News about Events

Despite a year of continuing challenges, donors to Pennsylvania College of Technology were honored Monday evening for unwavering support that ignited a record-setting year for institutional fundraising.

The combined contributions of steadfast alumni, corporate partners, friends, retirees and colleagues – a milestone $8.3 million during fiscal 2021 – were recognized during an annual ceremony alongside the Penn College Donor Wall, which pays permanent tribute to those whose contributions of gifts, pledges, donations and entrustments of equipment and technology, and estate commitments significantly empower students.

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Juneteenth, declared an annual national holiday this year in commemoration of slavery’s end in America, will be observed Sept. 17-18 at Pennsylvania College of Technology with a series of events highlighting Black history and culture.

Juneteenth honors the June 19, 1865, reading of General Order No. 3, through which the Union army emancipated enslaved African Americans in Texas – the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery.

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Penn College unveiled its “reimagined” Open House format on Friday, kicking off a series of fall visitation opportunities designed to guide potential enrollees as they explore their college options. The day featured an introductory admissions presentation, followed by academic tours and a wide-ranging menu of elective activities. “Our new Open Houses are the perfect way to visit campus year-round,” said Jen M. Cullin-Hetrick, coordinator of admissions events and communications. “Prospective students can tour up to two academic areas before exploring the rest of what we have to offer. Whether they are just starting the college search process or they’re enrolling this spring, they can truly make the day theirs.” Additional Fall Open Houses – following a model built on feedback from campus partners and prospective students – will be hosted Sunday, Sept. 26; Friday, Oct. 8; Saturday, Oct. 23; Saturday, Nov. 6; and Friday, Nov. 19.

The owners of Mapes Farm Fresh LLC, Mifflinburg, brought two calves to campus this past week for the Wildcat Events Board’s “Cow-a-Bunga” activity on the Thompson Professional Development Center lawn. Organized by Lauryn A. Stauffer, team leader for WEB’s monthly Wildcat Wednesday series, the event gave students an opportunity to practice the bovine equivalent of “puppy love,” and to learn about dairy products straight from the source.

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Rain prompted postponement of some events and flat-out cancellation of others, but the return of sunshine and blue skies allowed for continuation of a Penn College tradition – the annual “PC3” kickoff to the semester. As with earlier events, campus photographers were kept busy with an Aug. 30 Multicultural Lawn Party on the Bush Campus Center patio and the following day’s Fall Fusion and Part-Time Job Fair.

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With the last American troops leaving Afghanistan after the longest war in U.S. history, and the nation nearing the 20th anniversary of the Sept 11, 2001, attacks that precipitated the two-decade conflict, Penn College will hold another in a series of free roundtables at 7 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 1) in the Student & Administrative Service Center’s first-floor presentation room. Craig A. Miller, associate professor of history/political science, and Chet Beaver, coordinator of veteran and military services, will lead the open discussion on the situation in Afghanistan. The Penn College community is invited to ask questions about the war, the withdrawal of military personnel, American national security interests, politics, media and terrorism. Those who have served in the region are particularly welcome to share their experiences.

“All work and no play” makes for an unbalanced and unhealthy campus experience, so Penn College annually offers “PC3” during the first three weeks of the fall semester – an invitingly eclectic sampling of activities tailor-made for stress-relieving study breaks. Kicking Grass Kickball (Aug. 19); Hot Dog, You’re Here! (Aug. 23); Goat Yoga (Aug. 25) and Casino Night (Aug. 26) were among this season’s collaborative offerings to help Wildcats get to know their new friends and neighbors … and to introduce PCToday readers to more of our students’ pictorial aptitude.

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Dailey & Vincent, whose set list is piled high with the best in bluegrass, traditional country and gospel, will perform on the Community Arts Center stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4. Members of the Grand Ole Opry; eight-time Grammy winners (five times individually, three times collectively); and recipients of 35 International Bluegrass Music Awards, the duo’s reedy harmonies and world-class musicianship have gained them well-deserved praise for their distinctive style and worldwide recognition. Their national, top-rated television series, “The Dailey & Vincent Show,” has aired on RFD-TV for four years running, and their PBS special (“Dailey & Vincent ALIVE – In Concert”) has been broadcast more than 1,000 times. Each of their last six CD releases have landed at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts, including their first-ever Christmas album, “Dailey & Vincent: The Sounds of Christmas,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard bluegrass chart and No. 8 on the Billboard holiday chart. Tickets, ranging from $24 to $39, are available at the CAC website. For more about the artists, listen to a recent interview conducted by Backyard Broadcasting. A note to patrons: In accordance with current directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Penn College and the Arts Center are requiring masks indoors for everyone regardless of their vaccination status.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The artist’s talk referenced below, scheduled for Aug. 26, has been canceled.)

