Community Report (2022-2023)

MISSION STATEMENT

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College provides its students with affordable opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their work, in their day-to-day lives, and in their pursuit of life-long learning in a supportive, student-oriented environment.

VISION

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be a dominant higher education provider in west central Pennsylvania – a catalyst for regional renewal – positioning our graduates to be recognized as highly competent, exceptional members of the community and workforce.

CORE VALUES

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College strives to be a community of learners where every student, employee, and community member is respected and supported. The College is deeply committed to the following values:

Student Success

Quality and Accountability

Integrity and Ethics

Collaboration and Collegiality

Responsiveness to Diverse and Changing Community Needs

Letter from the President and Board of Trustees Chair

It is hard to believe, but the 2022-2023 academic year is now complete, and it is once again time to take a look back to appreciate and celebrate the accomplishments of the College and the Foundation. These accomplishments, too many to list here, have required the faculty and staff, the College Foundation Board, and the Board of Trustees to be focused and dedicated to the College’s mission and its vision.

We also appreciate the continued support of the County Commissioners and our local state and federal legislators. Their support of the College is greatly appreciated and necessary as we focus on the community college mission and strive, along with so many other community members and organizations, to make our communities an even greater place to live, work, play, volunteer, and of course, get educated.

GROWING OF THE FOUNDATION

The Penn Highlands Foundation donated over $85,000 to support student scholarships and College initiatives that impacted 48 students. This generous support is only possible because of the dedication of the Foundation Board of Directors, led by Board President Jeff Wood, the faculty and staff of the College who pitch in (both monetarily and with their time), and of our generous donors and community sponsors.

THE FIRST POLICE ACADEMY CLASS OF CADETS

The first class of the Police Academy was launched in the fall of 2022 and will graduate in the fall of 2023. We are exceptionally proud that the Police Academy has moved forward with a clear focus on quality.

ONE BOOK - ONE COMMUNITY

THE COLLEGE ACCOMPLISHED MANY INITIATIVES THIS YEAR, INCLUDING:

CONFERRING MORE THAN 295 DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Our most obvious and important focus is supporting the academic and career goals of our students. In most cases, our students pursue a college credential (i.e., an associate’s degree or certificate) with the goal of transferring to earn a bachelor’s degree or to quickly enter the workforce as a highly trained employee. The process of helping students reach their goals is long and complex and requires our staff and faculty to recruit and mentor students and then to rigorously academically prepare them. It is the work of the collective whole of the College, not individuals, that helps propel students toward their dreams.

TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

The College continues to expand its transfer agreements with our four-year college and university friends. To date, the College has more than 130 articulation agreements with 30 institutions. Several of these are 3+1 agreements where students can take courses at Penn Highlands for three years (at our cost) and transfer to the university to complete their bachelor’s degree in their final year.

WORKFORCE AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION

The College, partnering with several economic development organizations across the region including Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI), has worked diligently to provide workforce training opportunities to communities’ businesses and industries. With the help of WEDnetPA and GAT funding, the College provided $570,000 in training to our business and industry friends this last year.

The College proudly hosts the One Book - One Community program each year. In 2023, more than 1,300 students, teachers, and parents participated; kids were asked to read “One Last Shot,” written by John David Anderson, and then participated in a multitude of golf-related activities and were treated to a presentation and book signing by the author. College employees and other community volunteers donate their time and treasure to pull off this three-day event.

The 2023-2024 year looks to be even busier as the College looks to open two new campuses, unveil new academic programming, and launch new fundraisers. Exciting things continue to happen at Penn Highlands.

#1 GRADUATION RATE AMONG ALL COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN PENNSYLVANIA

SMALL CLASS SIZES

$2.9 MILLION AWARDED TO STUDENTS IN GRANT AID

80% OF OUR STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL NEED RECEIVE GRANTS

1 2 3 4 5

42% MALE STUDENTS 58% FEMALE STUDENTS

AVERAGE STUDENT AGE 24

65,000

STUDENTS SERVED SINCE OPENING

LOWEST COST IN THE REGION

SINCE 2013, STUDENTS HAVE EARNED 3,063 ASSOCIATE DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, OR DIPLOMAS

ACCREDITATIONS

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Dual enrollment at Penn Highlands is accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.

