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[ Music ]
>> Paul Starkey: I'm Provost here
at the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
This Commencement Ceremony begins with the entrance
of the candidates for graduation from the Schools of Industrial
and Engineering Technologies, Integrated Studies,
and Natural Resources Management
from the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Please join me in welcoming the candidates for graduation.
[ Music ]
>> Paul Starkey: Entering next are the Pennsylvania College
of Technology Faculty and Administration,
led by the School Deans.
The Platform Party will complete the processional.
[ Music ]
[ Music ]
[ Applause ]
>> Paul Starkey: Please be seated.
[ Pause ]
>> Paul Starkey: Seated in the Auditorium today are family
and friends who have in many different ways supported these
candidates to reach the goal represented by this ceremony.
On the platform are the Faculty and Staff, who have motivated,
encouraged, and inspired these students
as they completed their coursework
and their college experience.
And before us are the candidates for graduation,
who have become good friends, mentors, colleagues,
developing relationships that will serve them well
as they move into the future together.
We join them as members of an extended support network
to celebrate our involvement with these candidates
and to witness their accomplishment,
and that celebration now begins.
Presiding over the May Commencement Ceremony is the
President of the Pennsylvania College of Technology,
Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
>> Good afternoon.
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: Well, good, they're awake.
Welcome to our beautiful Community Arts Center
and to this Commencement Ceremony honoring the Class
of 2012.
Today you class members become part
of a proud Penn College legacy.
For nearly 100 years this Institution has provided a
foundation for success for men and women who wish
to thrive in a changing world.
Many challenges have faced the graduates over the years.
There have been times of war, times of peace,
times of economic growth, often inspired
by emerging technologies and times of economic recession.
At all times our Institution's mission has been
to prepare its graduates to enter the workforce capably
and competently and to earn advancement into positions
that will influence the future.
As we celebrate your Commencement today we also look
forward to the contributions you will make in the days to come.
This is truly a ceremony that honors the past, the present,
and most importantly your future.
As we appreciate the effort you have put forth in order
to reach this milestone, I ask you each to take time today
to gratefully acknowledge the support you have received
from your family, your friends,
and your Faculty and Staff mentors.
This day is important to all of us
because you are important to all of us.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy this very special day that you
and your loved ones will remember forever.
[ Applause ]
>> Paul Starkey: I'd like to now introduce Mr. Elliott
Strickland, Chief Student Affairs Officer.
>> Elliott Strickland: President Gilmour, Chairman Dunham,
Provost Starkey, distinguished Faculty and Staff, family,
friends, and most importantly the graduating class
of May 2012, it is my great pleasure
to introduce your Student Commencement Speaker.
Now being the Student Commencement Speaker is an
incredible honor, but it also comes with a great deal
of responsibility, as a single individual serves
as a representative of the entire graduating class.
The individual is selected based on the totality of their work
and contributions during their academic career.
The more I learned about Alison Beitz the more impressed
I became.
Her personal accomplishments and commitment
to Penn College are incredibly impressive,
and she is richly deserving of the honor
of representing her graduating class.
Outside of the classroom Alison was extremely involved
in Gamma Epsilon Tau, the Honor Society
for Graphic Communications.
She served as the Secretary during the 2009,
2010 academic year, and as President
for the last two academic years.
She has also been inducted in Alpha Chi Honor Society,
which promotes academic excellence
and exemplary character among Junior
and Senior college students.
Alison has served the College as a lab assistant
and as a student assistant in mail-in document services
as part of her internship.
And Alison's impressive talents have also been acknowledged
outside of the College.
In 2010 she participated in the Gutenberg Awards,
which recognizes exceptional achievement nationally
in the field of graphic arts.
She won first place in the Spot Color Lithography
and second place in the Spot Color Flexography competitions.
Later tonight Alison will be awarded the Harvey Martin Award,
which is the Faculty Selected Graduation Award in Graphic Arts
for commitment to the profession and love for the major.
And today she will earn a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Graphic Communications Management,
with Minors in Business Administration and Management,
graduated summa *** laude.
Alison graduates with a Major GPA of 4.0 and a Graduation GPA
of 3.96, and for you doing the math that is one B
in four years of College.
It gives me great pleasure
to introduce your 2012 Student Commencement Speaker,
Ms. Alison Beitz.
[ Applause ]
>> Alison Beitz: Thank you, Mr. Strickland.
I am honored and blessed to be chosen as today's speaker
for this Commencement and Class Representative
of this Class of 2012.
