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College Receives $1.1 Million Endowment From Margaret Pardee; Will Be Used For Student Scholarships

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been awarded a generous $1.1 million endowment from Margaret J. Pardee. This funding will establish a new scholarship program for Penn Highlands students, set to launch in the Fall 2026 semester.

The Margaret J. Pardee Scholarship will provide full tuition scholarships that cover the entirety of a full-time student’s tuition and fees for one year or two semesters. Students will have the opportunity to reapply for the scholarship the following year. Applications for the scholarship will be available starting in March 2026.

“We are deeply grateful for Ms. Pardee’s commitment to education and her belief in the potential of our students,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands Community College President. “This endowment will transform lives by providing students with the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must declare their intention to attend Penn Highlands Community College as a full-time, degree-seeking student, and demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and extracurricular involvement.

Graduates of Northern Cambria or Cambria Heights High Schools, whose legal residence is within the geographic areas serviced by either the Hope Fire Company and/or the Hastings Fire Company, will be given primary consideration.

The Foundation aims to award six full tuition scholarships per academic year.

“Ms. Pardee’s legacy will live on through the success of our students, who will benefit immensely from her generosity,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation at Penn Highlands. “We can’t thank her enough for her support of the College’s students and her community.”

To honor Ms. Pardee, the Foundation will place a commemorative plaque in both Northern Cambria and Cambria Heights high schools, if approved by the respective districts. The plaque will detail the life of Ms. Pardee and her desire to help others in her community receive higher education.

For more information on scholarship opportunities at Penn Highlands, visit www.pennhighlands.edu/scholarships/.

For over 30 years, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been a pillar of the region, offering accessible, high-quality education at an affordable cost. Central to Pennsylvania Highlands is the College’s Foundation, which plays a crucial role in supporting the College and its students, helping them achieve success and drive progress.

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation
Established in 1995, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is a non-profit educational trust under Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation seeks and secures financial support to advance the mission of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College by fostering relationships and managing resources. It focuses on providing scholarships, supporting academic programs, and promoting faculty and staff development to meet the College’s and community’s educational needs. Through donations, events, grants, and deferred giving, the Foundation enriches student opportunities and strengthens community partnerships. 

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a leading institution in higher education committed to empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and community impact, Pennsylvania Highlands has been transforming lives in West Central Pennsylvania since 1994 through a diverse range of over 40 degree and certificate programs with an array of resources to support student success. Pennsylvania Highlands has the highest graduation rate of all Pennsylvania community colleges.