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Police Academy Holds Ceremony For Second Graduating Class

The second class of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Police Academy was honored during a graduation ceremony held at the Richland Campus Auditorium on Wednesday, September 11.

Each of the eight cadets received a certificate acknowledging their completion of the Penn Highlands Police Academy, with all eight receiving their recognition from the police chief representing the respective department they will be employed at upon graduation and successful completion of a state test.

The list of cadets, along with the department they are to be employed with, include:

• Brittney Brennan (Altoona, PA), UPMC Altoona Police Department
• Shannon Ehrhardt (Hollsopple, PA), Somerset Borough Police Department
• Shante Jones (Johnstown, PA), Johnstown Police Department
• Spencer Kauffman (Johnstown, PA), Pitt-Johnstown Campus Police
• Nathan Kniss (Geistown, PA), Ferndale Borough Police Department
• Mark Meek (Geistown, PA), Windber Borough Police Department
• Ty Stockley (Carrolltown, PA), Richland Township Police Department
• Michael Wilson (Johnstown, PA), Indian Lake Borough Police Department

Stockley was named valedictorian of the class after scoring 916 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.

Cadets underwent a rigorous 919 hours of instruction spanning 11 months, divided between 498 hours within a classroom and 421 hours of practical, hands-on training.

The Police Academy ran four nights per week. The cadets’ training and qualifications in firearms took place on Saturday and Sunday, spanning eight consecutive weekends.

To conclude their training at the Police Academy, cadets underwent 40 hours of practical scenario training. This comprehensive program involved three role players, each with a background in criminal justice and drawn from the local community, providing the cadets with a realistic and immersive learning experience.

A total of 10 instructors assisted in the training and certification process.

The Penn Highlands Police Academy’s third class of cadets is slated to begin training on September 30.

Foundation Chef Auction Set For Early October

After a successful event last year, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation announced the return of its annual Chef Auction. This event is set for Wednesday, October 9, at 5 PM at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, PA.

Multiple local restaurants are slated to participate in the event, which will also feature both a silent and a live auction. The current list of restaurant attendees includes Ace’s, Anthony’s Restaurant, Balance Restaurant, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, and Sunnehanna Country Club, with more to be added in the near future.

“At the Chef Auction, we are not just celebrating local culinary excellence, we are investing in the future of our students,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “By supporting this event, you contribute directly to scholarships that empower students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Helping our students succeed is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, and we invite everyone to join us in this rewarding endeavor.”

The silent auction will include many exciting items to bid on, including remarkable trips to Portugal and Spain.

Proceeds from the Chef Auction go to the College’s Supporting Scholars Fund, which includes the Destination Graduation, Emerging Leader, and Presidential Scholarships. Funds will also be allocated for future culinary scholarships, with over $8,000 already awarded to students for the 2024-25 academic year.

Last year, the event raised more than $53,000 for local students seeking a college education. This included a $25,000 donation from the 1889 Foundation that matched $28,000 in proceeds.

The College Foundation is actively seeking restaurants and sponsors to join our event. Participating restaurants will benefit from direct exposure through product sampling and potential food package auctions. Sponsors will contribute to a noble cause that directly supports students pursuing higher education. We are proud to have WorkLink Staffing and the UPMC Altoona Foundation as our Master Chef Sponsors.

The Foundation Chef Auction will be held during the College’s 30th Anniversary celebration. In honor of Pennsylvania Highlands’ milestone, this year’s Chef Auction will feature a fitting theme, so be sure to don your favorite pearls. Symbolizing purity, honesty, and wisdom, pearls are the traditional gift for a 30th anniversary.

Interested individuals should contact the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation to explore evening options. For inquiries, reach out via email at foundation@pennhighlands.edu or call 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, click here.

College Kicks-Off Thirty Years Of Success

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College kicked off its 30th anniversary celebration with a vibrant students and staff luncheon held on the afternoon of Thursday, September 5. This event is the beginning of a series of themed festivities set to honor the remarkable 30-year journey of academic excellence and community service.

This year marks three decades of regional commitment. Since its founding in 1994, the College has grown significantly, offering diverse programs that cater to the evolving needs of students and industries alike.

