Spring Commencement: A Mid-May Extravaganza of Emotion

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer;
Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor; and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

Longtime CAC volunteer Lou Hunsinger was on duty at all three ceremonies. The military veteran, a 1959 graduate in business management, was among the earliest members of what would become the institution's student government and alumni associations.

The stage is set … and ready for the next “Penn College Stars.”

Diploma holders await their distinguished recipients in a distinctive setting.

As a Penn College student, Wisner met his wife, Katia, during a two-week study abroad exchange at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Toluca, Mexico. They now reside in Georgia with their daughter, Elsa.

Wisner enjoys a pre-ceremony laugh with Cotner, one of his former academic mentors.

Williams’ grad cap – complete with John Deere ribbon

Roses await purchase on a table outside the Arts Center.

Volunteer usher Janet Harrison makes a last-minute rose sale. Harrison said she’s the proud grandmother of two Penn College alumni.

The special event gets "six thumbs up" from applied technology studies graduates (from left) Emily T. Camerer, Johnathan T. Capps and Ryan Monteleone. Capps also holds a degree in mechatronics engineering technology, earned in 2016.

Men in Black, ready to take on The Universe

One Way to Commencement!

Nathaniel F. Piper, of Halifax – who earned degrees in mechatronics engineering technology and renewable energy technologies – says he’s “contemplating his future.”

A STEM patch designates a National Science Foundation-funded Tech Scholar in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics-related field.

Three-time graduate Christopher J. Morrin shakes the hand of Penn College Police Officer Justin M. Hakes. Already the achiever of degrees in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology and building automation technology, Morrin’s degree of the day was in electrical technology.

Happiness bursts forth

Satisfaction reigns on a sunny Friday.

A female veteran, one of the college's more than 400 servicemen and women in its student body, beams with the pride of achievement.

Davie Jane Gilmour marks her 20-year anniversary as president of Penn College, commenting on the privilege of serving in that post.

A mortarboard message of positivity and purpose

Graduates wave to the president as she takes the first “official” cellphone photo of the day (and encourages others to do likewise).

Williams shares a laugh with Elliott Strickland, vice president for student affairs, who introduced her.

Williams mentioned her hard-working farmer father, and said she hopes to “help farmers in another way” by putting her industrial design degree to work at John Deere.

Andrew S. Wisner accepts his alumni award and shares some wisdom with graduates.

A surprised Edwin G. Owens addresses the audience (along with his joyful and proud dean, Michael J. Reed, at right).

The Master Teacher honoree, in the audience with her son and father, thought she was on hand to honor husband Brian A. Flynn, an assistant professor of graphic design.

A stunned Joanna K. Flynn said anyone who knows her knows she likes “a plan” ... but that receiving the Master Teacher Award was not “the plan” for Friday!

Renewing a commencement rite of passage, the president turns Williams' tassel.

A stage whisper conveys the loud-and-clear message of a job well done.

Roman J. Scicchitano, graduating with a bachelor's in electronics and computer engineering technology, waves to his fan base. He earned a degree in electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis in 2015.

... where he shouted, "We made it!" in shared triumph with classmates.

Sealing the deal made from the outset, a student's hard work results in a promised payoff.

The president is assisted Friday afternoon by John M. Young, a member of the Penn College Board of Directors.

Amidst a standing-room-only crowd, every graduate gets the singular "just between us" treatment.

Bringing it all into focus

An emotional Madison H. Januchowski receives an emergency management technology diploma from her father, Jeffrey M., an assistant professor in automotive technology: Ford ASSET.

Paparazzi in the loge

Taking in the sun and spirit of the day are (from left) welding grads Stone D. Skinkle-Howard, Evan D. Wian and Jacob C. Weller.

Monteleone with his Institutional Advancement and Admissions “family.” From left: Becky J. Shaner, Claire Z. Biggs and Sarah R. Shott.

Following Friday's ceremony, engineering design technology graduate William C. Hayden enjoys one last conversation with instructor Craig A. Miller.

Yahya S. Rumaili holds the day's accessories (which includes a bachelor's degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology).

Evan M. Astley, his parents and sister enjoy a photo op back on campus. He graduated in manufacturing engineering technology and is from Harrison City.

Utilizing the “Student Bodies” creations, crafted by welding students, as a backdrop is Kyle X. Beam and family. Beam earned a degree is welding and fabrication engineering technology.

Registrar’s Office staff member Lizze A. Robinholt, external records evaluator, assists a student checking in at The Genetti.

