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Chief James Mock Memorial Police Academy Achievement Award Unveiled

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation announced a new recognition beginning with this Police Academy cadet class, the Chief James Mock Memorial Police Academy Achievement Award, during a plaque unveiling ceremony on Thursday morning.

The Chief James Mock Memorial Police Academy Achievement Award will be presented annually to a graduate of the Penn Highlands Police Academy starting in September 2025.

This $1,000 award, donated by Catherine Rager, the daughter of Chief Mock, will be presented to a cadet who meets the eligibility criteria of top academic performance, leadership, and significant improvement throughout the training program.

Each year, the recipient’s name will be engraved on a commemorative plaque and formally honored during the Academy’s graduation ceremony.

“This award recognizes the hard work and dedication needed to complete training and take the next step,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “The award not only honors Chief Mock’s legacy but also serves as a testament to the impact of perseverance and commitment, helping a top cadet yearly set out on a path of success in law enforcement.”

Chief James Mock’s nearly 40-year career in law enforcement began with the Richland Police Department in 1965 as a patrolman. He became Chief in 1969 and held the distinction for 33 years, while expanding the department to more than 30 officers and establishing the Detective Bureau.

Mock led the creation of an interdepartmental communication network between area police agencies and played a key role in founding the Johnstown Municipal Police Academy in 1975.

His leadership was also exhibited during the 1977 Johnstown Flood, when he established an effective relief and rescue center, earning him the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Award. Mock passed away in 2003.

Click here for more information on the Police Academy.

Basketball Team Wins First Region 20 Championship

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Men’s Basketball team claimed its first-ever Region 20 championship with a 77-57 victory over the Community College of Allegheny County on Sunday, February 23, inside the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center, marking a monumental achievement for the program.

The win not only redeemed the Black Bears after two regular-season losses to the Wildcats but also secured their third Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference title – their first since the 2021-22 season.

“We’ve had one of the toughest seasons I’ve had in a long time,” stated Chris Weakley, Black Bears Head Coach. “Early in the season, we faced numerous Division II teams and four-year schools, which led to a slow start. When we returned from holiday break, we had a meeting, and the guys bought in. They embraced everything I asked of them, and their hard work paid off. This victory was well-earned and truly deserved.”

Black Bears freshman BJ Lavender (Miami, FL) was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after scoring 28 points in the championship game.

Desmond Handon, Jr. (Baltimore, MD) and Anthony Ross (Baltimore, MD) were named to the All-Tournament Team. Lavender and Handon, Jr, were also awarded All-Conference honors.

Weakley was named Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm of the Black Bears.

“We faced a lot of adversity this season, but we just kept our minds straight and focused,” Lavender stated. “We kept putting the work in every day and stayed consistent, and it showed. We’re very thankful for everything Coach Weakley has done for us.”

Penn Highlands will now compete in the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina, on March 1 and 2. The winner will advance to the NJCAA National Championships, beginning March 12, at Herkimer College in Herkimer, New York.

The 2024-2025 championship team and coaches, along with Black Bear Athletics staff. (Taken: February 23, 2025)

Players (left to right): BJ Lavender, Anthony Ross, and Desmond Handon, Jr. (Taken: February 23, 2025)

Coaches (left to right): Denzel Mobley, Chris Weakley, and Ben Mostoller. (Taken: February 23, 2025)

Path To Bachelor’s Degrees Simplified With Over 180 Articulation Agreements

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College makes it easier than ever for students to achieve their academic goals. By offering Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees, commonly known as transfer degrees, Penn Highlands provides a seamless transition from community college to four-year colleges and universities.

These programs are specifically designed to align with general education requirements at four-year institutions, ensuring graduates can transfer as juniors without losing time or credits. With articulation agreements, Penn Highlands students can be confident in knowing their hard-earned credits will count toward their bachelor’s degree.

As of February 2025, Penn Highlands has established more than 180 articulation agreements with 34 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. These agreements cover institutions such as all 14 Pennsylvania state universities, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Mount Aloysius College, Seton Hill University, Saint Francis University, and many more.

