Fourteenth Annual WTI Reunion Coincides With College's '14 Centennial

− Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

Arthur Mann ('65, mechanical drafting) reaches across the years (and around a welcome sign) in a not-quite-possible attempt to put "bunny ears" behind the head of his former instructor Chalmer Van Horn, an emeritus professor of drafting.

Richard Miller ('51, automotive) talks with automotive toolroom attendant James W. Daniels about procedures and the tools signed out by students. Daniels is a 2011 forest technology graduate and a senior in technology management.

Brett A. Reasner (in sunglasses), assistant dean of transportation and natural resources technologies, and Barry R. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement, chat with alums (from left) George Gresock ('62, electronics technology) and Earl Shive ('50, radio communications and electronics).

Marlyn Stauffer ('63, mechanical drafting) and wife, Darlene, enjoy the History Trail marker in front of the PDC.

At left, WTI graduate Dyson Crownover ('60 electronics technology) and Vernon Winebark, right ('62, heavy construction equipment) talk with current students: from left, Austin J. Mills, diesel technology; Luke L. Snyder, building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration; and Cory M. Callihan, building automation technology: heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology concentration. Crownover told the students he paid $55 in cash for tuition every month, stayed at the YMCA for $6 a week (free on Sundays) and lived on lebanon bologna and peanut butter for the two years of his schooling. He also drove a 1950 Dodge to his classes in the "trolley barn."

Al Light (center), of Williamsport, owner of the 1936 Cord 801 Phaeton, talks with the alums ...

Paul Schriner, an alumnus who retired in 2001 after more than three decades of teaching, has enjoyed traveling − but admits to still missing his welding students.

From left, Walter Doebler ('62 pattern making-wood) and Gordon Shadle ('58, machining) discuss the classic features of an antique vehicle.

... about a vehicle with the locally distinctive "Powered by Lycoming" emblem.

Winfield Tannehill ('57, graphic arts) and his wife, Dorothy, peek through one of the vintage cars on display in conjunction with the Automotive Centennial next-door.

As the festivities draw to a close, Jennifer L. McCracken, general merchandise specialist, rings up purchases on The College Store traveling register.

A special photo in this Centennial year: the institution's earliest graduates, assembled outside the PDC.

Those moving through the buffet line in the PDC atrium include 2002 faculty retiree Dale Metzker ('62, offset and letterpress printing) and wife, Sally, just behind him.

A picture worth several mouthwatering bites: generous "slivers" of cheesecake, served as the finale dessert

Hats, shirts, pennants and Centennial mugs adorn a table of WTI memorabilia.

... and presents an early birthday gift to John Quay ('52, electrical construction) who will turn 89 in August and who attended with his daughter, Adria.

Shaner recognizes Albert Kraemer ('49, neon fabrication) as the earliest alum in attendance ...

Nearly 80 alumni and guests fill the Thompson Professional Development Center.

Tammy M. Rich warms up the crowd with a lineup of fun facts from "back then," getting a laugh − and a few groans − with a reminder that gasoline was 31 cents a gallon in 1960.

Talking shop, from left, are, John Dolan ('63, draftsman mechanical), Robert Schloder ('67 electrical technology), and business management alumnus Ronald Andrews.

Marcus Hodge, a 1959 graduate in structural drafting, who enjoyed a long career in PennDOT's bridge division, converses with Chalmer Van Horn ('58, mechanical drafting), who was applauded for establishing two scholarship funds at the college. Hodge attended with his wife, Ruth.

WTI alumni received Centennial books as gifts.

Accounting alumnus Robert Winder and his wife, Judith, ('63, secretarial, and longtime college employee) enjoy a laugh at their table. At right is Shirley Schriner, a former college secretary, who accompanied her husband, Paul, a 1963 welding graduate and former faculty member.

Vernon Winebark ('62, heavy construction equipment) with Tammy M. Rich, director of alumni relations

William Frick ('55, auto mechanics) sports a Williamsport Technical Institute baseball hat and chats with Jon Engel ('60, electrical).

Checking in with Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations specialist, are, from left, Dyson Crownover ('60, electronics technology) and Paul Doud ('66, electrical instrumentation technician) and wife, Virginia.

It was brisk business for The College Store's traveling WTI memorabilia table, with V. Wallace Centi ('60, carpentry and machinist), and wife, Priscilla, purchasing items from student Kendel F. Baier, part-time stock clerk/cashier.