Events

Penn College Calendar

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

Traveling Smithsonian exhibit celebrates ‘Hometown Teams’

Baseball, soccer, hockey, bowling, kickball and surfing are among the competitive sports that draw participants from around the country and world. Still more gather on the sidelines to cheer for their favorite athletes and teams. Nowhere do Americans more intimately connect to sports than in their hometowns.

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Madigan Library, in cooperation with the World of Little League Museum, will celebrate that connection as it hosts “Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America” from June 30 through Sept. 8. An opening reception for the traveling exhibit will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 30, on the first floor of the library.

Events General Information President

Little League, college hold ‘Send-Off to Cooperstown’ for Mussina

Little League International Board Chair Hugh E. Tanner (right) joins artist Fred Gilmour (left) and Mussina alongside a composite painting.

Little League International and Pennsylvania College of Technology sponsored a lively “Send-Off to Cooperstown” event Tuesday night for Montoursville’s own Mike Mussina, who will take his place among the ranks of baseball immortals next month.

Mussina, who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 21 for a stellar 18-year pitching career with the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees, was honored in a 90-minute session at the Thompson Professional Development Center on the Penn College campus.

Alumni Corporate Relations Events Faculty & Staff President Scholarships Students

Annual Golf Classic reaches another milestone in student aid

Trick shot performer Chuck “The Hit Man” Hiter dazzles a Williamsport Country Club crowd by maintaining his balance – and his eye on the ball – from a precarious perch.

A visit from “the world’s most sought after golf trick-shot performer” at the Penn College Foundation’s 33rd Annual Golf Classic provided another record-setting year in scholarship support for Pennsylvania College of Technology students.

The June 17 event, featuring Chuck “The Hit Man” Hiter, was the most successful in college history – topping $125,000 in revenue.

Compass Group North America was the title sponsor for the tournament, the net proceeds of which benefit the Penn College Foundation Golf Classic Scholarship. Fisher Mining Co. was the tournament sponsor, and a number of other businesses generously signed on as additional sponsors.

“I always look forward to doing any kind of outing,” said Hiter, who treated players and guests to an exhibition on the Williamsport Country Club’s first tee. “But with what this college does on the vocational side, awarding technical degrees for which there’s definitely a great need, it’s especially a pleasure to support a benefit like this.”

Events

Blues legend to open Art Center’s 26th season

Award-winning blues artist Buddy Guy will headline the Community Arts Center’s 2019-20 season with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. Guy’s recently released 18th solo LP, “The Blues Is Alive and Well,” is a popular follow-up to “Born to Play Guitar” (a Grammy winner for Best Blues Album in 2016) and showcases the talent he will casually display on the CAC stage: a raw and unadulterated sound that is a true pleasure for aficionados and genre newcomers alike. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. June 24, and can be purchased at the CAC website, through the CACLive app or by calling the box office at 570-326-2424.

Events Gallery

‘Hundred Dresses Project’ grows tenfold through community engagement

A young visitor enjoys an “interactive dress” on which felt shapes can be added to create a design; some of the shapes offer positive words: honesty, respect, kindness, empathy and patience.

The “Hundred Dresses Project” has expanded to more than 1,000 dresses in The Gallery at Penn College, where a reception was held Thursday evening to honor the artistry, empathy and outreach stirred by the engaging endeavor. On display through July 23, the exhibit features more than 150 dress prints created by professional artists and over 1,000 dress prints made by youngsters in six area school districts. The outreach to area schools was initiated by Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director, and supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The creator of “The Hundred Dresses Project” – artist Crystal Cawley – traveled from Maine to offer a gallery talk at the reception and facilitate a Friday workshop on paper and fiber art. An educator at Maine College of Art, she described the inspiration and origins behind the project and discussed the importance of creating art to “cope with hardship,” as the young heroine did in the classic children’s book, “The Hundred Dresses,” and the ability of art to create kindness and community. Outreach efforts will continue with performances of “The Hundred Dresses” by Studio 570 in the gallery on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, June 13-30. “The Hundred Dresses” exhibit can be viewed during the gallery’s summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. (The gallery is closed Saturdays and Mondays, and will be closed July 3-7.)

