Newsroom

New Centre County Location Set To Host Open House In September

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is having an Open House on Thursday, September 12, from 11 AM to 2 PM at its new Centre County facility. Penn Highlands Centre County is located on the second floor of the historic Pennsylvania Match Factory (190 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823).

Those attending will discover vast opportunities, such as degree and certificate programs, specialized coursework, and transfer pathways. Additionally, they will receive information on athletics, student life, clubs and activities, and financial aid options.

Attendees may take guided tours of the new 5,200-square-foot facility, featuring advanced classrooms, a computer lab, conference room, offices, and a dedicated student area.

September 12 is also CareerLink’s Awareness Day. Attendees are also encouraged to stop by the CareerLink office next to us and receive helpful information about getting on the right career path.

“Hosting an open house on Pennsylvania’s annual CareerLink Day is great for us and our partners,” said Marissa Davis, Regional Center Director. “We maintain a strong relationship with all the CareerLinks in our service areas, and they contribute significantly to our communities and our graduates. I hope people will check out our new location in Centre County and then stop by CareerLink to explore the services they offer.”

For more information, contact Penn Highlands Centre County at 814.230.3080 or email centrecounty@pennhighlands.edu.

Click here for additional details on the Centre County facility.

Foundation To Award Over $66,000 In Scholarships

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is awarding more than $66,000 in scholarships to students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

This encompasses awarding $36,000 to first-year Supporting Scholars, covering both the Emerging Leader Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. The College Foundation will also be awarding 20 scholarships (over $30,000 in total) to deserving students.

Those being awarded scholarships include:

Supporting Scholars – Presidential Scholarship

• Gina Pettenati (Ashville, PA)
• Sydney Scott (Boswell, PA)

Supporting Scholars – Emerging Leader Scholarship

• Ava Dobransky (Northern Cambria, PA)
• Tori Harrison (Portage, PA)
• Anna Hinzy (Markleton, PA)
• Emmie Johns (South Fork, PA)
• Lauren Lockard (Portage, PA)
• Hannah Miklos (Johnstown, PA)
• Jacob Nolan (Portage, PA)
• Lily Schrock (Boswell, PA)
• Kyla Sidor (Johnstown, PA)
• Kaitlin Smith (Martinsburg, PA)
• Ethan Usrey (Johnstown, PA)
• Emma Weicht (Everett, PA)

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Johnstown Branch Scholarship

• Amanda Mosorjak (Johnstown, PA)

College Employee-Supported Scholarship

• Elizabeth Karns-Waters (Altoona, PA)

Dale W. Miller Scholarship

• Bailey Norris (Huntingdon, PA)

Daniel and Diane Holtzman Scholarship

• Rachel Cessna (South Fork, PA)

Dr. Anna D. Weitz Scholarship

• Kelvin Williams (Cresson, PA)

Dr. Edward Haluska Scholarship

• Laura Pucci (Hollsopple, PA)

Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich Scholarship

• Natalie Phagoo (Johnstown, PA)

Gaynelle Schmieder Memorial Scholarship

• Casey Barrett (Johnstown, PA)
• Jocelynn Galat (Ashville, PA)

Griffith Family Scholarship

• Kayleigh Musser (Saxton, PA)

Huntingdon Hope Scholarship

• Bailey Norris (Huntingdon, PA)

Ignite the Fire Culinary Scholarship

• Allison Drass (Altoona, PA)
• Patrick Penrod (Johnstown, PA)
• Zakareyah Salem (Johnstown, PA)

Joe and Ruth Corle Memorial Scholarship

• Ethan Usrey (Johnstown, PA)

Johnstown Regional Indian Subcontinent Association (JRISA) Scholarship

• Rachel Cessna (South Fork, PA)

Joseph and Joan Mangarella Scholarship

• Gianna Manippo (Windber, PA)
• Elizabeth Karns-Waters (Altoona, PA)

Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship

• Kelvin Williams (Johnstown, PA)

Learning Lamp Scholarship

• Yolanda Monge (Johnstown, PA)

Roth Family Scholarship

• Alexander Wilkins (Altoona, PA)

Sara & Salvatore (Sam) Valenty Scholarship

• Kyle Feliciano (Johnstown, PA)

Stan and Helen Westbrook Scholarship

• Katrina Sheeder (Shirleysburg, PA)

Ursula Pawlowski Memorial Scholarship

• Will Latuch (Somerset, PA)

“It is truly inspiring to see the dedication and hard work of these students being recognized,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “These scholarships not only reward their past achievements, but also invest in their future potential. Penn Highlands recognizes that student success can provide individuals with the opportunity to change their lives.”

Women’s Volleyball Releases 2024 Home Schedule

The Pennsylvania Highlands Women’s Volleyball team released its 2024 season schedule, with matches spanning August through October.

The Black Bears will play six of their 15 games at home. Penn Highlands will open the season on the road at Westmoreland County Community College on Tuesday, August 27 at 6 PM. The home opener will be Friday, August 30 against Butler County Community College.

