Our Board of Trustees recently approved a new associate degree program in Social Work. The Associate of Arts in Social Work is set to begin this fall with its first set of incoming students.
The Social Work (A.A.) degree offers an introduction to students, and addresses various aspects of the social work profession. This entails a historical perspective, values and principles within the profession, working with diverse populations, and social welfare.
When working within the social work profession it requires knowledge of human development and behavior; social, economic, and cultural institutions; and the interaction of all these factors.
As an Associate of Arts degree, this program offers many options to graduates. They will be prepared to become a confident member of the workforce at an entry-level position or, if they wish to do so, transfer their credits with ease to a related bachelor degree program.
Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region serving residents of western Pennsylvania.
About Social Work (A.A.) To obtain the Associate of Arts in Social Work degree a student must successfully complete a minimum of 60 credits based on general education and major requirements. The Social Work degree is a transfer program and offers maximum transferability into a bachelor’s degree program. Social Work will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education later this year for consideration and inclusion within the program-to-program Statewide Transfer System. Click here for additional program details.
The Dean’s List for the Spring 2018 semester has been released. Penn Highlands Community College is proud of these students and their accomplishments.
Acosta – Megan Kelly Coddington, Brooke Elizabeth Gary
Altoona – Jared Michael Bender, Shantell Lynette Brown, John J. Cicchitello, Bryce Julian Colabove, Derek Matthew Cursio, Michaela Nicole Detwiler, Christina Marie Evans, Adrienne Grace Ford, Diane Louise Gallagher, Joyce R. Hughes, Janice D. Jorge Matos, Casey Aaron Kreiger, Jordan Levi Luciano, Rachel M. McGeary, Rebecca M. Rago, Alexandria Margaret Ratay, Todd Raymond Rice, Jamey Joe Sleesman, Justin Ross Straesser, Annette M. Thompson, Imani Vaughn, Ebony Makayla Wilson, Joan M. Yohn
Apollo – Tucker John Insko
Ashville – Caleb Andrew Eckenrode, Mackenzie M. Sherry
Beaverdale – RaeLynn Danielle Hammond, Devon Christopher Michaels
Bedford – SaDawna Marie Eshelman, Adam Robert Vanmeter
Bellwood – Elizabeth Jayne Whaley
Belsano – Hannah M. Melius
Berlin – Bradley Lynn Airesman, Lisa Ann Ferko, MaKenzie Noelle Maust, Matthew Charles Shipley
Bigler – Dylan J. Thompson
Boalsburg – Rabia Biyik
Boswell – Emily June Kennell, Von Michael Yoder
Brackenridge – Regis Daniel Uhric
Cairnbrook – Elle Elizabeth Griffiths, Benjamin Robert Yelovich
Carrolltown – Madison Leigh Augustine, Grace Elizabeth Bertram, Calem Robert Illig, Evan Joseph Johnson, Jared Paul Shank
Central City – Robert Ralph Antesberger, Joshua Clair Bulger, Ashtyn Michel Edwards, Hannah Beth Frazier
Charleroi – Richard Lee Rifenburg
Cherry Tree – Baylee Lynn Boring, Joyce Lynne Pittman
Clearfield – William Shane Rowles, Sarah E. Snyder
Colver – Bryan Edwin Guyer, Christine Marie Janosko, Allyssa Newton Nash, Kristy Lynn Weber
Conemaugh – Angela Rose Santacroce
Cresson – Shaina Lavon Aurandt, Angela Marie Forlina, Devin Scott Selip
Davidsville – Noah John Livella, Jordan P. Miller, Jennifer C. Yoder
Dayton – Zane Nathaniel Clowser
Duncansville – Todd Andrew Beard, Aaron Logan Cook, Kylee Marrie Lonsinger, Kaitlin Darlene McKee, Lyndzi Michele Vaughn, Dylan Matthew Zeiders
