Newsroom

Erica Kovalik Wins the WPCC Cross Country Title

Congratulations to Erica Kovalik (Forest Hills) for becoming the first Black Bear to win an individual Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) cross country title in Penn Highlands’ history. She is now the 2019 WPCC 22019 Cross Country Champion!

Erica ran a 22:57:1 in less than perfect conditions. In addition to being the WPCC Champion, Erica has earned a spot on the WPCC All-Conference Team.

Erica will compete next in the NJCAA Region XX Championships in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Erica Kovalik (Forest Hills), 2019 WPCC Cross Country Champion

Annual Community Trick Or Treat Planned; Free To Public

Fall is here and Halloween is almost upon us. Penn Highlands Community College is celebrating the season with its annual, family-friendly Community Trick or Treat event, generously sponsored by Wessel & Company. It will be held on Monday, October 28th, from 5:30pm to 7pm, at the college’s Richland Campus (101 Community College Way, Johnstown).

Intended for families with children who are 12 years old and under, this event is an experience that is not easily forgotten. Faculty, staff, and students will be on-hand to give out free treats (while supplies last) and provide a unique Halloween experience to visitors.

As well as trick or treat, we will have special areas dedicated to creating Halloween crafts, intently watching a special Halloween puppet show, and experiencing our one-of-a-kind “Twisted Fairytales Haunted Hallway.” All activities considered, there is something for children of all ages to get in on the fun.

Last year, we had over 1,200 happy visitors. This year, we are prepared for that number to continue to grow as we create not only a community tradition, but also a family tradition.

We kindly ask that visitors park and enter through the East Hills Recreation entrance. Lastly, we are asking for you to leave your pets at home as pets are not permitted on our campus (service animals are allowed).

Further details can be obtained by contacting Pennsylvania Highlands Student Activities at 814.262.6463 or studentactivities@pennh.25comm.com.

Sophomore Emma Garrison Presents At Beacon Conference On The Power Of Aromatherapy

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College would like to congratulate Early Childhood Education student Emma Garrison, of Patton, on receiving a Certificate of Achievement for her paper at the Beacon Conference. The Beacon Conference accepted Emma’s paper, “The Power of Aromatherapy,” and she was able to present it during the 2019 Beacon Conference.

Emma Garrison, Early Childhood Education Student

The Beacon Conference was established by mostly Honors faculty to recognize, celebrate, and showcase the academic achievements of outstanding students at community colleges in the mid-Atlantic region. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines.

Her paper was prepared under the guidance of Penn Highlands Professor Dr. Russell Newman. The highly competitive conference drew approximately 140 submissions from students at community colleges in four states. Being chosen was a significant accomplishment for Emma.

Emma’s paper dealt with aromatherapy and its overall power, addressing the severity of antibiotic overuse and advocates the utilization of essential oils to reach an equivalent result. The paper explains that inexpensive therapeutic-grade oils, containing a variety of medicinal purposes, lack any and all potential health risks, allowing for the permanent replacement of many over-the-counter medicinal drugs.

Emma Garrison is on track to graduate with her associate degree in May 2020, as a part of the college’s 25^th graduating class. After graduating, Emma plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

“Public speaking has always been an intense, inexplicable fear of mine,” stated Emma Garrison. “When presented with the opportunity to challenge myself, however, I confronted my fear head-on, stepped far beyond my comfort zone, and tested my possibilities. Due to its rewarding outcome, the Beacon Conference was an amazing, beneficial experience. It’s one that I hope to be a part of again in the future.”

About The Beacon Conference
The Beacon Conference was born in 1993 when Rockland Community College (NY), with a grant from the American Association of Community Colleges and the Kellogg Foundation, and in association with Bergen Community College (NJ), Brookdale Community College (NJ), Catonsville Community College (MD), Dutchess Community College (NY), Harford Community College (MD), Kingsborough Community College (NY), Middlesex Community/Technical College (CT), Nassau Community College (NY) and Westchester Community College (NY), organized two conferences for student scholars at two-year colleges in the mid-Atlantic region. Since then, the conference has been sponsored by a coalition of participating community colleges, which take turns hosting this event each year on the first Friday of June.

Kathleen Morrell Named Executive Director Of Institutional Advancement & Public Relations

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce the appointment of Kathleen Morrell as the new Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Public Relations.

In her position, Kathleen will manage efforts in external relations. These duties include; but, are not limited to overseeing the College Foundation; supporting and nurturing the College’s relationships with local, county, state, and federally elected officials; serving as grant administrator and public relations officer; building educational partnerships with external organizations; advising the Marketing and Communications Department; and recommending the creation and implementation of institutional development policies.

Prior to Penn Highlands, Kathleen was the Media Director for the Gatesman & Dave advertising agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and The Barash Group formerly in State College, PA. Prior to those positions, Kathleen also worked as a media buyer for Western Initiative Media (Currently Initiative Media) in Phoenix, Arizona. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from West Virginia University. She currently serves on the Saint Vincent De Paul Family Kitchen fundraising committee.

Corks & Kegs Fundraiser Set To Support Scholarships & More

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is hosting their fall fundraising event, Corks & Kegs, on Thursday, October 3rd in the Black Bear Café (Richland Campus, 101 Community College Way) from 5-7pm.

This is a big year for Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and its annual foundation event, Corks & Kegs. This will be the 10^th year for the fundraising event, while also commemorating the college’s 25th anniversary. Craft beer will be served with heavy hors d’oeuvres along with wine assortments from B&L Winery. Jazz In Your Face will entertain the crowd. Various baskets sponsored by local businesses will also be auctioned off during the event.

Senator Wayne Langerholc and Cambria County President Commissioner Tom Chernisky will be in attendance awarding citations to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the College.

Proceeds from Corks & Kegs support student scholarships, develop innovative approaches to instruction, purchase training tools and equipment, and improve campus facilities.

Contact the Foundation at 814.262.6499 for details and to register. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door; however, pre-registration is strongly encouraged.