Were You There

– The Sky’s the Limit

Williamsport High School's Class of 1971 would be the last to graduate from what is now Klump Academic Center, the oldest building on the Penn College campus (visible near the center of this vintage black-and-white photo). — Williamsport High School’s Class of 1971 would be the last to graduate from what is now-Klump Academic Center, the oldest building on the Penn College campus (visible near the center of this vintage black-and-white photo).

This 2004 panorama, from south of the Breuder Advanced Technology and Health Sciences Center, coincides with the opening of the College Avenue Labs (at far left) and the Rose Street Apartments (just beyond, out of the frame). — This 2004 panorama, from south of the Breuder Advanced Technology and Health Sciences Center, coincided with the opening of the College Avenue Labs (at far left) and the Rose Street Apartments (just beyond, out of the frame).

This expansive view encompasses the main campus entrance (flanked by the Madigan Library and the Student and Administrative Services Center), the surrounding community of which Penn College is a vital part, and the natural beauty of the river and foothills that add to the institution's perennial attractiveness. — This expansive view encompasses the main campus entrance (flanked by the Madigan Library and the Student and Administrative Services Center), the surrounding community of which Penn College is a vital part, and the natural beauty of the river and foothills that add to the institution’s perennial attractiveness.

From its infancy near the start of the 20th century to today’s national prominence in applied technology education, the college has grown as a reflection of employer needs and student opportunity. As the institution has judiciously expanded to provide sufficient instructional space and support services for those choosing careers from an exhaustive portfolio of possibilities, the changes have been so gradual that it isn’t always easy to grasp. Sometimes, you simply have to consider the big picture! The aerial photos at left, detailing the ever-changing landscape of Penn College and its forerunners, are from “Were You There: Evolution of a College Campus” – the photo exhibit and companion book that kicked off the Countdown to the Centennial.

Alumni Centennial

– In the Sky (With Diamond)

Officials pose in front of the "Eager Beaver," a World War II B17 bomber acquired by Williamsport Technical Institute in 1946. Dr. George Parkes, WTI director, is fourth from the left. The nose panel was donated to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler, Ga., in 2000. — Officials pose in front of the “Eager Beaver,” a World War II B17 bomber acquired by Williamsport Technical Institute in 1946. Dr. George Parkes, WTI director, is fourth from the left. The nose panel was donated to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler, Ga., in 2000.

Hands-on learning has been an institutional hallmark throughout history – and aviation students are certainly no stranger to rolling up their sleeves and assembling a career from the pieces of their cumulative education. Like many earlier students, Richard Conni came to Williamsport Area Community College as a military veteran, ripe for more adventure. Sharing his alumni perspective, Conni recalls his time at WACC (Penn College’s immediate predecessor) as an “awesome experience and a wonderful education” that led to a career as a flight mechanic. Restoring a Piper plane to airworthiness and sitting gymside for a concert with a bargain-priced Neil Diamond are just two of the “Memories” included on the centennial website.

Read Richard Conni’s story →

Alumni Centennial

– Athletes Through the Years

The 2006 women's state basketball champs, with coach Ron Kodish, proudly display their trophy at the Bryce Jordan Center — The 2006 women’s state basketball champs, with coach Ron Kodish, proudly display their trophy at the Bryce Jordan Center

Penn College’s exploration of an affiliation with the National Collegiate Athletic Association is the latest chapter in a long history of intercollegiate and intramural sports on campus. The photos at left, depicting the Wildcat women’s 2006 state championship team and an earlier Williamsport Area Community College men’s squad, are from “Were You There: Evolution of a College Campus” – a centennial photo exhibit and companion book.