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Tim Biakapia Earns NJCAA Player Of The Week Honors For Second Time In His Career

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College men’s basketball forward Tim Biakapia (Northwest High School, Germantown, MD) has been named the NJCAA Division III National Player of the Week for the second time in his career.

During play last week, he averaged 33 points per game, 17.5 rebounds per game, and 3 blocked shots per game. He shot 94.1% from the free throw line. Penn Highlands won both games played (January 4th and January 6th).

“Tim is a leader that deserves all the recognition that comes his way,” stated Landon Loya, Black Bears Head Basketball Coach. “He is resourceful, has a great attitude, and is a respected teammate. Being able to coach a player like Tim is an honor, and Penn Highlands is grateful to have him.”

Tim Biakapia, a sophomore, has recorded a double-double in 13 straight games. He currently ranks in the top ten in numerous NJCAA national statistical categories including:

• 3rd in points per game
• 3rd in field goal percentage
• 4th in rebounds per game
• 4th in defensive rebounds
• 5th in points
• 6th in total rebounds
• 9th in offensive rebounds

In his collegiate career at Penn Highlands, Tim has scored 898 points, has grabbed 471 rebounds, and has a double-double in 31 of 38 games played. He was a 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference and 2nd Team All-Region XX in his freshman year.

Dean’s List for Fall 2017 announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2017 semester.

Acosta – Brooke Elizabeth Gary, Amber Michelle Schuck

Altoona – Shantell Lynette Brown, Christina Marie Evans, Adrienne Grace Ford, Diane Louise Gallagher, Amber Marie Genua, Nathalia M. Harchak, Shavet Laray Lamont, Ashlee Pauline Lonsinger, Rebecca M. Rago, Annette M. Thompson

Apollo – Tucker John Insko

Ashville – Lauren Alexis Hite, Emma Kathryn Racz, Mackenzie M. Sherry

Beaverdale – Danielle Renee` Grados, RaeLynn Danielle Hammond

Bedford – Adam Robert Vanmeter

Bellefonte – Izaak Andrew Trithart

Bellwood – Elizabeth Jayne Whaley

Berlin – Bradley Lynn Airesman, Lisa Ann Ferko, Tyler James Gindlesperger, MaKenzie Noelle Maust, Matthew Charles Shipley, Brooke E. Wilson

Blairsville – Ashley Fay Cline, Samantha J. Kelly, Nadia Lorraine Tillman

Boswell – Emily June Kennell, Katie L. Snoeberger, Von Michael Yoder

Brackenridge – Regid Daniel Uhric

Cairnbrook – Benjamin Robert Yelovich

Carrolltown – Madison Leigh Augustine, Grace Elizabeth Bertram, Calem Robert Illig, Evan Joseph Johnson, Michael Cyril Shuss

Central City – Robert Ralph Antesberger, Michael Anthony Contrillo, Hannah Beth Frazier, Mikayla R. Ott

Charleroi – Richard Lee Rifenburg

Cherry Tree – Baylee Lynn Boring

Clearfield – Chad Alan Maney, William Shane Rowles

Clymer – George Robert Brown

Colver – Bryan Edwin Guyer, Allyssa Newton Nash, Lyndon Joseph Saylor, Kristy Lynn Weber, Kaytlynn M. Williams

Conemaugh – Angela Rose Santacroce

Confluence – Chandler John Enos

Cresson – Shaina Lavon Aurandt, Anastasia Elizabeth Clapper, Angela Marie Forlina, Kali M. Kirsch, Brittany Nicole Rinker

Davidsville – Derek A. Sauter, Marisa Lynne Wagner, Jennifer C. Yoder

Dayton – Zane Nathaniel Clowser

Duncansville – Todd Andrew Beard, Aaron Logan Cook, Kylee Marrie Lonsinger, Ashley Lyn Singer, Lyndzi Michele Vaughn

Dysart – Amber M. Smith

Ebensburg – Veronica R. Chumrik, Scott Edward Holsinger, Laurie J. Horn, Haley E. Kish, Nathan Matthew Knopp, Thomas Matthew Lauer, Amber N. McBreen, Jeremy Andrew McBreen, Allison S. McKeel, Morgan L. Price, Dona Lynn Rager, Nathan Lee Smith, Faith Marie Sodmont

