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Visiting Scholar from Harvard University set to speak on Syria and Arab Revolutions

All community members are invited to attend a presentation by guest speaker and Visiting Scholar from the Department of Anthropology at Harvard University, Dr. Sami Hermez. His presentation, “Syria in the Arab Revolutions: Two Years On,” will take place in the auditorium of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Richland Campus on Thursday, November 7th, at 11am.

Dr. Hermez, will focus on the transformation of the Syrian uprisings over the last two years and provide an analysis of both the geopolitical and grassroots forces. His talk will pose such questions as: how can we begin to understand the conflict in Syria; who are the different actors on the ground; and what positions might we consider taking in this country?

Previous to being a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University, Dr. Hermez held posts as a Visiting Professor of Contemporary International Issues at the University of Pittsburgh, a Visiting Professor of Anthropology at Mt. Holyoke College, and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Lebanese Studies, St. Antony’s College, Oxford University. He obtained his doctorate degree in January 2011 from the Department of Anthropology at Princeton University, where his research was with former militia fighters and current political activists, and dealt with questions of the anticipation of war in everyday life in Lebanon. His research is concerned with political violence, social movements, the state, memory, security and human rights in the Arab World. He has also worked in various organizations, among them, the US Peace Corps, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations Development Program.

This opportunity has been made possible by the efforts of the Global Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh.

Kish Bank donates to College’s ACE Program

Kish Bank has donated $4,000 in Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Funds to to help fund the Accelerated College Education Program (ACE). The ACE Program gives high school students an opportunity to earn college credits while taking classes at their local high school.

“Having a partner such as Kish Bank allows us to continue to provide our ACE students with an affordable opportunity to jump start their college education,” said Penn Highlands President, Dr. Walter Asonevich.

During the 2012-13 academic year, the ACE Program served over 1,700 students in 45 school districts throughout 10 counties.

F.N.B. donates to College’s ACE Program

Dr. Walter Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, accepts a donation from Greg Winger, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for F.N.B. Corporation. The $5,347.25 Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program donation was given to help support the College’s Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program.

The ACE Program provides high school students in grades 9-12 with an opportunity to earn college credits while taking courses at their high school. The program served over 1,700 students during the 2012-13 academic year.

Somerset Trust donates to the ACE Program

The Somerset Trust Company has donated $20,000 in Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Funds to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to help fund the Accelerated College Education Program (ACE). The ACE Program gives high school students an opportunity to earn college credits while taking classes at their local high school.

“Somerset Trust is a valued partner in our efforts to keep these educational opportunities available and affordable for our students.” said College President Dr. Walter Asonevich. “This program continues to grow every year due to the support of businesses such as Somerset Trust.”

During the 2012-13 academic year, the ACE Program served over 1,600 students in 45 school districts stretching 10 counties.

College awarded 2014 Military Friendly Schools® Designation

Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has named Pennsylvania Highlands Community College the coveted Military Friendly Schools® list. The 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

“Pennsylvania Highlands is proud to be serving over 60 military service members, veterans and their families this year,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, College President. “We are excited to receive this recognition and remain dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment for these students.”

“Inclusion on the 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools® shows Pennsylvania Highlands Community College commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, Vice President at Victory Media and a nine-year Navy veteran. “The need for education is growing and our mission is to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools.”

The Military Friendly Schools® media and website features the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences. The 1,868 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. These schools have world-class programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accreditation, credit policies, flexibility and other services to those who served.

Now in its fifth year, the 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools ® was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 10,000 schools nationwide approved for VA tuition funding. The survey results that comprise the 2014 list were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media. Each year schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country.

A full story and detailed list of 2014 Military Friendly Schools® will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools ®, distributed in print and digital format to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October.