Home games will be played in the Richland Campus gymnasium, with all six contests slated to start at 6 PM. Dates and times are subject to change. The full home schedule is as follows:

“We have a great group of athletes, and I think we will hold our own in a lot of games,” stated Black Bears first-year head coach Derek Horner. “We have some great returning players and have been lucky to add a few more during the off-season. They work hard together and are motivated to win.”

After the regular season, the Black Bears will compete in the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference/Region 20 Tournament in Butler on October 26. The winner becomes the conference and regional champion, and will face the Region 10 champion in the Mid-Atlantic District Championship.

For full schedule details, please visit www.blackbearathletics.com.

College Unveils Centre County Location With Ribbon Cutting & Open House

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College unveiled its new Centre County location in Bellefonte, PA, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house event on Friday, August 16.

The Center opens to the public with the Fall 2024 semester, which starts in just under two weeks. Centre County marks the College’s seventh location, as Penn Highlands continues to expand its educational offerings throughout the region.

“We are thrilled to announce that the Penn Highlands at Centre County educational facility is open for business,” stated Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands President. “As President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, I am honored to witness this milestone that was several years in the making. Our commitment to affordable, accessible, and quality education, to community enrichment, and to local economic development remains unwavering. As with any project of this scope, there are many partners to thank including the CBICC, the Borough of Bellefonte, and the Bellefonte Intervalley Chamber of Commerce. A big thank you to all that helped us get here.”

The event featured multiple speakers, including Penn Highlands President Dr. Steve Nunez, College Board of Trustees Chairperson Greg Winger, Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County President Greg Scott, and Bellefonte Borough Manager and College Board of Trustees Member Ralph Stewart.

“This is a great day for Centre County and the surrounding area,” Stewart stated. “Penn Highlands Community College has established a first-class education and training facility here at the Match Factory for Centre County residents. It is going to be great to see Penn Highlands help people get the education and training they need in order to be competitive and to thrive.”

Pennsylvania Highlands Centre County is on the second floor of the historic Match Factory. It spans 5,200 square feet and boasts cutting-edge classrooms, a computer lab, a conference room, offices, and a dedicated area for students.

The location currently offers 14 associate degree and certificate options that can be fully completed online. Four courses will also be offered in-person for the Fall 2024 semester, including English Composition 1, US History 1, Mathematical Concepts & Application, and General Psychology.

The College aims to increase both degree options and class offerings for 2025.

“Everyone in the area has been so welcoming and supportive of Penn Highlands becoming a part of Centre County,” stated Marissa Davis, Regional Center Director. “Business and industry, county school districts, local governments, and so many others have supported our arrival. We’ve already made so many great partnerships. I’m looking forward to building more as we serve the area. We are all looking forward to being a part of such a great community.”

The ribbon cutting at the Penn Highlands Centre County location in Bellefonte, PA. This photo was taken at our reception desk. Left to right: Mark Higgins, Centre County Commissioner Chair; Greg Scott, President & CEO of the CBICC; Ralph Stewart, Borough of Bellefonte Manager; Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College; Greg Winger, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees Chairperson; Marissa Davis, Regional Center Director at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College; and Kerry Benninghoff, District 171 Pennsylvania State Representative.

The ribbon cutting at the Penn Highlands Centre County location in Bellefonte, PA. Left to right: Mark Higgins, Centre County Commissioner Chair; Greg Scott, President & CEO of the CBICC; Ralph Stewart, Borough of Bellefonte Manager; Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College; Greg Winger, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees Chairperson; Marissa Davis, Regional Center Director at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College; and Kerry Benninghoff, District 171 Pennsylvania State Representative.

Four Black Bear Athletes Earn NJCAA All-Academic Honors

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) recently announced its 2023-24 All-Academic Teams, recognizing student-athletes from across the country for their dedication in the classroom.

A total of 12,245 student-athletes have been honored for achieving a GPA above 3.60, including four from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

Student-athletes who recorded a 4.0 GPA were named to the First Team. Second Team honors were given for a GPA between 3.80 and 3.99, while Third Team sits between 3.60 and 3.79. The honorees from Penn Highlands include:

Second Team:

• Christian Haberkorn (Freshman, Johnstown, PA, Cross Country)
• Autumn Montgomery (Freshman, Homer City, PA, Volleyball)

Third Team:

• Will Latuch (Freshman, Somerset, PA, Golf)
• Jeremie Washington (Freshman, Bushkill, PA, Men’s Basketball)

“On behalf of the athletic department, I want to commend our student-athletes for their exceptional performances in the classroom,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities & Athletics. “Their dedication to academic excellence, while balancing the demands of training and competition, is truly inspiring and reflects the values of our College.”

Penn Highlands now has 69 student-athletes who earned NJCAA All-Academic honors since athletic programs were reinstated at the College in 2010.