Penn College to Hold Three Commencement Ceremonies May 13-14

Three commencement ceremonies will be offered May 13-14 at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport for nearly 950 students who have petitioned to graduate from Pennsylvania College of Technology following the Spring 2011 semester.

At 3 p.m. on Friday, May 13, a ceremony will be offered for students from the schools of Construction and Design Technologies and Health Sciences.

On Saturday, May 14, two ceremonies will be held. At 10 a.m., a ceremony will be offered for students from the schools of Business and Computer Technologies, Hospitality, and Transportation Technology. At 1:30 p.m., a ceremony will be offered for students from the schools of Industrial and Engineering Technologies, Integrated Studies, and Natural Resources Management.

The student speaker for the May 13 ceremony is Adam J. Yoder, of Allensville, who will receive a bachelor's degree in building automation technology.

Speaking at the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 14 is Sarah R. Shott, of Tresckow, who will receive a bachelor's degree in information technology: web and applications development.

The student speaker for the 1:30 p.m. ceremony on May 14 is Kevin T. Werkheiser, of Northampton, who will receive a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering technology.

Yoder has been selected to receive the President's Award for leadership and service to the college. He was also named Student Leader of the Year for 2009-10 and is a graduate of the Presidential Leadership Program. He earned associate degrees in electrical technology and electromechanical maintenance technology in 2008. Yoder has served as Student Government Association president, a Presidential Student Ambassador, a student representative to College Council and a Community Assistant. He has served on the Student Admissions and Support Committee to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Steering Committee and on the Foundations of Excellence Diversity Committee at the college.

Shott has served as a Senior Resident Assistant, a Dining Services Student Liaison and a Connections Link (students hired to assist with coordination and implementation of the college's orientation program). She is a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary. She was honored as an Awesome Women Exemplar at Penn College and has participated as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity through the college's Alternative Spring Break for the past three years. She also sits on the college's Judicial Council and has been involved with the Student Government Association.

Werkheiser is a member of the Penn College Student Chapter 287 of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He has served as president of the college's SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Baja team, which designs, builds and races off-road vehicles in national competition. He participated in the Presidential Leadership Conference, and he has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

During the ceremonies, the college will bestow Distinguished Alumnus and Alumni Achievement awards. In addition, Excellence in Teaching Awards will be presented to faculty.

Degrees will be conferred by Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour, assisted by Board of Directors Chairman Robert E. Dunham.

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