Newsroom

Dean’s List For Spring 2024

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College announces that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester.

Altoona – Dillon Wayne Donnelly, Nicole L. Fulcomer, Nikki Gunther-Geesaman, Gage Lynn Haselbarth, Evan Himes, Shaylee Jackson, Nichole Marie Kerstetter, Bruce K. Krestar, Kristal Masic, Victoria Paola Neuprine, Michele Elyse Plummer, Taylor Morgan Rickabaugh, Alexander Christian Wilkins

Alverda– Natalie Linn Pileski

Bellefonte – Hunter Knisely

Belleville – Michaela Susan Yoder

Berlin – Tobias Morgan Craig, Alexander Dively

Boswell – Bobbi Ann Dragt

Calvin – Brooke Anne Shee

Central City – Haily Nicole Wagoner, Sara Sue Watkins

Conemaugh – Alexis Ann Kane

Connellsville – Jessica Dawn Frye

Cresson – Angela Diane Noel, Ian David Rice, Salvatore Tiracave

Davidsville – Chase Joseph Dinyar, Logan Robert Pitera

Duncansville – Rylee Paige Boyer, Raechel Collier, Jonathan David Edmundson, McKenzie Lynn Woods

East Freedom – Macray James Markovich

Ebensburg – Kaley Storm Fleck, Joseph Thomas Flick, Mary Danielle Gittings, Lauren Elizabeth Kiepert, John Anthony Edward Wolf

Elton – Bryce Ian Johnson

Fairhope – Megan Riley Persuhn

Fallentimber – James Richard Eakins

Friedens – Jessica Shockey

Gallitzin – Christiana Mary Rosella Koytek

Greensboro – Leah Ann Minick

Hastings – Anna Michele Charney, Carmella Rae Fredo, Holly Jean Leamer, Krista Rose Watt

Hollidaysburg – Benjamin Patrick Dombrosky, Holland Sterling Johnson, Alexis Paige Ketner, Zachary Hunter Knee, Emily Doris McNutt, Megyn L. Nolan

Hollsopple – Kristie Byer, Adelyn Nicole Dull, Courtney M. Grimme, Leonela Nichols, Amy C. Roberts

Homer City – Autumn Sue Montgomery

Huntingdon – Rebecca Bickle, Dylan Edward Miller, Thomas Allen Reihart, Deanna Alexandra Sorensen

Hyde – Sean Lee Miller, Peyton William Reasinger

Indiana – David Charles Croyle, Devin James Croyle, Carla Jean Frederick, Michael John Mundwiler

James Creek – Lakeesha Gibbons

Jenners – Joseph B. Hornick, Ben Storoz

Jerome – Erin Maria Sutton

Johnstown – Sarah Akoto, Trinity Ashanti Akoto, Evan Joseph Allen, Gabriel Anderson, Nancy Arias, Maria Alejandra Baez, Kaitlyn Marie Baxendale, Noah Christopher Best, Skylar R. Brougher, Ryan Louis Brown, Myra Lianna Bush, Hannah Nichole Cameron, Stephanie Dawn Cassanese, Alyssa Renee Cogley, Linsey E. Dabbs, Hannah Dadura, Molly Margaret Davies, Kyleigh R. Duranko, Kyle Lee Feliciano, Carlyn Gorden, Ryan Arthur Gorden, Christian J. Haberkorn, Connor F. Haberkorn, Nichole Myra Harrity, N’evaeh Maseik Haskins, Alyse Renae Hastie, Gabriel Byron Helsel, Tranise Hill, Kara M. Himes, Riley E. Holsopple, Marcayes E. Hutchins, Matthew James Jasper, Alexa Leasha Kelly, Xenia E. Kobal, Michele Krutch-Paonessa, Sage Nevaeh Lodolinski, Harry Douglas Lonas, Dalton J. Lynch, Emma F. McAfee, Laurell C. McClurkin, Christopher Matthew McKendrick, Elijah James Minahan, Akram Moustafa Moaz, Yolanda Monge, Amanda Nicole Mosorjak, Brice W. Mroczka, Jennafer Lynn Palmer, Brooke Pasquerilla, Justin Pierre-Paul, Seth Macaulay James Plummer, Mackenzie Lynn Quinn, Nicholas Santos Salguero, Dylan Charles Santichen, Julia Nicole Suhayda, Lexington T. Tanaka, Taya L. Thomas, James Vasilko, Jeremie Travis Washington, Emily Elizabeth Weiser, Madelyn S. Wilfong, Kelvin Moises Williams, Charizma Rose Wilson, Evan Joseph Wiseman, Joziah Emanuel Wyatt-Taylor