Events Gallery

‘Hundred Dresses Project’ features layers of art outreach

The Gallery at Penn College will host “The Hundred Dresses Project: We Are All in This Together” from June 4 through July 23. In addition to more than 150 dress prints created by professional artists, the exhibit will feature those made by third, fourth and fifth grade students from six Lycoming County school districts.

With extra layers of art outreach, The Gallery at Penn College is hosting a unique exhibit titled “The Hundred Dresses Project: We Are All in This Together,” set for June 4 through July 23.

A Meet the Artist Reception will be held Thursday, June 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The gallery is located on the third floor of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Madigan Library.

In addition to more than 150 dress prints created by professional artists, the exhibit will feature dress prints made by third, fourth and fifth grade students from six Lycoming County school districts: East Lycoming, Jersey Shore Area, Montgomery Area, Muncy, South Williamsport Area and Williamsport Area.

Events Workforce Development

‘Industry Day’ connects pre-apprenticeship students with manufacturers

Encouraged by West Pharmaceutical Services training supervisor Tiffany Loner-Diemer, Jersey Shore student Evan Fink dons the garb required to work in West’s clean manufacturing environment.

Dylan Berguson likewise complies with the West dress code – complete with “moon boots” – to the delight of classmates.

Modern manufacturing is extolled in a video shown by Michele Edwards (at podium), human resources manager at First Quality Enterprises.

Following formal presentations by the companies, students could engage in small meet-and-greet sessions with the representatives. Tina Clark, human resources manager with the Lancaster County-based Conestoga Wood Specialties, tells students that “this is not your grandfather’s woodshop.”

Kit Kats and conversation! The Hershey Co.’s Chad Brownell (right), technical assurance manager, discusses opportunities at the company’s Hazleton plant.

Four employers met with more than a half-dozen Jersey Shore Area High School juniors and seniors Wednesday as Penn College Workforce Development hosted an “Industry Day” for students in its advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program. Representatives of the Hershey Co., West Pharmaceutical Services, First Quality Enterprises and Conestoga Wood Specialties each provided an overview of their respective operations, corporate culture and career pathways, then networked with members of the group. (Students from Central Mountain High School were unable to attend.) This year is a grant-funded pilot for the college’s pre-apprenticeship program, and Christopher P. Ray, Workforce Development’s executive director for business development, said he hopes the 2019-20 program broadens participation by businesses and school districts alike.

Events

Korean War veterans honored during on-campus ceremony

Fred Agnoni, of South Williamsport, a teenage Army officer in the Korean War, holds his hat to his heart during the Reading of the Orders by retired Army Maj. Gen. James Joseph. Agnoni is standing between fellow veterans Richard E. Barkman (left), of Jersey Shore, and Edward E. Adams, of Muncy.

About 70 Korean War veterans from Lycoming County received the Republic of Korea’s “everlasting gratitude” during an Ambassador for Peace Medal ceremony in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium on Friday. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey facilitated the event, presenting the medals to the veterans (or their families) in advance of the Memorial Day weekend. “We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our Free Nation,” reads the commendation that adorns each award’s personalized case, expressing a nation’s appreciation for the American servicemen and women who served during the 1950-53 war. In addition to this PCToday photo gallery, the event was featured in news broadcasts on WBRE/WYOU and WNEP.

Events Faculty & Staff Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies PIRC Plastics & Polymer Workforce Development

Rotational molding workshop attracts appreciative professionals

A Rotational Molding and Advanced Materials Workshop hosted by Penn College and its Plastics Innovation & Resource Center featured participation by 17 companies from 12 states and Canada. Brennan B. Wodrig, PIRC program manager (at the controls) demonstrates equipment in the Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence.