On behalf of the Class of 2012 I would like to take this time
to thank the Administration, the Faculty, fellow classmates
and families for helping all
of us achieve what we have accomplished during our time
here at Penn College.
Personally, I would like to thank my professors,
family and friends for all of your love and support.
It has truly been a blessing these past four years,
and I thank you.
When it came to writing this speech I will admit I had no
idea what to say.
I had decided to look back on when I first came
to Penn College, and I realized my fellow classmates have made
the same journey.
Many of us came from a small town looking for big dreams.
Some have came here to start anew in a place far from home.
Some of you came here strictly for the degree and some
for the college experience.
Whatever your reason for coming
to Penn College was I hope you achieved what you set out to do.
I came to Penn College looking to reach my goal
of obtaining a degree in graphic communications.
Here I am today achieving it.
But looking back I realize I have achieved so much more
and this College has meant so much more to me.
Through the years my classmates have become my friends
and neighbors.
My professors have become my friends and acquaintances.
The College Staff have become my coworkers.
This College has become my home for the past four years,
as I'm sure it has for many of you.
It's true that we all have acquired knowledge,
independence, and understanding, but what some
of us don't realize is that we have achieved much more here.
We have gained friends, family,
and memories during our time here.
I have personally formed relationships with a list
of friends who have become almost family.
One is almost like a sister to me.
I became a sister-in-law
and an aunt during these past four years, and it's here
at Penn College that I became engaged and am beginning
to plan a new life with my fiancee.
I am starting a new life here today, and I'm ready
to bring all that I have gained here with me.
To you, my fellow Graduates, I ask that you take the time
to look back and appreciate what you have accomplished.
Look at the knowledge, the friends, the good and bad times,
and make sure to create a place for them in your new life.
Thank those who have made this possible for you,
those who have supported you, and loved you
through this whole experience.
But, most of all, thank everyone who has made such an impact
in your life and take time to realize all
that you have gained these years spent at Penn College.
I know that when my children grow up
and ask me what I learned
in College it won't simply be what I learned in classes,
it won't be the printing methods,
and it won't just be the managerial processes
or sentence structure.
I will also tell them what I learned from my friends,
my family, and my coworkers.
I will share with them the memories
of years past spent here at Penn College and how all
of that collectively made me who I am today.
I hope that you, too, feel the same way.
This place has truly become a home for most of us,
and like every other home we have we take a small piece
of it with us.
So remember the good and the bad times, and be thankful for all
that you have gained, because today is the day that we,
Class of 2012, begin making new friends,
new family, and new memories.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: Teaching is what makes Penn College
thrive, and we place a high value
on the teaching and learning process.
Each year we recognize those members of our Faculty
who have demonstrated qualities of excellence and dedication
to make it necessary for our students to be successful.
The Distinguished Teaching Awards are presented each May
at Commencement to fulltime Faculty members
who have been nominated by their students and colleagues
for their excellence in instructional performance.
Since 1982 89 Distinguished Teaching Awards have
been presented.
That was a good segway from the music I heard.
Today we will be recognizing a member of the Faculty
who has been nominated by multiple individuals
and who has served at the College for a number of years.
It is with great pleasure that I share some of the qualities
that this year's Honoree has been noted for.
She is professional inside and outside the classroom.
I just gave it away to half of the room.
She is the driving force
that keeps the Department moving forward.
A confident teacher, who daily wears a smile, real,
humble, and born a teacher.
Has worked with students
with disabilities to help them succeed.
Involved in FYE, Smart Girls, Career Day,
and the Middle State Self-Study Group.
This year's Distinguished Teacher holds a Bachelor
of Science in Technology Management, as well as a Masters
of Education from Wilkes University.
Our Award winner started at Penn College in July 1990
as a CAD Technology Specialist
with the Technology Transfer Center, and was promoted
to Assistant Professor in 2002.
It is with great pleasure
that I present the 2012 Distinguished Teaching Award
to Mrs. Katherine Walker.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: Okay, so now you know why I panicked.
I watched for her to walk
in with the Faculty and I didn't see her.
So I had a slight panic.
Congratulations.
Would you like to say something, a few words?
>> Katherine Walker: Okay.
This is truly an honor and truly a surprise,
and I am very blessed to have the job I have and to work
with such wonderful students and wonderful colleagues.
And I wish all the Graduates luck and success in the future.
And thank you very much.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: My heart is back to normal now.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a Graduate
of the Pennsylvania College of Technology or its forerunners,
the Williamsport Area Community College
or the Williamsport Technical Institute.
