Penn College Homecoming Offers Full Slate of Activities

Published 09.26.2014

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Themed “Then … Now … Forever Proud,” Centennial Homecoming at Pennsylvania College of Technology invites alumni back to their alma mater Oct. 10-12.

2014 marks the 100th anniversary of education on Penn College’s campus. In November 1914, the Williamsport Sun-Gazette reported that 15,000 people attended a three-day celebration to mark the dedication of the city’s new high school building – now Penn College’s Klump Academic Center.

The community is again invited to join the celebration: a three-day Homecoming Carnival on the Madigan Library lawn near the main entrance. The carnival opens Friday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m.

From adult education classes held in the new high school’s shops grew Williamsport Technical Institute, which became Williamsport Area Community College and, 25 years ago, Pennsylvania College of Technology, a special mission affiliate of Penn State.

From those roots, a culture of statewide and national leadership in applied technology education and workforce development has blossomed. Homecoming provides an opportunity for alumni and students alike to reminisce on their place in the college’s rich history – and to join with students in ongoing traditions.



The college is planning reunions for alumni who were academic tutors, those who were enrolled in welding majors, and those from the School of Construction & Design Technologies, as well as the first reunion for all alumni of WACC.

The Saturday afternoon WACC Reunion will feature a presentation on WACC history, with a panel discussion by faculty from that era (1965-89), as well as campus tours.

For early arrivers and those already in town, the college will host its annual “David London My Last Words Lecture” on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. This year’s speaker is Jacob R. Miller, associate professor of computer information technology.

Artwork created by students and alumni will play a large role in the milestone celebration. “Student Bodies,” an outdoor metal-art installation, will be dedicated as part of the Welding Reunion on Friday, Oct. 10. The installation along the Susquehanna Street walking mall features abstract figures by welding faculty lecturer Michael K. Patterson, ’77, and welding students.

From 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 10, The Gallery at Penn College will host an opening reception for “100 Works!” The juried exhibition showcases works by alumni, students, retirees and employees. Awards will be announced at 6 p.m.

Other Friday activities include the Athletic Hall of Fame induction banquet, a reception for contributors to and recipients of the Next Centennial Scholarship, a one-mile “glow run” and yoga session, sponsored by the Penn College chapter of Running Without ED (eating disorders), as well the college’s traditional Homecoming bonfire, featuring live music.

Events on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 11, include the Fourth Annual Alumni Golf Outing at White Deer Golf Course, an alumni/student Ultimate match, and a Centennial Car & Truck Show hosted by the college’s Diesel Performance Club.

Saturday evening features Oktoberfest, led by faculty and students in hospitality management and culinary arts, as well as Campus Quizzo and, for students, a Homecoming Dance. In addition, alumni can receive discounted tickets to the Community Arts Center’s Kansas concert. A promo code is available on the college’s Homecoming website.

Homecoming concludes Sunday, Oct. 12, with the School of Construction & Design Technologies Reunion.

For the full schedule – and to register for events – visit the Homecoming website, or email or call Alumni Relations at 1-877-PCT-ALUM (toll-free) or 570-326-3761 ext. 7023.

For more about the college, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.