Plastics professionals representing 17 companies, 12 states and Canada gave rave reviews for the recent Rotational Molding & Advanced Materials Workshop hosted by Pennsylvania College of Technology and its acclaimed Plastics Innovation & Resource Center.

“I feel like I am at Disneyland. I loved it that much,” said David Sharp of Acrylon Plastics in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

“A great course. The presenters took complex subject matter and broke it down to an elementary level that was practical and easy to understand,” said Mark Eberhardt of The Metal Ware Corp. in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Events General Information

Students at Yaw-hosted seminar keep it real in simulated debate

Students and faculty from all 13 attending schools had the opportunity to pose with Yaw in the Field House and commemorate the day.

Introduced by college President Davie Jane Gilmour (right), the senator outlines the day's agenda, reminding students that "compromise is a very important thing in any successful legislative work." — Introduced by college President Davie Jane Gilmour (right), the senator outlines the day’s agenda, reminding students that “compromise is a very important thing in any successful legislative work.”

Crompton, not above good-naturedly needling his audience into thoughtful participation, also takes time for one-on-one engagement – this time on the pros and cons of lobbyists.

Addressing the prickly issue of whether legislators should follow their conscience or their constituents, students take sides on raising the gas tax to pay for infrastructure improvements.

Yaw listens as opponents of legalizing marijuana refine their position during a breakout discussion in the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center. Guiding them through the process are some of the seminar's many knowledgeable facilitators (counterclockwise from bottom right): state Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York); Fred R. Strathmeyer Jr., the state Department of Agriculture's deputy secretary for plant industry and consumer protection; and Fred Sembach, chief of staff to state Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon). — Yaw listens as opponents of legalizing marijuana refine their position during a breakout discussion in the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center. Guiding them through the process are some of the seminar’s many knowledgeable facilitators (counterclockwise from bottom right): state Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York); Fred R. Strathmeyer Jr., the state Department of Agriculture’s deputy secretary for plant industry and consumer protection; and Fred Sembach, chief of staff to state Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon).

More than 200 students from 13 school districts in Bradford, Lycoming and Union counties gathered at Penn College on Thursday for the annual Student Government Seminar hosted by state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Loyalsock Township). “This seminar is a great opportunity for high school students to interact with their local, state and federal officials,” said the senator, who also serves as chair of the college’s board of directors. “It allows students to develop legislation, debate important issues with key policymakers, offer their personal input and vote on “mock” bills in an open session. The intent is for students to obtain a better understanding of the legislative process and develop professional relationships that can open the door for future internships and job opportunities.” The commonwealth’s largest Senate-organized student government event, the seminar incorporates student delegates and their teachers; local, state and federal officials; lobbyists and special interests; and the news media. After a dynamic presentation by Drew Compton, counsel/chief of staff to state Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, on the “push and pull” of enacting legislation, the students broke into committee sessions to debate such hot-button issues as legalization of recreational marijuana. Student participants represented Athens Area High School, Canton Area High School, Jersey Shore Area High School, Lewisburg Area High School, Loyalsock Township High School, Mifflinburg Area High School, Montoursville Area High School, North Rome Christian High School, Northeast Bradford High School, South Williamsport Senior High, St. John Neumann Regional Academy, Troy Area High School and Williamsport Area High School.

Art and Graphic Design Automated Manufacturing & Machining Automotive Building Construction Business & Hospitality Civil Engineering & Surveying College Transitions Communication & Literature Construction & Design Technologies Digital Media & Marketing Emergency Management Events Faculty & Staff Ford Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Landscape/Horticulture Nursing Nursing & Health Sciences Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Career Day sets middle schoolers’ sights on tomorrow

Led by Franklin H. Reber, instructor of building construction technology, and students, Career Day visitors create concrete stepping stones.

