Newsroom

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.

Family Day Coming October 2nd; Free To The Public

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will host Family Day on Saturday, October 2nd, from noon (12 PM) to 3 PM, at the Richland Campus. Family Day, which is open to the public, will include free family-friendly activities such as:

• Bouncy houses (interactive inflatables)
• Stuff-A-Bear
• Whack-A-Mole
• Spin art
• CD crafts

Family Day is the culmination of Homecoming Week 2021, which takes place the week of September 27^th. Various activities for students, employees, and alumni will occur during Homecoming Week; click here for details.

This event is intended to be held outside. Penn Highlands will follow all COVID-related guidelines to ensure the safety of our staff and community. Details regarding COVID-19 can be found here.

For more information about Family Day and Homecoming Week, contact Student Activities at 814.262.6463 or studentactivities@pennhighlands.edu.

Black Bear Athletics To Hold Open House

To highlight both well-established and new athletic programs (softball, golf, and eSports), Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will host an Athletics Open House on Saturday, October 2nd, between 1 and 3 PM at the Richland Campus.

During this event, interested individuals will meet with coaches and assistants, the Director of Student Activities and Athletics, college athletes, and members of the Admissions Office. This event is a great place to discuss eligibility.

Black Bear Athletics offers seven athletic options for its students: Basketball (Men’s), Bowling, Cross Country, eSports, Golf, Softball (Women’s), and Volleyball (Women’s). In addition to Black Bear Athletics, presentations will be held regarding both Admissions and Financial Aid.

Pennsylvania Highlands is a chartered member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, competing in Region XX. The Black Bears are a part of the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC), which was founded in 1972.

Athletics at Penn Highlands is successful both in and out of the classroom. In just ten years, Penn Highlands has produced over 130 WPCC All-Academic Team members while also capturing two (2) WPCC titles and two (2) Region XX titles. The Black Bears were home to an individual cross country champion at both conference and regional levels. Penn Highlands has also been honored with three Coach of the Year awards.

RSVP is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome to attend. To learn more or to RSVP, click here or contact Admissions at 814.262.6400 or admissions@pennhighlands.edu.

Susquehanna University & Penn Highlands Partner To Create Academic Pathway

Susquehanna University and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College have partnered to make it easier for western Pennsylvania students to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree. Jonathan Green, Susquehanna University President, and Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands Community College President, signed a transfer agreement that will offer Penn Highlands graduates guaranteed admission to Susquehanna University.

“There are few, if any, investments that have a greater impact on our nation and our economy than providing an affordable pathway to higher education for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds, and Susquehanna University has been identified among the top 10% of higher education institutions for return on investment,” stated Jonathan Green, Susquehanna University President. “We are proud to provide our students with a high-quality, transformative education and look forward to ensuring a seamless transition for Penn Highlands’ graduates to complete their bachelor’s degree in preparation for a successful future.”

Students at Penn Highlands who submit a letter of intent to attend Susquehanna University prior to completing 30 transferable credit hours will have the following benefits:

• Guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program with third-year (junior) status at Susquehanna University upon completion of an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree.
• Eligibility for an academic scholarship from Susquehanna University of up to $31,000 per year based on their grade point average at Penn Highlands during the application phase.
• Eligibility for an additional $5,000 scholarship from Susquehanna University per year if students are members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

“The mission of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is to provide the students of western Pennsylvania with cost-effective and favorable opportunities. This collaboration with Susquehanna University paves the way for our students to have a positive experience and achieve success through the transfer of credits,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands Community College President. “Students will receive a top-notch education from two great institutions through this agreement. It is a win for Penn Highlands Community College, Susquehanna University, and the communities that we serve.”

Susquehanna University and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College are excited for this partnership to take effect immediately and transform the lives of many.

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has served over 60,000 community members throughout the Laurel Highlands and Southern Alleghenies regions of Pennsylvania and beyond. Offering more than 35 degree, certificate, and diploma programs, in both in-person and online formats, our diverse offerings and experienced faculty provide a world-class education. Penn Highlands boasts the highest graduation rate of all community colleges in Pennsylvania. For more information, call 1.888.385.PEAK or visit www.pennhighlands.edu.

About Susquehanna University
Susquehanna, a liberal arts university, focuses on intellectual development, global competence, and career success. Susquehanna offers a nationally recognized study-abroad program and more than 100 majors and minors in business, humanities, arts and sciences. Students develop critical thinking, writing, teamwork, and communication skills which, combined with internships and research opportunities, prepare them for a lifetime of personal and professional success. Small classes enable faculty members to serve as mentors, as well as teachers. Ninety-six percent of Susquehanna students are employed or in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.