Fruitful day adds 'satisfied' to accepted students' status

Published 04.25.2022

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Penn College welcomed 59 future Wildcats and their families to Accepted Student Day on Sunday – emphasis on the "sun" – as gorgeous walking-around weather helped guests celebrate "the beginning of something amazing." The day's VIPs checked in at the Field House, then explored campus, made new friends and found an ever-helpful assortment of students and employees. "I am so pleased with the outcome of Accepted Student Day and the hard work put in by so many people," said Melinda D. Heckman, coordinator of admissions events and communications. "The students who visited are on the edge of committing to Penn College, but still had a few questions they needed answered. Judging from the smiles, I think many questions were answered and our Penn College community will grow." Aside from gaining helpful pointers about financial aid, housing, veterans services and coping with those inevitable first-year challenges, visitors were treated to outdoor games and ice cream. Presidential Student Ambassadors also led tours, explaining such traditions as Midnight Breakfast, the annual decorating and lighting of oversized holiday cards, and the fireworks display that caps every Welcome Weekend. "A parent met me in line and wondered aloud if Dr. (Carolyn R.) Strickland was really Mother Nature in disguise," Heckman added, referencing the vice president for enrollment management/associate provost, "since she mentioned personally ordering the perfect weather!"


– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor


A spirited welcome to the day – courtesy of the Penn College Pep Band.

A spirited welcome to the day – courtesy of the Penn College Pep Band.

“I want to become a Penn College Wildcat because ...”

“I want to become a Penn College Wildcat because ...”

Student Ambassador Danielle E. Malesky discusses her construction management major with Aaron A. Almony and his parents, who traveled from Bel Air, Md.

Student Ambassador Danielle E. Malesky discusses her construction management major with Aaron A. Almony and his parents, who traveled from Bel Air, Md.

Prior to the guests’ lunch, President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomes the crowd to campus as Robert A. Luna, Student Government Association president, and Strickland (at left) wait their turns to share enthusiasm and insights.

Prior to the guests’ lunch, President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomes the crowd to campus as Robert A. Luna, Student Government Association president, and Strickland (at left) wait their turns to share enthusiasm and insights.

Penn College Bound! Celian E. Medina and his father make a memory. Medina, from Hackettstown, N.J., is interested in construction management. The family was one of a dozen to attend from out of state.

Penn College Bound! Celian E. Medina and his father make a memory. Medina, from Hackettstown, N.J., is interested in construction management. The family was one of a dozen to attend from out of state.

Strickland lends a helping hand to capture the moment for Mateo Pretto and his father, who made the trip from Rocky Hill, N.J. Pretto is eying automotive technology.

Strickland lends a helping hand to capture the moment for Mateo Pretto and his father, who made the trip from Rocky Hill, N.J. Pretto is eying automotive technology.

Receiving an assist from her little sis is Trinity R. Vanlue, of Altoona, who is exploring pre-dental hygiene enrollment.

Receiving an assist from her little sis is Trinity R. Vanlue, of Altoona, who is exploring pre-dental hygiene enrollment.

Admissions counselor Andrea R. Schredl helps Shy I. Ehrgood and her mother. Ehrgood, from Reading, is considering a pre-nursing path.

Admissions counselor Andrea R. Schredl helps Shy I. Ehrgood and her mother. Ehrgood, from Reading, is considering a pre-nursing path.

Joining in the fun with Strickland are Student Ambassadors Eryn L. Nichols (left) and Lauryn A. Stauffer, all of whom provided welcoming smiles and guidance throughout the afternoon.

Joining in the fun with Strickland are Student Ambassadors Eryn L. Nichols (left) and Lauryn A. Stauffer, all of whom provided welcoming smiles and guidance throughout the afternoon.

Student Ambassador Sophia B. Wiest leads a “Traditions Tour” along the campus mall. This stop features the Veterans Fountain, dyed blue every Homecoming and Parent & Family Weekend to show the campus's Wildcat pride.

Student Ambassador Sophia B. Wiest leads a “Traditions Tour” along the campus mall. This stop features the Veterans Fountain, dyed blue every Homecoming and Parent & Family Weekend to show the campus's Wildcat pride.

Zackary L. Sheaffer (right) ponders his answer to a question on the ball he just caught, as he and his younger brother (center) good-naturedly participate in activities facilitated by the Human Services & Restorative Justice Club outside the Bush Campus Center. At left, Alex J. Esposito looks on. Sheaffer, of Oxford, N.J., is interested in robotics & automation; Esposito, from Orbisonia, is considering welding.

Zackary L. Sheaffer (right) ponders his answer to a question on the ball he just caught, as he and his younger brother (center) good-naturedly participate in activities facilitated by the Human Services & Restorative Justice Club outside the Bush Campus Center. At left, Alex J. Esposito looks on. Sheaffer, of Oxford, N.J., is interested in robotics & automation; Esposito, from Orbisonia, is considering welding.

The campus rolled out the spring-blooming carpet for the occasion – with a side dish of ice cream.

The campus rolled out the spring-blooming carpet for the occasion – with a side dish of ice cream.

Families catch some shade and laughter while enjoying their sweet treats at the front of the CC.

Families catch some shade and laughter while enjoying their sweet treats at the front of the CC.

Sarah L. Pennay and her mother consider Wildcat merchandise available in The College Store. Pennay, of Liverpool, is pondering the nursing major.

Sarah L. Pennay and her mother consider Wildcat merchandise available in The College Store. Pennay, of Liverpool, is pondering the nursing major.

With five individual tables and staff members ready to help, Financial Aid was on hand in CC Commons. Here, Jessica S. Hunter (center), director of financial aid, offers her expertise.

With five individual tables and staff members ready to help, Financial Aid was on hand in CC Commons. Here, Jessica S. Hunter (center), director of financial aid, offers her expertise.

“Wildcat!” this youngster yelled, as she spotted the college mascot in the CC lobby and – after handing off her ice cream cone – ran for hugs and high-fives.

“Wildcat!” this youngster yelled, as she spotted the college mascot in the CC lobby and – after handing off her ice cream cone – ran for hugs and high-fives.

With feline forwardness, the campus cat cuts in line at the cupcake counter ...

With feline forwardness, the campus cat cuts in line at the cupcake counter ...

... then engages in a photo op with Brandon R. Lewis and his mother, while Erica Reichenbach, owner/baker with The Miss Cupcake, joins in from her window. Lewis, of Dunmore, is looking into diesel technology.

... then engages in a photo op with Brandon R. Lewis and his mother, while Erica Reichenbach, owner/baker with The Miss Cupcake, joins in from her window. Lewis, of Dunmore, is looking into diesel technology.

Throop resident Devon P. Budzinski, interested in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis and playing on the Penn College baseball team, was excited to

Throop resident Devon P. Budzinski, interested in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis and playing on the Penn College baseball team, was excited to "hang loose" with the Wildcat.