STUDENT DIVERSITY

STUDENTS FROM 43 PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES & 8 STATES

Asian (1%)

Black or African American (4%)

Hispanic/Latino (3%)

White (87%)

Two or More Races (2%)

Race/ethnicity unknown (3%)

These numbers do not reflect Dual Enrollment or Associate in High School students. 1,277 high school students took courses for college credit via Dual Enrollment and Associate in High School programs.

COLLEGE

Middle school students and teachers from across the region attended the three-day event held at Pennsylvania Highlands. After reading “One Last Shot” by John David Anderson, students had the opportunity to meet the author, while also participating in activities related to the book and learning about the history of golf and miniature golf.

John Joyce, a United States Congressman serving Pennsylvania’s 13th district in the U.S. House of Representatives, took a tour of our campus while also using the new Use of Force Simulator that was installed for our Police Academy. Joyce stressed the importance of improving the lives of those in our region while meeting with administration of the college.

PENN HIGHLANDS GRADUATES USE 3+1 PROGRAM WITH SFU TO EARN BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Nine Pennsylvania Highlands graduates took advantage of the college’s 3+1 articulation agreement with Saint Francis University, one of our 20plus schools we collaborate with, to earn a bachelor’s degree while saving financially. Students spent three years in our classrooms before completing their final year at Saint Francis.

POLICE ACADEMY CADETS RECEIVE DONATIONS TO ASSIST WITH TRAINING

The Pennsylvania Highlands Police Academy received a donation of a fully functional, out-of-service police cruiser in an effort to support the training and education of future law enforcement officers. With this donation, the Academy will be better able to provide additional hands-on training to cadets in a real-world setting.

LCT Energy, a mining corporation in the Laurel Highlands area, then used a community partnership to donate dress uniforms to the 11 cadets in the inaugural class of the Pennsylvania Highlands Police Academy. The uniforms consisted of a black windbreaker, a white dress shirt, and a green tie, which the cadets wore during their September graduation ceremony.

LEARN

MORE ABOUT THE PENN HIGHLANDS POLICE ACADEMY

Pennsylvania Highlands was proud to sponsor the 20th Annual Cambria County College Fair that took place on Tuesday, September 20, at the College’s Richland Campus. Students from across the region met with colleges and universities from all over the state to discuss educational and career opportunities.

The mission of the College Fair is to promote higher education and future opportunities to not only high school students and their families, but to the public as well. The Cambria County College Fair helps local community members find and discover the many educational and career opportunities that are right in their back yard.

CAREERFEST

This past spring, Penn Highlands hosted CareerFest which allowed local high school students to take part in an immersive experience with regional business leaders. CareerFest provided valuable insight into local careers and what it takes to enter the workforce.

College Partnerships

COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH THOMAS AUTOMOTIVE ON STACKABLE CREDENTIAL PATHWAY

A collaboration announced between Thomas Automotive and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College provides a pathway for Thomas Automotive employees to strengthen their skills, knowledge, and career growth.

This pathway provides stackable credentials through credit classes offered at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. Thomas Automotive employees must successfully complete six classes totaling 18 credits to earn the Thomas Business Certificate.

These six classes can be applied toward earning a certificate or degree at Pennsylvania Highlands. To earn a Business Management Certificate through Pennsylvania Highlands, Thomas Automotive employees would only have to complete two additional classes in the fields of business and English (an additional six credits).

Thomas Automotive employees who choose to continue towards an associate degree in Business Management would only need to complete an additional 40 credits of coursework.

As a part of this partnership, Thomas Automotive has signed on to the Employer Tuition Discount Program that Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers local business and industry. This program allows eligible business employees to receive a 5% discount on tuition for credit classes.

IUP AND PENN HIGHLANDS SIGN DUAL ADMISSIONS AGREEMENT

Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Dr. Michael Driscoll and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College President Dr. Steve Nunez signed a dual admissions program agreement, designed to streamline the process for students who earn an associate degree at Penn Highlands to complete a bachelor’s degree program at IUP.

Under this agreement, students enrolled at Penn Highlands who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree at IUP will be given automatic acceptance to IUP, pending successful completion of all admissions requirements. No additional admissions application to IUP will be required for these students. The program provides a curriculum plan for students that is a seamless transition from associate to bachelor’s degree.

