Newsroom

Adjunct Faculty Member awarded Doctoral Degree

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced that Jessica Barron, Adjunct Faculty in Computer Technology and Communications, has earned an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Leadership from Duquesne University. Ms. Barron’s dissertation, “Comparison of a Video Game Based Learning Environment and a Traditional Learning Environment,” was successfully defended this past spring on May 26, 2015.

Ms. Barron, a resident of Boswell, PA, has been an adjunct with the College since August of 2012. In addition to her teaching, she has presented at regional and national conferences, and has led training workshops through the College’s Workforce Education department.

Assistant Professor awarded Doctoral Degree

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College recently announced that John Westley (Wes) McMichael, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion, was awarded the Ph.D. in Philosophy from the State University of New York at Albany.

Mr. McMichael is a resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His doctoral dissertation is, “Beyond Permissibility: Traversing the Many Moral Pitfalls of Abortion.” In addition to his teaching and advising, Mr. McMichael has served as Lead Humanities Instructor, Faculty Senate Chair, and Philosophy Club Advisor. He also works with Tranquility Gardens to offer guidance and inspire area youth.

Dean’s List for Spring 2015 announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2015 semester:

Altoona – Breana Lynn Benjamin, Melissa Ann Bollinger, Benjamin David Coldwell, Angelica Marie Knott, Jada M. Oswald, Andrew Quintero, Nicholas Trevor Ransom, Devan Taylor Smith

Alum Bank – Joseph R. Gardner, Sarah M. Gardner, Ronnie Paul Herline, Mark A. Watt

Armaugh – Joseph M. Stauffer

Ashville – Michael Desales Maurer, Mitchell Robert Maurer, Amanda Kay Stossel, Kayla Marie Wood

Beaverdale – Sara Ann Borelle, Travis Michael Messer, Nannette M. Parkinson

Bedford – Teri L. Ewald, Lauren Taylor Fedorchak, Jessica R. Schweikarth

Berlin – Abigail Lynette Fochtman, Bernard James Fochtman, Shawna Lea Knopsnyder, Jenna Marie Snyder

Boswell – Cheyenne Jaye Alwine

Box Elder – Brittany Marie Metroka

Cairnbrook – Brendan Michael McCauliff, Hope Nicole Oaks

Carrolltown – Michael A. Crimaldi

Central City – Michael Anthony Contrillo, Tasha A. Corradini, Jennifer K. Topka, Gerald Duane Weible, Penny Joy Zvonik

Cherry Tree – Mikaela Renay Gobrecht, Kayla Ann Mitory

Chest Springs – Mary Elizabeth Flumerfelt

Clymer – Timothy James Midock

Conemaugh – Glenn D. Barbis, Courtney Marie Grove

Cresson – Emily M. Harrington, Alexis Kaylynne Wheeler

Davidsville – Barbara Jean Cotchen, Jordan Lee Hershberger, Jennifer C. Yoder

Dudley – Melissa Diane Jones

Duncansville – Mireille M. Crevecoeur, Allison Nicole Recker

Dunlo – Julianna M. Marks

Ebensburg – Brianna Joan Bailey, William I. Bogus, Trisha Marie Chappell, Ashley R. Farabaugh, Steven James Finn, Corey Thomas Hoover, Jessica Marie Jansure, Jeremiah James Kim, Jennifer Nicole Nealen, Tiffany Marie Scanlan, Jonathan R. Schall, Amber D. Sharkey, Allyson Nichole Sherry, Garrett Anthony Smith, Kimberly Ann Szpala

Everett – Katlyn M. Diehl

Fishertown – Makayla L. Dunlap

Flinton – Brett Michael Reed

Friedens – Molly Katherine Hoover, Jessica Amy Shoemaker, Krystal Lou Stanczyk

Gallitzin – Roma Von Altimus, Rhonda E. Capouellez, Jocella K. Pitz, Mark Allen Stevens, Joann Watt

Gray – Amber Ann Stevanus

Hastings – Alyssa Marie Bonanno, McKenna Raeann Getsy, Elizabeth Rose Schweiger, Loren A. Schweiger

Hesston – Angela Kaye Nicklow

Hollidaysburg – Emma L. Catalano, Wendy R. Donoughe, Amy Elizabeth Lesh, Stephanie Louise Nixon

Hollsopple – Cory M. Griffiths, William Joseph Huss

Huntingdon – Donald Lee Betres, Kristopher David Bookamer, Kayleigh Danielle Dwyer, Alexander Marc Moffa, Brian David Stromer

