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Omar Strohm Hired As AVP Of Finance

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has appointed Omar Strohm as the College’s new Associate Vice President (AVP) of Finance. 

Omar Strohm, Associate Vice President of Finance

A native of Altoona, Strohm has more than 20 years of experience working in local government, including serving as the Finance and Human Resources Director (2003-18), Deputy City Manager (2018-21), and City Manager (2021-23) in the City of Altoona. 

As the AVP of Finance, Strohm serves as the College’s Chief Financial Officer, providing leadership and guidance to the business office, student financial services, procurement, the bookstore, and dining services. In this capacity, he is responsible for the development, assessment, and improvement of services in each of the supervised areas. 

“Everyone here has been very open and willing to help me,” Strohm stated. “I already feel like I am a part of the family. It has been a positive experience so far getting to know everyone and adjusting to the new position. There is a lot of information and processes to learn, but I am beginning to get settled in.” 

Strohm holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) and multiple master’s degrees. These include a Master of Arts in Industrial & Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Business Administration from Saint Francis University, and a Master of Community and Economic Development, Public Administration, and the Psychology of Leadership from Penn State. 

He is also a Member of the International City/County Management Association and the Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Managers, as well as a former Board Member of the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, Altoona Parking Authority, Central Blair Recreation Commission, and the Vice-Chair of the Altoona Water Authority. 

“For more than twenty years, I provided leadership to the City of Altoona,” Strohm stated. “I have also spent a lot of my adult life pursuing degrees in higher education and have always wanted to work in higher education. This College has a great reputation, and I am excited to get started.” 

College Awarded $20,000 Hunger-Free Campus Grant

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has received a $20,000 grant for its designation as a 2023-2024 PA Governor’s Hunger-Free Campus.

The College has been honored with the grant for the first time, following its recognition as a Hunger-Free Campus for two consecutive years. Penn Highlands is one of 30 institutions to receive $1 million in funds distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

“We are overjoyed that we have received this grant,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “It is a lot of money for the College and the community we serve. Collaborating with multiple food banks is beneficial, but having such a resource specifically for our students aligns perfectly with our College’s mission, enabling their success on campus.”

The grant will be used to fund the establishment of a food pantry at the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Richland Campus, providing students with grab-and-go meals and supplies to prepare meals at their homes. Necessary equipment for the pantry, including refrigerators, freezers, and shelving, as well as site renovation and an inventory system, will also be purchased.

Supporting scholars and other students at the College will earn volunteer hours by working in the pantry. College employees will receive a stipend for managing the pantry and procuring food supplies.

“Students of all ages learn best when they start the day with a full stomach and are better prepared to succeed when they have access to nutritious, healthy food,” stated Governor Josh Shapiro. “That’s why my Administration fought for and delivered universal free breakfast in K-12 classrooms, and it’s why we’re fighting back against hunger on our college campuses. These grants will help colleges and universities across Pennsylvania improve and introduce programs to fight hunger and ensure students from every background have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed in Pennsylvania.”

Admissions & Athletics Open House Set For February

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be hosting its Spring Admissions & Athletics Open House on Monday, February 19, at the College’s Richland Campus and Blair, Ebensburg, Huntingdon, and Somerset Centers. 

The Open House will consist of two sessions, 2:30 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Those who wish to attend can RSVP by clicking here. The event is also open to the public. 

Attendees will go through the admissions and financial aid processes, learn about activities, academics, and athletics, take a tour, and have one-on-one conversations with an admissions counselor to discuss their futures. Each location will focus on separate initiatives based on what each one offers. 

Attendees will also get the chance to connect with a knowledgeable faculty member who specializes in teaching courses in their specific area of study. The Richland Campus is scheduled to have three-to-four faculty members, while others will have one or two. 

Directions and addresses for all locations can be found on our website at www.pennhighlands.edu/locations/. 

Those who fill out a survey upon attending will be entered in a drawing to win a $250 scholarship. 

First National Bank Supports The College Foundation Through EITC Donation

First National Bank’s Senior Vice President and Regional Credit Officer, Greg Winger, recently presented a $4,500 donation to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation. This contribution will be directed towards the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund, further supporting its mission and initiatives. 

This generous donation will empower the bank and other institutions to contribute to the educational initiatives offered by the College. By maintaining its EITC status and with the support of this exceptional contribution, Penn Highlands will be able to provide classes at a reduced price for students in the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program and those enrolled in dual enrollment. 

“We have cultivated a strong and enduring relationship with First National Bank,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the College Foundation. “They have donated to the Foundation in multiple ways with the intention of helping us grow. This further shows their dedication.” 

EITC supports high school students by offering the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses. Through this program, students can earn credits and gain insight into the potential futures that Penn Highlands can provide them with. 

