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New Animatronic Robot To Assist Students In Computer Science & Programming

The animatronic, known as a “RADEON”, is only one of its kind on the East Coast.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has introduced a new technologically advanced learning tool for its students: an animatronic robot.

The animatronic, known as a “RADEON”, was purchased from Garner Holt Education through Imagination, LLC, using grant funds. Pennsylvania Highlands is now the only school on the East Coast to house this type of animatronic.

“We are very excited to be able to use this advanced technology in our programs,” stated Greg Paonessa, Instructor of Computer Technology at Pennsylvania Highlands. “I have introduced it in all of the classes I teach, and we are incorporating programming the animatronic into our current computer science and information technology programming at the college. We are able to have students learn how to program it and immediately see results, which is very useful.”

The animatronic was built based on a mixture of the frameworks for professional entertainment venues and a military design.

It is operated using a mixer board and a proprietary software package, as well as an air compressor that is attached via a series of hoses. The animatronic has 24 separate controls – 12 electrical and 12 hydraulic – that allow it to make movements such as tilting its body forward and upright, moving its wrists, arms, head, neck, and eyebrows, and having the ability to open and close its eyes and mouth.

The mouth can be programmed to run alongside a speaker located in the chest area of the animatronic, making it seem as if it is talking.

“When we received the animatronic, it came with no information on how to operate it,” Paonessa stated. “There was no documentation and no software. We had to enter a three-day training course to learn the basic operations of it. Now that we know how it runs, we plan to make modifications so it can do more than it is currently capable of.”

Paonessa said there are plans to enhance the existing programmable interface of the animatronic, as well as add sensor technology to expand its capabilities.

The animatronic is also planned to be involved with the College’s annual OneBook event, faculty kickoff, and used as a subject matter for a business writing class. Paonessa also wants to hold a college-wide contest to pick a name for the animatronic, which will be housed at the college’s Richland Campus.

The animatronic is housed within the Richland Campus and is used primarily for Computer Information Sciences classes, which offers four degrees and three certifications.

Greg Paonessa, Instructor of Computer Technology (left) explaining the benefits and capabilities of the new animatronic robot (Richland Campus, September 2023).

College To Host Admissions & Athletics Open House For Prospective Students

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is set to host an Admissions & Athletics Open House on Wednesday, November 8, at 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM at the College’s Richland Campus and Blair, Ebensburg, Huntingdon, and Somerset Centers.

Attendees will go through the admissions and financial aid processes, learn about activities, academics, and athletics, take a tour, and have one-on-one conversations with an admissions counselor to discuss future plans. Each location will focus on separate initiatives based on what each one offers.

“This will be a great opportunity for students to see our facilities and learn about opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom,” stated Matthew Bodenschatz, Director of Recruiting & Admissions. “We are a hidden gem for this area. With all the articulation agreements this college holds, whether it’s 2+2 or 3+1, we can get you where you want to go. This is only a fraction of the help someone can receive at one of these events.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with a faculty member who teaches courses in their respective field of study. The Richland Campus is scheduled to have three-to-four faculty members, while others will likely have one or two.

Directions and addresses for all locations can be found on our website at pennh.25comm.com/locations/.

Those who fill out a survey upon attending will be entered in a drawing to win a $250 scholarship.

Adrianne Kuhar Named Cross Country Coach

Black Bear Athletics at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has named Adrianne Kuhar the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country coach.

Kuhar, who serves as a Student Engagement and Athletics Specialist at Penn Highlands, replaces three-year veteran coach Jeff Dick. She is a 2017 graduate of Penn Highlands and ran for the Black Bears in Fall 2016.

“I am honored to be given this coaching position,” stated Kuhar. “Having experience, I know what it takes to have grit as a runner. We are a family here at Penn Highlands, and I plan to keep that value with the team as well.”

The Black Bears finished runner-up at the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) Meet when Kuhar was a member of the team.

Kuhar plans to input her expertise in CrossFit, weightlifting, and competing in 5K races to her runners.

“We are very excited for Adrianne to take over the cross country program,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities and Athletics. “She will work closely with our runners, as she understands the tradition of success we like to keep here. We feel Adrianne will be a great asset to the team and are anxious to see what she will achieve as coach.”

Kuhar has high aspirations right from the start, as she aspires for her runners to be conference or Region 20 champions, along with becoming the best versions of themselves inside and outside of the classroom.