Imler – Christian Leonard Corle

Indiana – Robin E. Wasser

James Creek – Amber Ann Buseck

Johnstown – Mary K. Angus, Alex M. Ashcom, Violet H. Asure, Deanna Nicole Bair, Jeremy D. Barber, Cassidy Nicole Belle, Cathy M. Bergman, Jennifer Biggs, Shauna M. Bixel, Carrie Lynn Blough, Amanda R. Bosely, Samantha Nicole Boyle, Eric Michael Bozich, Thomas Frederick Brown, Konrad Michael Burns, Benjamin Jacob Cafeo, Earl R. Carnahan, Jessica Marie Carthew, Brian T. Chamberland, Sue I. Champe, Sam John Clinger, Thomas Edward Connor, Toni Hope Costa, Shelby Ann Craig, Hannah Glasgow Crittenden, Christopher Anthony Crocco, Kristin A. D’Ambrosia, Alaina Ann Davidson, Bradley R. Davis, Sophia Aloysia Decker, Ernest P. Deetscreek, Eric John Distefano, Rachel Marie Dovidio, Amber Janae Easterbrook, Holly Gloria Eckenrode, Laura Katherine Eidem, Kristen Marie Emigh, Danielle Marie Fabina, Sharon Lynn Ferguson, Nicolas Jordan Fieser, Miriam Kaye Fink, Leah N. Fox, Brittany R. Friedman, Christopher Richard Garman, Tanner Scott Gehosky, Tracy Lee Geier, Kenneth Suarez Gibson, Annette L. Goetsch, Charles Edward Goggin, Eric M. Goncher, Carling Noel Graham, Laurie Marie Graham, John Robert Groman, John M. Haigh, Angel L. Harkness, Jaelan M.Haselrig, Nebraska A. Hernandez, Cortney Marie Hildebrand, Brittani M. Hileman, Ryan David Hirko, Aaron Hochstein, Jacob A. Hoffman, Michael David Horrell, Jennifer Lynn Hrivnak, Christa M. Jaber-Hill, Damian C. Jeffers, Melania A. Jefferson, Rachael L. Johns, Sandra-Jean M. Kennedy, Abigail Elizabeth Ketley, Assaad Assaad Khalil, Nikolas Ian Kindya, Vickie L. Kleman-Moss, Stephen Cyreal Koval, Barbara L. Kring, April Joy Larsen, Susan Renee Lavely, Daniel R. Layton, Cameron Jay Ley, Kevin Michael Margic, Desarae Brooke Margucci, Abby Louise Massimo, Tiffany M. Matchik, Haley M. Mathes, David W. Meck, Thomas J. Metzler, James Joseph Mical, David Michael Micik, Megan B. Miller, Morgan Marie Miller, Penny Maureen Miller, Amanda Faith Milne, Melinda Joy Mirkovich, Anita L. Moore, Marisa M. Morales, Benjamin G. Mostoller, Melanie Grace Muha, Lauren M. Natta, Olivia Ann Oravec, Edward F. Partsch, Christopher Lucas Peltzer, Bethann Marie Penrod, Jennifer L. Percinsky, Sarah Renee Pfeil, William Joseph Pinos, Danna Joyce Porada, Carrie A. Post, Monica Lynne Pounds, Brandon J. Prazinko, Joseph William Prouse, Alyssa Kylee Pudliner, Victoria Lynne Reese, Kortney Elizabeth Richter, Maribeth Rogers, Jeannette Marie Rovder, Jamie Michelle Saellam, Ryan John Santichen, Shanell Nancy Nicole Saunders, Amanda Lea Sauro, Teresa Lynn Schneck, Danielle Nicole Schultz, David W. Seth, Shannon L. Shaffer, Chet Sharp, Lindsey Faith Shepler, Jonathan T. Shirt, Brady Patrick Shriver, Arik Trevan Shue, Amanda Marie Shultz, Charles Richard Sidor, Dorothy J. Smedberg, Tonya Patrece Smith, Luke Evan Spishak, Christopher S. Sposito, David Paul Stem, Jocelyn A. Stetson, Geoffrey David Stumpo, Brittany A. Szczepanik, Jared M. Tabek, Toya Simone Taylor, Cathy Lynn Thompson, Stephanie D. Valkovci, Emilio Armando Venegas, Todd E. Vermileon, Josette M. Villecco, Desiree Marie Walker, Tyler James Wantiez, Abigail R. Wess, Dominic J. Williams, Ethan A. Wingard, Jared T. Wozniak

Lewistown – Adam Mario Cattoi

Ligonier – Abigail Rose Pelger

Lilly – Kylie Ann Garrett, Matthew Lester Poorman, Jonathon Patrick Stoy

Loretto – Mark David Eckenrode, Anna R. Yahner

Mineral Point – Jonathan D. Alexander, Adam Lynn Grove

Mount Union – Salina Marie Phillips

Nanty Glo – Tyler Francis Barosky, Richard David Christner, Kate Lynn Goldian, Gavin D. Grimaldi, David John Kivisto, Gerald S. McDermott, Kiyla Dawn Miller, Monica Lynn Mulato, Jennifer Rose Newman, Chad Daniel Noel, Helena Elizabeth Philp, Nicholas Taylor Price, Nicholas John Smith, Krysta Rene Ziesman

