penn College’s veterans and active-duty servicemen and women. As a blustery day gave way to a briskly brutal evening, the card-lighting ceremony took place at the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center. In the office/department category, Dining Services placed first, Financial Aid was second and General Services finished in third place. Among student organizations, Cru topped the vote-getters, Women in Construction was second and the Veterans Club placed third.

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Popular poinsettia sale begins at ESC greenhouse

Poinsettias add splash of seasonal color at ESC.

Variegated plants are among the limited inventory.

The annual Poinsettia Sale at Penn College’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center greenhouse is underway, and runs until all plants are sold. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays (closed Saturday and Sunday), and all sales are on a first-come, first-served basis. Inventory is limited this year and is expected to sell out fast! There will be no early sales or holds, and everything is “cash and carry.”

Penn College Fall Commencement set for Dec. 22 at Arts Center

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Fall 2018 Commencement ceremony will be held Dec. 22 at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.

A commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 22, for the nearly 320 Pennsylvania College of Technology students who have petitioned to graduate following the Fall 2018 semester.

The ceremony will start at 11 a.m. in the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, with 235 students expected to march.

The student speaker will be Katherine Lynne Mertes, of Williamsport, who will be awarded a bachelor’s degree in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

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Student-run event gives robots fighting chance

The theater of battle fills with participants and spectators.

Action heats up in the competition cage.

A steady hand on the controller ... and in capturing the contest on cellphone video.

The makings of a winner?

Penn College hosted battles of ingenuity during SWORD Fall Fights 2018 in the Field House. Approximately 45 combat robots, designed and built by Penn College students and members of the public, “fought” in the double-elimination tournament on Nov. 17. About 130 people attended the daylong event, which featured 1- and 3-pound weight classes. “In an event like this, students get to see engineering in action,” said Craig A. Miller, instructor of engineering design technology and adviser to the Student Wildcats of Robotic Design Club, which sponsored the event.  “They design, build and test their robots against other builders.  They see what works and what does not and make design improvements in an effort to make their robots more competitive.”

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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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Student leaders impressively complete six-week ‘boot camp’

Three aviation students, who didn’t realize each other had signed up for the leadership series until their first boot camp class, enjoy the final festivities. From left: Brent H. Thomson, Kate M. Ruggiero and Kerelos M. Bekhit.

Moore delivers an inspiring talk on the initiative and persistence involved in being a leader.

Amanda J. Confer (left) receives her certificate from Bressler.

A graduation ceremony was held Monday evening for Pennsylvania College of Technology’s latest participants in Leadership Boot Camp, a six-week series designed to provide students with a set of skills that will enable them to assume leadership positions in the near future.

Twenty-seven students engaged in the optional offering for the Fall 2018 semester, covering a range of topics from effective communication to civility.

The event’s keynote speaker, Shelley L. Moore, director of career services, led students through a leadership discussion and challenged each participant to continue to identify tangible ways to build on the program’s foundation. Leadership Boot Camp facilitator, Allison A. Bressler, associate director of student activities for new student program leadership, congratulated her students for their initiative and presented each with a certificate and a professional portfolio.

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