Dysart – Taylor A. Hoover
Ebensburg – Brandon C. Hritz, Hunter B. Kish, Thomas Matthew Lauer, Alix Marie Llewellyn, Zachary James Mallin, Amber N. McBreen, Jeremy Andrew McBreen, Kierra J. McBreen, Nathan Lee Smith, Faith Marie Sodmont
Erie – Mark David Woods
Fairhope – Phillip Kenneth Walter
Fallentimber – Lucas James Lumadue, Jeremy M. Rinker
Flinton – Julie Anna Seech
Frederick, MD – Jordan David Fortson
Freedom – Christopher Chance Parish
Friedens – Elizabeth Marlene Reese, Ashlynn Elizabeth Thomas, Jennifer Lynn Zborovancik
Gallitzin – Sarah A. Crynock, Julie L. Gray
Hastings – Jason P. Serafin
Heilwood – Thomas J. Letso
Hollidaysburg – Michael James Cheskey, Clair Marie Rhodes
Homer City – Alaina M. Campbell, Anthony Joseph Corso, Brandi E. Cramer
Huntingdon – Amanda L. Hartman, Aaron Charles Snook, Morgan Mikael Snyder, Lane Matthew Wilson
Imler – Sarah Nicole Allison
Indiana – Patrick Donald Graham, Cassidy Margaret Newman, Julia Marie Paynter
Irwin – Adam Edward Polakovsky
Jeannette – Matthew Joseph Grupp
Jerome – Keith Michael Baldwin
Johnstown – Riley G. Allen, Roman A. Arcurio, Brady Jordan Bachota, Evan James Barkhimer, Taylor Alan Beneke, Aaron Trent Berger, Haley N. Bicko, Nevaeh S. Blackman, Brandon J. Blasko, Andrew Joseph Bloom, Jack Joseph Brookings, Victoria A. Brumbaugh, Candice S. Buksa, Trista Marie Busch, Bradley Joseph Casper, Mya Frances Makana Ceballos-Palmer, Nicholas Rostom Constantino, Keith Allen Cook, Cassandra N. Cosgrove, Natalie Marie Costanzo, Sabrina L. Custer, Drew L. Deffenbaugh, Emilie Marie Deffenbaugh, Tara Nicole Dill, Jennifer L. Durica, Angel S. Eisenhuth, Brittany N. Ellsworth, David Henry Felix, McKenzie Lynn Fitzpatrick, Austin J. Gibson, Nikki Shirlene Gilpatrick, Zane D. Goldstrohm, Taylor Rae Gruss, Joshua Ray Hagen, Jordyn Elizabeth Hamilton, Autumn Marie Hause, Brady William Hess, Jaydrik Darian Hinton, Benjamin Harrison Holmes, Erin Marie Hoover, Dylan Thomas Hughes, Marcayes E. Hutchins, Christian Ovidio Jaramillo, Tiffany Amber Jones, McKenna M. Kachmar, Tyler Simms Katenbrink, Sara Marie Kimmell, Susan Marie Kinsey, Miranda B. Kiser, Emily A. Knapp, Kate M. Knapp, Nakyah N. Knight, Tyler Will Kocsis, Jessica K. Krouse, Kenya S. Kurcin, Nicholas Brian Letosky, Oliver Mark Lindrose, William Eugene Livingston, Anastasia M. Machik, Emily Jane Mantini, Caitlyn J. Marlowe, Ryan C. Mastovich, Allison Rose McClain, Ashlyn N. McConnell, Chey Yvonne McKelvey-Todaro, Ashley D. Michaels, Jacob T. Miller, Kaitlynne Elizabeth Miller, Rorrie E. Miller, Selena R. Miller, Denzel A. Mobley, Nolan P. Mock, Brock T. Moore, Alecia M. Morgan, Kristopher Matthew Mulvehill, Andrew Don Ogline, Samantha Renee Orris, Theresa M. Ozeck, Morgan B. Page, Nikolas P. Papaioannou, Miranda Lynne Pastuch, Brendon Skyler Rager, Andrew Colin Rand, Logan James Reese, Alexander Eric Ritenour, Lewis Raymond Michael Rose, Seth R. Rosenbaum, William F. Roth, Matthew T. Salem, Ashley Lynn Santichen, Bret Alan Sarlouis, Madalyn N. Scaletta, Rachel Lynn Scott, Christina Michelle Shaffer, Shana Lynn Slagle, McKenzie L. Slippy, Regina Faith Smith, Samantha M. Smith, Kaleya I. Smothers, Victoria Frances Smothers, Shane Thomas Steele, Jenna E. Stevens, Anji Lynn Stewart, Kane Isaiah Stiffey, Megan Nicole Stiffler, Tyler James Streets, Geoffrey David Stumpo, Lauren Alyssa Uchaker, Brendan M. Veney, Elonyá J. Veney, Dakota Ray Vojtowicz, Kala Ann Wainwright, Christopher John Weld, Austin M. Wienand, Alicia Alynn Wolfhope, Lauren Ann Zajdel, Andrew M. Zierer
Karns City – Angelo S. Rondinelli
Ligonier – David Lee Wasil
