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Emily Krisko Named Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College congratulates Emily Krisko, of Portage, for being named a 2020 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar. She will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

Emily Krisko graduated Cum Laude in December 2019 with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences. She is continuing her education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. During her time at Penn Highlands, Emily was very active. She was involved with Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Ebensburg Activities Club. Emily also served as an orientation leader.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.”

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

“Emily Krisko has a bright future ahead of her; she was a standout student and leader,” said Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “She is a role model deserving of being named a Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar. We are proud to have Emily represent the college community and our region.”

Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, April 2-4, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, near Dallas.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”

About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at www.ptk.org.

Open House Postponed in March

Our spring open house event has been postponed. For those that have RSVP’d, a College representative will be reaching out to you soon.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be hosting an open house on Monday, March 23rd, from 6pm to 7:30pm at each of our locations in Blair, Ebensburg, Huntingdon, Richland, and Somerset.

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

As an added bonus, prospective students will be eligible to win a 2020/2021 tuition voucher, good for a $250 discount, if they complete a survey while in attendance.

Penn Highlands has been proudly serving the community with quality and affordable academic options for 25 years. To learn more, stop by our open house at one of our facilities:

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

For additional information, contact any of the college’s locations directly or call us toll-free at 1.888.385.PEAK.

Life Journey With Community Colleges Leads To Penn Highlands

The original column appeared in the Tribune-Democrat , written by Dr. Steve Nunez. Click here to see original sourced column. 

The day before my interview, as I drove into Cambria County for the first time, I began to see the rise and fall of the majestic mountains of the Alleghenies.

Seeing those Allegheny mountains reminded me of my own personal journey – one that has most recently ended at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College as the school’s president.

I grew up in Bear Town Mountain, about 20 minutes east of Lebanon, Virginia. Life was simple, and generally uneventful.

At the time, my family had access to two TV channels – maybe three if the antenna was facing exactly the right direction. I spent my days reading, riding my bike with my friends, and gallivanting in the woods my parents owned. On summer days, I only came home to eat and to periodically check in with Mom.

In some ways I was sheltered from the outside world, partly because of choice (I was a shy one who was mostly uncomfortable in his skin), and partly because I was raised in the hills and “hollers” of southwest Virginia – where things moved slowly. Luckily, I had parents who supported and mentored me along the way and showed considerable patience as their son crawled, ever so slowly, from his shell.

I was an average student in high school; I feigned interest in most subjects and did just enough to get by.

I completed three years of Spanish and I’m not sure the teacher even knew I existed, as I hid behind my fellow students to avoid being called upon. I had friends, just enough, but I certainly wasn’t the popular kid.

And then, one day, I graduated from high school totally unprepared for what came next. I had no plan. After teasing with joining the Army, I decided to attend my local community college – not because I was necessarily interested in post-secondary education, but because I couldn’t imagine any other choices.

I was paralyzed by choice and so I picked the easiest one. It turns out that going to Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) was one of the most important “choices” I have ever made, as it was the proverbial “fork in the road” moment for me.

I recognize that community college isn’t for everyone, but it was the best choice for me.

First, it provided me a safe haven. For a shy, introverted young man – I needed kid gloves. I received that and more at SWCC.

The college provided me with a family that supported and mentored me. Some of those staff and faculty members I am still friends with today.

Second, the instructional quality of education provided to me at SWCC was exceptional and possibly the best I have ever received collectively. I thrived there and soon I elevated my educational game from average to outstanding.

Third, my educational journey provided me the opportunity to identify where my talents and my interests crossed. For me, it was the subject of biology.

Fourth, it allowed me the time I needed to grow and see the beginnings of the person I was to become. In those two years at SWCC, my emotional maturation accelerated.

It is at SWCC that I first fell in love with the community college mission to provide quality post-secondary educational opportunities at a reasonable price. And after a couple more degrees earned, I found myself in the community college biz for the next 24 years – first as a professor and then later as a senior administrator.

As of Jan. 6, I was appointed by the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees as their fifth president and I’ve been getting to know the folks of this community ever since.

Written By Dr. Steve Nunez, College’s Fifth President. This monthly series appears in The Tribune-Democrat, and will allow Dr. Nunez to provide his perspective on the value of education and of a community college. 

Three New Members Added To Board Of Trustees

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Ms. Linda Thomson, Mr. Marc McCall, and Mr. Mike Puruczky.

“Our new board members are extremely active, community focused, and bring welcomed expertise and energy to the group,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Penn Highlands. “We are fortunate to have them on our team as we continue to expand our offerings throughout the region.”

Ms. Linda Thomson has been the President/CEO of JARI, a full-service economic development agency headquartered in Johnstown, PA, for 20 years. As CEO, Linda has worked collaboratively with the education sector by preparing community individuals and businesses for future and current workforce needs. Ms. Thomson received a bachelor’s degree from Waynesburg (College) University and a Master of Public Administration from Lehigh University. Linda is a member of the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board, the former president of the PA Economic Development Association, and a current member of the ECAC Philadelphia Federal Reserve. Ms. Thomson resides in Westmont with her husband David and her two daughters.

Mr. Marc McCall is a Sales Executive at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in downtown Johnstown. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and received a Master of Business from St. Francis University. Marc has worked in hospitality, healthcare technology, and insurance. A resident of Johnstown since 2002, Marc currently resides in Westmont with his wife, Kelly, and two daughters.

Mr. Mike Puruczky, a lifelong resident of Johnstown, is the Chief Financial Officer of Laurel Holdings, Inc. He dual majored in accounting and finance at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Mike started his career as an accountant for Wessel & Company, and he has worked for Laurel Holdings for the last 20 years, holding the title of CFO since 2005. Mike currently resides in Richland Township with his wife and two daughters.

Linda Thomson

Marc McCall

Mike Puruczky

The new trustees filled three vacant positions after trustees Steve McAneny, a trustee since 2006, John (Jack) Cavanaugh, a trustee of 19 years, and Pat Farabaugh, a trustee since 2014, did not renew their terms this past December.

“Penn Highlands is extremely grateful for the service and dedication that Steve, Jack, and Pat provided to the college,” stated Greg Winger, Board of Trustees Chairperson. “We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

In addition to the announcement of the three new board members, new officers were also elected:

• Mr. Greg Winger, Chairperson
• Dr. Janet Grady, Vice Chairperson
• Mr. Carl D. DeYulis, Secretary/Treasurer
• Mr. Alan Cashaw, At-Large

Sophomore Guard Matthew Forbes Earns National Player Of The Week Honors

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College men’s basketball player Matthew Forbes (Pittsburgh, PA) has been named the NJCAA Division III National Player of the Week (January 6-12, 2020).

During his play last week, he averaged 29.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 steals, and 4 assists. Forbes shot 71% from three-point range and 62.8% from the field.

“Matt has had a great start to 2020,” stated Landon Loya, Head Coach of the Black Bears. “His versatility allows us to play him at multiple positions. He’s tough and resilient, and his athletic abilities allow him to finish at the rim while also being a great shooter.”

Overall, Forbes is averaging 16.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in 13 games played this season.

Forbes is a graduate of Penn Hills High School.

Penn Highlands competes in Region XX and is a part of the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC). The WPCC was founded in 1972 and currently consists of 10 member institutions.