“First National Bank is pleased to continue our long-standing support of Penn Highlands’ mission and its students,” stated Winger, who also serves as Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees. 

In 2023, the EITC Program received $17,000 in funds, enabling the College to provide discounted rates on over 7,000 credits to more than 2,000 students who participated in the past year.

College receives donation check from First National Bank. Pictured left to right: Dr. Steve Nunez, College President; Carole VanMeter, College Foundation Director; and Greg Winger, First National Bank Senior Vice President and Regional Credit Officer. (Taken December 2023)

Dean’s List Announced For Fall 2023

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester. 

Alexandria – Spencer Garrett Hoover 

Altoona – Rachael Bonsell, Noah D. Drumm, Nikki Gunther-Geesaman, Gage Lynn Haselbarth, Shaylee Jackson, Nichole Marie Kerstetter, Bruce K. Krestar, Jordan Lafferty, Kristal Masic, Tyler Jay McMonigal, Kate Elizabeth Mueller, Allys Marie Schmidhamer, Elaina Ashlynn Wallace, Emily Warner, Alexander Christian Wilkins 

Alverda – Natalie Linn Pileski 

Ashville – Madison Marie Bender, Hannah Grace Krug, Courtney Kay Smith, Emmett Usmiller 

Belleville – Michaela Susan Yoder 

Belsano – Katie Faith Long 

Berlin – Alexander Dively, Breigh Ann Hillegass 

Bushkill – Jeremie Travis Washington 

Calvin – Sara Kay Oakman 

Carrolltown – Grace Isabella Krumenacker, Hayden Thomas Malloy, Carly J. Mezzelo 

Central City – Madison Jade Burkholder 

Cherry Tree – Makayla Marie Price 

Coalport – Seth Ethan Dillon 

Colver – Calvin McCullough Jacobs, Jesse David James 

Cresson – Taylor Michele Conrad, Angela Diane Noel, Salvatore Tiracave 

Davidsville – Chase Joseph Dinyar, Mya Lynn Nanna, Logan Robert Pitera 

Duncansville – Rylee Paige Boyer, Raechel Collier, Jonathan David Edmundson, Destany Hammel 

Dunlo – Valerie Nicole Pinella 

East Freedom – Tessa Marie Snavely 

Ebensburg – Joseph Thomas Flick, Elizabeth G. Mundok, Nathan Paul Schilling, John Anthony Edward Wolf 

Elton – Bryce Ian Johnson 

Erie – Jessica Bauer-Cook 

Everett – Morgan Renee Zimmerman 

Fallentimber – James Richard Eakins 

Fishertown – Haylea Nicole Imler 

Friedens – Aspen Jean Bereider, Gavin James Kimmel 

Gallitzin – Christiana Mary Rosella Koytek 

Glen Hope – Madelyn Noel Peachman 

Greensboro – Leah Ann Minick 

Greensburg – Heather Harmon 

Hastings – Anna Michele Charney, Carmella Rae Fredo, Holly Jean Leamer, Tyler Haven Riggleman, Jenna Lynn Serafin, Krista Rose Watt 

Heilwood – Anthony Joseph Rizzo 

Hollidaysburg – Noah Christopher Best, Benjamin Patrick Dombrosky, Ella Rose Hunter, Aiden Michael Kleinhans, Zachary Hunter Knee, Quang Nguyen, Paul R. Rhodes 

Hollsopple – Kristie Byer, Adelyn Nicole Dull 

Homer City – Autumn Sue Montgomery 

Houtzdale – Melissa Sue Johnson 

Huntingdon – Florabel Laspinas Eriksen, Dylan Edward Miller, Deanna Alexandra Sorensen 

Hyde – Sean Lee Miller 

Indiana – David Charles Croyle, Elizabeth M. Diehl, Ryan Joseph Fabin, Carla Jean Frederick, Shane Nicewonger 