Students will also receive enhanced counseling, advising and transition support services from both institutions, and Penn Highlands students who have been accepted into this program will be given full access to IUP’s resources, including housing, dining, the Co-op, the IUP Libraries, and IUP activities and events.

“IUP has a renewed focus on initiatives that are student-centered,” stated Dr. Driscoll, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. “This dual admissions agreement is designed to help eliminate potential barriers and to show students from Penn Highlands that they are full members of the IUP community, even before they begin their classes here. We value our ongoing partnership with Penn Highlands, and this dual admissions agreement is the right next step for our institutions and for the students that we serve.”

Since 2015, more than 100 students from Penn Highlands have transferred to IUP to complete their academic studies.

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FINISHES 16TH IN NATIONAL MEET

The Penn Highlands Cross Country team competed in the NJCAA Division 3 National Meet, held in Westfield, Massachusetts, in November 2022.

This is the first time the whole team was represented at a national meet, finishing 16th overall in the nation. Congratulations to all members of the Cross Country team:

• Andrew Straka

• Chase Brenneman

• Zachary Brandis

• Cody Sral

• Cody Miller

• Nolan Read

BOWLERS REACH NJCAA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Two members of the Penn Highlands Bowling Team competed in the NJCAA National Tournament for the first time in school history in Cheektowaga, New York.

Jenna Dagostino (Windber, PA) placed 45th out of 100 bowlers in the women’s tournament after totaling 1,905 pins over 12 games, good for a 158.8 per game average.

North Carolina native Brendon Hodge finished in 88th place with a 2,010 total score in 12 games, averaging 167.5 per game. There were 130 total bowlers in the men’s bracket.

ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM HONORS

Nine student-athletes from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College were recognized for their dedication in the classroom, with two reaching the mark in multiple sports. Two athletic teams from the College were also named an NJCAA Academic Team of the Year out of the 1,078 honored.

First Team

• Madison Bender (Softball)

• Jenna Serafin (Softball)

Second Team

• Tatum Coyle (Softball)

• Julia Podrasky (Softball)

Third Team

• Emily Bittner (Volleyball)

• Kylee Fabo (Softball & Volleyball)

Team Awards

Softball (3.31 Combined GPA)

Volleyball (3.07 Combined GPA)

• Maciah Holsopple (Softball & Volleyball)

• Madison Wirfel (Softball)

• Joziah Wyatt-Taylor (Men’s Basketball)

PENN HIGHLANDS ATHLETES HONORED

A total of 14 athletes on various Penn Highlands athletic teams were recognized with an All-Conference or Division 3 All-Region 20 award this past year. The athletes named to All-Region were selected out of six total schools in Region 20, which covers Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Northern Virginia.

ALL-REGION

Cross Country

• Andrew Straka, 1st Team

Men’s Basketball

• Joziah Wyatt-Taylor, 1st Team

• Drew Tapscott, Honorable Mention

Volleyball

• Lauryn Calhoun, Honorable Mention

ALL-CONFERENCE

Cross Country

• Andrew Straka

Volleyball

• Maciah Holsopple

• Emily Bittner

Men’s Basketball

• Joziah Wyatt-Taylor

• Devin Lewis

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

Men’s Basketball

Bowling

• Jenna Dagostino

Softball

• Taylor Rapsky

• Jenna Serafin

• Olivia Weyandt

• Lauryn Calhoun

• Finished 2022-23 season with 10-10 record

• Runner-up in Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference

• Third place in Division 3 Region 20

Softball

• Made Division 3 Region 20 Championship game in just second year as a team

“I think we’ve had an excellent year of growth and development within all of our athletic programs. We have multiple teams on the cusp of capturing a conference or a regional championship for the school. We in the athletic department have a chip on our shoulder now to win it all and continue on the great tradition we’ve already built with Penn Highlands athletics.”

SUE BRUGH - PENNSYLVANIA HIGHLANDS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

College students and employees volunteered their time to plant mums throughout Downtown Johnstown during the fall season. We appreciate the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority for partnering with us.

COLLEGE HOSTS SUMMER CAMP FOR LOCAL STUDENTS

Our Minecraft for Education workshop was a success, as young learners had a great experience at our weeklong summer camp. Participants at our Blair Center explored topics including math, science, computer science, climate and stability, art, design, and more while utilizing one of our campus computer labs.

