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Sophomore Emma Garrison Presents At Beacon Conference On The Power Of Aromatherapy

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College would like to congratulate Early Childhood Education student Emma Garrison, of Patton, on receiving a Certificate of Achievement for her paper at the Beacon Conference. The Beacon Conference accepted Emma’s paper, “The Power of Aromatherapy,” and she was able to present it during the 2019 Beacon Conference.

Emma Garrison, Early Childhood Education Student

The Beacon Conference was established by mostly Honors faculty to recognize, celebrate, and showcase the academic achievements of outstanding students at community colleges in the mid-Atlantic region. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines.

Her paper was prepared under the guidance of Penn Highlands Professor Dr. Russell Newman. The highly competitive conference drew approximately 140 submissions from students at community colleges in four states. Being chosen was a significant accomplishment for Emma.

Emma’s paper dealt with aromatherapy and its overall power, addressing the severity of antibiotic overuse and advocates the utilization of essential oils to reach an equivalent result. The paper explains that inexpensive therapeutic-grade oils, containing a variety of medicinal purposes, lack any and all potential health risks, allowing for the permanent replacement of many over-the-counter medicinal drugs.

Emma Garrison is on track to graduate with her associate degree in May 2020, as a part of the college’s 25^th graduating class. After graduating, Emma plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

“Public speaking has always been an intense, inexplicable fear of mine,” stated Emma Garrison. “When presented with the opportunity to challenge myself, however, I confronted my fear head-on, stepped far beyond my comfort zone, and tested my possibilities. Due to its rewarding outcome, the Beacon Conference was an amazing, beneficial experience. It’s one that I hope to be a part of again in the future.”

About The Beacon Conference
The Beacon Conference was born in 1993 when Rockland Community College (NY), with a grant from the American Association of Community Colleges and the Kellogg Foundation, and in association with Bergen Community College (NJ), Brookdale Community College (NJ), Catonsville Community College (MD), Dutchess Community College (NY), Harford Community College (MD), Kingsborough Community College (NY), Middlesex Community/Technical College (CT), Nassau Community College (NY) and Westchester Community College (NY), organized two conferences for student scholars at two-year colleges in the mid-Atlantic region. Since then, the conference has been sponsored by a coalition of participating community colleges, which take turns hosting this event each year on the first Friday of June.

Kathleen Morrell Named Executive Director Of Institutional Advancement & Public Relations

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce the appointment of Kathleen Morrell as the new Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Public Relations.

In her position, Kathleen will manage efforts in external relations. These duties include; but, are not limited to overseeing the College Foundation; supporting and nurturing the College’s relationships with local, county, state, and federally elected officials; serving as grant administrator and public relations officer; building educational partnerships with external organizations; advising the Marketing and Communications Department; and recommending the creation and implementation of institutional development policies.

Prior to Penn Highlands, Kathleen was the Media Director for the Gatesman & Dave advertising agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and The Barash Group formerly in State College, PA. Prior to those positions, Kathleen also worked as a media buyer for Western Initiative Media (Currently Initiative Media) in Phoenix, Arizona. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from West Virginia University. She currently serves on the Saint Vincent De Paul Family Kitchen fundraising committee.

Corks & Kegs Fundraiser Set To Support Scholarships & More

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is hosting their fall fundraising event, Corks & Kegs, on Thursday, October 3rd in the Black Bear Café (Richland Campus, 101 Community College Way) from 5-7pm.

This is a big year for Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and its annual foundation event, Corks & Kegs. This will be the 10^th year for the fundraising event, while also commemorating the college’s 25th anniversary. Craft beer will be served with heavy hors d’oeuvres along with wine assortments from B&L Winery. Jazz In Your Face will entertain the crowd. Various baskets sponsored by local businesses will also be auctioned off during the event.

Senator Wayne Langerholc and Cambria County President Commissioner Tom Chernisky will be in attendance awarding citations to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the College.

Proceeds from Corks & Kegs support student scholarships, develop innovative approaches to instruction, purchase training tools and equipment, and improve campus facilities.

Contact the Foundation at 814.262.6499 for details and to register. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door; however, pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Fall Open House Happening October 21st

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be hosting an open house on Monday, October 21, from 6pm to 7:30pm at each of our locations in Blair, Ebensburg, Huntingdon, Richland, and Somerset.

Individuals will learn about Penn Highlands and its opportunities, including degree programs and coursework, transfer options, and more. Information on student life, including clubs and activities, and financial assistance will also be presented by representatives. Faculty and alumni will be on-hand to discuss their experiences.

As an added bonus, prospective students will be eligible to win a 2020/2021 tuition voucher, good for a $250 discount, if they complete a survey while in attendance.

Penn Highlands has been proudly serving the community with quality and affordable academic options for 25 years. To learn more, stop by our open house at one of our facilities:

Blair Center
Logan Valley Mall (Next to Macy’s)
5580 Goods Lane, Altoona, PA 16602
814.201.2700 | blair@pennhighlands.edu

Ebensburg Center
881 Hills Plaza Drive, Suite 450, Ebensburg, PA 15931
814.471.0010 | ebensburg@pennhighlands.edu

Huntingdon Center
6311 Margy Drive, Huntingdon, PA 16652
814.643.6200 | huntingdon@pennhighlands.edu

Richland Campus
101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA 15904
814.262.6446 | admissions@pennhighlands.edu

Somerset Center
Somerset County Education Center
6024 Glades Pike, Suite 210, Somerset, PA 15501
814.443.2500 | somerset@pennhighlands.edu

For additional information, contact any of the college’s locations directly or call us toll-free at 1.888.385.PEAK. You can also find Pennsylvania Highlands online at http://www.pennhighlands.edu.

Blair Center To Offer Substance Abuse & Addiction Technician Certificate

Beginning with the Spring 2020 semester, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Blair Center is adding the Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician program to its already diverse list of academic offerings.

Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician is an 18-credit certificate that enables graduates to work in an entry-level position in the varied field of addiction treatment. Students will be introduced to the effects that substance abuse and chemical dependency have on society; and gain an understanding of what addiction is, the different drugs that are used, how to work with those who have physical and psychological addictions, the various types of treatment, and counseling approaches.

“We are excited to launch the Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician program in Blair County,” stated Chris Farrell, Director of the Penn Highlands Blair Center. “In speaking with industry professionals, we are finding that not only is it a great way to start your career in having an impact on addiction and substance abuse, it is also a great way for established social workers to sharpen their skills in this specific area.”

This program may be completed at Penn Highlands Blair, located in the Logan Valley Mall. For additional information on the Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician program or other opportunities in Blair, please contact Penn Highlands Blair at 814.201.2700 or blair@pennhighlands.edu.