This graduate would be someone
who has demonstrated the importance of education
by making significant contributions
in the field serving as an active community member
and demonstrating a commitment to the College
and to community relations.
Today we are very proud
to present the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award
to Mr. William Gamber, a member
of the Williamsport Technical Institute Class of 1959.
Bill earned a two-year certificate in tool making
and he used his education to secure a job
with Flinchbaugh Products,
where he received his journeyman's papers.
He went on to work as a tool and die maker for RCA,
and later was employed by AMP Incorporated,
which is now Tyco Electronics,
where he eventually earned a supervisory position.
But his career path led him back to the family business,
Dutch Gold Honey, where he was part of a four-person workforce,
including his parents and his wife.
Bill's machining education was put to good use in the business
when he set-up a small machine shop at the plant.
The business grew.
His father eventually retired,
and Bill became the company's president.
Today he is semi-retired.
He serves as the Chairman of Dutch Gold Honey,
which now employs 90 people
and is the nation's largest independent honey company
producing 55 million pounds of honey each year.
That is staggering.
Bill is Co-owner and Chairman
of Gamber Container Company Incorporated,
a partner in the Dutch Gold business center,
and Vice President and Co-owner of NRG Foods Incorporated,
a company that specializes
in honey-based energy bars, chews, and gels.
A leader in his industry, Bill has served in various roles,
including Chairman of the National Honey Board,
which conducts research, marketing, and promotion
of honey and honey products
for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
His community service includes serving as a Director
of the Gamber Foundation, which supports local charities,
research for the honey industry, and scholarships for children
of Dutch Gold Honey employees.
He also served for a time his Local Parks
and Recreation Committee and was inducted
into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002.
Bill and his wife have celebrated more than 50 years
of marriage, and they share two children and seven grandsons.
Bill has referred to his family success
in turning a backyard beekeeping hobby
into a thriving national business as the culmination
of the American dream, and he suggests
that there are a lot more dreams out there in America today.
I have no doubt there are dreamers right here today
in the Class of 2012.
It is my honor then to introduce
to you one successful American dreamer,
our 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient,
Mr. William R. Gamber.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: Congratulations.
Would you like to say something?
I'll hold this.
>> William Gamber: Thank you.
President, Dr. Jane Gilmour, Staff and Faculty,
this is a great honor, that you don't expect this when you go
through life, but I had a partner with me all those years,
my wife, Kitty, for 50 years we've been married.
She's sitting right down there.
[ Applause ]
And I couldn't have done it without her.
Fifty-three years ago I was where you guys are, and gals.
And Williamsport Technical Institute opened the world
to me.
When I left here, going south on Route 15,
the world just opened up.
I was always a person that had goals,
and I went after those goals.
I wanted to be the best tool and die maker.
Whatever I got into I wanted to be the best.
And you've just got to take advantage of your luck.
Your luck is out there, but you've got
to take advantage of it.
So I'm one of those lucky guys,
and I really appreciate what the Williamsport Tech has done
for me.
Thank you.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour:
The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to an individual
who graduated from the College within the last 10 years
and has demonstrated the importance
of a Penn College education
through noteworthy professional accomplishments
or dedicated volunteer service.
This year's Alumni Achievement Award recipient is Matthew
Gross, a member of the Class of 2006.
Matt earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree
in Plastics and Polymer Technology in 2006,
and he continued his education, earning a Bachelors
and Master's Degree from the Pennsylvania State University.
Today he is the youngest member of the Materials
and Process Engineering Group at Ball Aerospace
and Technologies Corporation, a Subsidiary
of the Packaging Company known
for its familiar Ball canning jars.
Ball Aerospace has contributed to hundreds of NASA projects,
including the Hubble space telescope, Deep Impact,
and the Mars Rover Lander.
The Company also supports the missions
of such national agencies as the Department of Defense
and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
While he was a Penn College student, Matt was a member
of the Campus Crusade for Christ and the Society
of Plastics Engineer Student Chapter.
He was a Plastics Program Ambassador,
introducing the plastics industry
to high school students, and he worked
with the College's Plastics Manufacturing Center,
which is known today
as the Plastics Innovation and Resource Center.
He founded the Outdoor Adventure Club and competed
in the Quad College Business Plan Challenge.
Matt plans to use his professional experience
to serve the world community by establishing a plastics company
to provide products and employment opportunities
in Rwanda, one of the poorest nations in the world.
He has visited Rwanda twice, and in an effort
to establish a company
that would manufacture drinking bottles and PVC pipe to be used
for water transportation.