CAMBRIA REGIONAL CHAMBER VISITS FACILITY

We had a great time holding the Cambria Regional Chamber Business After Hours event in August. Attendees were able to tour the Richland Campus and explore our state-of-the-art use of force simulator, plus enjoy music and delicious food while mingling with our workers and each other.

COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES VOLUNTEER AT MILITARY FOOD SHARE DISTRIBUTION EVENT

Assistant Professor Morgan Dugan and Entrepreneurship major Myah Teeter volunteered at a military food share distribution event where they packed food shares and loaded boxes into the vehicles of local veterans. This initiative was led by the Community Involvement Committee and Education Club.

FACULTY UNION SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER THROUGH READING

Members of our AFT Pennsylvania Faculty Union Local 6221 delivered smiles to area youth when distributing children’s books to local organizations during the holiday season.

ASSISTING THOSE IN NEED

Our Early Childhood Education students, along with faculty members Rachel Kimmel and Morgan Dugan, volunteered their time on Saturday, April 1 at an Easter Egg Hunt event designed specifically for kids with special needs.

COMMUNITY TRICK OR TREAT EVENTS

Penn Highlands Community College celebrated the Halloween season by bringing back its annual family-friendly Community Trick or Treat event. Over 300 dinosaurs, superheroes, princesses, and their families enjoyed trick or treat, crafts, a haunted hallway, and more.

On October 29, faculty members Morgan Dugan and Sherri Slavick, along with our Caring for Cubs Education Club, passed out candy to kids during Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership’s Trunk or Treat. We enjoyed seeing all the costumes and giving back to the community.

FAMILY DAY FUN

On October 1, Penn Highlands hosted Family Day, a free community event. Employees, students, alumni, and community members took part in family-friendly activities such as bouncy houses (interactive inflatables), build-a-bear, crafts, snacks, and more.

TEACHING THE IMPORTANCE OF READING

In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, our Early Childhood Education students visited kindergarten classrooms at Central Cambria Elementary. They applied practical skills by reading as well as conducting literacy activities with the children.

CYBERSECURITY TRIVIA EVENT

On March 25, we welcomed community members to our Richland Campus to hear from IT experts on cyber security. This free trivia event provided important details on how to protect yourself in today’s vast technological landscape. This event is part of the PC4A Project.

The College had a great turnout for our free children’s literacy event. Faculty, as well as our Early Childhood Education and Education students, guided attendees through various stations that promoted academic literacy development. All children were provided with a free book courtesy of the Keystone State Literacy Association.

Awards & Honors

COLLEGE HONORS CLASS OF 2023 AT COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College celebrated its twenty-eighth graduating class on Friday, May 12. The ceremony was also live streamed via YouTube and the College’s website.

KYLEE FABO NAMED DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE

Kylee Fabo (Summerhill, PA) was honored with this year’s Distinguished Graduate Award at our Student Recognition Ceremony. Fabo graduated with a degree in Psychology.

The Distinguished Graduate honor is awarded to a student that has contributed their time and efforts to the College and their community while maintaining a high level of academic performance.

SEVEN STUDENTS NAMED TO THE 2023 ALL-PA ACADEMIC TEAM

The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges named seven Penn Highlands students to the 2023 All-PA Academic Team as a part of its 29th annual class.

Seven of those honored were from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. The following students are menbers of the AllPennsylvania Academic Transfer and Workforce Pathway Teams:

• Kylee Fabo (Summerhill, PA)

• Adrianna Farrell (Northern Cambria, PA)

• Emma Martz (Berlin, PA)

• Jeffrey Matevish (Johnstown, PA)

• Brianna Pavkovich (Rockwood, PA)

• Rebecca Perrone (Northern Cambria, PA)

• Jessica Shockey (Friedens, PA)

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN 2022 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Every year, the College awards Supporting Scholars Academic Scholarships to local high school students with outstanding academic achievements.