Jerome – Holly Szukala 

Johnstown – Evan Joseph Allen, Gabriel Anderson, Maria Alejandra Baez, Ryan Louis Brown, Lauren Faith Burrell, Ailyn Geraga Calicaran, Hannah Nichole Cameron, Makalynn S. Chambers, Timothy Hale Collins, Courtney Erin Costa, Dahrianna Cuello, Hannah Dadura, Katelyn Rose Daily, Dakota J. Deutsch, Kayla Danelle Dively, Kyle Lee Feliciano, Karsyn Taylor Ford, Bryanna Janelle Goodman, Ryan Arthur Gorden, Makala Ann Graham, Christian J. Haberkorn, Connor F. Haberkorn, Nichole Myra Harrity, Alyse Renae Hastie, Ean Jaber, Matthew James Jasper, Brian Scott Kennedy, Kit C. Lang, Mark Michael Mastervich, Christopher Matthew McKendrick, Tracy Loren McNatt, Elijah James Minahan, Akram Moustafa Moaz, Amanda Nicole Mosorjak, Samantha Belle Nicoloff, Priscilla Ortiz, Jadyn R. Oswalt, Krish A. Patel, Blake C. Porath, Gracie Anne Randolph, Maria Isabel Rolon, Matthew Paul Rozum, Philip Angelo Russo, Joseph Facciani Sabo, Dylan Charles Santichen, Julia Nicole Suhayda, Austin Wade Svencer, David Michael Truscello, Zachary Joseph Vantroba, James Vasilko, Megan Nicole Walerysiak, Tessa Marie Weeks, Renu Williams, Charizma Rose Wilson, Evan Joseph Wiseman, Zachary Richard-David Zentkovich 

Lilly – Dylan Michael Boreck, Grant William Bossler, Ethan Everett Reese 

Loretto – Jaden Conrad 

Manns Choice – Cody John Miller 

Mapleton Depot – Adreonna J. Miller 

Marion Center – Mason Garrett Pearce 

Martinsburg – Jade Kathryn Replogle 

McVeytown – Briely Benson, Patyn Rylee Crisswell, Kaitlyn Walk 

Meyersdale – Samuel Robert Hughes 

Mineral Point – Elliot Michael Knepper, Allie Anne Polchito, Danika Marie Polka 

Mount Union – Addison Joan Glover, Alexes Swanger, Logan A. Yakymac 

Munster – Madison Wirfel-Latocha 

Nanty Glo – Gianina Marie Galli, Christopher Paul Oldham, Heidi Rhine, Shaelyn Nicole Silko, Madison Wirfel-Latocha 

New Florence – Summer Nicole Boring, Autumn Lynne Hardy, Megan Deann Rougeaux 

Newry – Travis John Molliver 

Northern Cambria – Olivia Ann Cavallo, Jennifer Maude Novella, Alexandra Elizabeth Rummell, Malia Theresa-Marie Shutty, Joshua Robert Walters, Jensen Wiewiora 

Osceola Mills – Wyatt Alexander Kephart 

Osterburg – Colton H. Bollman 

Patton – Delila Maria Hofer, Paige Ann-Marie Jones, Isabella Madalynn Stanko, Abbigail Marie Warfield 

Petersburg – Hannah Marie Detterline 

Portage – Olivia Ann Burk, Austin Michael Feathers, Francis James Fordick, Jessica Dawn Karstetter, Garrett D. Lamar 

Roaring Spring – Allee Shae Keagy 

Robertsdale – Karly Denae Schiffel 

Rockwood – Alexander Sheldon Benford, Kelly Ann Hearn 

Saint Michael – James Barber, Makara L. Miller 

Salix – Shaylan Lee Liebig 

Saxton – Christina Nichole Sparks 

Schellsburg – Mary Bernadette Martell 

Shirleysburg – Abigail Joanne Aurand, Wyatt James Snair 

Sidman – Dillon Shane Schmidt 

Sipesville – Alexandria Nicole Walls 

Somerset – Asa M. Belardi, Chase Tanner Brenneman, Renee Ivy Eash, Emma Grace Engleka, Emily Taylor Evans, Emily Diane Klejka, Rebekah Marie Krishak, Will Andrew Latuch, Corinna A. May, Kody Scott Miller, Cassidy Ann Petersen, Abigail Grace Roadman, Abigail M. Show, Samantha Kay Smith 

South Fork – Kayla Marie Clifford, Steven Michael Dusack, Christina Nicole Schrader, Isabella Strosnider 

Stoystown – Alicia Marie Fyock, Kendall M. Kramer 

Summerhill – Jacqueline Smith 

Tyrone – Stacy Teresa Kustaborder, Meghan E. McMullen, Alex Robert Miller 

Washington – Christian Harding 

Williamsburg – Shelby Lynn Aurandt, Shane Matthew Dixon, Mikel Raven Kuchenbrod, Aliyah Logan Ross  

Windber – Kyra Noel Allison, Andrew Lawrence Betcher, Cassandra Renee Boysza, Julia Grace Burkhard, Abigail Elizabeth Bush, Giovani Joseph Flori, Mya Angelene Havyer, Kaden Michael Klonicke, Trinity Jade Klucik, Hannah M. Knappenberger, Amy Lynn Mirilovich, Sally Rose Moore, Timothy Keller Roddy, Kayla Shuster, Trinity A. Stewart, Mason Andrew Toth, Braydon Alexander Wojcik, Jordan Scott Wright, Dylan Young