These two products will help combat water shortages
and the need to travel great distances
to secure safe drinking water in that country.
Matt and his wife live in Boulder, Colorado,
where they enjoy the outdoor life and coffee they home-roast
and brew, single origin beans from around the world.
It is my honor to introduce to you the recipient
of the 2012 Alumni Achievement Award, Matthew Gross.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: Congratulations.
>> Matthew Gross: Thank you.
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: Would you like to say a few words?
>> Matthew Gross: Thank you.
I want to make it clear that I'm not the one deserving
of the award tonight.
I'm extremely humbled and honored to receive it,
but it's really those that facilitated me to get
to this point, my wife, my family, those of you
on the stage and others out there.
I'm extremely grateful for that, so this is for you.
And before I leave the stage I want
to leave you with two truths.
You're going to forget who I am and that I ever go this Award,
but I just ask you to reflect on these two truths
and see how they might apply to your life.
The first is when you get to the top there's nothing there.
When you get to the top there's nothing there.
Deion Sanders, after winning the Super Bowl has said this
in an interview - after winning my Super Bowl I sat
in the hotel room after ordering my first Lamborghini
and realized at that point all of my attained
or entertained goals of my life had now been reached
and I was emptier than ever.
Ravi Zacharias, an American apologist of our time,
was interviewing a very well-known author
and the author was asked this simple question -
what is it that you know now
that you wish you would have known then?
And he answered quickly and said what it is that I know now
that I wish I would have known then is that when I get
to the top there's nothing there.
And I'm not saying that the dream and the desire to do well
and succeed is bad, but when you make something
that is good ultimate,
it ultimately becomes destructive, so remember that.
And the second truth follows that,
and that is that don't use these skills that you've learned
for yourself, and that follows that first truth very closely.
Find someone in your community here, far away,
globally that can use your skills and build a relationship
with them, and seek to use your skills to answer
that problem that they're lacking.
So I just challenge you with that tonight.
So those two truths, once again, when you get
to the top there's nothing there and, second,
don't waste these skills on yourself
and use them to better this world.
So thank you.
[ Applause ]
>> Paul Starkey: Ladies and gentlemen, as many of you know,
the legal corporate body of the Pennsylvania College
of Technology is its Board of Directors.
This is the body that by our charter is given final
responsibility for the governance, welfare,
and all other interests pertaining to the College.
Though some responsibilities that are delegated,
ultimate authority rests with the Board.
At this time I'd like to call upon Dr. Robert Dunham,
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
to authorize the conferring of Degrees at this Ceremony.
Dr. Dunham?
>> Robert Dunham: Thank you, Provost Starkey.
President Gilmour, members of the Faculty, friends and family,
and of course the Class graduating in 2012,
I know this is a very special day for you.
The degrees being awarded here in just a few minutes have come
from your hard work and dedication, from the guidance
and wisdom of the Faculty, and from the very strong support
from your family and friends.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
and the Pennsylvania College of Technology I want
to congratulate each of you on your achievement,
and to also thank family and friends and Faculty
for your strong support all along.
And now for my official duties.
Dr. Gilmour, on behalf of the Board of Directors
of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, I authorize you
on behalf of the Board to award Degrees to these candidates
as certified by their appropriate Deans.
[ Applause ]
>> Paul Starkey: Will the candidates for Bachelor
of Science Degree please rise?
[ Applause ]
>> Paul Starkey: Dr. Gilmour, upon recommendation
of the Faculty I'm pleased to inform you that these men
and women have satisfactorily completed the requirements
for the Bachelor of Science Degree.
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: Thank you.
By virtue of the authority conferred upon me by the Board
of Directors of the Pennsylvania College
of Technology I do hereby confer upon you the Bachelor
of Science Degrees you have earned, with all of the rights
and privileges, and with congratulations from the Board
of Directors, the Faculty, and the Administration.
Congratulations.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: You may be seated.
>> Paul Starkey: Will the candidates
for all Associate Degrees and Certificates please rise?
[ Applause ]
>> Paul Starkey: Dr. Gilmour, upon recommendation
of the Faculty I'm pleased to inform you that these men
and women have satisfactorily completed the requirements
for their respective Associate Degrees and Certificates.
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: By virtue of the authority vested in me
by the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania College
of Technology I do hereby confer upon you the Associate Degree
and Certificates that you have earned, with all of the rights
and privileges, and with congratulations from the Board
of Directors, the Faculty, and the Staff.
Congratulations.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: You can remain standing.
