News about Inauguration

The campus was awhirl with momentum (and momentous events) for Wildcat Weekend, which began Friday afternoon with the inauguration of Michael J. Reed as Penn College’s eighth president and didn’t wind down until Sunday brunch. In between – and represented by this 97-photo gallery that hopscotches its way through the flurry of events – participants took part in a bonfire, the 11th annual Alumni Golf Outing, scads of family fun, the Alumni & Friends Tent Party, tours of academic labs, exploration of the paranormal with the “Godfather of All Ghost Hunters,” men’s and women’s soccer games, food trucks, an open wrestling practice and downtown social, a men’s basketball Blue & White game, and the prestigious Athletics Hall of Fame inductions. Decidedly without flurry was the weather, which offered a beyond-glorious backdrop for celebrating alumni, students and their kin, and anyone who heeds the Wildcat’s roar.

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Evoking the institution’s rich history and committing to serve as an innovative trailblazer for tomorrow, Pennsylvania College of Technology inaugurated Michael J. Reed as its eighth president Friday afternoon at the Community Arts Center.

Reed received Penn College’s presidential medallion from his predecessor, President Emeritus Davie Jane Gilmour, and state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the board of directors, in front of about 400 attendees, including faculty and staff, students, alumni, industry partners, and visiting college and university delegates.

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Despite being squarely in the theatrical spotlight during his inauguration as the newest leader of Pennsylvania College of Technology, Michael J. Reed was quick to divert that attention and look far beyond his own monumental day.

“The next chapter in our institution’s rich history is not about its president,” he said, “it remains steadfastly focused on students, mission and team. A chapter ignited by our past, inspired by tomorrow and committed to a ‘Future Made by Hand.’ With your invaluable input and support, I look forward to us seizing opportunities and solidifying (our) standing as an innovator, trailblazer and national leader in applied technology education.”

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Renewing an autumnal rite of passage, Penn College greeted first-year and returning students for the start of the Fall 2022 semester during Welcome Weekend: a three-day (re)introduction to campus life that brings down the curtain on blissful summer and offers up a clean slate of possibility. President Michael J. Reed – marking his own first year – was among a collegewide throng of well-wishers and helping hands as students moved into housing, took part in enlightening and entertaining activities, and forged connections with new friends and college resources. “You’ve all come here with a goal of success,” Reed told students Sunday night, food for thought as the first day of classes drew nigh. “This is your time, and it’s time to get started!”

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Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Summer 2022 Commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport, a milestone ceremony that marked Michael J. Reed’s first as college president. Aided by another new college administrator (Neslihan “Nesli” Alp, who began her duties Monday as vice president for academic affairs/provost), Reed conferred degrees – including the first master’s-level degrees “in our storied history.” Bryan M. Bilbao, of Old Forge, one of the students in that initial cohort for the Combined Bachelor/Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies, was the student speaker. The 90-minute ceremony also featured a Distinguished Alumni Award to 2002 welding technology grad Richard A. Conrad Jr. and acknowledgement of more than 25 awards to graduating seniors.

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Following a national search, Pennsylvania College of Technology has chosen Michael J. Reed to lead the institution as its eighth president, effective July 1.

The Penn College Board of Directors on Wednesday approved the choice of Reed, the college’s vice president for academic affairs and provost, after an extensive search process led by Storbeck Search, of Media. He will succeed longtime President Davie Jane Gilmour, who has announced that she will retire on June 30.

A native of Glenshaw, a Pittsburgh suburb, Reed is one of 10 siblings and a first-generation college student. He was selected from a group of three finalists for the position who met with students, faculty and staff in December.

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