Diversionary tactics maintain balance at stressful time

– Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann and J.J. Boettcher, student photographers,
and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

Dennis R. Dorward, associate professor of construction management/building construction - who, in past years, fashioned winged pigs and elephants, added a papier-mache carousel giraffe to this year's sale.

A signed photograph from "The Polychrome Series," a hand-painted silver halide image by Keith A. Vanderlin, was among the faculty contributions up for bid. Vanderlin, 1998's "Master Teacher," is an assistant professor of graphic design.

SGA President Everett B. Appleby built this coffee table from a solid slab of North American ash, bonded with bow ties of Eastern black walnut.

Student creations, such as this pair of abstract paintings by manufacturing engineering technology major Dakotah G. Snyder, filled the tables.

Blending art and academics, the student chapter of the American Welding Society offered this rose bouquet and vase.

A number of birdhouses, bearing a woodburned college brand on the backside, were handcrafted by Women in Construction.

A big-ticket item is suspended from the library's second floor, attracting attention AND bidders. The kayak was generously donated by Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, to benefit the Student Leader Legacy Scholarship.

The ConCreate Design Club provided a bench/coffee table and end table, both accented to glow in the dark.

Student Anthony F. O'Koren used a CNC router at The Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College to replicate a piece of campus history. The electronics and computer engineering technology major used locally sourced hemlock from an 1830s carriage house to recreate a sign that has graced faculty offices since the '70s.

Prospective bidders register at the front table, eager to join other shoppers on the makeshift auction floor.

Safety first! The axe-throwing event makes a fan-friendly accommodation.

... in launching soccer balls toward an oversized dartboard.

Hard work, soft landing

Footloose students take aim ...

Ryan J. Bohenek, a welding and fabrication engineering technology major from Bloomsburg, makes postwar repairs to "Scrappy."

A determined dogfight

The hum of competition and curiosity fills the Field House air.

Noah Brewer and Sean Clark after battle; their robot's name is "Buckslash."

All eyes on the arena

Anna E. Osieski, of Old Forge, and Tyler M. Immordino, of Lawrence Township, N.J., enjoy the calming company of Winnie, a golden retriever owned by Drew R. Potts, assistant professor of civil engineering technology.

Christine A. Limbert, of Curwensville, snuggles with "Jelly Bean," a reminder of her back-home pooch. The chihuahua is the pet of Angela D. Lowe, a financial aid assistant.

The courtyard is covered with canines!

Welding instructor Timothy S. Turnbach's malamute, Smokey, eyes water and treats ...

... en route to being a well-loved party guest.

Signage points the way.

Basking in finals-prep wisdom from Dumbledore are (clockwise from lower left): Matheu A. Davenport, of Lewisburg; Rossell Burgos, of Hazleton; Christine A. Limbert, of Curwensville; and Nathan I. Tabon, of Allison Park.

Souvenir buttons are emblazoned with names of on-campus housing complexes.

Rudy C. Shadle, a construction management student from Mechanicsburg, flies – or maybe flies off? – the mechanical Quidditch broomstick.

A magician never reveals his secrets ... even as his wallet catches fire.

The familiar figures of Ron, Hermione and Harry hang about the venue.

Davenport pots a mandrake at the succulent station ...

... as do other attendees, including Tabon, a construction management major, and Elias D. Ritter (right), of Willow Grove, an industrial design student.