Newsroom

UPMC Altoona Foundation Provides Grants To Qualifying Patient Care Technician Students

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation and UPMC Altoona Foundation have partnered to offer grants to Patient Care Technician students enrolling in the spring 2022 semester totaling $5,000.

To be eligible for this grant, students must have:

• Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Be enrolled in the Patient Care Technician Certificate program.
• Preference is given to Blair County residents or students attending the Blair Center.

“I want to thank the UPMC Altoona Foundation for supporting our Patient Care Technician students,” stated Chris Farrell, Director of the Penn Highlands Community College Blair Center. “This certificate is an excellent way for someone to get established in the healthcare field. It is a four-month program that is packed with essential training, including basic patient care, phlebotomy, infectious disease control, and many other skills currently in demand.”

To qualify for the grant, students need to register for the spring 2022 semester and enroll in the Patient Care Technician program. Priority will be given to students that exhibit financial need as indicated by their completed FAFSA and any remaining tuition and fees balance.

For more information on PCT grant eligibility, please contact the Penn Highlands Community College Blair Center at 814.201.2700 or blair@pennhighlands.edu. Enrollment for the Spring 2022 semester is currently underway.

In-Person Open House Coming November 11th

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be holding an in-person Open House at its facilities on Thursday, November 11th. Attendees and their guests may choose to attend one of two sessions at either 2:30pm or 5:30pm.

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

As an added incentive, prospective students will be eligible to win a 2022-2023 tuition voucher, good for a $250 discount, if they complete a survey while in attendance.

To attend, individuals must RSVP online here. No walk-ins are permitted due to COVID-19. Additionally, as a precaution to keep everyone safe, masks are required, and social distancing protocols will be followed.

Open House locations include:

• 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

Penn Highlands has been serving the community with quality and affordable academic options in an inclusive atmosphere since 1994.

For additional information, contact any of the college locations directly, or call us at 1.888.385.PEAK.

Foundation Awards Over $28,000 In Academic Scholarships

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is excited to announce the distribution of more than $28,000 in scholarship money to students for the 2021-2022 academic year. These scholarships are funded by local businesses, area philanthropists, and Penn Highlands Community College Foundation fundraisers like the Fall Gala being held on October 21, 2021, at the Casimir Cultural Center in historical Cambria City.

Matthew Gaul, student, receiving the College Employee Supported Scholarship.

Foundation scholarships are vital in supporting aid to students in need within our region while at the same time ensuring that we are fulfilling our important mission. Many students would not attend college without the support of these scholarships.

The 2021-2022 Foundation Scholarship Award Recipients:

• American Association of University Women (AAUW), Johnstown Branch Scholarship: Teresa Marion (Johnstown)

• Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich Scholarship: Tammy Burnheimer (Johnstown)

• College Employee Supported Scholarship: Matthew Gaul (Irvona)

• Griffith Family Scholarship: Brenden Wright (Six Mile Run)

• Dr. Edward Haluska Scholarship: Annette McGahan (Altoona)

• Daniel and Diane Holtzman Scholarship: Isabella Stanko (Patton)

• Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship: Sydney Sheredy (Northern Cambria)

• Huntingdon Hope Scholarship: David McGuire (Alexandria)

• Johnstown Regional Indian Subcontinent Association (JRISA) Scholarship: Amelia Laird (Johnstown)

• Joseph and Joan Mangarella Scholarship: Spencer Jacobs (Bedford)

• Dale W. Miller Scholarship: Richard Brenizer (Huntingdon)

• National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Scholarship: Lee Ann Krumenacker (Colver) and Chloe Schiffel (Mount Union)

• Ursula Pawlowski Memorial Scholarship: Natalie Boose (Altoona)

• Roth Family Scholarship: Denise Barnes (Altoona), Casey Mabry (Altoona), Zoe Matusko (Hollidaysburg), and Annette McGahan (Altoona)

• Spruce Street Animal Hospital Scholarship: Matthew Andrews (Huntingdon), Ryan Bookheimer (Cassville), Tricia Farine (Petersburg), Symier Fortson (Mount Union), Andrew Mowery (Shirleysburg), Tanner Park (Huntingdon), Jordan Rhodes (Huntingdon), and Chloe Schiffel (Mount Union)

• Supporting Success Scholarship: Darius Dale (Johnstown), Megan Ott (Windber), Lauren Sichko (Northern Cambria), and Tyler Somers (Jennerstown)

• Valenty Scholarship: Alina Sanchez (Carrolltown)

• Anna D. Weitz Scholarship: Sydnee Miller (Northern Cambria)

• Stan and Helen Westbrook Scholarship: Tricia Farine (Petersburg)

College Foundation To Host Fall Gala Fundraiser Event

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation will be hosting its first Gala since 2010 on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 5pm at the Casimir Cultural Center in historic Cambria City. This year’s semi-formal event follows a Scottish Highlands theme and is slated to be one of the most unique events in the area.

The Foundation Fall Gala will be the Casimir Cultural Center’s inaugural event since Stella Property Development began renovations on the venue in 2015. The College Foundation is appreciative of this year’s presenting sponsor, Somerset Trust Company.

The grandiose evening will feature a happy hour with heavy appetizers, a sit-down dinner, and a large array of assorted desserts catered by Asiago’s Tuscan Italian restaurant. Attendees will be entertained by a pianist, Jazz in your Face, and a fire dancer throughout the evening. A historical scavenger hunt is planned during the Gala; guests will search for unique artifacts within the venue that were preserved during the Cultural Center’s renovation.

“The Penn Highlands Community College Foundation is beyond excited to be working with Stella, Property Development and Event Production on such a fun and elaborate event,” stated Kathleen Morrell, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. “Cambria City is a hidden gem within Johnstown; having a fundraiser there that benefits our local students and our regional learning communities is something we should really be proud of and celebrate. Not only is the venue exciting, donations and ticket proceeds help our students with scholarships and more. That’s what it’s all about – having a good time to help students.”

To purchase tickets, fill out the form below or call the Foundation at 814.262.6499.

Beth Freedline Appointed Executive Assistant To The President

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College announces the appointment of Ms. Beth Freedline as the College’s new Executive Assistant to the President.

In her role as Executive Assistant to the President, Ms. Freedline will assist the President, the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, and the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation Board of Directors. Ms. Freedline will also serve as a leader of the College on the President’s Cabinet.

“Education is important to me and is the foundation for a vibrant community,” stated Beth Freedline, Executive Assistant to the President. “Joining Penn Highlands allows me to expand my skillset while helping build solid futures for our region. This is an exhilarating next step in my career.”

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Ms. Freedline spent the last nine (9) years of her career with the Conemaugh Health System as the Assistant to the President and Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer/Market President. Formerly, she worked as a vocational counselor, as well as in newspaper and television media. Ms. Freedline is also a published author.

Ms. Freedline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. She currently resides near Boswell, PA with her husband and son.