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Enthusiasm & Restaurant List Grows As Chef Auction Fundraiser Nears

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation, in partnership with the 1889 Foundation, is looking to make a difference in the lives of local students through the reinvigorated Chef Auction fundraiser. Additional restaurants and a growing number of silent and live auction items are continuing to allow the Chef Auction to blossom as the event date nears.

The Chef Auction will take place on Wednesday, October 11, at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown, beginning at 5 PM. A total of nine restaurants are slated to attend the event, which will also hold both a silent and live auction.

The list of restaurant attendees includes Ace’s, Balance Restaurant, Journey Restaurant, Nemacolin, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Sunnehanna Country Club, Craft Kitchen at Stone Bridge Brewing, Anthony’s Restaurant, and the Conemaugh Culinary Team.

WTAJ news anchor Marty Radovanic will serve as the emcee for the occasion.

“We are very excited to bring back the Chef Auction after so many years, which was previously hosted by the 1889 Foundation,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation. “The Chef Auction will be a night filled with great food and good company, with all the proceeds going to a worthy cause. Our goal for this event is to help students as much as we can, and I believe we are going to make a positive impact.”

All proceeds from the Chef Auction are going to the College’s Supporting Scholars Fund, which includes the Destination Graduation, Emerging Leader, and Presidential Scholarships. Plus, some funds will be put toward future culinary-related academic scholarships.

The silent auction prizes are comprised of gift cards, bed and breakfast stays, golf packages, event passes, and vacations, which contain destinations such as Pleasures and Treasures of Tuscany, Greek Islands, Sedona, a James Bond Getaway, and Tropical Costa Rica.

For the live auction, each participating restaurant will be donating a unique experience for the respective winner. There will also be a six-course French explorations dinner for 10 guests available to bid on.

Interested restaurants should reach out to the Penn Highlands Foundation to inquire about vendor options for the evening at foundation@pennhighlands.edu or 814.262.6448.

About the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation
The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of the College with financial resources and scholarships through seeking and securing funds. The College Foundation offers over 10 diverse scholarships to students pursuing an education at Penn Highlands Community College. To donate to the College Foundation, visit www.pennhighlands.edu/donate/.

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (www.pennhighlands.edu)
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has served over 60,000 community members throughout western Pennsylvania, including the Laurel Highlands and Southern Alleghenies regions. Offering over 35 degree and certificate programs in seven unique pathways, Penn Highlands has the highest graduation rate of all Pennsylvania community colleges.

About the 1889 Foundation
1889 Foundation’s mission is to support innovative programs and initiatives that improve and transform the overall health and wellness of our region. Through collaborations and partnerships, with a focus on population health, the Foundation is dedicated to making meaningful change in the areas that are negatively impacting the health and well-being of our local communities. For more about the 1889 Foundation, visit www.1889foundation.org.

Penn Highlands & West Virginia University Partner On Articulation Agreement Creating 23 Pathway Options

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the signing of a new 2+2 articulation agreement with West Virginia University.

This agreement allows Penn Highlands graduates to transfer their associate degrees to a selection of 23 bachelor’s degree options and complete the final two years at West Virginia University or any of its affiliate schools.

These options include choices such as Anthropology, Animal & Nutrition Sciences, Sport & Exercise Psychology, Environmental & Energy Resources Management, Agribusiness Management, and Advertising/Public Relations, along with a multitude of traditional majors.

“We’re very excited about this new agreement because it features options for students that we haven’t had before,” stated Michelle Stumpf, Pennsylvania Highlands Dean of Enrollment Services and Registrar. “We are glad that this option is so open for our students, being that every pathway takes almost, if not all, of the credits from our college’s associate degree programs.”

Just south of the Pennsylvania border, West Virginia University provides our Somerset Center students with a top-tier transfer option due to its close proximity.

West Virginia University is the first four-year school in West Virginia to sign an agreement with Penn Highlands Community College.

