Twelve accepted students from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York attended the first “Spend the Night at Penn College” program Feb. 22-23, getting a more complete picture of student life than is afforded by a more concentrated visit. “It was a great experience for the prospective students,” said Joseph J. Balduino, the college’s director of recruitment. Young men and women touring college campuses are used to hearing about academics, he noted, but an overnight taste of campus housing, food and activities shows that student life outside the classroom can be just as rewarding as it is inside.

–  Photos by Marc T. Kaylor, student photographer

A family is welcomed at check-in by Resident Assistant Dana M. Ritter (left) and Kas A. Williams, Residence Life coordinator (right). Ritter, of Walden, N.Y., is enrolled in the residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration major.

Equipped for an overnight stay, guests report to Dauphin Hall.

Families relax in a downstairs lounge with Resident Assistant Erin T. Wise, a pre-dental hygiene student from Lancaster (left).

Shane P. Scannell, of Hatboro, an RA and host student for the “Spend the Night” program, greets his assigned family. Scannell is a building science and sustainable design: building construction technology concentration major.

All smiles: A prospective student relishes her Penn College adventure.

Joseph J. Balduino, director of recruitment, welcomes campus guests.

Eugene M. McAvoy, dean of academic services and first year programs, shares his insight.

Putting the college’s weekend guests at ease are President Davie Jane Gilmour (left) and Crissy L. McGinness, director of dining services.

Red-shirted RAs break bread with student prospects in the Capitol Eatery.

A presentation by Elliott Strickland Jr., chief student affairs officer

Tempting desserts, prepared by Dining Services bakers Cindy M. Jordan and Tammy A. Braun

A collective batle of wits in the CC Commons “Quizzo” arena

Helping at check-in is RA Brent K. Hey, of Chambersburg, majoring in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.