Photo Blog Among New Social Media Efforts at Penn College

Published 03.05.2014

News

A photo blog celebrating the people of Pennsylvania College of Technology has been launched by the college.

One College Family,” a collection of short profiles of students, alumni and employees, was inspired by the popular “Humans of New York” photo blog featuring portraits gathered in New York City.

“I’m a big fan of 'Humans of New York' and the amazing connections and outreach it has, and I felt a similar project could be created here at Penn College,” said Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor. “I hope One College Family will be another way of capturing and showcasing the energy of our fascinating and incredibly talented students, alumni, faculty and staff.”



Elaina G. Stone, a general studies student from Williamsport, stands on the campus mall, adorned in a hand-knit "candy corn" scarf, in this photo from the One College Family blog.The name, One College Family, complements the college’s magazine, One College Avenue, and is a nod to the inclusive nature among students, alumni and employees, as well as the connection of Penn College with its predecessor institutions, Williamsport Area Community College and Williamsport Technical Institute.

Life is quadruply (and appropriately) good for award-winning welding instructor Ryan P. Good, posing in the Avco-Lycoming Metal Trades Center hallway with his wife, toddler and twin daughters.“We hear so often from students, former students, their parents and employees that it feels like a ‘family’ here on campus,” Meixel said. “We’re hoping One College Family will serve as a window into that world.”

Among the Penn College people featured in the launch is a welding faculty member being visited on campus by his young family; two members of the men’s soccer team, who met as young boys playing the game in their native Trinidad, and who unexpectedly ran into each other again on campus; and a Williamsport Technical Institute alumnus who has enjoyed a lifelong career as a plumber.

One College Family will be updated weekly with portraits and commentary from members of the college community. Residing on Tumblr, a blogging and social networking website, the new photo blog will also be shared via numerous Penn College social media channels.

The college has an active presence on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, with a main college page, as well as other pages specializing in support services including Alumni Relations and Student Activities.

Williamsport Technical Institute alumnus Ralph Mills ('58, plumbing) shares why he enjoys attending WTI reunions.Recent additions to the college’s social media mix include Twitter and Instagram channels for Wildcat Athletics, a 10,000-user strong LinkedIn University presence, and new pages on Pinterest and Google+.

Wildcat student-athletes Tarik LaRoche and John-Michael Sabga, who played soccer together as boys in their native Trinidad, unexpectedly reunited at Penn College.“We’re building real, long-term connections celebrating students, alumni, faculty and staff and learning new ways to provide utility,” said Carlos Ramos, web designer/interactive media strategist. “Even President Davie Jane Gilmour is giving Twitter a shot. It’s an exciting time for Penn College in social communications!”

Throughout 2014, Penn College is celebrating its Centennial, marking 100 years as an educational institution with a national reputation.

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