Sun shines its spotlight on summer grads

– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor,
and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

The class representative goes over his speech one last time in the Arts Center's Capitol Lounge.

Proud Penn College Police Officer Charles E. O’Brien Jr. reconnects outside with his daughter, Aidan E., after she received an associate degree in health arts: practical nursing emphasis

Graduates, who processed from the nearby Liberty Arena, acknowledge a photographer from alongside the Sun-Gazette building on West Fourth Street.

The overhead video feed, flanked by banners of the college's six academic schools, broadcasts the president's final remarks.

Elissa Stine celebrates her achievement – an associate degree in occupational therapy assistant – with a well-wisher's daughter.

A parting shot outside Madigan Library punctuates a festive day.

Brooke E. Baney, of Sunbury, a graduate of health arts: practical nursing emphasis, is photographed by family in front of the college’s initials.

A clever celebration of a degree in physical therapist assistant.

Bethany D. Schantz, of Northumberland, celebrates with her husband and daughter, who is ready to seize a degree of her own. Schantz has earned three degrees from Penn College: associate degrees in health arts: practical nursing emphasis (2011) and nursing (2016) and a bachelor’s degree in nursing (2019).

Occupational therapy assistant and nursing students take time for a photo opportunity in Liberty Arena, where the students gathered before marching to the Community Arts Center.

Radiography graduates gather in front of the Advanced Technology and Health Sciences center, where they spent significant time honing their skills.

With family gathered to take photos, surgical technology grads show off their caps.

The physical therapist assistant Class of 2019 waves hello to their next chapter.

Philosophy – and battery-operated lights! – illuminate the cap of Mary L. Wagner, of Lock Haven, a graduate of health arts: practical nursing emphasis.

Degree candidates cross West Fourth Street on their way to the future.

Physician assistant grads gather before entering the CAC.

A key to career success for a surgical technology graduate

The surgical technology Class of 2019 poses.

Rachel A. Eirmann, an individual studies graduate from Bellefonte and a former student photographer for the college, naturally brings her camera on the commencement adventure.

Physician assistant student Elvis A. Salas Alvarez, of Hagerstown, Md., shows off the card that will get him across the stage.

A student expresses the sunny sentiment of the morning.

During his first commencement as provost, Michael J. Reed, vice president for academic affairs, addresses the audience.

Student speaker, President’s Award winner and Wildcat wrestling standout Dylan G. Otis, of Wyalusing, provides remarks.

Elliott Strickland Jr., vice president for student affairs, congratulates Otis following his speech.

Mentorship award winner Andrea Reed, a 2007 nursing alumna of the college, shares gratitude and best wishes.

Terri A. Stone, assistant professor of nursing, accepts an Excellence in Teaching Award.

Students rise to turn their tassels.

Veterans, each presented with red, white and blue cords prior to the ceremony, are asked to rise to accept the college’s thanks.

President Gilmour offers congratulations.

Lu-Anne Antisdel, a physician assistant graduate from Rome, Pa., crosses the stage.

Devon E. Smith, an emergency medical services student from Montoursville, responds to cheers from her fans.

Taylor A. Krow, a radiography graduate – who, along with the day's student speaker, was a Wildcat "Athlete of the Year" – accepts best wishes from President Davie Jane Gilmour.

Sarah S. Moore, instructor of human services, signs the college’s alma mater.

Employees of the nursing department mark the occasion while waiting for new graduates to exit the Community Arts Center.

Let the next adventure commence.

Physician assistant graduates get close for a selfie.

Michael Adera, a physician assistant grad from Bowie, Md., shares the occasion with family.

Jacqueline M. Westervelt, an applied management graduate from Rutherford, N.J., shares a heartfelt hug with her aunt Cheryl.

Celebrating with friends and flowers

New physical therapist assistant graduates Morgan P. Hunsberger, of Herndon (left) and Emily M. Sherman, of Williamsport, exchange a hug before parting ways.

Brittany A. McLaughlin, of Williamsport, a new graduate of health arts: practical nursing emphasis, commits her plans to her cap.

New graduates of heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis Joseph M. Sepp (left) of Johnstown, and Zachary W. Eckman, of Tionesta, stop by the campus’s newest water feature for photos with their families.

Adding another accomplishment to an already sublime list

Graduating members of the Penn College softball team (from left): Kylie E. Shreiner, an occupational therapy assistant graduate from East Petersburg; Taylor A. Krow, a radiography graduate from Camp Hill; Laycee T. Clark, a physical therapist assistant grad from Tyrone; and Chelsea L. Gray, a culinary arts technology grad from Marysville.

Soon-to-be-grads ride a wave of anticipation, achievement and contemplation across the CAC foyer.