There were shout-outs from family members as they spied their student in the group. There were cheers from the crowd which enhanced the mood of the event which could only be called jubilant.

Some of these graduates had begun their college career four years ago during a nationwide pandemic, which Michael J. Reed, president of the college noted in his address to them.

“Many of you here today had the courage to begin your journey at Penn College during a time of uncertainty and constant change as we navigated the global pandemic. You’ve worked through countless disruptions and pushed yourselves further and harder than many of you thought was possible,” Reed said.

“You should be justifiably proud, remain steadfast in your beliefs and focus on your personal goals, savor the taste of success and remember the perseverance and sacrifices it took to reach this milestone. More importantly, carry forward the lessons learned onto your next journey. This is your time,” he added.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Pennsylania College of Technology Bachelor of Science graduates smile as they see themselves on the big screen during the commencement ceremony at the Community Arts Center on Friday.

More than 610 students were expected to march during the three ceremonies. More than 725 students had petitioned to graduate following the Spring 2024 semester.

Student speaker for Friday’s event was Shelby L. Pyatt, a nursing student from Frenchtown, N.J.

Pyatt urged her fellow graduates to think about the “whys” in their life.

“Today marks the day that we can all say we finally made it and that we survived the days when we would ask ourselves, ‘why am I doing this?’ or ‘why did I choose to do this,'” she said.

“Determining your why enhances one’s sense of purpose and improves motivation, direction, resilience which leads to improved self-awareness and self-discovery. It helps fuel one’s passion and gives purpose to one’s efforts,” Pyatt said.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Shelby Pyatt delivers the student address at Friday's Pennsylvania College of Technology Commencement at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.

Speakers for today’s ceremonies are Nikolas J. Hamish, of Newmanstown, at 10 a.m. and Michael Charles Carpenter, of Wellsboro, at 1:30 p.m.

Amidst everyone’s joy, there was a poignant note as the family of Samantha Gross, a nursing student who passed away last fall, accepted her diploma for an associate degree in Applied Science posthumously.

Kate McCall Stepnick, of Bloomsburg, received the Alumni Humanitarian Award.

“As you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, never underestimate the power of your education and the impact it can have on the world,” Stepnick said.

“Whether you choose to pursue further studies or are ready to embark on your new career path, remember the values instilled in you during your time here and let them guide your actions,” she said.

“Remember that success is not measured solely by professional achievements, but by the lives we touch and the difference we make in the world. Be compassionate, be courageous and be a force for positive change wherever you go,” she said.

Three other alumni will also receive awards. They are brothers Daniel and Richard Hornberger and Corey Sarver.