Erie – Mark David Woods

Everett – Maygan J. Rice

Fairhope – Phillip Kenneth Walter

Fallentimber – Jeremy M. Rinker

Frederick – Jordan David Fortson

Friedens – Samantha Elaine McKenzie, Alyson Nicole Platt, Elizabeth Marlene Reese, Devin Reed Snedden

Gallitzin – Katrina Nicole Stevens

Greensville – Makayla Grace Coughenour

Harrisburg – Meagan Estelle Horner

Hastings – Gavin Morrell Campbell, Dylan Robert Maurer, Jason P. Serafin

Hollidaysburg – Jarrett Michael Cavalet, Michael James Cheskey, Laurie Anne Larkin

Hollsopple – Alexis Lynn Christofes, Joshua Tyler Dabbs, Kristopher G. Hogue

Hopewell – Linda J. Dourte, Sara N. Wilson

Huntingdon – Alexis Nicole Crotsley, Gavin Michael Knode, Abraham Tyler Rudolph, Morgan Mikael Snyder

Irwin – Adam Edward Polakovsky

James Creek – Paige Cassidy Fouse

Johnstown – Zacheri Gabriel Anderson, Ashley Joel Arrington, Brady Jordan Bachota, Evan James Barkhimer, Casey Alexandra Bendick, Taylor Alan Beneke, Aaron Trent Berger, Jessica M. Bravo, Gabrielle Elizabeth Buck, DeAnna Mae Burkett, Katelyn Elizabeth Carnell, Daniel G. Carter, Bradley Joseph Casper, Mya Frances Makana Ceballos-Palmer, Murray Chris Charney, Aaron Louis Ciotti, Nicholas Rostom Constantino, Natalie Marie Costanzo, Kate Reene Csehoski, Tara Nicole Dill, McKenzie Lynn Fitzpatrick, Anthony J. Furfari, Drew Anthony Furman, Hope Marie Gall, Nicole Jeanne Gindlesperger, Sarah K. Green, Tim J. Haberkorn, Joshua Ray Hagen, Jordyn Elizabeth Hamilton, Autumn Marie Hause, Gina M. Herrera, Jaydrik Darian Hinton, Gunnar Von Joseph Hockenberry, Benjamin Harrison Holmes, Erin Marie Hoover, Zachary Michael Hoover, Daisja R. Johnson, Tiffany Amber Jones, Rachel S. King, Alexis Marie LaBuda, Hanna E. Lecrone, Nicholas Brian Letosky, Oliver Mark Lindrose, Angela M. Louder, Jacob Flynn Lovette, Jon Daniel Maldet, Maria E. Manon, Emily Jane Mantini, Allison Rose McClain, Katelyn Dawn Miller, Alecia M. Morgan, Christopher Lee Norman, Andrew Don Ogline, Lauren Madison Olshewsky, Lindsay Marissa Olshewsky, Vanessa I. Orris, Christian James O’Stafy, Miranda Lynne Pastuch, Chelsea L. Phillips, Brendon Skyler Rager, Andrew Colin Rand, Logan James Reese, Kayla L. Reynolds, Alexander Eric Ritenour, Mackenzie Faith Roberts-Moore, Richard Clayton Robertson, Austin James Rose, Lewis Raymond Michael Rose, William F. Roth, Sean W. Sabo, Melissa Marie Salerno, Rebecca L. Schellhammer, Noah Scott Shorto, Heather Renee Shroyer, Samantha M. Smith, Kane Isaiah Stiffey, Megan Nicole Stiffler, Jonathan William Stratton, Tyler James Streets, Geoffrey David Stumpo, Annalese Michelle Tinari, Jane T. Trapanotto, Dakota Ray Vojtowicz, Amanda Lynne Walker, Ernest Lee Williams, Brynn Elizabeth Wingard, Madison J. Winger, Taylor N. Yuhas, Carly Anna Grace Zahurak

Karns City – Angelo S. Rondinelli

Knox – Michael Eugene Ritchey

Ligonier – David Alan Shannon, David Lee Wasil

Loretto – Jeffrey James Barnett

Marion Center – Stephanie Marie Betts

Markleton – William J. Beeman

Martinsburg – Samantha Jean Burket, Zachary Steven Rumberger

McVeytown – Matthew B. Harshbarger, Katie E. Runk

Meyersdale – Hannah Elizabeth Bodes, Amanda Noelle Custer, Timothy James Garlitz, Megan Taylor Lavin, Holli Jean Teague

