Sheer exuberance
Graduates’ Glow Staves Off Winter’s Windy Entrance
Frosty winds howled at the doors of the Community Arts Center on Dec. 22, but new Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates and their families were safe inside – bathed in the warmth of accomplishment. The annual December commencement ceremony honored the approximate 300 students who petitioned to graduate following the Fall 2012 semester. The student speaker was Fadhil A. Aljishi, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology. The ceremony also included a Humanitarian/Citizenship Award to alumnus Raymond A. Mattie.
– Photos by Joseph S. Yoder, public information director, and Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue
A wave of recognition
Bundled for the cold, a family poses for a photo.
A warm embrace
Amid the crowd, new grads pose for a self-portrait.
Chef Paul Mach celebrates with Chef Charles R. Niedermyer II, who received his second Penn College degree, a bachelor’s degree in technology management.
A smiling grad pauses for a photo.
Graduation jubilation
Michael A. Petrizio exits the auditorium with associate degrees in culinary arts technology and hospitality management.
School of Hospitality graduates turn their tassels.
A proud grad shows off the dapper attire beneath his gown.
Smiles despite tassel-tossing wind
Automotive technology management graduate Daniel J. Walsh (peering between classmate Micah A. Kauffman and Colin W. Williamson, dean of transportation technology) sneaks in a smile for the photographer.
A day to acknowledge success and supporters alike
A graduate savors her walk to the Community Arts Center.
Topped with his traditional December headgear, Chef Paul Mach, assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts, exits the stage (to the obvious amusement of President Gilmour and Sarah S. Moore, Disability Services’ sign language interpreter/student support assistant at Penn College).
A surefooted Ken C. Kuhns, assistant professor of electrical technology/occupations, descends the stage with college mace in hand.
Penn College’s final graduate of 2012 accepts his diploma.
Carolyn J. Strickland reads the names of graduates in the School of Construction and Design Technologies, waiting in the wings with Marc E. Bridgens, school dean.
Wearing honor cords in red, white and blue, veterans are applauded by a grateful audience.
The president turns the speaker’s tassel, affirming his successful journey from student to alumnus.
Blue-gowned candidates rise for the conferral of their associate degrees.
State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, who also serves on the Penn College Board of Directors, helps confer degrees and certificates.
Student speaker Fadhil A. Aljishi
Alumni Humanitarian/Citizenship honoree Raymond R. Mattie congratulates the winter graduates.
Class representative Fadhil A. Aljishi enjoys a moment with Carolyn J. Strickland, assistant vice president for academic affairs.
Elliott Strickland Jr. introduces the student speaker.
President Gilmour addresses the day’s VIPs.
Excitement presents itself with a sly thumbs-up.
Students look every which way to acknowledge family and friends.
Brittany L. Antolick, earning two associate degrees in ornamental horticulture, is framed by classmates upon entrance to the Arts Center.
The student speaker gets some 11th-hour pointers from Elliott Strickland Jr., chief student affairs officer (left), and Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost Paul L. Starkey.
Alumnus/Chef Charles R. Niedermyer II, instructor of baking and pastry arts/culinary arts, talks with President Davie Jane Gilmour.
Dennis R. Williams, associate professor of business administration/management, talks with Arts Center volunteer Robert F. Gilson Jr.
Faculty members trade insights while waiting to process.
From his evergreen vantage, Santa offers silent support for the day’s graduates.
Commencement well-wishers file through the seasonally adorned Arts Center foyer.