Adrianne Kuhar, Head Cross Country Coach, standing outside the College’s Richland Campus (August 2023).

Carole VanMeter Hired as New Foundation Director

Carole VanMeter has been hired as the new Director of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation.

VanMeter brings more than 15 years of public relations field experience in the Johnstown area to the table. Already having relationships with local businesses, she aims to continue and utilize them while working with the Pennsylvania Highlands Foundation.

“I am excited to step into this role,” VanMeter stated. “Everyone has been very welcoming. I have always loved marketing and the idea of what makes people and groups do what they do. In my previous job, I was able to train others and show the steps of planning a successful event. I hope to carry that into helping the Foundation reach new heights.”

VanMeter will be able to show off her skills rather quickly with the College Foundation’s upcoming Chef Auction fundraiser event, slated for the evening of October 11.

“The upcoming Chef Auction is a great example of me being able to showcase what I can do,” VanMeter stated. “I have spoken to local business owners that I had already known, and I am doing my best to use those relationships to help build the Foundation’s cause. I am a very positive person, and you need a positive person to believe in the cause you’re working for.”

VanMeter has earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Public Relations from Frostburg State University in Maryland.

As Director of the College Foundation, VanMeter aims to build stronger relationships within our region and looks to continue the growth of business partnerships locally and in the surrounding areas that Penn Highlands Community College serves.

Carole VanMeter, Director of the Penn Highlands Community College Foundation, standing outside the College’s Richland Campus (September 2023).

Enthusiasm & Restaurant List Grows As Chef Auction Fundraiser Nears

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation, in partnership with the 1889 Foundation, is looking to make a difference in the lives of local students through the reinvigorated Chef Auction fundraiser. Additional restaurants and a growing number of silent and live auction items are continuing to allow the Chef Auction to blossom as the event date nears.

The Chef Auction will take place on Wednesday, October 11, at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown, beginning at 5 PM. A total of nine restaurants are slated to attend the event, which will also hold both a silent and live auction.

The list of restaurant attendees includes Ace’s, Balance Restaurant, Journey Restaurant, Nemacolin, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Sunnehanna Country Club, Craft Kitchen at Stone Bridge Brewing, Anthony’s Restaurant, and the Conemaugh Culinary Team.

WTAJ news anchor Marty Radovanic will serve as the emcee for the occasion.

“We are very excited to bring back the Chef Auction after so many years, which was previously hosted by the 1889 Foundation,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation. “The Chef Auction will be a night filled with great food and good company, with all the proceeds going to a worthy cause. Our goal for this event is to help students as much as we can, and I believe we are going to make a positive impact.”

All proceeds from the Chef Auction are going to the College’s Supporting Scholars Fund, which includes the Destination Graduation, Emerging Leader, and Presidential Scholarships. Plus, some funds will be put toward future culinary-related academic scholarships.

The silent auction prizes are comprised of gift cards, bed and breakfast stays, golf packages, event passes, and vacations, which contain destinations such as Pleasures and Treasures of Tuscany, Greek Islands, Sedona, a James Bond Getaway, and Tropical Costa Rica.

For the live auction, each participating restaurant will be donating a unique experience for the respective winner. There will also be a six-course French explorations dinner for 10 guests available to bid on.

Interested restaurants should reach out to the Penn Highlands Foundation to inquire about vendor options for the evening at foundation@pennh.25comm.com or 814.262.6448.

About the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation
The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of the College with financial resources and scholarships through seeking and securing funds. The College Foundation offers over 10 diverse scholarships to students pursuing an education at Penn Highlands Community College. To donate to the College Foundation, visit pennh.25comm.com/donate/.

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (pennh.25comm.com)
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has served over 60,000 community members throughout western Pennsylvania, including the Laurel Highlands and Southern Alleghenies regions. Offering over 35 degree and certificate programs in seven unique pathways, Penn Highlands has the highest graduation rate of all Pennsylvania community colleges.

About the 1889 Foundation
1889 Foundation’s mission is to support innovative programs and initiatives that improve and transform the overall health and wellness of our region. Through collaborations and partnerships, with a focus on population health, the Foundation is dedicated to making meaningful change in the areas that are negatively impacting the health and well-being of our local communities. For more about the 1889 Foundation, visit www.1889foundation.org.