Pennsylvania Highlands would like to honor those who have received the 2022 Presidential Scholarship:

• Kelly Hearn of Rockwood, PA (Rockwood Area High School)

• Trinity Stewart of Windber, PA (Windber Area High School)

Pennsylvania Highlands would like to honor those who have received the 2022 Emerging Leader Scholarship:

• Madison Bender of Ashville, PA (Cambria Heights High School)

• Quinn Charney of Windber, PA (Forest Hills Jr/Sr High School)

• Hannah Dadura of Johnstown, PA (Conemaugh Township High School)

• Carmella Fredo of Hastings, PA (Cambria Heights High School)

• Gianina Galli of Nanty Glo, PA (Central Cambria High School)

• Jesse James of Colver, PA (Central Cambria High School)

• Elijah Ketley of Hollsopple, PA (Conemaugh Township High School)

• Katie Long of Belsano, PA (Blacklick Valley Jr/Sr High School)

• Hannah Miller of Berlin, PA (Berlin Brothersvalley High School)

• Corinne Mowrer of Petersburg, PA (Juniata Valley High School)

• Matthew Rozum of Johnstown, PA (Forest Hills Jr/Sr High School)

• Hannah Tallion of Windber, PA (Windber Area High School)

• Nathan Wholaver of Hastings, PA (Cambria Heights High School)

BRYCE HESSLER SELECTED FOR DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM

Bryce Hessler, of Ebensburg, was selected to participate in the Disney College Program. Bryce traveled to Florida for the spring semester after being one of several students chosen from nearly 50,000 applications.

“Being chosen for the Disney College Program is a dream come true,” stated Bryce Hessler, a Business Management student at Penn Highlands. “Not many get to have an experience like this while in college and I’m so excited to make the most of it. I’m hoping to make a lot of connections and learn about management within a large company.”

The Disney College Program allows participants to network with professionals throughout The Walt Disney Company, take part in learning and career development sessions, and live and work with people from all over the country. Participants will build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, effective communication, and more.

“Penn Highlands is focused on giving our students the ability to make the most of the opportunities available to them,” stated Rob Sekerak, Regional Center Director. “Bryce saw an opportunity and seized it. We couldn’t be happier for him.”

Bryce plans to earn his associate’s degree in Business Management from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College before eventually wanting to open and operate his own business upon graduation.

FABO AND MARTZ NAMED PASSHE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Kylee Fabo and Emma Martz were chosen as the two recipients of the PASSHE Scholarship. The partnership between PA community colleges and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities provides two years of tuition at any PASSHE school to eligible All-Pennsylvania Transfer Team members.

COLLEGE EARNS 2023-2024 SILVER MILITARY FRIENDLY® DESIGNATION

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that it has earned the 2023-2024 Silver Military Friendly® School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 20232024 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard.

The 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Victory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer), and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” stated Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships for Military Friendly®. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.”

ADRIANNA FARRELL SELECTED AS A 2023 COCA-COLA TEAM GOLD SCHOLAR

HOFFMAN NAMED FINALIST FOR ‘23 CIO OF THE YEAR

Matt Hoffman, Penn Highlands’ Chief Information Officer was named as a finalist for the CIO of the Year Award by the Pittsburgh Technology Council for expressing dedication, leadership, and innovative thinking for the college.

FACULTY ADVANCEMENT

Five members of our faculty earned Advancement based on their commitment to the college.

Advancement in Rank

• Dr. Robert Clark, Professor, Criminal Justice & Social Sciences

DR. STEVE NUNEZ NAMED TO THE PA BUSINESS CENTRAL’S TOP 100 PEOPLE FOR 2023

Pennsylvania Highlands Liberal Arts and Sciences major Adrianna Farrell was one of 50 students statewide chosen as a Coca-Cola Team Gold Scholar.

Farrell was nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service. She also serves as the College’s Student Senate President and Student Trustee.

SUE HUNT RECEIVES EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD

Sue Hunt, our college’s Payroll Accountant, received the College’s Exemplary Service Award in recognition of outstanding service to the College in 2021-2022.

This award is given to only those employees dedicated to the College’s mission and has provided substantial contributions and service.

• Laura Gaunt, Assistant Professor, Health Care Professions

• Jill Mitchell, Professor, Biological Sciences

• Michelle Myers, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Tenure

• Melissa Boback, Associate Professor, Accounting

FIVE

Dr. Steve Nunez, College President, was named to the Pennsylvania Business Central’s Top 100 People for 2023.

Honorees were chosen based on their ability to shape our communities and our lives.

MEDALLION AWARDS PRESENTED TO MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Marketing & Communications was awarded five NCMPR Medallion Awards this year from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR).