New Florence – Jaqui Lee DeWitt, Alexander Wayne Kells, Autumn Miranda Kells, Joseph J. Skedel

New Paris – Jarica R. Seese

Nicktown – Krista Marie Benamati, Karen M. Helsel, Michael J. Manda

Northern Cambria – Colby Noel Borlie, Daniel J. Chunko, Tasha Lynn Deyarmin, Janet M. Dravis, Tyler A. Hill, Christopher John Hornick, Derrick Lee Laney, Levi Joseph Miller, Jared Andrew Mitasky, Siena Rose Previte, Lauren Alyssa Uchaker

Oil City – Ka Yee Kui

Orbisonia – Galen Lawrence Scott

Patton – Michael Presley Ault, Alivia Rana Coposky, Shannon Renee Eckenrode, Ty Thomas Forsythe

Penn Run – Michelle Lynn Goehring

Petersburg – Shelby Mae Bishop, Victoria Ann Metz

Portage – Andrea Lynn Carney, Arthur P. Kennedy, Tracy Lynn Kowalczyk, Brittany R. Lee, Jocelyn Anne Mastaler, Matthew M. Mayers, Kayla M. Schmidt, Zachary Michael Stair, Tyler James Troxel

Roaring Spring – Mikayla Layne Dively

Rockwood – Derick C. Mostoller, Sara Jane Romesberg

Saint Michael – Hannah Marie Blanchetti, Lindsey Marie Michalides, Victoria S. Pinkas, Nichole Justice Ribblett

Salisbury – Mariah Dawn Hillegas

Salix – Misty Rose Custer, Troy Howard Jordan, Patricia Arlene Leto, Brett M. Sanderson

Seward – Jodi L. Colson

Sidman – Julia Michelle Barton, Ryan A. Michaels, Amy Lynn Rolley

Somerset – Justin Scott Bennett, Danielle Dawn Close, Courtney C. Niemiec, Scott Alan Shaffer, Marlene L. Shaulis, Betsy S. Sherry

South Fork – Robyn A. Adams, Bethany P. Corson, Zachary Paul Gossard, Samantha Rae Plummer, Sara Ellen Plummer

Stoystown – Justin Jay Ferko, Kelli E. Putman

Strongstown – Breanna N. Rege

Summerhill – Maria L. Conzo, Abigail Margaret Custer, Casey Ann Haberl, Joseph Leo McCall, Chelsea Jordan Wess

Tire Hill – Kaitlyn Marie Bridges

Tyrone – Mary Anne Cowfer, Sean Eric Morrissey, Lindsay Brooke Taylor

Vintondale – Kieshia Diandra Mattox, Jacquelyn Marie Sheesley

Washington – Mitchell D. Leverknight

Westover – Briana Michelle Franklin

Williamsburg – Alyssa Kelsie Gurskis, Caelan Michael Hughes

Windber – Matthew Thomas Adamczyk, Sierra Nicole Buchan, Paula L. Byrne, Jeffrey John Dagostino, Jamie Lee Dillon, Kallie Marie Erickson, Justin P. Gearty, Alexis Lyn Graham, Travis W. Gutshall, Holly Marie Harlin, Randy Luke Hendrick, Connor J. Howard, Aubree M. Kramer, Robert Patrick Lehman, Leanne Elizabeth McKelvey, Amanda S. Meagher, Shari L. Mock, Matthew W. Moore, Jenna Faith Myers, Tyler Douglas Neff, Kelsey Lynn Newcomer, Denise M. Papcunik, Jill Courtney Penatzer, Jordyn Leigh Polke, Danielle Lynn Rager, Timothy A. Tallyen, Alyssa Catherine Thomas, Harvey Weyandt, Robyn Marie Weyandt, Regina K. Zankey

YPA and Career Planning collaborate on Career Closet to help build Success in our Community

Thanks to the Young Professionals of the Alleghenies (YPA) organization, 38 Penn Highlands Community College students received complimentary interview attire this past academic year. In addition, YPA’s partnership with the Career Planning and Employer Services Center at Penn Highlands Community College was instrumental in creating the Career Closet.

Director of Career Planning and Employer Services, Larry Brugh, said the collaborative initiative has allowed the College to establish a permanent, year-round resource of new to gently used interview attire for students. “The generosity of the YPA members has assisted students who may have economic hardships or just need an article of appropriate interview attire for a job fair or interview, in a pinch. All students are welcome to utilize the service regardless of circumstance. We are extremely appreciative of the group’s support in providing this regular pipeline of suits, ties, shirts, blouses, belts, and shoes for our students.”

