Latest news with #AlleghenyCollege
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Allegheny College president recognized as Trailblazer in Economic & Workforce Development
Allegheny College President Ron Cole has been recognized by City & State PA with a 2025 Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development award for his dynamic leadership forging important partnerships for the college that create new opportunities for regional economic growth and produce graduates who are prepared for the workforce upon graduation. The award was presented at an exclusive celebration at The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia. City & State's inaugural Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development honors key figures from Pennsylvania's government, business, advocacy and institutions on the front lines, creating jobs and spurring economic growth at the local, state and national level, officials said in making the announcement. Under Cole's leadership, Allegheny College has developed and implemented a bold Strategic Pathway with a robust focus on community and economic development. The awards committee cited how Cole is inspiring academic leaders and institutions to drive regional economic development by actively engaging with local communities, businesses and government stakeholders. They particularly highlighted initiatives that Allegheny College has developed in support of these efforts, including four entities driving development and collaboration across the region: • Allegheny College Community Impact Hub • Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity at Bessemer (ALIC @ Bessemer) • Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) • Allegheny College Watershed Conservation Research Center As Pennsylvania continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, Allegheny's branch campus, ALIC @ Bessemer, will play a key role in developing talent, driving R&D and creating new opportunities for economic growth and industry expansion, officials said. By integrating emerging technologies like automation, digital fabrication and smart manufacturing, ALIC @ Bessemer will help position the region as a leader in next-generation production. Further, Allegheny College implemented microcredentials last academic year to bolster student learning and post-graduate success with nearly 30 offered this fall to complement its distinctive curriculum of a major and minor in different areas of study. Andy Walker, who has served as Allegheny College's executive director for economic, civic and community engagement, was also named to the Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development list in his capacity as executive director of the MCRC, where he leads renewed investment in Meadville and the Crawford County region by partnering with elected officials and community stakeholders, officials said. Honorees will be profiled in City & State PA.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sun shines on Allegheny College commencement for Class of 2025 in its 210th year
May 10, 2025, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA…Allegheny College held Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The festive celebration featured 307 students walking the traditional path from the David V. Wise Center down to historic Bentley Hall, for the program. There were more than 3,500 attendees. Also participating in the ceremony was Allegheny Student Government President, Ella DeRose '27; Professor of Media Studies, Dr. Ishita Sinha Roy; Allegheny College Board of Trustees Chair, Steven Levinsky; and Allegheny College President, Dr. Ron Cole. President Ron Cole addressed the crowd, focusing on the theme of leadership. He said, 'Leadership for purpose is empowering, inspiring, and supporting others toward a common goal, for a greater good. Helping to imagine a better future and then planting seeds for that future. To me, that's part of leading for purpose. In this I'm reminded of the saying that 'A society grows great when we plant trees in whose shade we will never sit.' Leaders for purpose do this - plant seeds and nurture growth for future generations. Let's plant seeds and let's also have gratitude for those leaders that planted seeds for trees that give us shade today.' The Commencement address was given by Dr. Daniel Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit leadership and convening organization founded in 1949. Dr. Porterfield said, 'As your lives rise, you'll see your alma mater rise. With this Allegheny education, you have developed a boundless power for doing good. Not only have you learned and grown, you've learned how to learn and grow. This is a growth mindset. The conviction that your talents are not finite. Growth matters today, in our rapidly changing world. With a growth mindset, we know that we have the power to discern and analyze change - that we can change ourselves and we can drive change.' Graduates are headed to a variety of opportunities, just a few of which include: Graham Kralic, PNC Bank Mya Furbish, International Institute of New England Austin Williams, PLS Logistics Liz Driscoll, Paper Mill Playhouse Matthew Degnan, Disney College Program Adrienne Hanas, Glover Farms Mitchell Dugan, Emergency Medical Technician Walker Cunningham, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Aria Zong, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Sara Karns, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Matilda Earwood, Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center Azary Matsuda, United States Navy Ethan Borsh, Northwestern University Megan Robare, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy Marissa Steury, Buckman & Buckman Law The ceremony concluded with the singing of the alma mater and a reception for faculty, staff, students, and parents, where they could say goodbyes and share future plans. On Friday the College held the AYA Rite of Passage Ceremony, which celebrates first-generation and historically underrepresented graduates of Allegheny College. The celebration was represented by the AYA, an adinkra symbol that represents endurance, resilience and the ability to overcome. Dean of Inclusive Excellence Heather Moore Roberson addressed the students, 'It's important for you to leave this place knowing that we, here at Allegheny, have been lucky, blessed, and privileged to have had you here as students. So when you are asked 'how does it