Laureldale – Jalimaris Morales

Lebanon – Taylor Lee Cross

Lilly – Grant William Bossler

Loretto – Jaden Conrad, Ryan Joseph Lenz, Kayla Weslager

Lucerne Mines – Cholena Dunlap

Manns Choice – Olivia Danielle Miller

Mapleton Depot – Lilyana F. Hicks

Martinsburg – Kirsten Elizabeth Ayers, Jarrin Butler, Paikea Croyle

McVeytown – Kaitlyn Walk

Meyersdale – Paige Elizabeth Beal, Samuel Robert Hughes, Hailey Paige Secrest, Keira Nikol Younkin

Mineral Point – Christopher Evans, Elliot Michael Knepper, Allie Anne Polchito, Alyssa Mae Primel

Nanty Glo – Kylee Lynn McMullen

New Enterprise – Ashley E. Kichman

New Florence – Skye Alexis Cramer, Megan Deann Rougeaux

New Paris – Lauryn Elizabeth Calhoun

Newry – Travis John Molliver

Northern Cambria – Ariana Bush, Olivia Ann Cavallo, Carly Despoy, Serenity Lorraine Pala, Alexandra Elizabeth Rummell, Joshua Robert Walters

Osterburg – Nickie Sue VanPelt

Patton – Paige Ann-Marie Jones, Skylar Marie Kovac, Charlene Miko

Petersburg – Hannah Marie Detterline

Portage – Olivia Ann Burk, Sara Mary Gearhart, Jessica Dawn Karstetter, Anissa Lynn Rosemas

Revloc – Cynthia Estelle Dotson, Marah June Ketchock

Roaring Spring – Payden Joseph Imler-Knisely, Paul R. Rhodes

Rockwood – Alexander Sheldon Benford, Mary Jane Hudson, Joscelin Marie Revello

Saint Michael – James Barber

Salix – Shaylan Lee Liebig

Schellsburg – Mary Bernadette Martell

Seward – Aidan J. Strong

Shirleysburg – Abigail Joanne Aurand

Somerset – Asa M. Belardi, Chloe Rebecca Berman, Kate Riley Berman, Hayley M. Fieg, Anna Louise Emma Hersh, Rebekah Marie Krishak, Will Andrew Latuch, Logan Ling, Emily Grace Miller, Abigail M. Show, Jade Isabelle Williams

South Fork – Kayla Marie Clifford, Tresa Ann Mackel, Christina Nicole Schrader

Spruce Creek – Hailey Dawn Weyer

State College – Farhan Hassan Talukder

Stoystown – Austin Michael Craycraft, Alicia Marie Fyock, Hunter Luke Martin

Three Springs – Miley M. Druist, Katelyn M. Harper

Tyrone – Emma Riley Dibert, Victoria Greene, Stacy Teresa Kustaborder

Uniontown – Mylaysia Ellis

Williamsburg – Aliyah Logan Ross

Windber – Andrew Lawrence Betcher, Abigail Elizabeth Bush, Karli Shay Hanik, Hannah M. Knappenberger, Gianna R. Manippo, Caroline Annabelle McClain, Amy Lynn Mirilovich, Mason Carter Popovich, Jude Robert Tomaselli, Braydon Alexander Wojcik

York – Nick Roomsburg

Transfer Agreement With Jeff Tech Assists Media Production Students

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Penn Highlands) has signed an articulation agreement with the Jefferson County-Dubois Area Vocational-Technical School (Jeff Tech) in Reynoldsville, PA.

The agreement allows Jeff Tech’s Digital Communications students to apply their completed program credits into the Media Production associate degree program at Penn Highlands.

“We are excited to be working with our partners at Jeff Tech in providing meaningful pathways for students to further their education after graduation,” stated Michelle Stumpf, Dean of Enrollment Services and Registrar at Penn Highlands.

A maximum of three classes or nine credits can be transferred through the articulation process and into the Media Production program, including:

• MPR 100 Introduction to Production
• MPR 130 Radio Production
• MPR 250 Video Production

All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher to be eligible to transfer.

Jeff Tech is a comprehensive career and technical high school offering training in 14 specific areas. Jeff Tech provides high school academics alongside Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Cooperative Education programs.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College holds over 150 articulation agreements with various educational institutions.

Black Bear Student-Athlete Chase Brenneman Signs With Saint Francis University

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College sophomore Chase Brenneman has signed a letter of intent to join the Cross Country team at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA.

Chase Brenneman, Black Bear Cross Country Runner

Brenneman (Somerset, PA) became the first athlete in Penn Highlands history to sign with a Division I program.

“I have enjoyed my time at Penn Highlands,” Brenneman stated. “It has made me a more well-rounded student-athlete, which I feel has prepared me to transfer to Saint Francis. I am very excited to see how I can improve at the next level.”

This past fall, Brenneman placed within the Top 10 in five of the six meets he competed in. This includes a fourth-place mark in the season opener and three consecutive runner-up finishes before winning the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) Individual Championship on October 28, 2023.