Penn Highlands’ student, Alex Perring, stated, “It gave me a boost in confidence to wear my Career Closet suit at a job fair I recently attended. It set me apart from many students who did not dress up and gave me the reassurance to approach and network with many employers. I am grateful to the Young Professional’s Association for their generosity.”

The Young Professionals of the Alleghenies is a diverse group of individuals that is engaged within the community through a dynamic mix of social, professional, volunteer, and cultural opportunities. YPA takes pride in the Alleghenies and all that it has to offer by promoting businesses, opportunities, and events within the region. YPA serves the community by volunteering to assist with community projects, such as the College’s Career Closet.

“The Young Professionals of the Alleghenies strives to be an influential partner in the community. We are honored to be a partner with Penn Highlands in launching their Career Closet and are thrilled to help students as they embark on their career search,” stated Jennifer Hale Davis, YPA Board Member.

Standing in front of the Career Closet, pictured left to right: Alex Perring, Penn Highlands Student; Josh Summits, YPA Board Member; Kevin Bean, YPA Board Member; Matt McVicker, YPA Board Member; William Hargreaves, YPA Board Member; Missy LaMonaca, YPA Board Member; R. Patrick Lehman, Penn Highlands Student; Jennifer Hale Davis, YPA Board Member; Jessica Krouse, Penn Highlands Student; Jennifer Biggs, Penn Highlands Student; Mike Hruska, YPA Board Member; tina Gibbons, YPA Board Member; Sandy Schrum, Penn Highlands Faculty Member; Larry Brugh, Penn Highlands Director.

Pennsylvania Community Colleges honor exceptional Students at Awards Banquet

The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges honored the 21st Annual All-Pennsylvania Academic Team at an awards banquet held on Monday, April 13th, in Harrisburg. The awards recognize an exceptional group of community college students who have achieved excellence and demonstrated a commitment to their colleges and communities.

The 2015 All-PA Team consists of 44 outstanding community college scholars from across the Commonwealth. They are an exceptionally diverse group, ranging from a teenager who will receive her high school diploma and associate’s degree within a span of two weeks, to a grandmother of four. These students are a testament to the community colleges’ mission that was created over 50 years ago: to provide an accessible and affordable path to higher education for all Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvania’s community colleges partner with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities to provide scholarships to All-PA Team members at PASSHE institutions. Twenty nine of this year’s team members intend to transfer to PASSHE institutions, and 35 of them intend to pursue postgraduate education in a wide range of fields.

Those honored from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College included Cassidy Belle, Jennifer Biggs, Danielle Close, Michaela Hanlon, and R. Patrick Lehman.

Cassidy Belle will be transferring to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she will study Early Childhood Education, and she hopes to one day earn a master’s degree in Special Education. She is vice president of the student government, and is active in community service, having done coat and clothing drives, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, traveling to New Jersey to help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, and traveling to Peru to help those in need. She hopes to become fluent in American Sign Language so that she can work with deaf children.

Jennifer Biggs will be attending Pennsylvania Highlands for one more year before transferring to St. Francis University, where she plans to enter the Adult and Continuing Education program and major in Online Behavioral Sciences. She is a member of the Allies Club, a member and scholarship recipient of the AAUW, and a tutor. Jennifer is the President of Phi Theta Kappa, Treasurer of Student Senate, and Secretary of Sigma Alpha Pi. She is a columnist for the Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Alliance, a choir member, a member of the Board of Directors for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Ligonier Valley, a mom of two, and a wife. Jen also teaches her family Spanish as a second language.

Danielle Close plans to transfer to California University of Pennsylvania. She is a volunteer with Camp PARC and the Community Park of Boswell. She was involved with the College’s first “Immersion in the City” community service trip to Philadelphia. Danielle has maintained a 4.0 GPA while working two jobs during her tenure at Pennsylvania Highlands.

Michaela Hanlon has been on the Dean’s List every semester she has been at Pennsylvania Highlands. She is a business major and has yet to decide where she will pursue her bachelor’s degree. She volunteers at her church, and was involved with the College’s first “Immersion in the City” community service trip to Philadelphia. She is an accomplished baton twirler, serving as a coach at a local high school, and she competes as a part of three different performance groups, as well as doing solo competitions.

R. Patrick Lehman will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall, and he hopes to continue on and earn a master’s degree. He is the president of both Student Senate and Sigma Alpha Pi, and a vice president of the College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Patrick has participated in the “20 Acts of Kindness” initiative, the Phi Theta Kappa Blood Drive, and the College’s first “Immersion in the City” community service trip to Philadelphia. He plans to complete his MBA so that he can start his own project management company.