Mineral Point – Nathan S. Kaschalk, Nicholas A. Powell, Vanessa D. Sheehan

Mount Pleasant – Ethan Timothy Charlesworth, Tyler Simms Katenbrink

Mount Union – Madison A. Harris

Nanty Glo – Anthony Edward Cornetti, Taylor Nichol Frederick, Tashia Marie Hartman, David M. Shedlock, Kimberli Ann Weirauch, Douglas J. Kimack, Brendon A. Smith, Laura A. Zimmerman

Nicktown – Joshua Joseph Smith

Normalville – Joel Kevin Berger

Northern Cambria – Seth Michael Charney, Quinn Sherwood Earnest, Chase Patrick Hill, John R. McBee II, Bradley C. McMullen, Linda Evelyn Seibert, Autumn Angel Wise

Osceola Mills – Savannah Rose Patterson

Park Hill – Stephanie L. Urban

Patton – Heather Renee Dietrick, Nichole Lynn Helbig, Morgan Olivia Maslonik, Matthew John Milanesi, Jarred Andrew Reed, Devin Michael Shaner

Penn Run – Alexandera Noel Ringler

Petersburg – Tara Mae Sheetz

Philipsburg – William Thomas Foreman

Pittsburgh – Morgan Eileen Hudson

Portage – Lauren Nicole Deetscreek, Arthur P. Kennedy, Darla Rae Kennedy, Steven D. Panick, Sandra J. Pentland

Roaring Spring – Abby Lynn Carder, Sarah Beth Kuntz, Desiree Marie Willey

Saint Benedict – Cheyenne Marie Hayes, Bonnie L. Himmel, Bryan M. Shaffer, Elizabeth Anne Shaffer

Saint Boniface – Justin Wayne Thomas

Saint Marys – Joshua William Gleixner

Saxton – Gregory Thomas Lynn

Seward – Emily Kathleen Kemler

Sidman – Joel Michael Barton, Gabrielle Nicole Josephson, McKenna Dawn McMasters, Danielle C. Mickus, Jacob T. Miller

Somerset- Kelsey Louise Knupp, Daniel Prescott Weaver, Cory Lynn Weicht, Matthew Lee Willison

South Fork – Madison Paige Brewer, Lakin Elaine Burkett, Barbara Jeanne Fye, Cameron Daniel Neuts

Stoystown – Joseph James Nemchik, Rachel K. Muchesko, Gearmo Eric Smeak

Summerhill – James D. Cornman, Kirsten Grace Foor, Joshua David Gould, Kevin Michael Margic, Devon Christopher Michaels

Three Springs – Catherine Grace Anderson

Tire Hill – Kevin W. Clement

Twin Rocks – Matthew S. Greene, Tyler Ryan Hegedus

Tyrone – Joseph John Noel, Stevie Marie Pennington

Valencia – John Alex Cicconi

Vintondale – Lilac D. Brown, Tiffaney Jade Smith

Westover – Aaron Michael Bakaysa, Rachel Lyn Bakaysa

Wilmore – Richard Edward Toler

Windber – Timothy A. Borish, Madison Brooke Crum, Emily Marie Dabbs, Justin Michael Gates, Savanna Joy Kestermont, Conor Duane Nitka, Janice Arlene Ott, Andrew J. Papcunik, Ashley Amanda Raco, Ashlee N. Stinson, Hunter S. Thomas, Trevon Antonio Wallace, Sha’lee Meriem Watters

Partnership with GACTC creates Pathways for Regional Growth

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) have collaborated to help better serve Altoona residents and the surrounding region. The two institutions recently signed three additional articulation agreements allowing students to transfer credits earned from GACTC to associate degrees in Business Management, Healthcare Information Specialist, and Medical Assisting Technology at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

These agreements allow GACTC graduates the ability to apply a specific number of credits to Penn Highlands’ associate degrees. These agreements have established guidelines that will help students achieve their degree in the most cost-effective and timely manner possible.