And will the Baccalaureate Graduates please rise, as well?
[ Pause ]
Ladies and gentlemen,
you entered this theater some time ago as candidates
for the Certificates and Degrees that you have earned.
A few moments ago you had those Degrees conferred upon you.
As a symbol of your entry into the world of educated women
and men I ask you to join me as I turn the graduation tassel
of your class representative.
This symbolizes that you now graduated
from the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Congratulations.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour: You may be seated.
As individuals and institutions we all pass through clear stages
of development, points in time where we grow in new roles
and new responsibilities.
This ceremony is a transition event for all graduates.
Today we will recognize individuals
with academic honors,
outstanding academic achievement will be recognized
for all students.
The gold, silver, or white cords worn during the ceremonies -
white for honors, silver for high honors,
and gold for highest honors -
will identify these students to everyone.
In addition, we are proud to recognize the graduates
who are members of Phi Beta Kappa
with gold stoles and tassels.
We are also proudly recognizing the graduates
of the Alpha Chi Honor Society, and they will have white stoles
on their regalia today.
I'd now like to recognize our veterans,
they will be identified by the red, white, and blue cords
that they wear today, and they are - we have a number
who are graduating who have served on active duty,
as well as those serving in all branches of the Military.
And I would ask our veterans to please stand?
[ Applause ]
If you'll remain standing.
[ Applause ]
I'd like to tell you a little bit
about our Penn College veterans.
Three of them have been awarded the Purple Heart,
four of them have been awarded the Bronze Star,
70 of them have been awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal,
and 17 of them have been awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
We are very proud of our veterans.
Thank you for your service.
[ Applause ]
You may be seated.
[ Applause ]
You may be seated.
At this time Carolyn Strickland, the Assistant Vice President
for Academic Services, and the respective School
representatives will present the candidates.
Now in front of us we have the official photographers,
and we know that you'd like to come
and capture your moment, as well.
We simply ask that you're very careful to provide room
for the graduates to come up and get their diplomas
and to not block the official photographer.
And if you're ready, we're ready.
You ready?
[ Pause ]
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates
of Civil Engineering Technology and Surveying Technology
within the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies.
>> Hugh Carleton Austin.
Cathleen Ruth Hurwitz.
Cory A. Bloom.
Shawn Michael Shannon.
John Theo Weaver the II.
Zachary Louis Bigsby.
Daniel R. Crosby.
Robert Thomas Curran.
Tyler J. Karstetter.
Lance W. Kennedy.
Dylan Thomas James Lackey.
John R. Schwenk.
Matthew Ryan Druckenmiller.
Atlee James Eshleman.
Zachary A. Hay.
Ryan D. Jones.
Matthew Earl McDeavitt.
Ryan J. McDonald.
Daniel Brian Meekins.
Jeremy Daniel Miller.
Corey R. Parry.
Joseph C. Peters.
Seth McKinnon Rearick.
Andrew William Ryan.
Ryan Patrick Smith.
Donald Ormon Stevenson.
Joshua R. Strickland.
Brendan Joseph West.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates
of Computer Aided Product Design
and Computer Aided Drafting Technology within the School
of Industrial and Engineering Technologies.
Christopher John Allebach.
Zachary A. Blumenauer.
Jeremy E. Daugherty.
Jason M. Rutkowski.
Azeez O. Salu.
Mitchell T. Black.
Jeremy M. Forer.
Andrew J. Scarpelli.
Scott B. Ziegler.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates of Electronics
and Computer Engineering Technology, Bachelor Electronics
and Computer Engineering Technology, Robotics,
and Automation Emphasis within the School
of Industrial Engineering Technologies.
>> Lea Edward Anderson.
Christopher Allen Cole.
Frank Martin Daugherty.
Stephen William Diehl.
Ryan Keith Fisher.
Andrew Cody Matisz.
Elliott Hanley Wilson.
George Michael Akritas.
Travis J. Boop.
Jorgette Nicol Grosso.
James Michael Lundberg.
Marcus Maceyko.
Kyle Andrew Rhody.
Bruce Elias Slusser III.
Brian Michael Warabak.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates
of Manufacturing Engineering Technology,
Automated Manufacturing Technology,
Machine Tool Technology within the School of Industrial
and Engineering Technologies.
>> Drew Coffman.
Luke J. Davies.
Paul Andrew Deevy.
Jarad C. Cady.
Shawn B. Good.
Noah Alan Katchmark.
Todd Russell Schatz.
Brent Matthew Bull.
James M. Carroll.
