Sun-Kissed Grads Revel in August Achievement

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Tia G. La, student photographer

Stunningly framed on campus following the ceremony is Cynthia M. Wilt, of Hughesville, a surgical technology graduate.

Physician assistant grads wore pink ribbons to support Megan E. West, a classmate who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in the week.

West (middle row, fourth from left) of Williamsport, said her fellow graduates have offered tremendous support and all kinds of help in recent days, as well as making sure Saturday's occasion was a celebratory one.

Enjoying a drive-by hug from his dog is Jeffrey D. Moore, of St. Marys, health arts: practical nursing emphasis.

It’s all smiles processing into the Community Arts Center.

Enjoying a lighthearted moment with a college photographer is physician assistant graduate Eric M. Danz, of Hershey.

Confidently following a path along West Fourth Street

Titus B. Green's Wildcat Blue sunglasses and a self-assured smile are the perfect fashion accessories for summer commencement. Green, of Glenside, graduated in collision repair technology.

Andrew K. Kriebel, of Harleysville, a Phi Theta Kappa member who graduated in heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis, exudes satisfaction.

Student speaker Michael R. Harer, surgical technology, speaks eloquently about the importance of thanking supporters who helped get the graduates to this day.

Alumni Achievement Award winner Kevin A. Hickman thanks his wife, the former Leah Kirchner (’07, surgical technology), for all of her support in his career and with their three young sons.

After turning Harer’s tassel, the president gives the student speaker a congratulatory hug.

It's always a solemn moment when the college president asks student veterans to stand and be honored.

A glorious setting for a prestigious event

State Rep. Garth Everett, a member of the college’s board of directors, assists in presenting diplomas.

A selfie-made moment!

A large screen above the stage gives audience members a closer view of the big moment.

Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost, adeptly announces each of the graduate’s names.

Cody L. Breon, physician assistant graduate (with his back to the camera), receives a hug from his father, Brady L., assistant professor in the paramedic program.

Pomp and pageantry, on a stage big enough to handle all of the day's emotion

Creatively decorated mortar boards add to the festivity (and humor) of the day – including one at center stating, “I did it so my dog can have a better life.”

And the fans go wild!

A sweet moment to grab a family selfie

Posing and proud

Mark P. Niedermyer (near center at rear), who graduated in 1998 in physical sciences, enhances his family's Penn College connection by earning a physician assistant degree at Saturday's commencement exercises. Among the family members joining the celebration are brothers Michael M. (left), with degrees in landscape/nursery technology (1998) and residential construction technology and management (2009), and Chef Charles R. (second from left), an alumnus and faculty member in the School of Business & Hospitality.

Physician assistant grad Nnenna K. Uguru (center) of Philadelphia, is blessed with supportive family and friends.

Nicole L. Willets, of Williamsport, an occupational therapy assistant graduate, strikes a pose with her family outside the Arts Center.

With sunflowers on her shoulders (and a diploma, too!), Megan L. Bartlett, a health arts: practical nursing emphasis graduate from Montgomery, savors the day with family and friends.

A day for the generations! Ian P. McClure and family were among those returning to campus for postcommencement photo ops. The Littlestown resident earned his degree in emergency medical services.

And at the end of the journey? Dancing!

Acknowledging the effort in crossing the finish line

On a special day, a Psalm-quoting grad offers thanks to a gracious presence.

Not resting on her laurels, this alumna aims for a higher purpose.

It never hurts to add a "shout-out" to those who've championed you.

A nursing graduate shares some heartfelt sentiment.

A postgraduate call to action, courtesy of Pixar's "Up"

An unlimited tomorrow follows the accomplishment of today.

In a tie-dyed throwback to the 1960s, a graduate says, "So long" to Penn College.

Emulating the full-of-promise wanderlust of Disney's "Moana," a new grad says it with flowers.

Sunshine and success

Her eye on the prize, a graduate turns her tassel and looks to the future.

Whether obliging cellphone photographers ... or sharing a laugh, the president makes each graduate's experience individually significant.

Cap, gown and seasonal accouterments

Congratulating the student speaker en route to her own spotlight moment

Stopping by the main campus entrance for one last keepsake is radiography graduate Taylor E. Mcniff, of Marietta.

All dressed up ... with a very definite "somewhere" to go

Primped and primed, soon-to-be-alumni gather in a Genetti Hotel ballroom.

Two-year majors stand for the conferral of their associate degrees.

Closed to traffic, West Fourth Street is a river of grads and their well-wishers after the ceremony.

Lauren E. Reed (right), a 2006 radiography alumna, added an applied health studies degree Saturday. Cheering her on outside the theater are Georgia T. Gray, clinical supervisor of radiography, and Cletus G. Waldman Jr., clinical director of radiography.

Physician assistant grad Nasser Tajiani, recipient of the Board of Directors Award, celebrates with his family.

A memory at their fingertips

Cindy M. Ruiz, a surgical technology major and student leader in the Minorities Lending Knowledge organization, shares her winning smile on the happiest of occasions.

Here she comes, world!

Footloose and finals-free

Alumni honoree Hickman celebrates with his wife, Leah (at right), and Kimberly R. Cassel, director of alumni relations.

An on-the-go selfie captures the morning's top story, as it happens.

A former captain of the women’s soccer team, Jordan A. Courter, of Mill Hall, occupational therapy assistant, is brimming with joy.

Overflowing with flowers is Elizabeth S. Digan, of Trout Run, occupational therapy assistant.