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  • Plans For Central Park Center Renovations Unveiled At Downtown Event

    Posted October 19, 2018 at 11:24 am

    Pennsylvania Highlands Community College announced its plans for renovations to its Central Park Center at a small gathering of business and industry leaders. Officials from Penn Highlands, along with Representative Bryan Barbin, unveiled the $60,000 project, which includes classroom space and a conference room.

    “This project demonstrates the continued efforts made by local leaders to develop a strong educational presence in the downtown area,” stated Representative Barbin. “Beginning in January 2019, Penn Highlands will be providing a variety of educational and training opportunities designed to meet the needs of all students.”

    The classroom will seat 30 people, giving residents of downtown Johnstown easy access to courses and other programs offered by Penn Highlands. The new conference room will seat 12 and provide businesses with a centrally located, comfortable space to hold meetings and other small events.

    “We expect that our downtown center will have an impact on Johnstown’s economy,” stated Dr. Walter Asonevich, College President. “Our Central Park Center is just the beginning of a larger role that Penn Highlands hopes to play in Johnstown.”

    Construction on this project is set to begin shortly, with completion of the project scheduled before December. Penn Highlands plans to open the new space to the public in January 2019.

    Project Funding Details
    This project is being partially funded by a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant totaling $40,000. Representative Bryan Barbin initiated the DCED grant, with JARI providing assistance during the application process.

    A $20,000 match was required for the grant. The matching funds were obtained from three sources. The Penn Highlands Community College Foundation contributed $8,000, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies grant contributed $7,000, and five local banks contributed $1,000 each (AmeriServ Financial, First Commonwealth, First National, Northwest Savings, and 1ST SUMMIT).

  • Annual Community Trick Or Treat Planned For October 29; Free To The Public

    Posted October 8, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Fall is here and Halloween is almost upon us. Penn Highlands Community College knows how to celebrate the season with its annual family-friendly Community Trick or Treat, which will be held on Monday, October 29, from 5:30pm to 7pm, at the College’s Richland Campus.

    This event, intended for families with children who are 12 years old and under, is an experience that is not easily forgotten. Faculty, staff, and current students will be on-hand to give out free treats and candy.

    Our Community Trick or Treat will have special areas dedicated to creating Halloween crafts and for our “Haunted Hospital”. The “Haunted Hospital” is intended for those looking for a scare, and it will have different levels of scariness so children of all ages can get in on the fun.

    Also, for the first time, the Starkiller Garrison will be joining us! The Starkiller Garrison is a part of the 501st Legion, the largest Star Wars costuming club in the world. Get your cameras ready and hang out with some of your favorite characters from the Star Wars universe.

    Last year, we had over 700 happy visitors. This year, we are prepared for that number to continue to grow as we create not only a community tradition, but also a family tradition.

    Further details can be obtained by contacting Pennsylvania Highlands Student Activities at 814.262.6463 or studentactivities@pennhighlands.edu.

  • Open House Set For Late Fall

    Posted October 2, 2018 at 8:34 am

    Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be hosting an open house on Monday, October 22 from 6pm to 7:30pm at each of our locations in Blair, Ebensburg, Huntingdon, Richland, and Somerset.

    Individuals will learn about Penn Highlands and its opportunities, including degree programs and coursework, transfer options, and more. Information on student life, including clubs and activities, and financial assistance will also be presented by representatives. Faculty and alumni will be on-hand to discuss their experiences.

    As an added bonus, prospective students will be eligible to win a 2019/2020 tuition voucher, good for a $250 discount, if they complete a survey while in attendance.

    Penn Highlands has been serving the community with quality and affordable academic options for over 20 years. To learn more, stop by our open house at one of our facilities.

  • Black Bear 5K Race Results Are In

    Posted September 26, 2018 at 9:47 am

    Pennsylvania Highlands Community College held its 11th Annual Black Bear 5K on Saturday, September 22nd, at the College’s Richland Campus. Organizers would like to thank Wessel & Company for serving as the main event sponsor. Proceeds from the Black Bear 5K support student scholarships, program development, and Penn Highlands initiatives.

    (Results courtesy of Wolf Creek Race Management.)

    TOP FIVE OVERALL
    1. Nicholas Ramirez, 35, 19:55.69
    2. Bryan Acosta, 22, 20:29.39
    3. Landon Ridgeway, 18, 20:43.19
    4. Dan Tomak, 41, 21:10:14
    5. Randy Neatrour, 46, 24:02.61
    MALE RESULTS

    Top Three Overall

    1. Nicholas Ramirez, 35, 19:55.69
    2. Bryan Acosta, 22, 20:29.39
    3. Landon Ridgeway, 18, 20:43.19

    10-14

    1. Zackery Shaffer, 10, 33:03.47

    15-19

    1. Tyler Dawson, 19, 25:09.35
    2. Austin Young, 19, 27:04.60
    3. Tayden Jessie, 18, 27:37.99

    20-29

    1. Kory Boyer, 28, 24:42.43
    2. Tanner Thomas, 25, 25:23.73
    3. Mark Saxman, 29, 30:32.70
    4. Thomas Pisarczyk, 22, 32:00.83
    5. Michael Bako, 25, 33:16.97
    6. Harley Shaffer, 27, 44:00.70