Lilly – Victoria Anne Costlow, Matthew Anthony Stephens
Loretto – Craig Matthew Eckenrode
Mapleton Depot – Donta Alexander Christoff
Martinsburg – Samantha Jean Burket, Zachary Steven Rumberger
Meyersdale – Micah James Bender, Amanda Noelle Custer, Eliza Adeleine Darnell, Alexis Jade Day, Megan Taylor Lavin, Presley R. Yutzy
Mineral Point – Nathan S. Kaschalk, Kathleen M. Orawiec, Aaron Robert Rieg, Vanessa D. Sheehan
Morrisdale – Bethany Dawn Hunt
Mount Pleasant – Ethan Timothy Charlesworth
Mount Union – Christopher J. Dodd, Diana Marie Roher
Nanty Glo – Lauren Elizabeth Amos, Anthony Edward Cornetti, Tashia Marie Hartman, Michael James Kivisto, Erika Elyse Law, Nathanael W. Sell, Brendon A. Smith, Kimberli Ann Weirauch
New Florence – Amber M. Boring
Normalville – Joel Kevin Berger
Northern Cambria – Seth Michael Charney, Quinn Sherwood Earnest, Chase Patrick Hill, Jordan G. Hill, John R. McBee II, Bradley C. McMullen, Linda Evelyn Seibert, Autumn Angel Wise
Orbisonia – Shea Raymond Berrier
Osceola Mills – Savannah Rose Patterson
Patton – Heather Renee Dietrick, Morgan Olivia Maslonik, Matthew John Milanesi, Jarred Andrew Reed, Devin Michael Shaner
Penn Run – Lauren G. Dumm, Seth E. Fyock, Bailey L. Orr, Justice E. Ratay, Alexandera Noel Ringler, Abagail Marie Sleppy
Petersburg – Tara Mae Sheetz
Philipsburg – William Thomas Foreman
Portage – Alex M. Bisaha, Lauren Nicole Deetscreek, Jacob Nathaniel Eichelberger, Allison L. Jones, Brooke L. Kennedy-Brecht, Steven D. Panick, Hannah Jean Shaffer, Karla Marie Troxel
Roaring Spring – Sarah Beth Kuntz, Thaddeus Bruce Willey
Robinson – Hannah D. Detwiler
Rockwood – Augusta Margaret Hay, Jacqlyn A. Knox, Jessica L. Knox
Saint Benedict – Cheyenne Marie Hayes, Bryan M. Shaffer, Elizabeth Anne Shaffer
Saint Boniface – Justin Wayne Thomas
Saint Marys – Joshua William Gleixner
Saxton – Gregory Thomas Lynn
Seward – Emily Kathleen Kemler, Laci Kaitlin Stone
Shade Gap – Jennifer Lynn Kreider
Sidman – Barbara Jeanne Fye, Mikala L. Hamara, McKenna Dawn McMasters, Danielle C. Mickus
Somerset – Jordan Lee Beistel, Justin Lee Chabol, Allison May Lane, Travis Stankan, Daniel Prescott Weaver, Cory Lynn Weicht, Matthew Lee Willison
South Fork – Madison Paige Brewer, Lakin Elaine Burkett, Misty Rose Custer, Megan Vivian Facciani, Crystal L. Fyock, Erin Christine Hof, Cameron Daniel Neuts
Stoystown – Lynne Nicole Brewer, Joseph James Nemchik
Strongstown – MaKenna J. Tinsman
Summerhill – Dana Danielle Bodenschatz, Kirsten Grace Foor, Alicia M. Gaunt, Edana Helene Glessner, Joshua David Gould, Maria Rose Lewis
Three Springs – Catherine Grace Anderson
Tire Hill – Kevin W. Clement
Twin Rocks – Tyler Ryan Hegedus
Tyrone – Brittany Allison Harris, Matthew David Laird, Joseph John Noel, Stevie Marie Pennington, Tiffany Marie Shearer, Jon Dennis Vandevander
Valencia – John Alex Cicconi
Vintondale – Lilac D. Brown, MaKayla D. Fertick, Tiffaney Jade Smith
Westover – Aaron Michael Bakaysa, Rachel Lyn Bakaysa
Williamsburg – Noah Daniel Detwiler, Xavier Ryan Maslowski, Teryl Austin Rice
Windber – Rebecca Blough, Timothy A. Borish, Madison Brooke Crum, Justin Michael Gates, Savanna Joy Kestermont, Andrew M. Mattis, Conor Duane Nitka, Hunter S. Thomas, Trevon Antonio Wallace, Sha’lee Meriem Watters, Jennifer M. Young
Healthcare faculty and their students are celebrating an addition to their learning experience with a brand new simulation lab. This lab will benefit students in various current and forthcoming healthcare programs at Penn Highlands Community College, including Medical Assisting Technology and Pharmacy Technician.
