Sunshine Smiles Upon College's Summer Graduates
Published 08.08.2015
– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue
Friends since their college days, Distinguished Alumni Award winner Warren A. Peter (left) is joined by Mark A. Piper, also a 1974 carpentry and building construction technology graduate. Piper traveled from Delmont to see the honoring of his college buddy. Among their classmates was construction technology instructor Robert P. Gresko, who was also at Saturday's commencement.
Before the ceremony, Peter is greeted in the Capitol Lounge by Richard L. Druckenmiller (center), assistant professor of building construction technology, and Marc E. Bridgens (right), dean of construction and design technologies. Peter has served on the college's Carpentry and Construction Technology Advisory Committee since 2006.
A beautiful bouquet winging its way to a graduate
One of the best “shows” at the Community Arts Center
A heartfelt message: “Be strong. Live honorably and with dignity …”
A shout-out to a precious “Pop Pop”
An LPN grad's humorous and heart-stopping status
Jemme A. Hart, of Jersey Shore, a health arts: practical nursing emphasis graduate, celebrates with her daughter.
A caring group of graduates – and new LPN alumni
Smiles abound on a beautiful summer day.
A recipe for professional success and personal satisfaction
Waiting for their turn to walk into the grand Arts Center, graduates oblige photographers along the procession route.
A hopeful message
Before the big event, student speaker Kyle G. Stavinski strikes a pose with Jennifer McLean, associate dean of student affairs, and Elliott Strickland, chief student affairs officer.
A lineup of jubilant graduates
A graduate waves to her fans as the Class of ‘15 files into the Community Arts Center.
The grandeur of summer in the podium’s floral arrangement
The student speaker refers to Penn College as “our foundation, our North Star."
Warren A. Peter accepts the Distinguished Alumni Award and offers appreciation to his alma mater.
The turn of a tassel
The service of veterans is acknowledged by the Arts Center crowd.
Justus K. Leimbach, a business administration: marketing graduate (and an All-American archer) hits a “selfie” target.
Elizabeth S. Gizenski is a picture of graduate glee.
With a wave to well-wishers, a graduate shares her accomplishment.
Walter V. Gower, assistant dean of transportation and natural resources technologies, hugs his daughter, Jessica L., a physician assistant grad ...
With state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the college's board of directors, waiting to add his best wishes, a graduate is congratulated by President Davie Jane Gilmour.
Emergency medical services/paramedic classmates hug it out on the stage.
The day’s most coveted object
Making out the words of the college's alma mater
The new alumni cheer their faculty mentors as they depart the stage.
The president takes a final cell phone photo of the summer graduates.
Love from the loge! Family and friends cheer on their graduates as the ceremony draws to a close.
... then reunites outside en route to a family celebration.
#funinthesun
Physician assistant graduate Avery D. Cero enjoys the fragrant rewards of the day.
Hugs and pride for a job well done
The camaraderie of the emergency medical services/paramedic “family” is evident every day – including graduation day.
Ashley V. Martin is greeted after graduation by her sweet pup Tiller.
Kristiana Laylon’s father and son wait to give their grad “Wildcat wishes.” Laylon earned an associate of applied science degree in health arts: practical nursing emphasis.
The family of Daniel I. Romberger, of Halifax, were among those who returned to campus to capture a photographic memory at the college sign. Romberger is a radiography graduate.
A grad gives much-deserved credit for Mom and Dad.
Inspirational advice
A cap shows a grad’s faith for the future.
The surgical technology Class of 2015 with clinical director – and a Saturday graduate with a bachelor’s degree in nursing – Elizabeth S. Gizenski.
Calling an assembly of the superhero grads of 2015.
Registrar Denny L. Dunkleberger offers congratulations and instructions in the Genetti ballroom.
A simple summation of semesters of hard work.
Quoting Estee Lauder, an occupational therapy assistant grad acknowledges the secret behind her accomplishments.
A lighthearted take on impacting the world
Inspiring photos match encouraging words.
With two interviews already down, a physician assistant grad is confident of her future in orthopedic medicine.
A pair of grads arranges a photo before parting ways.
Sibling love
Grads-to-be scan the commencement program while waiting to enter the Community Arts Center.
Final prep
Pre-ceremony smiles
Universal commencement accessories: cap, tassel, well-deserved grin.
A grad flashes a smile on her way to the day’s marquee event.
An aura of ease and confidence on the way to the Arts Center.
A student eyes the path ahead.
A justifiably proud foursome: the paramedic program’s Brady L. Breon, assistant professor; Mindy L. Carr, clinical director; Mark A. Trueman, director; and Kyle G. Stavinsky, of Elysburg, who was the day’s student speaker as he received his associate degree in emergency medical services.
A newly minted graduate exits the theater with a smile to brighten the room.
New grads pause for a photo.
A congratulatory hug between friends.
A little radiography humor.
Karen L. Plankenhorn, interim clinical director of radiography, poses with a new grad.
Father and son accommodate a photo.
Families express their pride in hugs.
Family photo time
Sunshine, flowers and loved ones make a graduation day complete.
A family framed in happiness
Families stop by the entrance sign for photos after the ceremony.
Generations gather to celebrate the day.