Steven Edward Dannenhower.
Ellis David Dunkleburger.
Maxwell Chase Keeler.
Brian L. Guthrie.
David Wayne Phillips.
John Lewis Lafever, Jr. Michael Clifford Rhine.
Patrick David Smith.
Thomas G. Shea.
Andrew J. Strickler.
Glen Robert Thomas.
Kevin Eugene Swartz.
Cory L. Wilner.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates of Plastics
and Polymer Engineering Technology, and Plastics
and Polymer Technology within the School of Industrial
and Engineering Technologies.
>> Tarron Noah Todd.
Ryan Michael Karney.
John Joseph Kulhamer IV.
Martin W. Mensch.
Ryan Lee Newman.
Raymond P. Ocker.
Jason Raymond Paris.
Henry J. Sorgen V.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates of Welding
and Fabrication Engineering Technology Bachelors,
Welding Technology Associates within the School of Industrial
and Engineering Technologies.
>> Ashley Marie Baker.
Tyler B. Beard.
Thomas Keene Bigger.
Eric M. Bradbury.
Levi F. Castle.
Travis Dane Eberlin.
Shane Robert Farley.
Alex Reis Figueiredo.
Timothy L. Fox.
Adam M. Hockenbrock.
Dylan S. Murdick.
Andrew Nelson Myer.
Brett Earnest Stanley.
Jason A. Talbert.
Andrew M. Taylor.
Edward L. Turner.
Cody W. Wolfe.
Aaron R. Wright.
Dennis Anthony Zielinski.
Nicholas A. Anderson.
Lee J. Asbeck.
Derek Thomas Ban.
Matthew James Bell.
Jason Ronald Bobb.
William S. Bowman.
Brian Michael Cappos.
James Deiley Dearth.
William John Ebert.
Robert John Forbes.
Micah Elias Hoover.
William Peter Koegel.
Ryan Patrick McCollum.
Tyler Joseph Smith.
Bradley D. Speer.
Aaron Christopher Stoltz.
Adam Douglas Urbano.
James Michael Weber.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates
of Advertising Art, Mass Media Communication,
Graphic Communications Management,
Graphic Communications Technology, and Graphic Design,
all within the School of Integrated Studies.
>> Leann Marie Folk.
Gabriel Michael Brown and his service dog, Einstein.
[ Applause ]
Cameron Dale Clemens.
Ty Emel Junior.
Aaron Joseph Gooch.
Dylan P. Johnson.
Samuel Benjamin Martinez.
Donald James McAnany.
Taylor C. Dodson.
Meredith Renee Runshaw.
Case W. Williamson.
Steven Michael Bartz.
Stacey Marie Rupp.
Brad Charles Bell.
Samantha Jo Catlin.
Amanda Mae Cropper.
Cricket K. Eastabrook.
Sarah K. Forney.
Rebecca Katherine Geromi.
Lauren C. Holub.
Brenda Y. Kalb.
Linden Alexander Kashetta.
Max A. Keeley.
Jessica Lynn Mattocks.
Benjamin Richard Miller.
Nathan Scott Santichen.
Jessica Lee Segraves.
Brandon L. Snyder.
Colby D. Wahls.
Amelia K. Wehr.
Mark William Wilson.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates of General Studies
and Individual Studies within the School
of Integrated Studies.
>> Tineesha Toni Harris.
Lynette G. DiPaolo.
Amy Elizabeth Ireson.
Leroy Joiner the III.
Anna Maree Manciet.
Savannah D. Williams.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates
of Early Childhood Education, Applied Human Services,
and Human Services within the School of Integrated Studies.
>> Allison Marie Attisano.
Kelly Ann Bensinger.
Justine J. Bercel.
Karrisa Marie Gilchrist.
Kaitlyn Abigail Gummo.
Jessica Ann Hock.
Jessica J. Kiehl.
Kelsey N. Sampsell.
Courtney Alissa Whitton.
Tima Cummings.
Mario Moreno.
Rebecca J. Paone.
Johanna Faith Schoeneck.
Angela E. Burfield.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates
of Diesel Technician, Diesel Technology,
Electric Power Generation Technology,
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology,
Caterpillar Equipment Emphasis,
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology Operator Emphasis,
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology Technician Emphasis,
and Onsite Power Generation, all within the School
of Natural Resources Management.
>> Jacob Nathan Baarda.
Helen R. Dann.
Matthew Bryant Fischer.
Brian Kyle Gray.
Wyatt Evans Gross.
Paul W. Heisler.