The awards included Website (bronze), E-Card (silver), Quick Turn Video (Silver), Original Photography (gold), and Social Media Campaign (gold).

Since 2015, Marketing & Communications has won a total of 31 NCMPR Medallion and Paragon Awards, which recognizes excellence in the marketing, design, and public relations field at two-year schools.

College Foundation

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is committed to raising funds that provide significant assistance to the College and its students.

The 2022-2023 year was again a successful year supporting the College through scholarships to deserving students, making education affordable. In the past year, $39,000 of Foundation scholarship funds were given to the college and in July 2023, a check for $50,000 was presented to the college for the Supporting Scholars initiative. Also, in September 2022, the Foundation gave $3,500 to support uniforms for the Police Academy program.

The fundraising events were profitable and were highlighted by our Casino Night “All In For Education” held in October 2022 and the annual Puttapalooza event held in March 2023 at the Main Campus. These two events raised $11,000. The annual giving campaign was very successful and helped raise over $72,000.

This year, we are excited to partner with the 1889 Foundation to revitalize the Chef Auction, which they started over a decade ago. We want to thank the 1889 Foundation for their support for student scholarships and the College’s forthcoming culinary program.

Other exciting news over the last year includes welcoming new Board members, Attorney Traci Naugle from Blair County and Mike Artim from Cambria County.

We continued the tradition of our Annual Campaign, both employee and community based, as well as the EITC program, supporting the One Book One Community program and the Student Emergency Fund.

The 2023-2024 year is upon us, and we are excited to keep and build the momentum from this past year. If you are interested in becoming a donor, sponsoring an event or scholarship, or have any questions about the Foundation, please reach out to us at Foundation@pennhighlands.edu.

“Pennsylvania Highlands offered the convenience and affordability I needed to not only focus on my studies, but to also raise my family. At Penn Highlands, you’re more than just a number; you’re family.”

FIRST ANNUAL BLACK BEAR CASINO NIGHT

The College Foundation hosted its first Casino Night fundraiser at Sunnehanna Country Club. This Vegas-style event was a unique and exciting experience for the area.

The College Foundation’s Black Bear Casino Night featured authentic casino games with real card dealers (craps, blackjack, roulette, and poker), raffle prizes, 50/50 winnings, appetizers, drinks, and assorted desserts. Attendees were entertained with live music by Jazz in your Face.

“We wanted to do something different this year. Our Black Bear Casino Night is going to transform Sunnehanna into Vegas and will have something for everyone,” stated Jeff Wood, President of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation. “If someone is looking to have a good time, eat delicious food, laugh, and gather with friends and neighbors, all while making a difference to local students, you cannot miss this event.”

Every dollar raised goes back to the students at Penn Highlands Community College through the Supporting Scholars Fund.

FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $29,000 IN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is proud to announce the distribution of more than $29,000 in scholarship money to Penn Highlands’ students for the 2022-2023 academic year. These scholarships are funded by local businesses, area philanthropists, Pennsylvania Highlands staff and faculty, and Foundation fundraisers.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE AND SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION ASSISTS POLICE ACADEMY WITH GRANT & FUND FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation has awarded a grant to the inaugural class of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Police Academy. Through this Foundation grant, totaling over $2,500, all 20222023 cadets received the required uniforms and equipment free of charge.

“Ensuring a quality educational experience and training program for the cadets is the goal of the academy,” stated Dennis Miller, Police Academy Director. “Coupled with the financial impact from the Foundation, this class of cadets is in an excellent position for success. The College Foundation responded quickly to our request and the cadets

benefitted significantly from their generosity.”

The inaugural class of the Penn Highlands Police Academy began in September 2022, enrolling 12 cadets from across western Pennsylvania. The Police Academy is a oneyear program that runs evenings and weekends; a second class of cadets is slated to begin training in September 2023.

A scholarship fund has been opened to help future cadets. The Police Academy fund was launched with the 20222023 Annual Campaign and the Foundation is hopeful the community is moved to donate.

“This first class of cadets is important to the College

and the community,” explained Jeff Wood, Foundation President. “The Foundation was happy to help the Police Academy cadets and future classes. We are now asking the community for their support of the cadets. No amount is too small.”

