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
As faculty march to the stage, anticipation and fulfillment blend on a student’s radiant face. 
Amanda N. Suda shares an appropriate message as she earns an associate degree in landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis …
… 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. 
Mertes takes the stage as class representative.
Nursing grad Rachel J. Cressman is upstaged by her son during their moment with President Gilmour.
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.
Flynn delivers her Master Teacher address – including humor related to her fears of delivering the speech
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.
Two of Penn College’s newest alumni are wrapped in an energetically woven blanket of familial pride.
Timothy W. Brooks laughs with his daughter as she delightedly plays with his graduate tassel. Brooks, of Trout Run, graduated in building construction technology.
Smiles are contagious and inevitable on graduation day.
A downtown showcase gets even showier during the holidays.
Carol A. Lugg, dean of construction and design technologies, with Caleb G. Schirmer, one of the day’s alumni volunteers
Student veteran and accounting graduate Chyanne N. Mattern, of Williamsport, marks the moment with an encouraging entourage.
A fashionable bow tie perfectly accents the red, white and blue honor cord worn by this grad … 
… among the student veterans congratulated by the president.
Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, greets the newest members of the Class of 2018 and their supporters.
Jackson acknowledges the support and encouragement from the college and her family.
An adult learner pauses for a presidential handshake before starting the next chapter of her work-in-progress.
Another mortarboard gives voice to gratitude.
Soon-to-be-grads add body English to the statement they’ll soon make with their “degrees that work.”
Hundreds of handshakes don’t diminish the unique power of each and every one.
Basking under the glow of the marquee, Bellefonte resident Matthew C. Querns poses for a photo with his family … 
… not long after confidently striding across the stage to claim his associate degree in forest technology.
Applauding the college family’s servicemen and women
James C. Hendrie, who would later graduate in software development and information management, awaits the procession from The Genetti Hotel.
Tree lights dance around a CAC ornament.
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.
A selfie with Joseph A. Eirmann, of Bellefonte, who graduated in machine tool technology, seizes the moment.
A reflective storefront provides double vision of a singular event.
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.
The grandeur of the Arts Center extends into the loge and balcony, where an overflow crowd cheers its loved ones.
Gathering with well-wishers is Ethan M. Yoder, a software development and information management major.
Ashley C. Neary gives her supportive son a smooch. Neary, of Williamsport, graduated in legal assistant-paralegal studies.
Decorations add to the warmth of the ceremony.
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.
Colossal dreams bear fruit under the CAC marquee.
A grad favorite: laughing at classmates’ on-screen antics as the camera pans the crowd
Making a mobile memory
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. 
A horticulture grad adds pine to the pomp, seasonally dressing up her cap with mountain greenery.
A silent shout-out from the stage
Downtown streets and dapper students, equally dressed for holiday-week festivities
Acknowledging the canine catalyst for success
Sealing the deal
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.
Anson T. Spisak, of Corning, N.Y., receiving associate degrees in on-site power generation and diesel technology
Pomp and sincerity: A heartfelt hug punctuates a milestone event.
Riley H. Hengler (foreground), of South Williamsport, who received a bachelor’s in accounting, rises with classmates and guests …
… to sing the alma mater, guided by lyrics projected overhead.
New electrical technology alumni, ready to energize the workforce
Rockin’ in the free world!
Don’t let the “18” fool you: Penn College’s graduates are No. 1!
Striking a triumphant pose is Ethan D. Rosler, a welding and fabrication engineering technology graduate from Bloomsburg. 
Welcome, indeed. We’re glad you’re here, graduates!
A banking and finance grad’s cap takes a bullish look at the road ahead.
An associate-degree graduate looks to faculty mentors upstairs.
Johnson joined the president in an enthusiastic tribute to each graduate’s achievement.
Santa’s watching … but no worries. Saturday’s event was awash in “nice.”
Luke B. Walter savors celebration with his grandparents. Walter, of Millmont, graduated in welding technology.
Green-and-gold grace notes
The ever-majestic Community Arts Center, in the midst of its 25th anniversary
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