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Marketing & Communications Team honored with 4 Awards by National Council for Marketing & Public Relations

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College would like to congratulate its Marketing & Communications Team on being awarded four (4) NCMPR District 1 Medallion Awards this year from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR). Since 2015, Marketing & Communications has won a total of eight (8) NCMPR Medallion Awards, which recognizes excellence in the marketing, design, and public relations field at two-year schools.

This year, the team took home top honors in three categories (gold medallions): College Promotional Brand Video, Television Advertisement (Single or Series), and Manipulated Photo. Additionally, the team earned an additional second place award (silver medallion) in College Promotional Brand Video.

In 2015 and 2016, Marketing & Communications took home silver medallion awards in Original Photography, Outdoor Media, Video Shorts, and Television Advertisement.

“This award is further evidence that the area is home to many talented professionals whose work is recognized both regionally and nationally,” stated Trish Corle, Penn Highlands’ Vice President of Student Services. “Penn Highlands is fortunate to have this team working to share the success of our students, faculty, and staff, and promoting the college.”

Marketing & Communications at Penn Highlands Community College consists of three members.

Raymond Weible, Jr. has led the team since 2007 as the Director of Marketing & Communications and has spearheaded a multitude of web, digital media, and overall brand initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Advertising and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications, both from West Virginia University.

Sean McCool has been a member of the team since 2012 as the Creative Services & Marketing Specialist and has a hold on photography, graphic/web design, and more for the College, playing an intricate role in the pieces that garnered these awards. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Emerging Technology and Multimedia from Slippery Rock University.

Andrew Podolak recently joined the team in July 2017 as the Marketing & Communications Assistant and is quickly becoming an integral part of the team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Pittsburgh.

Penn Highlands collaborated with Wade James of Adliv Collective during the production of the video pieces that garnered these awards. Adliv Collective provides professional photography and videography services in Johnstown, PA.

NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. They are one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, representing more than 1,550 members from over 650 colleges across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Pennsylvania Highlands is a part of District 1, which includes schools from Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, and United Kingdom.

About NCMPR
The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior, and technical colleges. NCMPR provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves, and recognizes professional excellence.

Marketing & Communications Team Photo (L to R): Sean McCool, Creative Services & Marketing Specialist; Raymond Weible, Jr., Director of Marketing & Communications; Andrew Podolak, Marketing & Communications Assistant

Psychology Student Autumn Hause named a 2017 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to congratulate psychology student and sophomore Autumn Hause, of Johnstown, as one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2017 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. As a recipient of this honor, Autumn will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are also encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 1,000 applications were received.

“Autumn Hause shows strong purpose and conviction, and is an example of what a student leader should be,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “We are proud to have Autumn represent Pennsylvania Highlands.”

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the U.S. military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides Leaders of Promise Global Scholarships, earmarked for international students.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa, make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals, and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”

Autumn Hause standing in front of the College’s Richland Campus. After graduation, Autumn plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and doctoral degree in psychology.

Medical Assistants Recognition Week begins October 16

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is celebrating Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 16-20, as designated by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Penn Highlands will be holding a special luncheon for Medical Assisting Technology students, alumni working in the field, and others continuing their education. The Medical Assisting Technology program is accredited by CAAHEP and currently educates students in separate clinical and administrative labs and classrooms.

Medical assisting is an allied health profession whose practitioners function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. With their unique versatility, medical assistants are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting continues to be projected as one of the fastest growing occupations.

The AAMA is the premier organization serving the professional interests and educational needs of medical assistants. It provides numerous services that help medical assistants put their careers on a successful and rewarding track and keep them there.

New Central Park Facility designed to help Downtown Residents explore College Options

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, in an effort to help downtown Johnstown residents find career success, has leased 3,116 square feet of first floor space in the Park Building, located on the corner of Main Street and Gazebo Park.

The Central Park location will serve as a community resource to provide college exploration, college preparation and career planning. The College’s goal is to provide a connection for individuals to help discover successful paths to higher education.

The facility will be equipped to provide workforce training on an as-needed basis depending on the needs of downtown businesses. And, a study center will be available to currently enrolled students as a safe and supportive location to complete coursework.

“Downtown residents are vital parts of this city and region,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, College President. “We want them to flourish. Penn Highlands is committed to providing assistance and access to the services they need to earn an education and career. This facility is their first step.”

The College’s new lease consists of a five-year term with two additional five-year options. Penn Highlands looks to open this facility in the fall to the public.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has five locations throughout the region: Blair, Ebensburg, Huntingdon, Richland, and Somerset.

Annual Community Trick or Treat scheduled for October 23; Free to the Public

Fall is in full swing and Halloween is almost upon us. Pennsylvania 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 23, 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.

In addition to free treats, there will be a special area dedicated to creating Halloween crafts and a “Haunted Hallway” for those looking for a little scare.

Last year, we had over 500 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.