A simulation lab replicates many healthcare environments such as a doctor’s office. Simulations done through this lab will allow students to role-play and act out situations they may encounter in the healthcare industry.
The new lab at Penn Highlands consists of many essential supplies and equipment. This includes EKG machines, venipuncture training arms, vital signs equipment, a pulmonary function monitor, infant mannequins and scales, a surgical skills trainer kit, infection control supplies and personal protective equipment, respiratory supplies, assistive devices (wheelchair, crutches, walker, cane), and so much more.
Students will be able to practice and perfect their skills in a safe and controlled environment. The simulation lab will help students learn to avoid medication errors, develop critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills, promote effective communication, and encourage teamwork.
“Our Medical Assisting students have waited patiently for this wonderful opportunity, and we are very grateful for the generosity of those that have contributed to the enhancement of our students’ learning experience,” stated Tammy Calpin, Assistant Professor of Medical Assisting Technology and Practicum Coordinator at Penn Highlands.
Fellow faculty member Gaynelle Schmieder, Associate Professor of Health Care Professions and Health Sciences Department Chair, shared her excitement for the college’s addition.
“This new Health Sciences simulation lab will have a positive impact on technological advancements in learning for years to come,” said Schmieder. “I’m so excited because of the impact it will have for both our current and future students.”
The Lee Initiatives Grant provided partial funding for the simulation lab. Currently, the Richland Campus is the only college facility to house a simulation lab, but plans are in the works to bring a similar simulation lab to the Penn Highlands Blair Center in the near future.
Faculty, staff, and students unveiling the new simulation lab at the Penn Highlands Richland Campus.
Media production students from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College took home first place in a statewide film competition that included entries from independent filmmakers and school groups throughout the state. This competition, held and judged by the Greater Erie Film Office, looked at creativity and innovation, cinematography, acting, sound design, and editing within each film.
The “Secret in the Pines” film takes place at an orphanage in the 1930s and 1950s. It involves a young woman who returns to the orphanage to confront the administrator that abused her as a child.
The short film was a project for the MPR 250 Video Production course at Penn Highlands. It was honored with the award at the recent Film and New Media Dinner Party held in Erie, PA. This project was based off an award-winning screenplay written by Heidi Dugan and Stella Rugiero, both from Erie County, PA.
Students involved in the production include Timothy Borish (director), Joseph Castania (camera), Katelyn Carnell (audio and camera), Nick Letosky (music and planning), Mark Harkcom (make-up), and Ryan Stout (make-up). Students participating as actors included Andrea DiSalvo, Aaron Capouellez, Jennifer Yoder, Del Broughton, Autumn Hause, and Jordan Stanko.
“This is the college’s third year entering the competition,” stated Rick Bukoski, Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies. “The first year we won third place, and the second year we won second place. On this third try, we won first place. We felt we were on a good trend and were very pleased with this entry. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to be involved in creating a film from screenplay to final product in about a month’s time.”
Bukoski discussed how it was especially challenging to create a film involving several young children who played orphans at an orphanage, but the students were up to the challenge.
Beginning this fall semester, a new group of media production students will be involved in the statewide film competition.
Videographer Joseph Castania gets ready for a shot.
Timothy Borish (left), Katelyn Carnell and Joseph Castania film Andrea DeSalvo in a scene from The Secret In The Pines.
Cameraman Joseph Castania (left) and audio operator Katelyn Carnell (right) test a scene with actor Aaron Capouellez.
Director Timothy Borish operates a drone for some overhead shots.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be holding a Commencement Ceremony for their Twenty-Third Graduating Class on Saturday, May 12th, in their Richland Campus Auditorium. The Ceremony will begin at 10:00am.
Student Senate President Kane Stiffey, of Johnstown, will be giving this year’s commencement address. Mr. Stiffey will obtain two degrees during the ceremony, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences and an Associate of Science in Business Administration. He has been very active during his time at Pennsylvania Highlands as both a College Student Trustee and the Student Senate President.
Kane Stiffey will share his story to over 250 graduates who are planning to be in attendance. Also addressing the graduates will be Penn Highlands Community College President Dr. Walter Asonevich, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Greg Winger, Cambria County President Commissioner Thomas Chernisky, and Faculty Senate President Yvette Madison.
In addition to awarding associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the ceremony, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will also present the Distinguished Graduate Award, which honors a student who has contributed his or her time and effort to Pennsylvania Highlands and the community while maintaining a high level of academic performance.