Walking on Sunshine

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer

Not content to rest on her laurels, a graduate looks optimistically to the road ahead.

With thanks to her parents (and a shout-out to Garth Brooks), an occupational therapy assistant grad highlights the "OT"s in a song snippet.

Adding to the day's creative caps is this homage to Beyonce and her "Lemonade" album, adorned in faux fur and empowerment of classmates.

Ready for health care ... and all the challenges it brings.

After earning her associate degree, apparently choosing study over sleep, a graduate has one question.

An emergency medical services graduate shimmeringly shares her message with the world: "Your lives are in our hands now."

The iconic lips from the opening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" accompany an aspirational lyric on a student's academic headgear.

Another OT major honors her chosen profession.

On the question of vitals, attendance at Saturday's ceremony clearly checks the final box.

See? It wasn't so impossible after all!

The Distinguished Alumni Award winner met his wife, Cammie (Huratiak) Atwater, in a speech communications class taught by the now-late David A. London. Cammie was a pre-physician assistant student at the time.

Sporting “Student Athlete” stoles are Elizabeth K. Asher (left) and Kassandra D. Winters, softball teammates who both received degrees in health arts: practical nursing emphasis.

Soakin’ in the summer sunshine and satisfaction are: Alanna M. Vanemon (left) and Milanka Tomasevic. The duo earned health arts: practical nursing emphasis degrees.

Among the first graduating class in physical therapist assistant: twins Kylie R. (left) and Ellie L. Sikorskas

Sunshine and clear sailing

Elliott Strickland, vice president for student affairs, introduces the morning's speaker.

Duke acknowledges the support of her husband and inspiration of their young son. She also offered details on her PTA “family” (the first graduating class for the major), noting their shared milestones during the past two years, including the birth of a baby, a marriage, an engagement … and lots of candy and donuts.

Atwater offers inspiration to the newest set of Penn College graduates.

After turning the student speaker’s tassel, the president offers personal congratulations for a job – a degree and a speech – well done.

Veteran students stand for appreciation.

The joy of being a college president is evident on Gilmour's face … and that of Young, her colleague in diploma delivery.

With the big screen above, the arts center offers a great view no matter the angle.

A cellphone video captures that momentous walk across the stage.

We couldn't agree more ... and that's why it's called "commencement!"

A special selfie-made memory for Gibreel B. Conteh, of Philadelphia, who added a bachelor's in automotive technology management to a related associate degree he completed last year

The president delivers parting remarks to a summertime garden of graduates.

A radiographic play on words

The words to the alma mater are projected on the big screen, giving grads the opportunity to musically recall their "Proud Penn College Days."

A final wave as graduates see themselves one last time on the big screen

Embracing the moment

Tyler S. Dimick and family enjoy his achievement. Dimick, of State College, earned a degree in applied health studies: radiography concentration.

Christie L. Barnes poses for photos with friends. The New Ringold resident received a radiography degree.

A proud paternal moment for Brittany R. Hartman’s father. Hartman, of Myerstown, earned a surgical technology degree.

Penn College Police Officer Charles E. O’Brien Jr. joins the celebration with family friend Janelle R. Wheeland, of Williamsport, who graduated in occupational therapy assistant.

“Aren’t I so lucky?!” remarked Curtin R. Gehman, of Mill Hall, who met Season C. Whitenight, of Bloomsburg, in the physician assistant major. The new graduates are engaged.

With the marquee heralding commencement activities in the background, physician assistant graduate Benjamin D. Meier, of Fleetwood, poses with his twin brother and other family members.

Wildcat blue accessories abound for Bambi A. Hawkins, left, learning laboratory coordinator for the emergency medical services/paramedic program, and new graduate Gabrielle E. Hileman, of Hughesville, emergency medical services.

The marquee lights can't outshine the smiles of physician assistant graduates Kurstyn T. Pfleegor, of Northumberland, and Montanah R. James, of Danville.

The entrance fountain and florals offer a gorgeous setting for photos of Kierstin R. Goodby and her parents. Goodby, of Jersey Shore, graduated in health arts: practical nursing emphasis.

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” Say no more!

The college’s entrance sign is always a hot spot for after-ceremony photos.

After a week of stormy weather, summer graduates and their guests were greeted with blue skies and bountiful color.

The very picture of accomplishment

Marking their big day are (from left) Gunnar C. Larsen, information technology sciences-gaming and simulation; Jonathan J. Lopatofsky, information assurance and cyber security; and Lucas H. Bower, physician assistant.

A last look in the mirror ensures everything's as it should be for the big event.

Soon-to-be-graduates, not to mention a celebratory air, fill a Genetti Hotel ballroom.

With a background in Latin (or, perhaps, "The Gilmore Girls") a new alumna is "ready for all things."

The college's step-and-repeat banners are a popular backdrop ...

A Disney-themed eye (and Mickey ears) tuned to the future

... for gatherings small and large.

Grads face every which way in downtown's impromptu photo studio.

A poignant pause while marching into the future

Buoyed by achievement

With heads held high and goals set higher

David R. Cotner, dean of the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, joins students on the walk to the theater.

Joining classmates in the procession is applied human services major Estee E. McLaughlin, of Muncy.

A dazzling midday tassel fix

Graduating in physical therapist assistant, one of the college's newer majors, are Allison E. Stugart (left), of South Williamsport, and Nikia D. Hartzel, of Bloomsburg.

Physician assistant graduate Abbey L. Bower celebrates with her son.

The CAC's facade is reflected in a bus window as happiness comes into focus.

Sharing success with a steadfast supporter

Say it with flowers ... and with smiles

With West Fourth Street temporarily closed to everything but River Valley Transit shuttles back to campus, the traditionally high-traffic thoroughfare attracts a more-leisurely crowd.

Bryonna A. Aldubayan and family exult in her bachelor's degree in applied health studies: occupational therapy assistant concentration.

The PCT-embossed floral wall makes for an elegant frame of reference.

A well-wisher joins a Penn College tomorrow-maker in full bloom.

Proud and purposeful

A triumphant moment for the day's graduates, including surgical technology major Torri M. Johnson, of Smethport