All donations earmarked for the Penn Highlands Police Academy will be used for future classes in the form of scholarships.

COLLEGE FOUNDATION HOSTS 11TH ANNUAL PUTTAPALOOZA

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation hosted the area’s most unique miniature golf event, Puttapalooza, on Friday, March 31st at the Richland Campus. This was the 11th anniversary of Puttapalooza, with Somerset Trust serving as the Headline Sponsor.

This indoor mini-golf event included an adventurous 18-hole course, food, drinks, team prizes, and a ticket auction. Over $11,000 was raised, which will directly support our students.

TO OUR LOCAL LEADERS:

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College would like to express its gratitude to the Cambria County Commissioners (Thomas Chernisky, Scott Hunt, and William “B.J.” Smith) and Senator Wayne Langerholc for their unwavering support of our esteemed institution. Your commitment to education and continuous efforts to uplift Penn Highlands have not gone unnoticed.

Your dedicated advocacy and generous allocation of resources have allowed us to expand educational opportunities, enhance our programs, and provide invaluable resources to our students. Your support has not only benefited the current student body, but will also have a lasting impact on the future of our region. By investing in education, you are paving the way for growth, development, and a brighter future for all.

Penn Highlands recognizes the tireless work you do to ensure that education remains a priority, and your dedication to fostering an environment of learning is admirable. Your belief in the transformative power of education serves as an inspiration.

Hunter Connor Criminal Justice, 2016

Hunter chose Penn Highlands for the affordability, convenience, and flexibility. As a College Sponsored Scholarship recipient, he was able to earn a degree debt-free while maintaining a full-time job.

QUALITY EDUCATION

“By attending Penn Highlands, I built a strong foundation for my education and career path. I now have a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies and a thriving career.”

COLLEGE LEADERSHIP

President’s Cabinet

Gary Boast, Associate Vice President of Technology & Analytics

Trish Corle, Vice President of Student Services

Dr. Cynthia Doherty, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Susan Fisher, Associate Vice President of Administration

Chris Pribulsky, Associate Vice President of Finance

Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, Dean of Library Services & Special Projects

Board of Trustees

Gregory Winger (Chairperson)

Dr. Janet Grady (Vice Chairperson)

Carl D. DeYulis (Secretary / Treasurer)

James Foreman (Public Relations Officer)

Alan Cashaw

John Augustine

Edwin Bowser

Tyson Cook

James Foster

Carissa Itle Westrick

Jacqueline Kulback

Marc McCall

Dr. Kathleen O’Rourke

Mike Puruczky

Linda Thomson

Adrianna Farrell (Student Trustee)

Foundation Board of Directors

OFFICERS

Mr. Jeffrey Wood, President Kongsberg Protech Systems

Mr. David Mordan, Vice President CPA, Self-Employed

MEMBERS

Mr. Mike Artim Intrignia, Inc.

Ms. Nancy D’Aniello Concurrent Technologies Corporation

Mr. Ellis Griffith Improvements & Innovations, Inc.

Mr. John Kubinsky Somerset Trust Company

Mr. Tim Leventry Leventry, Haschak & Rodkey, LLC

Ms. Traci Naugle Forr, Stokan, Huff, Kormanski & Naugle

Mr. Mike Lynch, Treasurer AmeriServ Financial

Mr. Ed Porada, Secretary

Mr. John Polacek JWF Industries

Mr. Doug Puchko Puchko Financial

Ms. Roberta Ream AmeriServ Financial

Mr. Edwin Bowser, ex-officio Pennsylvania Highlands Trustee

Mr. James Foreman, ex-officio Pennsylvania Highlands Trustee

We have locations throughout the Laurel Highlands and Southern Alleghenies regions. With online classes and multiple convenient locations, there is a flexible option for you. Start your journey today and #DiscoverYou.

Penn Highlands covers a vast region with various locations. For current hours and directions, visit: www.pennhighlands.edu/locations

We understand that choosing a college is not an easy task. You have dreams. You have goals. We have options.

What is discover you? It’s more than a tag line. We want you to discover your dreams. Discover your future. Discover your career. Penn Highlands is prepared to equip you along this journey of discovery.

START YOUR JOURNEY. Applying is easy. From start to finish, you can start your journey in about 15 minutes.

� No essays.

� No SAT/ACT.

� No application fees.

� No problem!