“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, we reflect on three decades of dedication to our mission of providing affordable, accessible and quality educational opportunities to the communities we serve,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands President. “Our journey has been marked by numerous achievements and an unwavering focus on our mission by former and current faculty, staff, students and Board members.”

Pennsylvania Highlands was originally established as Cambria County Area Community College in March 1994, when Cambria County Commissioners approved the Articles of Agreement with the College. Dr. John O. Hunter was then appointed the College’s first President on June 1, and the first classes were held on September 6.

Since its inception, the College has expanded to seven locations. Pennsylvania Highlands was accredited in 2002 by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In that time, Pennsylvania Highlands amassed nearly 200 agreements with four-year colleges and universities to assist students with transfer upon graduation.

Currently, Penn Highlands serves students from over 40 counties in Pennsylvania and 12 different states.

“During my 30 years at Pennsylvania Highlands, it’s been thrilling to witness its constant evolution and growth,” stated Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, Dean of Library Services and Special Projects. “I’ve witnessed the expansion of our academic programs, the increase in student enrollment, and the modernization of our facilities. It’s been a privilege to be part of an institution that embraces innovation and fosters a vibrant community.”

Dr. Zaborowski and Business Management Professor Sandy Schrum are the only two Penn Highlands employees who have been with the College since its inception.

“Being part of the college’s accomplishments and growth over the years has been a rewarding experience,” Schrum stated. “Watching our alumni succeed in their careers and seeing the children of former students now pursue their goals at the same college is part of the mission we have strived to make a reality.”

The College will celebrate its 30th anniversary at events such as the Chef Auction, Puttapalooza, Student Engagement Awards, and Commencement.

In collaboration with the 30th anniversary, the College will induct its second class into the Black Bear Athletics Hall of Fame prior to the Men’s Basketball home opener in November, as part of Alumni Weekend.

Click here to learn more about the College’s 30-year history.

Annual Cambria College Fair Set For September

The 22nd annual Cambria County College Fair will be held Tuesday, September 17, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM inside the main gym of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Richland Campus. 

Hosted and sponsored by Pennsylvania Highlands, this event welcomes students, parents, and the general public interested in advancing their education or trade skills. 

“This is a great opportunity for local high school juniors and seniors, plus anyone looking to find a new school or career, to come and see what is available,” stated Hannah Ross, Admissions Specialist at Pennsylvania Highlands. “There will be vendors to talk to, with a variety of representatives coming from outside of the state. There will be many chances to gain knowledge from different perspectives.” 

More than 50 representatives are scheduled to appear, including four-year universities, technical schools, business colleges, cosmetology schools and universities, branches of the military, local businesses, and more. This gives everyone who attends the opportunity to find and discover the many educational and career opportunities that are right in their own backyard. 

The representatives will be on-hand to meet with and assist guests regarding their educational and career needs. 

The College Fair’s mission is to promote higher education and future opportunities to high school students and their families and the public. We invite the community to stop by the Cambria County College Fair and learn about all the educational opportunities our region offers. 

Click for more details on the Cambria County College Fair.

New Wrestling Program Coming To Black Bear Athletics In 2025

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is excited to introduce Men’s and Women’s Wrestling programs, slated to debut in the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Wrestling will take place during the winter athletic season, spanning from October to March, as part of the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA).  

“We’ve known for a long time that wrestling is a popular sport in our area that produces great student-athletes,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities and Athletics. “We were approached by local wrestling advocates and the National Wrestling Coaches Association about how it would benefit Penn Highlands. Now, we’re very excited to take the next step.” 

A search has been initiated for the program’s inaugural head coach, whose primary responsibilities will revolve around the foundational development of the program and recruitment efforts ahead of the official team activities slated to begin in Fall 2025. The College’s Richland Campus will host all practices and home matches. 

“With many talented wrestlers in the area, this offers them an extra chance to showcase their skills and opens a door for those not aiming for a four-year institution,” Brugh stated. 

With wrestling, Black Bear Athletics will now have eight programs. Others include basketball, bowling, cross country, eSports, golf, softball, and volleyball. 

Since the reinstatement of athletics in 2010, Penn Highlands athletes have garnered numerous accolades, including 76 All-Conference selections, 59 All-Region honors, and six recognitions as National Player of the Week.