Brenneman then placed 23rd out of 126 total runners at the NJCAA Division III Cross Country Championships in Huntsville, Alabama on November 11, 2023. He posted a time of 28:24.50, breaking the school record previously held by Andrew Straka (28:41.01) for the lowest time at the NJCAA meet. Brenneman also recorded the highest individual finish for a Penn Highlands student-athlete at a national event.

“I am very proud of Chase. He is a very dedicated, hard-working, and determined runner,” stated Adrianne Kuhar, Penn Highlands Black Bears Cross Country Coach. “I think he will excel at Saint Francis University. He has been a great asset to the team and a great runner to coach.”

College Foundation Donates $78,000 To Scholarship Fund

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation presented Penn Highlands President Dr. Steve Nunez with a check for $78,000 prior to a recent Foundation board meeting.

The contribution is designated for the Supporting Scholars Fund, which annually awards more than $35,000 in scholarships to deserving students.

“We are deeply appreciative of the Foundation’s unwavering support to the College,” Dr. Nunez stated. “This donation to the Supporting Scholars program will provide nearly 30 students with a very generous scholarship that will help them on their journey to attain a college degree. We can’t thank the Foundation Board enough for their generous donations of their time, energy, and treasure.”

This donation will be spread amongst three scholarships to be awarded to at least 16 high school seniors. The awards include the Destination Graduation Scholarship ($1,000 per semester to a minimum of one student annually), the Emerging Leader Scholarship ($1,000 per semester to 13 students annually), and the Presidential Scholarship ($3,000 per semester to two students annually).

“The College Foundation’s Board of Directors are proud to present this check to the College,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation. “Amidst the rising challenges of affordability, this donation becomes even more meaningful. The Supporting Scholars Fund provides these students with the opportunity to receive an affordable education, which can propel them to be successful.”

This marks the second occasion that the College Foundation will have fundraised money to be used in the College’s Supporting Scholars Fund, joining a $54,400 donation in July 2023. Before these donations, Pennsylvania Highlands had provided students with these scholarships out of its annual operating expense budget.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are delighted to continue our support,” stated Jeff Wood, Penn Highlands Foundation Board of Directors President. “These scholarships will assist deserving students in advancing their educational pursuits, enabling them to achieve their ambitions for both personal growth and the broader benefit of our community.”

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation manages over 20 scholarship programs, annually awarding more than $30,000 to deserving students. These scholarships are generously supported by local businesses, regional philanthropists, the College’s own staff and faculty, and funds raised through events organized by the Foundation itself.

Check being given to the College at the Richland Campus. Left to right: Nancy D’Aniello, Director of Education and Training Solutions at Concurrent Technologies Corporation; Traci Naugle, Attorney at Forr, Stokan, Huff, Kormanski & Naugle; Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation; Steve Nunez, Pennsylvania Highlands President; Jeffrey Wood, President of the Pennsylvania Highlands Foundation Board of Directors; Ed Porada, Foundation Board Secretary; John Kubinsky, Somerset Trust Company Vice President/Commercial Credit Officer; David Mordan, Foundation Board Vice President (May 2023).

Food Pantry Opens On Richland Campus

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has established a food pantry at its Richland Campus designed to offer students the resources they need to prepare meals at home. 

The pantry, known as the Bear Necessities Food Hub, is housed in a renovated space that consists of shelving, a refrigerator, and a freezer to provide a variety of food options to Penn Highlands students. The project was funded with assistance from the Hunger-Free Campus Grant, which Penn Highlands received after being designated as a PA Governor’s Hunger-Free Campus in January. 

“This project acknowledges the on-going battle against food insecurity,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the College Foundation. “At Penn Highlands, we understand that both traditional and non-traditional students face unique challenges. The Bear Necessities Food Hub aims to address these needs by providing fully accessible support. We’re committed to offering local, healthy options and practical cooking ideas using minimal ingredients.” 

The Bear Necessities Food Hub will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 3 PM. It is in a space across the hall from Student Activities and Athletics, next to Financial Aid. 

A dedicated committee has been established to manage donations for the pantry and oversee the procurement of the initial food stock. Meanwhile, Information Technology (IT) at Penn Highlands is creating an inventory system designed to monitor both the flow of visitors and the distribution of food items within the pantry. 

The committee plans to use student and staff volunteers to assist in pantry operations. The College is also working with Food for Families, a branch of the Pittsburgh Food Bank, to acquire additional inventory. 

“We are providing opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff to volunteer their time to make the Bear Necessities Hub an essential part of our college,” stated Matthew Hoffman, Chief Information Officer. “By incorporating our Penn Highlands family, we can ensure our students are getting these necessities to enable them to succeed in the classroom and to achieve their career goals.”  

The College also has the Black Bear Food Share Program, which provides students with grab-and-go meals. 

For those interested in volunteering to assist in food pantry operations, contact Carole VanMeter or Matt Hoffman at foodpantry@pennhighlands.edu.