Summer '16 Grads Relish Their Day in the Sun
Published 08.06.2016
– Photos by Tia G. La, student photographer, and Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
On their way into the main event, soon-to-be new alumni celebrate.
A hearty reminder of the power of a Penn College education
Glorious grad caps offer colorful, meaningful sentiments.
An honor-filled day
The latest members of the Class of 2016 process from The Genetti Hotel to the Community Arts Center.
Cool shades for a hot day
As the college president encourages cellphone photos and social-media sharing, Elliott Strickland, chief student affairs officer, snaps a memory with the student speaker.
Alumni Achievement Award recipient Megan E. Wright, ’12, physician assistant, accepts accolades.
After turning the student speaker’s tassel, the college president congratulates him on a job well done.
A tassel-turning assist
Veterans stand to receive applause and appreciation.
This is definitely a selfie-worthy moment for Kyeesha Douglas, who earned an associate degree in legal assistant/paralegal.
A magnificent site for a momentous ceremony
Gold-letter moments, memories and mortarboards!
Assisted by Steven P. Johnson, a member of the college's Board of Directors, President Gilmour conveys congratulations to physician assistant graduate Alana S. Androvette.
An energized Michelle Acosta takes her turn walking across the stage.
Marking his last commencement as marshal, retired electrical faculty member Kenneth C. Kuhns accepts acknowledgement.
An active campus leader during her time as an occupational therapy assistant major, Emma J. Sutterlin proudly sings the Penn College Alma Mater.
Parting waves to professors
A grad's cap is aglow with the confidence of its wearer: “I will change the world.”
Admissions Representative Emily A. Weaver (center) shares a moment with the parents of surgical technology graduate Michelle Acosta. The trio used translation equipment loaned by Little League International to make the day a happy and successful one – in any language. From “the green room” in the CAC basement, Weaver relayed the event’s words in Spanish to the visitors.
Making family memories
Physician assistant grad Nicholas W. Splitt strikes a pose with supporters.
Automotive technology graduate Claude T. Dickinson IV shares a proud moment with his mother, Kathy.
One cap reflects a graduate's many hats: “A daughter, a wife, a mother … now a nurse”
A brand-new alumna in occupational therapy assistant, Stephanie E. Falcone enjoys post-commencement photo opportunities.
Balloons, flowers and paparazzi!
Capturing an irreversible sense of pride
It’s a frame-worthy day for surgical technology graduate Angelika Y. Goncharova.
Judy L. Wiley, celebrating her degree in health arts: practical nursing emphasis, poses for her fans.
Graduating in radiography, Amanda L. Coroban celebrates with her twin sister, Andrea. As toddlers, the girls graced the cover of the Spring 1994 college magazine.
Devin L. Beaver, who earned an associate degree in health arts: practical nursing emphasis, savors the day with her darling nephew.
Physician assistant grad Cavan R. irvine celebrates with college friends Trevor I. Brandt, now an admissions representative, and Katelyn A. Wertz.
At the Remembrance Garden, radiography grad Danielle J. Shindledecker shares a moment to remember with some of her supporters.
At the crossroads of reflection and realization, an imminent grad exhibits an appropriately pensive mood.
Pomp and circumstance ... and laughs with a classmate
A Penn College education (and the support of friends) gives grads a leg up on the working world.
Friends always come through with a helping hand.
Teamwork gets the job done!
Handiwork, as unique as its wearer
Chilling in the welcome air conditioning of a hotel ballroom
The world at their feet
One last en-masse memento
Dressed for success, from head to toe
Kendell E. Edwards, graduating in health arts: practical nursing, offers a heads-up about her lifesaving skills.
With accomplishment so grand, it's hard to contain that burst of happiness and pride.
Togetherness to the end of their college road
Looking toward the future with confidence and skill
The parade of caps and gowns heads west on Fourth Street to the day's prestigious venue.
All dressed up with somewhere to go – somewhere very important, indeed!
A triumphant trio
Sunshine and smiles (and flowers) on a noteworthy day
Gleaming smiles say it all
Physician assistant grads, poised to make their mark in meaningful work
Pearls of wisdom and a wide smile are worn by surgical technology grad Kelly L. Jones.
A radiography grad's cap cleverly holds double meaning.
Student speaker Hashim Abbas Alfulful delivers thanks to those who helped him realize his dreams including his professor, Kirk M. Cantor, who he said was like “a second father” and someone he will strive to emulate in life.
Before the seal of the institution she leads, President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomes all to the day's big event.
Conor D. Flynn, who graduated in radiography, is congratulated by his father, Brian A., an assistant professor of graphic design.
... no matter how many students create a photo op
Pure presidential pride ...
An environment befitting the occasion
New emergency medical services alumnus Adam N. Finkelstein-Diaz rejoins his encouraging entourage.
A sun-kissed swarm of celebrants mingles under the marquee.
Elation transcends the confines of a photo frame.
A multigenerational milestone
With supportive presence, the eyes of youth take it all in.
A celebration, as contagious as it is sincere
... and shows gratitude for her inspiration to "do all things."
Gwendolyn A. Ntim (second from left), a health arts: practical nursing emphasis graduate, gathers with well-wishers ...
Beneath a picture-perfect sky, a stopover at a campus landmark