Agreements with Point Park University, West Virginia University, and Penn State Altoona were added in 2024. When Penn Highlands does not have a formal agreement for a student’s major, the College helps them navigate the process and achieve their goals through the Liberal Arts and Sciences – Self Design major.

“Students can truly start at Penn Highlands and go anywhere,” stated Michelle Stumpf, Dean of Enrollment Services & Registrar. “Our goal is to provide students with the most affordable, straight forward, pathway to a degree. The relationships and agreements we have created with other colleges and universities help our students confidently transfer all their credits into their desired degree program without loss of credit.”

The College provides three types of articulation agreements designed to provide the best path for students to their chosen four-year institution. These include:

• Program to Program Agreements – A Program-to-Program agreement allows students who graduate with specified transfer or career degrees to transfer all of the credits earned within that program to the designated college or university. The guides provide an academic plan with course recommendations for students to follow in order to prepare for a specific major at the designated college or university.
• Core to Core Agreements – Core-to-Core agreements (also known as GenEd-to-GenEd agreements) document a particular college’s or university’s promise to accept the general education credits embedded in a specific Penn Highlands degree. Even though some exceptions apply, students will receive credit for the general education or core requirements of that institution. See individual articulation agreements for specifics.
• 3+1 Agreements – The 3+1 (or 3 years + 1 year) agreement enables students to transfer their associate degree plus an additional 30+ credits toward the requirements of a bachelor’s degree, leaving students with approximately 1 year to complete the degree.

Over the past three years, 2,364 former Penn Highlands students have transferred to or were enrolled at 228 different four-year colleges or universities.

Visit our Transfer Central webpage to learn more.

Bowling Team Claims First Region 20 Championship

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Men’s Bowling team claimed its first-ever Region 20 Championship last Friday at the annual tournament held in Greensburg, PA.

The victory comes just one week after the Black Bears won their first Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference title. Penn Highlands had previously finished as Region 20 runners-up in 2016 and 2017.

“Winning the Region 20 Championship shows the team’s hard work, focus, and determination,” stated Head Coach Mike Lucas. “We’ve bowled exceptionally well these last two tournaments. I’m very confident that we can carry the momentum into the NJCAA Championships.”

Multiple Black Bears earned individual accolades, as sophomore Brady Huss (Johnstown, PA) earned the Men’s All-Events Championship for the second consecutive year, totaling 2,047 pins over nine games.

Huss and Brice Clinger (Altoona, PA) teamed to win the Men’s Doubles Championship with a combined 1,339 score in six games. The pair also won the WPCC Tournament, with Friday marking the first doubles championship for the team at the Region 20 level.

“I’m glad all of our practice and hard work has paid off,” Huss stated. “We bowled very well as a team, and hopefully we can continue to grow as we prepare for nationals.”

Huss finished runner-up in the Men’s Singles division with 693 pins over three games. Luke Collins (Baltimore, MD) placed third with a combined 649 score.

With their performances, Clinger and Huss were both chosen as members of the All-Region Team. This was Huss’ second selection.

The Black Bears will next compete in the NJCAA Bowling Championships from February 27 to March 1 at Airport Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY.

Puttapalooza Fundraiser Scheduled For March 28

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation will hold this year’s annual Puttapalooza event on Friday, March 28, at the College’s Richland Campus. 

This will be the 13th rendition of the Foundation’s annual mini golf event, which raises money for the Supporting Scholars Fund and directly aids students with scholarship opportunities at Penn Highlands Community College. 

The event has raised more than $125,000 since its inception, averaging around $10,000 per year. In 2024, Puttapalooza raised over $8,000 for the Supporting Scholars Fund. 

“Puttapalooza has become a community favorite,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “It is a testament to the power of community and fun coming together for a meaningful cause. By joining us, you’re not only enjoying a great evening of mini golf, but also directly supporting our students.” 

Puttapalooza will feature 18 uniquely designed mini golf holes spread throughout the Richland Campus, along with food, a 50/50 drawing, and a raffle with prizes including a sound bar, Brit Floyd tickets, an Igloo ice chest, and more. 

As a part of the College’s 30th anniversary, the event will feature appetizers and a dinner for attendees. Somerset Trust Company is serving as the headline sponsor. 

Click here to visit the Puttapalooza webpage for details and to register.