Freeze-framing a day to remember

Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Fall 2018 commencement on Saturday, Dec. 22, in the Community Arts Center, bringing down the curtain − as winter officially arrives and the new year nears − on another season of academic success. The student speaker was Katherine Lynne Mertes, of Williamsport, who was awarded a bachelor’s degree in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration. Also addressing the Class of '18 was Joanna K. Flynn, associate professor of mathematics, who was presented with the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award in May. Civil engineering technology alumna Margaret A. Jackson received the Alumni Achievement Award during the ceremony, at which more than 300 degrees were conferred by college President Davie Jane Gilmour and Steven P. Johnson, president of UPMC Susquehanna and a member of the college’s Board of Directors.

− Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

The alumni honoree, with her husband, Justin J., – a 2006 civil engineering graduate – their four children and their parents

Applied management graduate Efrem K. Foster added "President's Award" to his impressive record of service to campus and country.

A banking and finance grad's cap takes a bullish look at the road ahead.

Soon-to-be-grads add body English to the statement they'll soon make with their "degrees that work."

New electrical technology alumni, ready to energize the workforce

Downtown streets and dapper students, equally dressed for holiday-week festivities

Acknowledging the canine catalyst for success

A fashionable bow tie perfectly accents the red, white and blue honor cord worn by this grad ...

The ever-majestic Community Arts Center, in the midst of its 25th anniversary

Smiles are contagious and inevitable on graduation day.

A silent shout-out from the stage

Hundreds of handshakes don't diminish the unique power of each and every one.

Another mortarboard gives voice to gratitude.

A backward glance to those who accompanied her on an auspicious journey

Nursing grad Rachel J. Cressman is upstaged by her son during their moment with President Gilmour.

Making a mobile memory

... to sing the alma mater, guided by lyrics projected overhead.

Riley H. Hengler (foreground), of South Williamsport, who received a bachelor's in accounting, rises with classmates and guests ...

The final two faculty to leave the stage did so with seasonal flair: Tom Zimmerman (in green cap) and Chef Paul Mach (in Santa hat), his cane decked out with colored lights.

A grad favorite: laughing at classmates' on-screen antics as the camera pans the crowd

Colossal dreams bear fruit under the CAC marquee.

Pomp and sincerity: A heartfelt hug punctuates a milestone event.

As faculty march to the stage, anticipation and fulfillment blend on a student's radiant face.

Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, greets the newest members of the Class of 2018 and their supporters.

Flynn delivers her Master Teacher address – including humor related to her fears of delivering the speech

Mertes takes the stage as class representative.

Jackson acknowledges the support and encouragement from the college and her family.

Applauding the college family's servicemen and women

An adult learner pauses for a presidential handshake before starting the next chapter of her work-in-progress.

Johnson joined the president in an enthusiastic tribute to each graduate's achievement.

Sealing the deal

... among the student veterans congratulated by the president.

Anson T. Spisak, of Corning, N.Y., receiving associate degrees in on-site power generation and diesel technology

Rockin' in the free world!

Veteran “brothers” Clinton A. Meyer (left), of Turbotville, and Ryan J. Sweitzer, of Burnham, both received bachelor degrees in software development and information management and minors in web technology.

Troyleon R. Mann received dual degrees and dual honors! Graduating with associate degrees in diesel technology and on-site power generation, he received the Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award and the Earth Science Center Service Award.

Kaitlyn M. Nasdeo, of Williamsport, celebrates postceremony with friends. She earned a degree in business administration: sport and event management concentration.

Luke B. Walter savors celebration with his grandparents. Walter, of Millmont, graduated in welding technology.

Student veteran and accounting graduate Chyanne N. Mattern, of Williamsport, marks the moment with an encouraging entourage.

Basking under the glow of the marquee, Bellefonte resident Matthew C. Querns poses for a photo with his family ...

Goodharts in good spirits! Connor T. Goodhart, of Chambersburg, celebrates with his family, including his brother Logan B. (far right), who graduated in May from manufacturing engineering technology.

Striking a triumphant pose is Ethan D. Rosler, a welding and fabrication engineering technology graduate from Bloomsburg.

The outer lobby of the Community Arts Center makes a distinguished setting for photos of Seth J. Balkey and family. Balkey, of State College, earned a degree in applied technology studies.

Snuggling close on a chilly December day are nursing graduate Nicole M. Youngcourt and family. Youngcourt hails from Drums.

Alexis L. Kepley’s cap was decorated to honor her boyfriend, a U.S. Navy serviceman who was unable to attend. Kepley, of Reading, added a bachelor’s degree in applied management to the baking and pastry arts degree she earned in 2017.

... not long after confidently striding across the stage to claim his associate degree in forest technology.

Amanda N. Suda shares an appropriate message as she earns an associate degree in landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis ...

James C. Hendrie, who would later graduate in software development and information management, awaits the procession from The Genetti Hotel.

... and rises to the occasion with a little help from her friend, Alyssa E. Sickler, a new bachelor-degree alum in business administration: management concentration.

A horticulture grad adds pine to the pomp, seasonally dressing up her cap with mountain greenery.

Fledgling grads gather in the hotel lobby for the procession.

Don't let the "18" fool you: Penn College's graduates are No. 1!

Santa's watching ... but no worries. Saturday's event was awash in "nice."

Welcome, indeed. We're glad you're here, graduates!

Reveling in the day's merry mood

A reflective storefront provides double vision of a singular event.

Carol A. Lugg, dean of construction and design technologies, with Caleb G. Schirmer, one of the day's alumni volunteers

An associate-degree graduate looks to faculty mentors upstairs.

Decorations add to the warmth of the ceremony.

A downtown showcase gets even showier during the holidays.

The grandeur of the Arts Center extends into the loge and balcony, where an overflow crowd cheers its loved ones.

Tree lights dance around a CAC ornament.

Passing through the holiday-adorned theater lobby

Green-and-gold grace notes

Gathering with well-wishers is Ethan M. Yoder, a software development and information management major.

Saying "Aloha" to an exciting tomorrow is Timothy L. Pegg, of Lexington Park, Md., commemorating the day with his parents. Pegg, who graduated in welding and fabrication engineering technology, wore a stunning lei made of dollar bills, crafted by a Hawaiian-born friend of his mother's.

Two of Penn College's newest alumni are wrapped in an energetically woven blanket of familial pride.

A selfie with Joseph A. Eirmann, of Bellefonte, who graduated in machine tool technology, seizes the moment.

Ashley C. Neary gives her supportive son a smooch. Neary, of Williamsport, graduated in legal assistant-paralegal studies.

Timothy W. Brooks laughs with his daughter as she delightedly plays with his graduate tassel. Brooks, of Trout Run, graduated in building construction technology.