With the addition of these agreements, there are eight articulation agreements in place between GACTC and Penn Highlands Community College. These program-to-program agreements include:

• Administrative Office Specialist to A.A.S. in Business Management (12 credits)
• Architectural Drafting and Design Technology to A.A.S. in Architectural/Civil: CAD and Design Technology (18 credits)
• Computer Technology to A.A.S. in Information Technology: Cyber Security (10 credits)
• Computer Technology to A.A.S. in Information Technology: Server Administration (10 credits)
• Computer Technology to A.A.S. in Information Technology: Network Administration (6 credits)
• Medical Assistant to A.A.S. in Healthcare Information Specialist (15 credits)
• Medical Assistant to A.A.S. in Medical Assisting Technology (10 credits)
• Welding to A.A.S. in Welding Technology (10 credits)

“We are committed to helping students find easy-to-navigate career pathways,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, College President. “These agreements provide students with confidence in knowing their credits earned at the local career and technology center are transferable to an associate degree program.”

The Pennsylvania Highlands Blair Center is located in the Logan Valley Mall. The College has additional locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region in Cambria, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties.

College provides Workforce Training to meet Regional Needs

Workforce Development at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College provided thirty-two employer-driven training programs across the Southern Alleghenies during the 2016-2017 academic year. These trainings ranged from one day to seven-month sessions. According to Larry Brugh, Dean of Career Services and Workforce Development, this number includes trainings the College managed as a Workforce and Economic Development Network (WEDnetPA) partner.

During that period, the College facilitated WEDnetPA training valued at $257,965 for twenty-four companies in the region. WEDnetPA training focuses on targeted industry clusters in Pennsylvania:

• Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing
• Agriculture and Food Production
• Bio-medical, Building, and Construction
• Business and Financial Services
• Energy
• Healthcare, Information, and Communications Services
• Logistics and Transportation
• Lumber, Wood, and Paper

For the current 2017-2018 academic year, the College has a WEDnetPA allocation of $300,000 to support employee training for eligible companies.

Julie Davis, the College’s Workforce Education Manager, designs training programs in consultation with the employer to improve employee productivity and effectiveness. Recent trainings included a range of transferable or soft skills to highly technical skills. Industry experts lead trainings either on-site or at one of the College’s regional locations.

Stoystown Tank and Steel recently had training dealing with hazardous communication, confined space, welding, and electrical safety. Afterwards, Stoystown Tank and Steel Secretary/Treasurer, Claire Zufall, observed that the trainings helped make their manufacturing facility a safer place to work. Stoystown Tank and Steel has used the WEDnetPA program for a number of years.

“One of the College’s highest priorities is our work with business, industry, and workforce and economic development partners across the region. We work to identify and respond to their education and training needs,” stated Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Penn Highlands Community College.

Both Workforce Development and Career Services staff meet with company reps to discuss the full range of employer training needs throughout the region. The College helps to determine eligibility for training funds, assistance with needs assessment, delivery of standard or customized training, and the recruitment of students or graduates for jobs and internships.

In addition to these services, regional employees seeking professional development or certification for personal benefit can do so through Continuing Education (non-credit) opportunities or the College’s credit-based academic programs.

Larry Brugh, Dean of Career Services and Workforce Development, presenting to a group of local superintendents at a recent luncheon.

Photo is of Larry Brugh (left), Dean of Career Services and Workforce Development at Penn Highlands Community College, shaking hands with a college student (right) seeking career training and development.

Blair Center to offer One-Day ServSafe Certification Course

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is bringing a One-Day ServSafe Certification course to its Blair Center this December. This certification is for those looking at, or working in, an occupation where food handling is essential.

The certification course will occur on Monday, December 18^th, from 8:30am to 4:30pm. It will occur at the College’s Blair Center, in the Logan Valley Mall next to Macy’s.

The certification is 15 hours, and includes 7.5 hours of self/home study prior to the date of this one-day course. You must sign an affidavit the day of the course stating that you have participated in 7.5 hours of home study prior to taking the course.

This certification meets PA licensure guidelines. A textbook must be purchased and is available at the College bookstore. A valid photo ID is needed for the exam.

To register for this certification or for more information, please contact Penn Highlands Continuing Education at 814.262.3815 or continuinged@pennhighlands.edu.