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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.

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.