Craig A. Miller, associate professor of history/political science, photographs human services grads with instructor Deb Q. Bechtel.

Manufacturing engineering technology graduates Lucas P. Crawford, of New Bethlehem, and Luke J. Davies, of Montoursville, join forces in ties that bind.

Plastics and polymer engineering technology student Mohammed Alhussain makes his way to the Community Arts Center ...

A grad beams as the procession rounds the corner to West Fourth Street.

Brandon L. Stover, a welding and fabrication engineering grad from Oil City, expresses the jubilation of the day.

The smiles of graphic design graduates MinhThu H. Nguyen (left), of Montoursville, and Felicia R. Hartzler (right), of Dover, help to light the way to the ceremony.

Camaraderie and easy smiles mark the walk of applied human services graduates to the Community Arts Center.

Kreyanna R. Jackson, an early childhood education graduate from Gillett, processes toward a new chapter.

Smiles abound among early childhood education grad Taylor D. Lang, of Williamsport, and her classmates on the pre-commencement procession up West Fourth Street.

A bedazzled cap matches the forward-thinking glow of early childhood education graduate Jenelle N. Segur, of Canton.

Former Wildcat basketball player Dustin O. Baughman, of Bethlehem, surprised Judy Quinti (right), assistant professor of exercise science, with flowers and a ticket to his commencement ceremony. Quinti developed exercise regimens for Baughman throughout his collegiate career. At left is Baughman’s mother, Trixie.

Manufacturing engineering technology graduate Markus P. Weber, of Port Tobacco, Md., receives congratulations from his grandfather, who received a degree in engineering 63 years ago from The Manhattan College and was pleased to see his grandson follow his footsteps.

Dave R. Cotner, dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies, obliges a request for a photo with Raymond A. Ferki, a plastics and polymer engineering graduate from Richboro.

Michael D. Peterman, of Barto, poses for a photo with his mother.

Codey M. Leh, a welding and fabrication engineering technology graduate from Frenchtown, N.J., hoists a young motivator on his shoulders.

Graphic design graduates Joseph N. Colyer, of Selinsgrove, Morgan L. Royer, of Centre Hall, and Austin L. Fulton, of Montoursville, pose for photos near the college main entrance ...

Saudi students pose for a large group of fans at the college sign.

... followed by a “see-you-again” hug between Royer and Colyer.

The family of Kyra N. Shea, a graphic design graduate from Huntingdon, captures her likeness near a campus landmark.

A proud graduate shows off the day’s treasures at the “PENN COLLEGE” shrubbery.

Drew R. Potts, assistant professor of civil engineering technology, proves that mentoring doesn't end with the semester.

Bookended by Ron E. Kodish, assistant professor, and instructor Emily B. Miller, exercise science students make a memory.

A Saturday procession winds its way through The Genetti Hotel, taking a corner-cutting detour to West Fourth Street due to an insistent rain.

Helpful college employees provide a gauntlet of protection along West Fourth Street.

A balloon bouquet brightens the day.

As the honoree leaves the stage, construction students stand in recognition of Mulfinger's teaching award.

Taking advantage of an all-too-short break in the clouds ...

... families took their love and encouragement into the street.

Building construction technology majors line up for photos in a nearby parking lot, a formidable phalanx of realized potential.

Roy H. Klinger, automotive restoration instructor, with Vanessa Mathurin, a restoration alumna who added a bachelor's in applied management on Saturday

Carl J. Bower Jr. (left), assistant professor of horticulture, alongside the "garden" he helped nurture.

... as well as their schoolmates in the baking and pastry arts major.

In the waning minutes before the Saturday afternoon procession, Tammy M. Rich (left), assistant professor of business administration, management and event management, talks with soon-to-be alumni. From left are Krista L. Watson, a business administration: marketing concentration major (with service dog-in-training Nikko); Luke S. Billman, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis; and Sarah I. Tielmann, baking and pastry arts.

The college's "step and repeat" banners are a popular backdrop for graduation photos, including this group of culinary students on the verge of their next chapter ...

A picture of calm is Caleb E. Cartmell, outgoing president of the Student Government Association, who received a degree in automotive technology management Saturday afternoon.

Landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis major Katherine L. Kahn poses with her father, Barney A. IV, a building construction technology instructor at the college.

Multigenerational encouragement surrounds Wadih C. Azar Jr., a new alumnus in diesel technology.

Chef Paul E. Mach rounds up hospitality grads, opening the window of opportunity for a benevolent invasion by Chef Charles R. Niedermyer II.