Derrike Ryan Kisner.
Samuel Taft Matter.
Gary John Murdock, Junior.
Derrick J. Rosbach.
Jonathan Tyler Shope.
Tyler Lee Starkweather.
Padriac O'Neill Stimpson.
Anthony J. Summa.
Tyler J. Wilson.
David George Winder.
Ryan C. Zinck.
Michael E. Wiertel.
Derek E. Adams.
Adam William Borek.
Terrence Eugene Freas.
Cody Scott McCulloch.
Alex Quinn Walmer.
Eric James Buckley.
Andrew Ryan Clauss.
Ryan N. Hohman.
Dylan L. Koser.
Ryan L. Krauss.
Thomas Jared Libitzer.
Grady R. Voigt.
Thomas J. Woodward.
Nathan Paul Heinly.
Benjamin James Patton.
Tyler Larry Smith.
Brandon Lee Wilson.
Zachary David Gosnell.
Ryan A. Hushon.
Rory Kevin Kania.
Adam Christopher Kays.
Kaleb J. Reish.
D. Aaron Sadler.
Cody Lee Shuey.
Tanner James Spangler.
Floyd Lyndon Van Winkle III.
>> President Gilmour, I present the Graduates
of Forest Technology within the School
of Natural Resources Management.
>> Benjamin L. Boberg.
Cole Marcus Cerra.
Matthew R. Crosbie.
Brent Richard Davison.
Anthony D. Haynie.
Zachary Gerald Hess.
Stephanie Christine Laird.
Amy Lynn Moyer.
Nathan David Pfeiffer.
Tyler D. Scott.
Luke Russell Waltman.
>> President Gilmour, I proudly present the Graduates
of Ornamental Horticulture, Landscape Technology Emphasis,
Plant Production Emphasis within the School
of Natural Resources Management.
>> Bradley Bruce Adam.
Daniel A. Endy.
Cory Michael Ferreri.
Tyler D. Gerz.
Matthew D. Lowe.
Dustin E. Zook.
Kelsey Rose Bromm.
Amy Jo Metrick.
Kyle Edward Vanderhoof.
And Alison Renee Beitz.
[ Applause ]
>> Davie Jane Gilmour:
As the Graduates are making their way back to their seat,
I'll make everyone onstage nervous
and go off the script a minute.
A year ago, after a series of May commencements,
I read an article about what college presidents think
about when they're shaking hands
of everybody coming across the stage.
It caught my eye, and I thought, well,
this one is probably worth reading because I want to see
if they all think about what I think about.
Unfortunately, it was 100% correct.
We don't worry about things like Einstein
because I knew he'd be great getting across the stage today.
I don't worry about running out of diplomas
because they count them ahead of time and give me extra.
I don't worry about the speaker because we care
about our students and focus on students.
But in the top five things that the college president thinks
about when students walk across the stage it is shoes.
Unfortunately, ladies, it's your shoes.
And I want to thank you today because I only had
to hold my breath about twice.
However, as the former Division Director
of Health Sciences I will tell you
that tomorrow I will hold my breath a lot.
No matter how many times we suggest you wear really
comfortable flat shoes, we have really interesting shoes.
So I think at some point in time in the future I'm going
to write a little blog on commencement shoes or something.
I think they're all back in their seats now
so I can stop adlibbing.
To the more serious things, your connection
to the College does not end today, and I'm pretty confident
that you all know that.
As Graduates you're members
of the Penn College Alumni Association,
and as you heard today Alumni make a difference.
They make a difference in the world
and they make a difference to Penn College.
So I really encourage you to keep in touch
with the Alumni Association.
You'll do that best via Facebook, of course,
and we look forward to welcoming you back for homecoming
and other activities where you can come back
and share your success.
Now I know you're ready to be done.
Not bad on the time today, I just looked.
And you'd like to go to dinner and some of you are going
to the Awards Ceremony this evening.
Well, one of the things that's my true honor as the President
of this Institution is to be the last person to talk to you.
So I would ask you to imagine
that there's really nobody else here but us.
It's that time when I look forward to until it arrives.
I think about this time all day long today as I'm getting ready,
and I know that it's now sad because it's going
to pass rather quickly,
and I wish for just a little bit time could stand still
because in just a very few minutes you will leave us.
It is rewarding to me to stand here before you and look at all
of you and know that this world will be a better place
because of you.
You are special, not only to the people here today who love you,
but you are special because you have skills and opportunities
to make a real difference in the world in which we live.
I want each of you to make the most of your skills
and your opportunities.
