2021 Lycoming College Summer Magazine

t’s Desk Unlike many institutions, Lycoming emerged from the past fifteen months in strong financial condition. Federal COVID relief for higher education (CARES Act, CRRSAA, American Rescue Plan, and Paycheck Protection Program) provided millions of dollars that made a difference. Our success in operating a residential campus, however, was equally significant. This success positions the College financially to continue making strategic investments in academic facilities, academic programs, and intercollegiate athletics. Two of these initiatives are featured in this issue: the new music facility and the plan to add two intercollegiate sports and upgrade UPMC Field with a stadium for our soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey teams. The approved music building represents the College’s first capital investment in this program in more than 75 years. The striking design combines elements of neo-Georgian architecture with modern elements and will be an inspiring new home for the choral and instrumental programs, which have a decades-long history of excellence. We also anticipate providing access to community-based music ensembles. Finally, the building’s location on the southern end of campus will further the College’s commitment to collaborate with local government and developers to revitalize our geographic home in the East End of Williamsport. At the October 2020 Board meeting, the Trustees approved a plan to bring back baseball and field hockey as intercollegiate sports and construct a 400-seat stadium complex that will include new locker rooms, training room, and viewing areas. A field hockey head coach has already been hired; Allyson Kenyon brings 20 years of experience and a record of success to the opportunity presented by field hockey at Lycoming. Baseball is anticipated to begin competition in the spring semester of 2023 with Rick Oliveri leading this resurrected program. We plan for them to compete at a collegiate field that will be part of a sports complex being develop by the Chamber of Commerce. This issue also focuses on the two Commencements that were held on May 15 (Class of 2021) and May 22 (Class of 2020). They were memorable days, and the feelings and emotions present are difficult to capture in words. I opened both ceremonies with simple words. The Class of 2021 responded to “We made it,” and the 2020 graduates applauded “Welcome back.” I told the Class of 2021 that others had doubted that it would be possible to complete their senior year in person. But we trusted them, and they affirmed our faith in them. They did extraordinarily well, and their response to COVID-19 strengthened their character, their sense of social responsibility, and their willingness to take care of others. The 2020 graduates and their families expressed throughout their day deep gratitude that the College had not forgotten them. We also shared the feeling that we were marking the end of the pandemic as the CDC had relaxed its guidelines that week and those in attendance were able to shed their masks. Like those who came before them, the Class of 2020 is filled with young people who have great potential, and they are a reason to be optimistic about the future. Together, the two Commencement ceremonies brought this year like no other to a proper closure. We shared a hopefulness that the pandemic was ending. We celebrated the resilience, compassion, determination, and accomplishments of the Classes of 2020 and 2021. Kent C. Trachte, Ph.D. President We made it! 3 www.lycoming.edu