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College Holds Ribbon Cutting To Showcase New Center For Culinary Excellence Location

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College unveiled the new location of its Center for Culinary Excellence, located inside the Frank J. Pasquerilla Center in Downtown Johnstown, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

The move gives the growing Culinary Arts program more space, expanded course options, and direct links to real-world foodservice work.

“Our goal is to provide accessible educational experiences that are relevant and lead to rewarding careers right here in our communities,” stated Dr. Sara Conroy, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services. “This new space gives students the opportunity to learn in an active event venue, experiencing firsthand what it takes to work in the culinary and hospitality industries. We are proud to continue building partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals that create opportunities for our students, while supporting the workforce needs and economic growth of our region.”

The Center for Culinary Excellence previously operated on Main Street, near Johnstown’s Central Park. As enrollment in the College’s culinary program grew, so did the need for a larger facility that could better serve students. Penn Highlands’ partnership with the Greater Johnstown School District also played a key role, as more high school students joined the district’s culinary program.

The new location allows Penn Highlands to offer more learning opportunities. Students can now take classes in baking and pastry specialties, hospitality and events training, quantity of foods production, mass catering, and more. Together, these courses prepare students for a wide range of careers in restaurants, bakeries, catering companies, hotels, and event venues.

One of the most valuable features of the new location is its direct connection to the workforce. Students will be able to work alongside Pasquerilla Center vendors and concessions during events.

This hands-on, experiential learning lets students apply classroom lessons in a professional setting while gaining practical experience with event-scale service, building their résumés, and making connections with local employers before they graduate.

The Pasquerilla Center also offers free on-site parking and is served by multiple bus stops and routes. These options help students who commute, work, or care for their families get to campus without added cost or stress.

The new Center for Culinary Excellence reflects Penn Highlands’ commitment to affordable, career-focused education that meets students where they are. Whether students are starting their careers after high school or looking to move into a new field, the expanded program offers a clear path to the region’s food and hospitality industry.

Click here for more information on our Culinary Arts program.