Automotive restoration technology grads Kevin S. Kyle (left) and Luke C. Miller are poised to continue their proven success in a unique field.

Marketing grad Alexa R. Kopp celebrates with parents Jaimee L. and Terry L.

Cydney L. Ginter, who graduated in legal assistant/paralegal, is swathed in support outside the Arts Center.

Fresh from a hospitality assignment at the Kentucky Derby and moving to Germany after a few months back home in Erie, Keegan D. Sonney reconnects with her parents after Saturday afternoon's exercises. She earned a bachelor's in applied management, adding to her associate degree in baking and pastry arts.

Graduates and their families riding shuttle buses back to the Bush Campus Center were greeted by this sendoff outside the Student Activities Office.

Kelly Jones Lapetina was inspired by TV's "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," even on a day when Williamsport weather was far less hospitable. (For the record, the applied health studies: surgical technology concentration major IS from Philadelphia!)

Graduates check in with Registrar's Office staff, including Philip G.Berry, external records evaluator, and Karen E. Wright, graduation assistant.

Dental hygiene grads Mikayla A. Krupa (left) and Jessica Zimmerman seize the day, selfie-style.

Apropos the convergence of commencement and Mother's Day weekend, Courtenay M. Rainey graduated with son Henry A. in the same Saturday morning ceremony. A registered nurse at UPMC Susquehanna, she completed her four-year degree online; he earned a bachelor's in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration, and has taken a job in Virginia Beach, Va.

Nursing student Chloe F. DeVillars displays her tasseled toolkit for success.

Radiating some much-needed optimism on a rainy day are Anthony J. DiBucci, building construction technology: masonry concentration, and Gretchen O. Helfrich, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration.

Dental hygiene graduate Mary K. Slipe channels Disney's "Mulan" in touting her attributes.

Saturday morning's speaker (right) with friend Leslie M. Medina, who graduated in dental hygiene

Some of Saturday's graduating class of dental hygiene majors – 36 strong, thought to be the largest ever – savor their watershed moment.

Construction management grads gather 'round Sheppard for some 11th-hour advice.

The spacious majesty of the venue always impresses.

In a packed house, large-screen projection makes sure no one misses a minute.

Students stand for the awarding of degrees prior to individually crossing the stage.

Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, presents the graduates for the president's official concurrence.

Strickland introduces Guadarrama, the first of Saturday's student speakers ...

... who thanked her parents for their boundless advocacy of college education, a dream they denied themselves in raising a family.

Alumni Volunteer of the Year Bradley G. Willis encourages new grads to maintain contact with their alma mater, returning to campus to share time and talents with tomorrow's students.

Faculty award recipient Thomas J. Mulfinger said he begins each day hoping to make a difference in his students' lives. With the unexpected presentation of an Excellence in Teaching certificate, he said he now knows how much of a difference they make in his.

Blannie E. Bowen, a member of the college's board of directors, authorizes the conferral of degrees.

Forty years after she first joined the college faculty, the president remains inspired by students – from first meeting at orientation to their final exams and beyond.

On a happy day, only the gowns are blue for these associate-degree graduates.

Veterans, wearing honor cords that denote their military service, stand for a prolonged reception from an appreciative audience.

... through the public glare of the theater lights.

... as each graduate made his or her way ...

Earlier in the week, the president remarked that she'd shake "about 700 hands" over the weekend ...

... a prediction that came to pass ...

Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost, reads each name in a parade of accomplishment.

A laurel for a champion!

Absorbing the day's importance

Whether an adoration of caffeine or an acknowledgement of chosen career, the variety of decorated caps never disappoints.

An appended message lets a grad says a special "Thanks."

Eyewear for the day, vision for the future

An unfailingly upbeat member of the Wildcat Dance Team, Lehman sports an appropriate sentiment.

Lehman draws on her knack for event-planning in making Saturday's occasion memorable.

Steven P. Johnson, a board member who took part in Saturday afternoon's proceedings, adds his congratulations

An ovation for the weekend's learned VIPs

Lehman culminates her history of campus involvement as a commencement speaker.

A frame of reference

Front and center, at the junction of earnestness and excitement

Greenery seemingly sprouts from horticulture/landscape technology major Aaron A. Sledge Jr.,who helped document the day through a social-media "takeover."

Nikko joins in the festivities, to the delight of on-stage observers with a dog's-eye view.

Faculty members Wayne R. Sheppard (left) and Dennis R. Dorward, assistant professors of construction management, engage a cute-as-anything supporter of Christopher T. Stout, of Bellefonte.