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Huntingdon Couple fund Scholarship

A local couple is the first in the area to fund a scholarship for students to attend Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. Stan and Helen Westbrook have pledged scholarship funds over the next five years to support students who attend Penn Highlands and have graduated from Mount Union School District. The Westbrook’s owned and operated Meadowview Manor Personal Care for 30 years before selling the business in the fall of 2012.

“Helen and I feel very strongly that we should give back to the community that has supported our family for so many years.” said Stan Westbrook. “Working with Pennsylvania Highlands to provide this scholarship is a way for us to let these students know anything is possible and people believe in them.”

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been operating in Huntingdon County since 2009 and moved into its permanent location on Margy Drive in 2011. “We are truly grateful to the Westbrook family for providing this scholarship for our students,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands. “I don’t think people fully appreciate the impact that providing a scholarship has on not only the recipient, but an entire school district and community. We have found that one student’s success can be contagious, igniting a desire to succeed in many others.”

Somerset Trust donates over $30,000 to the College

JoAlyce Kopinski, Assistant Secretary for Somerset Trust and member of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Somerset Advisory Council, presents two checks to Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands, at the College’s Somerset Center. Somerset Trust made a $20,000 donation to the College Foundation’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, which helps to fund the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program. Somerset Trust has also donated $15,000 to match the College Foundation’s 2013 Title III endowment grant.

“We are grateful to Somerset Trust for their willingness to partner in our mission,” said Dr. Asonevich. “These donations are critical to the continued development of Pennsylvania Highlands and the ongoing success of our students.”

Phi Theta Kappa Members give back to the Community

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College encourages each of its student clubs to participate in community service projects in an effort to give back to our community. The College’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is leading the charge in this area by reaching out to various groups throughout our region.

Recently, on October 27^th, Phi Theta Kappa provided and served a dinner to residents of Vine Street Towers. They then took the leftovers to the Women’s Help Center for them to provide to those in need. Phi Theta Kappa is also conducting a canned food drive to benefit the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry via St. Andrews Church.

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society of two-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

College awarded Military Friendly Schools Title ® from Victory Media, Inc.

Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has named Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to the coveted Military Friendly Schools ® list. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools ® list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

“Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools ® shows Pennsylvania Highlands’ commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, Director for G.I. Jobs and Vice President at Victory Media. “As interest in education grows we’re thrilled to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools,” said Sean Collins.

“Pennsylvania Highlands is pleased to be recognized as a campus community that truly cares about helping veterans and their families with the transition to college life and accomplishing their educational mission,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, College President.

The Military Friendly Schools ® media and website features the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences. The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.

F.N.B. Corporation donates to the College Foundation’s EITC Program

Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College accepts a donation from Greg Winger, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for F.N.B. Corporation. The $5,333.30 Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program donation was given to help support the College’s Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program.

The ACE Program provides high school students in grades 9-12 with an opportunity to earn college credits while taking courses at their high school. The program served over 1,700 students during the 2011-12 academic year.

“We are thankful for the support of F.N.B. Corporation and truly appreciate their commitment to the youth of our community,” said Dr. Asonevich.