College employees rallied to provide nearly 40 educational sessions for middle schoolers from across the region who visited campus on Monday for the college’s twice-a-year Career Day. Facilitated by the college’s College Transitions Office, the event provided 1,267 students with opportunities to explore a wide variety of careers in each of the college’s six academic schools. Visitors included 13 schools and home-schooled students.

Alumni Business & Hospitality Construction & Design Technologies Events Faculty & Staff Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Nursing & Health Sciences President Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications Sports Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

And they’re off: 900+ job-ready examples of Penn College Pride!

Abigail S. Way, graduating with a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration, has a smile as bright as her future.

Pennsylvania College of Technology held the Triple Crown of commencement ceremonies May 17-18 for more than 900 students who petitioned to graduate following the Spring 2019 semester. The Friday afternoon proceedings at the Community Arts Center honored students from the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies and the School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications. Saturday morning featured The School of Construction & Design Technologies and the School of Health Sciences, while students from the School of Business & Hospitality and the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies graduated during the afternoon session. Student speakers were Hannah G. Maize, of Riverside, who received a bachelor’s degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology (summa cum laude) on Friday; Lauren S. Herr, of Lititz, awarded a bachelor’s in construction management (summa cum laude) at Saturday morning’s session; and David A. Gadalla, of Mechanicsburg, who received a bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance technology in the weekend’s final ceremony. The college also bestowed three teaching honors – the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award and two Excellence in Teaching Awards – as well as three alumni awards.

Events Faculty & Staff Students

Eighteen seniors’ involvement culminates in Penn College Awards

The award-winners reconvene at night's end for group photos.

A year-end banquet honored 18 students with Penn College Awards, recognizing 2019 graduates who have made outstanding contributions to Pennsylvania College of Technology and who have risen above their peers through that leadership.

Anthony J. Pace, director of student activities, presided over Thursday evening’s event in the Thompson Professional Development Center. Recipients were presented with a plaque and a Penn College lapel pin, and their names will be permanently displayed on a wall outside the Student Activities Office.

Building on the words of Thomas Jefferson (“I am a great believer in luck … and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it”), President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomed the honorees’ families and friends by admitting she felt like the most fortunate person in the room.

“These students have accomplished so much for their colleagues, their teams, their friends and – most importantly – for themselves,” she said, an apt segue to the testimonials that would follow. “We are forever better for what they’ve done for us, with us and alongside us.”

Events Faculty & Staff Workforce Development

Summit takes renewed look at apprenticeships’ workforce edge

More than 100 industry officials, thought leaders and partners – representing 69 employers – attended Thursday’s second annual Apprenticeship Summit to discuss how best to close skills gaps, retain workers and attract new employees. The keynote speaker was Eric M. Seleznow, senior adviser with Jobs for the Future, a nonprofit that collaborates with national authorities on education, workforce development, business, technology, government and philanthropy. Other presenters at the summit, themed around “Best Practices in Apprenticeship,” included Joe Miller, senior human resources professional with First Quality Enterprises; Angela Hummel, talent development leader at Angela Hummel Consulting; and Eric M. Ramsay, director of the apprenticeship and training office for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Among the Penn College representatives on the agenda were President Davie Jane Gilmour; Shannon M. Munro, vice president for workforce development; and Christopher P. Ray, Workforce Development’s executive director for business development. The day also featured workshops, networking opportunities, a showing of two recent college videos on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and lunch in CC Commons.

Architectural Technology Construction & Design Technologies Events Faculty & Staff Gallery Students

Inaugural exhibit showcases students’ sustainable design work

An inaugural exhibition displaying the architectural design work of 18 seniors in the building science and sustainable design majors at Pennsylvania College of Technology will open soon in The Gallery at Penn College.

A public reception for “Sustainable Design 2019” will be held Thursday, May 16, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., with a gallery talk at 4:30 p.m. The design work will be on display May 16-23 in the gallery on the third floor of the Madigan Library.

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