“Into the Void,” an artist’s exploration of the human figure and life and death, is the first offering of The Gallery at Penn College’s 16th season.

The solo exhibition of Michigan artist Michael Reedy’s drawings and mixed media artwork runs through Oct. 8. An artist’s talk is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26, in the gallery, located on the third floor of the Madigan Library at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

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Another whirlwind Welcome Weekend is history, providing instant memories for first-year and returning students; their families; and the faculty, staff and classmates who will share their Penn College experience. “The degree is why you’re here,” said President Davie Jane Gilmour, speaking at her final fall convocation, ” but I encourage you to connect with one another and the campus as you write this new chapter in your book of life.” PCToday has you covered, from Friday’s steamy move-in to Monday morning’s “don’t hit snooze” start of classes.

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The Fish Real Estate Leadership Challenge Course, the creation of which involved the same collaborative spirit that it will nurture in those who use it, was dedicated Aug. 11 on the wooded southcentral side of Pennsylvania College of Technology.

The Challenge Course – a remarkable project funded by Brent and Daria Fish in memory of Brent’s father, William H. Fish – “will foster leadership and team-building skills for generations of students, faculty, alumni and industry partners,” said Loni N. Kline, vice president for college relations. Brent is president of Fish Real Estate, and Daria is head of corporate communications for OxiWear.

An interdisciplinary focus was reflected throughout the development and construction process, which involved the college’s General Services Department, architectural technology and concrete science classes, a helping of off-campus inspiration, and a picnic table donated by the Sigma Pi philanthropic fraternity.

The intricate design includes a bridge that honors the Fish family’s appreciation for the outdoors: stainless steel railings resembling fly-fishing rods, with hooks dangling from lines that drop to a dry creek bed below.

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Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Summer Commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport, a ceremony that marked the sacrifices – and ultimate triumph – by classmates whose final year was anything but typical. Larcynina De Guzman Bitner, of Mill Hall, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physician assistant, was the student speaker. President Davie Jane Gilmour conferred degrees and presented an Alumni Mentorship Award to 2016 human services graduate LaQuinn N. Thompson; and a number of award recipients were announced among the newest alumni.

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The Gallery at Penn College has announced its 16th season of engaging art exhibits for the 2021-22 Academic Year at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Two displays of contemporary art begin the season: Michael Reedy’s “Into the Void,” exploring the timeless topic of the human body through mixed-media works, opens Aug. 13, and Jeanette May’s “Tech Vanitas,” featuring still life photographs highlighting the obsolescence of technology, begins Oct. 21.

Special exhibitions marking two 75th anniversaries are included in the lineup with “Golden Legacy: Original Art From 75 Years of Golden Books” and “A Diamond Anniversary: A Celebration of 75 Years of the Little League Baseball World Series.” Both will be displayed in the new year.

Exhibits showcasing the talents of faculty and students will also be featured in Spring 2022 with “Journey and Transformation: The Careers of David Stabley & Keith Vanderlin,” “Architecture & Sustainable Design: Senior Capstone Projects,” and “Graphic Design 2022: Senior Portfolio Exhibition.”

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This summer, hundreds of visitors took advantage of an outstanding display of fiber-based artwork at The Gallery at Penn College. From June 1 through July 22, “Textiles in Translation” inspired a range of engagement and interaction, in keeping with the gallery’s goal of promoting art appreciation and serving as a cultural asset to the community.

An artists’ tour closed the exhibition and featured 18 artists sharing insights into their works and creative processes.

“Over 70 people enjoyed the opportunity to meet the artists, ask questions, and learn more about the artists and the work on display during the artists’ tour last week,” said Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director. “I am so thankful to the 18 artists who were able to attend the event and speak about their work. This was the perfect end to this spectacular exhibition.”

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Pennsylvania College of Technology will hold a Summer 2021 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 7, for the more than 200 students who have petitioned to graduate.

The in-person ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Community Arts Center. The event is open to students who are registered to participate and ticketed guests. Unvaccinated individuals must wear face masks. The event will be livestreamed.

The student speaker for the ceremony will be Larcynina De Guzman Bitner, of Mill Hall, who will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in physician assistant. Bitner, a Dean’s List student, is originally from the Philippines, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Doctor of Medicine degree and completed a medical internship.

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