You certainly can call me an idealist.
The mission and the values of our College mean a lot to me.
I want you to leave here knowing how important that the values
and virtues will be throughout your life.
I'm sure to some of you these sound like old-fashioned ideas,
especially coming from the leader of a College
that embraces new and emerging technologies,
but I honestly believe with all my heart that progress is built
on a foundation of basic principles
that sustain us through generations.
We may avoid conversations in our daily lives
about steadfast values and virtues because we don't want
to be seen as a hypocrite.
If we fail to live up to those ideals or because we don't want
to risk offending anyone whose culture
or traditions may be different than ours,
but in the end nothing should stand in the way
of communicating common values and virtues
to strengthen our world.
In every culture, every tradition there is a place
for honesty, integrity, compassion, and responsibility.
Most importantly, responsibility to help those
who cannot help themselves.
I would also suggest there is the obligation
to leave the world as good or better than you found it.
Now rather than limiting our lives,
values and virtues give us all kinds of opportunities,
to have the opportunity for us to make a profound difference.
When we're able to connect what we know in our head
to what we know in our heart, to what we do with our hands,
we find true meaning and purpose in our lives.
So I hope your Penn College education will help you connect
to the knowledge in your head, your heart, and your hands.
We all search for meaning, sometimes we choose careers
as designers, as builders, as product makers, as caregivers,
operators, service providers, managers or educators.
Each of us wants to serve a purpose, understanding
that our lives have value and committing our talents
to making the world a better place are ways that we can begin
to live virtuous lives.
Each time you choose to do the right thing instead
of taking the easy way out you choose virtue.
When you patiently persist in pursuing your goals
through good times and bad you choose virtue.
If you want to do more than just survive in this world,
if you want to be a person who thrives and you want to be part
of a thriving community then let every act
that you take be a virtuous one.
Avoid the traits that are opposite - arrogance,
indulgence, complacency, and greed.
In every culture and tradition there is a difference
between virtue and selfish living.
Our communities need us to be selfless,
to be humble servants even in our success.
It is our civil responsibility to live and work in ways
that support not only our individual interests,
but the interests of our community.
As College Graduates, as Penn College Graduates,
you will be leaders in your workplace and your communities.
The ways that you express that
and your actions will impact the lives of others.
Others will follow your example.
The great Philosopher, Socrates, said the greatest way to live
with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.
Pretending, though, is not enough,
intending to do the right thing later is not enough.
We've seen how even the mighty can fall, and when they fail
to do what's right they fail to be who they pretended to be.
Who will you be?
Your college years have helped you define the kind
of person you want to become, but the work does not end today
because you earned your degree.
How has this College changed you?
How will you use your experience to change the world?
You're now about to make life changing decisions.
You'll transition from one place and one purpose to another.
Your jobs will change, you'll move, you'll meet new people.
You'll start families, grow bigger families.
One day you'll even plan for your retirement.
All of the decisions, all of your transitions,
the same questions will arise, who are you and what kind
of person do you want to be?
Be steadfast in your commitment, be resilient
as you face challenges and change your life.
Be ready to give your time and your talent
to support something greater.
In his book, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior,
Author Dan Millman writes, and I quote,
use whatever knowledge you have but see its limitations,
knowledge alone does not suffice, it has no heart.
No amount of knowledge will nourish or sustain your spirit.
It can never bring you the ultimate happiness or peace.
Life requires more than knowledge,
it requires intense feeling, constant energy,
life demands the right action if knowledge is truly
to come alive, and I end the quote.
Today you've become part of a proud tradition
as you join the Penn College Alumni Association.
For nearly 100 years we have been changing lives
and impacting communities.
Please stay in touch and let us know how you make a mark
on the world.
It's really time now.
I can't really keep you here much longer.
So Class of 2012 you are now part of a valued
and virtuous history
of the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Please go out into the world and make us proud.
Congratulations.
[ Applause ]
>> Paul Starkey: I invite those who are able to stand.
Gentlemen, remove your caps, and everyone to join in the singing
of the Penn College Alma Mater.
The words may be found on page two of your program.
[ Background Noise ]
[ Singing ]
>> Paul Starkey: Thank you.
Please be seated and remain seated
until the Platform Party has recessed.
[ Music ]
>> Paul Starkey: We ask that the audience remain seated while the
Graduates exit next.
The ushers will conduct your recessional,
and we ask that the Graduates continue all the way
to the street so that you'll be able to connect
with your family more easily.
Best wishes and congratulations.
[ Music ]