    30-39

    1. Bandon Simms, 32, 25:36.12
    2. Michael Montag, 34, 25:50.19
    3. Joe Markum, 37, 27:39.67
    4. Andrew Hoffman, 38, 27:49.26
    5. Douglas Beri, Jr., 32, 28:05.81
    6. Sean McCool, 30, 28:44.99
    7. Scott Hunt, 35, 29:19.28
    8. Raymond Weible, Jr., 34, 37:24.10
    9. Jay Maul, 31, 41:21.44

    40-49

    1. Dan Tomak, 41, 21:10.14
    2. Randy Neatrour, 46, 24:02.61
    3. Ray Guzic, 48, 24:21.87
    4. Tom Newcomer, 43, 26:16.53
    5. Donald Noel, 42, 33:15.14

    50-59

    1. Tom Chernisky, 53, 28:20.86

    60-69

    1. Denny Cruse, 66, 25:02.67
    2. Jeff Maul, 60, 41:21.88
    3. Walter Asonevich, 68, 53:23.42
    FEMALE RESULTS

    Top Three Overall

    1. Megan Montag, 35, 25:49.69
    2. Rebecca Penn, 28, 26:26.96
    3. Erika Kovalik, 18, 26:45.36

    9 & Under

    1. Layla Harshbarger, 8, 33:46.53

    20-29

    1. Katie Duttry, 25, 27:41.41
    2. Nikki Gilpatrick, 24, 27:58.30
    3. Maria LaRotonda, 28, 29:33.70
    4. Codi Mielnik, 28, 33:05.57
    5. Adrianne Kuhar, 21, 35:14.36
    6. Melissa Nealen, 20, 35:17.66
    7. Ashley LaRotonda, 21, 49:52.66

    30-39

    1. Michelle Maksymik, 38, 26:51.40
    2. Daniella Cope, 38, 27:15.41
    3. Melana Simms, 37, 32:15.33
    4. Thomasa Pridgen, 32, 40:46.42

    40-49

    1. Heather Newcomer, 43, 28:23.67
    2. Dawn LaRotonda, 48, 49:54.31
    3. Julia Nesbitt, 48, 51:11.50

    50-59

    1. Pam Thomas, 52, 29:22.95
    2. Rene’ Fetchkan, 55, 51:12.41

  • Penn Highlands Designated A National Center Of Academic Excellence In Cyber Defense

    Posted September 12, 2018 at 9:47 am

    The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated Pennsylvania Highlands Community College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE2Y). This specific designation applies to two-year institutions and Penn Highlands’ designation lasts through the 2023 academic year.

    Academic institutions, like Pennsylvania Highlands, are designated as CAEs in Cyber Defense by undergoing an in-depth assessment and demonstrating they can meet the rigorous requirements needed to garner this designation. Sponsored by NSA and DHS, the CAE in Cyber Defense program aims to reduce vulnerabilities in our national information infrastructure.

    “Thanks to the dedication and expertise of our faculty, Pennsylvania Highlands is the only two-year college in Pennsylvania west of Allentown and one of only four academic institutions (two or four-year) in western Pennsylvania accredited by the NSA and DHS,” stated Dr. Kevin Slonka, Assistant Professor, Computer Science. “This marks us as an elite school in the cybersecurity arena and affirms that our students are receiving an education of the highest quality.”

    Cybersecurity professionals report an average salary of $116,000, which is nearly three times the national average (Source: National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, DHS). As the demand for highly trained cybersecurity professionals grows, CAEs will continue to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to protect and defend our nation’s infrastructures.

    The Cyber Security Center at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College helped the college meet the increasing demands necessary to be honored with the CAE designation. The Cyber Security Center houses the college’s Information Technology: Cyber Security associate degree program, which provides students with the ability to not only administer networks, but to also secure those networks and conduct penetration tests, ensuring those networks are not vulnerable to attacks.

    Cyber Security graduates are expertly trained in computer hardware, operating systems, networking, databases, programming, and defensive and offensive security. They can enter the workforce immediately or transfer into a four-year program at colleges/universities through articulation agreements as a junior.

    Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region that serve residents of western Pennsylvania. The Cyber Security Center can be found at the Richland Campus.

    About Information Technology: Cyber Security (Associate Degree)
    To obtain the Associate of Applied Science Information Technology: Cyber Security, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 63 credits based on general education and specific major courses. Students cover aspects of the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), CompTIA Linux+, Net+, Security+ and A+, Wireshark Certified Network Analyst, and the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker certifications.