Police Academy Honors Inaugural Graduating Class With Ceremony

The inaugural class of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Police Academy was honored during a graduation ceremony held at the Richland Campus Auditorium on Thursday, September 7.

Each of the 11 cadets was presented with a certificate acknowledging their completion of the academy, with 10 receiving their recognition from the police chief and/or sheriff representing the respective department they will be employed at upon graduation and successful completion of a state test.

“The cadets came from all walks of life, age ranges from 18 to 39, and a three-county region to attend the Police Academy’s intensive training program,” stated Dennis Miller, Penn Highlands Police Academy Director. “It was a unique experience to witness the cadets forming a tight bond and embrace the class motto of “Leave No One Behind”. These bonds will last a lifetime and assist them as they enter the field of law enforcement. I am proud to have been a part of preparing the next generation of cadets to begin their law enforcement careers and serve our local communities.”

Cadet Angel Raehl was named valedictorian of the class after scoring 908 out of a possible 940 combined points on 26 tests and completion of eight different real-life scenarios.

The curriculum included subjects ranging from constitutional law, ethics, de-escalation strategies, criminal law and procedures, and search and seizure. Additionally, each cadet successfully completed practical training in physical fitness, defensive control tactics, emergency vehicle operation, firearms, first aid, and CPR, along with optional certifications in field sobriety, taser, police baton, and pepper spray.

“The Police Academy helped me prepare to be a good police officer,” Raehl stated. “I had amazing instructors and an incredible learning experience. It means a lot that I get to be part of the first graduating class at the Penn Highlands Police Academy.”

Cadets endured 919 total hours of instruction over the course of 11 months – 498 inside a classroom and 421 practical hands-on training.

The Police Academy ran four nights per week with each class lasting four hours. The cadets’ training and qualifications in firearms took place on Saturday and Sunday, spanning 10 consecutive weekends.

To close out the Police Academy, cadets completed 40 hours of real-life scenario training involving three individual role players, all of whom have experience in criminal justice-related fields and hail from our local communities.

“Being a part of the first class graduating out of the Penn Highlands Police Academy is important to me,” Cadet Ian Crouch stated. “It means that we laid the foundation for future cadets who will also be serving our local communities. It required the instructors, as well as us cadets, to think on our feet at times and overcome obstacles together. I am proud to have been a part of setting the standard here.”

A total of 12 instructors assisted in the training and certification process, including Miller and Assistant Director Kevin Gaudlip.

“I am proud to be a part of the first graduating class from the Penn Highlands Police Academy,” cadet Austin Thomas stated. “The police academy has given me the basic foundation needed to become a certified police officer in Pennsylvania. The instructors have passed on a lot of valuable information, which I believe will help me succeed in my career as a police officer.”

The Penn Highlands Police Academy’s second class of cadets is slated to begin on September 18.

Group photo of the Penn Highlands Police Academy’s Inaugural Graduating Class. Taken prior to the ceremony on September 7, 2023.

Penn Highlands President Dr. Steve Nunez (right) addresses the audience and cadets during the Penn Highlands Police Academy Graduation. Taken on September 7, 2023.

Class Captain Cadet Austin Thomas addresses the audience and cadets during the Penn Highlands Police Academy Graduation. Taken on September 7, 2023.

The Honorable James Rigby, State House Representative for District 71, addresses the cadets during the Penn Highlands Police Academy Graduation. Taken on September 7, 2023.

Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer addresses the audience and cadets during the Penn Highlands Police Academy Graduation. Taken on September 7, 2023.

Valedictorian Cadet Angel Raehl (right) receives her certificate from Ferndale Borough Police Chief Adam Richards (left) during the Penn Highlands Police Academy Graduation. Taken on September 7, 2023.

Cadet Keith Eger (right) receives his certificate from Cresson Borough Police Chief Nick Jastrab (left) during the Penn Highlands Police Academy Graduation. Taken on September 7, 2023.

