Whatever vestiges of winter lingered in the air and in the forecast, Saturday’s Open House visitors found abundant warmth in the amity and assistance of Penn College students, faculty/staff and alumni. The campus community helped potential students and their families process a seemingly overwhelming amount of information, putting into manageable and easy-to-understand form all the reasons why enrollment at a national exemplar could be one of the best decisions they make.

– Photos by student photographers Caleb G. Schirmer, Tia G. La and Zachery T. Kane

Presidential Student Ambassador Maggie K. Calkins offers a helpful start to the day during check-in at the Field House.

Incoming first-year student Alanah F. Abrahams (left), of Monroe, N.Y., attends Open House with her family.

Appropriately stationed in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, culinary arts and systems major Jessica N. Felton, of State College, talks hospitality careers.

Efficient and informed volunteers make check-in a breeze, allowing families to hit the ground running in their quest for a “degree that works.”

Gregory M. Duval (left), who earned associate degrees last year in diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar emphasis, reunites with Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of transportation and natural resources technologies.

Is there a more learned and candid point of view than the student perspective?

The Penn College student chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers – among the nationally recognized trade organizations within the School of Construction & Design Technologies – is a prime example of the college’s widespread reputation.

President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomes guests to an overview session in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium.

Exploring the fields of fitness and exercise science in Bardo Gymnasium

Even when the wind blew and sun periodically ducked behind the rain clouds, this colorful tree outside the Academic Center reminded passersby that this was SPRING Open House.

Andrew J. Distabile, of Flemington, N.J., confidently explains his building automation technology major …

… as does Terrence J. Shellock, of Weatherly, for the electrical technology concentration.

Travelers to the Schneebeli Earth Science Center south of main campus find a versatile source of information in John D. Motto: part-time faculty member, alumnus, current student and employed diesel technician.

Gerri F. Luke, dean of business and hospitality, offers an overview of the majors within her purview, a scene repeated in the college’s five other academic schools.

Ambassador Ryan Monteleone and Mallory L. Weymer, coordinator of student health and wellness education/suicide prevention specialist, playfully show off essential Open House swag: an activity guide and a convenient carry-all for information gathered throughout the day.

Resident Assistant Arley D. Urton is a welcoming presence for those touring on-campus housing.

Katie M. Weakland (left), a baking and pastry arts major from Pennsylvania Furnace, and Rebekah L. Caretti, of Weedville, enrolled in dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration, get an eyeful at a library display of student-created wedding cakes.

Open House visitors learned about the legal assistant/paralegal studies majors in an appropriate setting: the mock-trial courtroom on the second floor of the Academic Center.

The success and hard work of the Baja SAE team are detailed by Nathan M. Eckstein, of Cambridge Springs, enrolled in manufacturing engineering technology.

Amid shadows playing in the on-again, off-again sunshine, Presidential Student Ambassador Michelle D. Kachik enlightens a tour group.

Pausing for refreshment

Steven J. Moff, a Penn College business professor and owner of off-site student housing, joins Katie L. Mackey, coordinator of off-campus living and commuter services, in Madigan Library, where local landlords could meet with prospective tenants.

The Parkes Automotive Technology Center was home to a Mustang chassis dynamometer demonstration.

Dining Services’ Zachary R. Althouse tends to hungry patrons of CC Commons, among 10 lunch locations on the day.

Encouraging community-service opportunities such as the Students Making a Contribution organization are early childhood education major Lesley M. Bonnell (left), and Lacey M. Watson, enrolled in the college’s new business administration: sport and event management concentration.

Wildcat archery coach Chad L. Karstetter talks with an interested family in the Bush Campus Center TV Lounge.

Ambassadors Logan M. Tubiello, Stephanie M. Puckly (center) and Victoria L. Kostecki stand ready to assist …

… with a brief respite for a selfie with Bradley G. Willis, of Phillipsburg, N.J., a heating, ventilation and air conditioning design technology major.

The wide-open possibilities in gaming, simulation and computer programming are shared by Anita R. Wood, associate professor of computer information technology.

Opportunities in the college’s physical therapist assistant major are outlined by Nancy E. Wood, director.

A colorful conversation starter gives Jeffrey M. Januchowski, assistant professor of automotive technology, an opportunity to talk about the Ford ASSET major and the doors it opens for trained service technicians.

Representative of Penn College active student organizations – many rooted in academic majors – are these members of the Diesel Performance Technicians Association.

Ambassador Bryan M. Behm knowledgeably ensures that Open House families hit the highlights and get their questions answered.

Brian D. Walton, assistant dean of business and hospitality

Reppin’ for Residence Life!

Faculty member Brad R. Conklin provides a tour of the refrigeration lab.

Ambassador Victoria L. Kostecki lends her guiding hand to a guest eager to reach his next destination.

The brothers of Phi Mu Delta, one of the college’s three fraternities, happily represent Greek Life at a Campus Life Involvement Fair.

Kathy L. Wentzler, workforce development consultant, and Mary Lee L. Kelly, counselor, readily lend smiles and insight.

Cyber security student Zachary L. Lundberg, of Warren, talks “ethical hacking” and other pursuits explored in his major and through the Information Security Association.

Mark A. Trueman, director of paramedic technology programs, shares his experience.

Erich R. Doebler, laboratory assistant for forest technology, lends a hand in the college sawmill …

… while a fleet of related equipment stands ready to demonstrate its usefulness.

Melanie A. Scaife, secretary to Residence Life at Rose Street Commons, is no stranger to answering questions from potential students and parents alike.

RA Trevor A. Schaeffer leads a tour of student housing.

Among the day’s helpful alumni is Daniel H. Mohlenhoff, a 2011 diesel technology graduate.

Robin S. Enderle (left), secretary to the chief student affairs officer, and Ambassador Katelyn A. Wertz are among the day’s friendly faces.

Tutoring and mentoring services offered through the Academic Success Center were explained in the Student & Administrative Services Center.

Bill J. Bashista Jr., diesel equipment technology instructor, leads a laboratory tour.

A family gets individualized attention from Thomas C. Heffner, assistant dean of sciences, humanities and visual communications: programs.

Admissions representative Sean M. Stout details many of the advantages of Penn College enrollment.

An Open House visitor reviews curriculum with Christine N. Kessler (left), associate professor of physician assistant.

Displaying the “drag truck” is David S. Miller, of Hallstead, a dual major in diesel/power generation.

Emergency medical services student Loren M. Newman, of Wingate, talks with a visitor.