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

Commencement well-wishers file through the seasonally adorned Arts Center foyer.

From his evergreen vantage, Santa offers silent support for the day's graduates.

Faculty members trade insights while waiting to process.

Dennis R. Williams, associate professor of business administration/management, talks with Arts Center volunteer Robert F. Gilson Jr.

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.

Brittany L. Antolick, earning two associate degrees in ornamental horticulture, is framed by classmates upon entrance to the Arts Center.

Students look every which way to acknowledge family and friends.

Excitement presents itself with a sly thumbs-up.

President Gilmour addresses the day's VIPs.

Elliott Strickland Jr. introduces the student speaker.

Class representative Fadhil A. Aljishi enjoys a moment with Carolyn J. Strickland, assistant vice president for academic affairs.

Student speaker Fadhil A. Aljishi

Alumni Humanitarian/Citizenship honoree Raymond R. Mattie congratulates the winter graduates.

State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, who also serves on the Penn College Board of Directors, helps confer degrees and certificates.

Blue-gowned candidates rise for the conferral of their associate degrees.

The president turns the speaker's tassel, affirming his successful journey from student to alumnus.

Wearing honor cords in red, white and blue, veterans are applauded by a grateful audience.

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.

Penn College's final graduate of 2012 accepts his diploma.

A surefooted Ken C. Kuhns, assistant professor of electrical technology/occupations, descends the stage with college mace in hand.

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 day to acknowledge success and supporters alike

A graduate savors her walk to the Community Arts Center.

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.

Smiles despite tassel-tossing wind

A proud grad shows off the dapper attire beneath his gown.

School of Hospitality graduates turn their tassels.

Graduation jubilation

Michael A. Petrizio exits the auditorium with associate degrees in culinary arts technology and hospitality management.

A smiling grad pauses for a photo.

Chef Paul Mach celebrates with Chef Charles R. Niedermyer II, who received his second Penn College degree, a bachelor’s degree in technology management.