Cadet Chloe Shaulis (right) salutes Indian Lake Borough Chief Jerry Bellak prior to receiving her certificate during the Penn Highlands Police Academy Graduation. Taken on September 7, 2023.

Board of Trustees Adds Two New Members

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees has added two new members in Lladel Lichty and Jennifer Mitchell, with their terms having begun in August.

Lichty, who is the Somerset County Director of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, will serve as the board representative for Somerset County. Mitchell, who is the Superintendent of Huntingdon Area School District, will represent Huntingdon County.

“I am excited to welcome Ms. Lichty and Ms. Mitchell to the Board of Trustees,” stated Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands President. “Their talents, experiences, and understanding of Somerset and Huntingdon Counties will greatly benefit me as President, the College, and the Board.”

Lichty and Mitchell will replace Tyson Cook and James Foster, respectively. Cook served on the board for four years, while Foster was a member for nearly 11 years. Lichty and Mitchell will both serve three-year terms that close in August 2026.

Lichty is currently a member of six different volunteer boards, including the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Somerset Advisory Committee, a spot she has held for two years.

In total, Lichty has served on nine volunteer boards, while also holding more than 25 years of experience as a director of organizations such as the American Cancer Society and United Way of the Laurel Highlands.

“I am very pleased and honored to serve on the Board of Trustees at Penn Highlands,” Lichty stated. “While serving on the Somerset Advisory Committee the past few years, I quickly realized the value of this quality institution in Somerset County and well beyond. Having first class, affordable, and beautifully appointed locations and facilities, while allowing our students to continue their education among family and friends, is all the more reason to support and grow Penn Highlands. I look forward to that opportunity while working alongside the Trustees and staff.”

Mitchell has served as the superintendent of Huntingdon Area School District for nearly two years. She began her career in education as a kindergarten teacher in 1999 and has steadily advanced in rank since.

Mitchell holds a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College, master’s degrees from Kaplan University and Edinboro University, and also received her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Edinboro University in 2016. She plans to earn her doctorate in educational leadership beginning this fall.

“I am honored to become a member of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees from the Huntingdon County region,” Mitchell stated. “I, myself, have been a life-long learner seeking opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I fully support the mission and vision of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, which is to provide opportunities to pursue life-long learning, to act as a catalyst for regional renewal, and position graduates to be exceptional members of the community and workforce.”

Lladel Lichty

Jennifer Mitchell

Over 1,200 Local Employees Trained By Penn Highlands Last Year

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College reached its highest total ever for managing Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) funding, reaching $569,220 in grants available for the training of employees across Pennsylvania in 2022-23.

Penn Highlands, which is one of 22 educational institutions that are considered partners of WEDnetPA, received $457,420 in grant funds and an additional $111,800 from the Governor’s Action Team (GAT) Fund to cover the Laurel Highlands and Southern Alleghenies regions of Pennsylvania.

Funds supplied by the GAT were used to train employees at DelGrosso Foods in Tipton, PA.

This past year, Penn Highlands helped train 1,214 total employees from 35 companies, which was an increase in funds of over 78 percent and a jump of more than 300 employees since 2021. Cambria County was assisted the most by the funding, with 517 employees trained, a rate of 48 percent. Blair County was second with 470 (34 percent), while Somerset County had 56 (8 percent).

“The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania funding is vital to our region to ensure that businesses have access to a highly skilled labor force and that residents have the education and training they need,” stated Julie Davis, Penn Highlands Director of Workforce Education. “Not only are we working to provide funding to help defray the cost of training, but we are also training employees throughout the region to improve their skill sets.”

WEDnetPA is an alliance of educational providers across Pennsylvania that act as the delivery mechanism for the Commonwealth’s WEDnetPA program. It was created to make companies across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania more competitive locally, nationally, and internationally by updating and improving the skills of their employees to meet specific company needs.

WEDnetPA brings training funds to qualified companies across the Commonwealth through a network of community colleges, state system universities, and other educational institutions.