feel to have attended Allegheny?,' please tell them, 'the honor, I assure you, was Allegheny's.' ' Honorary Degrees The College awarded honorary doctorates of humane letters to two distinguished leaders: Dr. Daniel Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute (and Commencement speaker), and Allegheny Alumna Diane Sutter '72, President and CEO of ShootingStar Inc. Broadcasting in Los Angeles. Prior to leading the Aspen Institute, Porterfield served for seven years as the President of Franklin & Marshall College. Porterfield previously served as Senior Vice President for Strategic Development and as an award-winning professor of English at his alma mater, Georgetown University, and as communications director and chief speechwriter for the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Porterfield imparted the idea of a life to the résumé graduates, saying, 'You'll always have a resume about what you do for work, but think about a life resume with four sections, each one with a question. When did I grow? When did I experience joy or love? When did I feel well and when did I feel pain? And when did I help someone else? A new section called purpose will rise as you go through life. Through your actions and your choices you will know why you are here. Most of us find our purpose not by abstract reason but actually by living in the world and reflecting on what feels right and most meaningful.' Diane Sutter '72 told the students, 'You, the Class of 2025, are our future. Use your curiosity, talents, and creativity to create a lasting, positive legacy for those that come after you. And don't run away from change! Your life will be full of it. Embrace it!' Honored with the Radio Ink Magazine Lifetime Leadership Award for outstanding service to the industry, Ms. Sutter was also recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Radio for seven consecutive years (2017–2023). Additionally, she was named among the publication's Top 20 Leaders in Radio. Sutter currently serves as Chair of the Board of Visitors for the Center for Business and Economics. In closing, President Cole told the graduates, 'All of us together in this extraordinary moment are united in community by memories, friendships, achievements in the classroom, in the lab, on the playing field, on the stage, and in the Meadville community.' Notable The 2025 Commencement caps a record year at Allegheny College for fundraising, new program launches, significant partnerships with Meadville organizations, the opening of Allegheny branch campus ALIC @Bessemer, and the highest number of applications received for the 2025-2026 school year.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MMC, Allegheny College partner on registered nursing classes
Meadville Medical Center (MMC) and Allegheny College are collaborating on curriculum needs for MMC's registered nursing school. Starting with the fall 2025 semester, Allegheny College will offer core college-level coursework required for registered nursing students who attend the Sharon School of Nursing at Meadville Medical Center. The accredited registered nursing school became part of MMC's Institute for Healthcare Professionals in 2024. Allegheny College's courses are to the underlying foundation on health-related topics such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, medical ethics and psychology as well as required college-level writing and math, according to officials. Specialized nursing instruction and hands-on clinical training for the student registered nurses will be through Meadville Medical Center. "Since health care touches all of our lives, it's exciting to infuse critical and creative thinking, problem-solving and exposure to exceptional Allegheny College faculty into the training of future health care professionals,' Jennifer Dearden, Allegheny College's provost said. "Our goal since we took over the School of Nursing was to partner with a premier institute for higher education," Valerie Waid, MMC's chief nurse executive, said in a statement. "Allegheny College has always been at the top of our list, and I cannot be happier to finalize this collaboration." MMC and Allegheny have had a long relationship of college students and faculty working with the hospital. Allegheny students have worked with hospital patients on care plans and acted as health advocates while the school's faculty has worked with MMC staff. Dearden said new collaboration will strengthen the region's workforce and economic development. In 2024, Meadville Medical Center took over the Sharon School of Nursing when its then owner, Steward Health Care System, filed for bankruptcy. The inaugural registered nursing class under MMC that begins in September will have 30 students, according to Crystal Brest, a registered nurse and the director of the Sharon School of Nursing. The registered nursing school program takes 20 months to complete, Brest said. When completed, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the NCLEX exam to test the competency of nursing school graduates in the U.S. and Canada. "We had 85 applications for the fall (of 2025) and 23 candidates have been selected so far," she said. "We'll limit the class at 30 (total) due to clinical instruction needs." Though registration for this fall is closed, the school is accepting applications for its session that starts in September 2026, Brest said. The Sharon Regional School of Nursing has maintained its accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). ACEN Board of Commissioners also approved the change in ownership from Sharon to Meadville in December 2024. MMC has been working with Penn State Shenango, Thiel College and Sharon Regional Medical Center administration, classroom and clinical sites to remain in place to support curriculum needs of the current Sharon nursing students to meet their May 2026 graduation requirements. To learn more about the Sharon School of Nursing at Meadville Medical Center's Institute for Healthcare Professionals, visit
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norwood recognized by governor for planning efforts
It's said that failing to plan is planning to fail, but in Crawford County that won't happen on Zachary Norwood's watch. This month, the planning director's work has paid off as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognized Norwood as a recipient of the 2025 Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence. Norwood was one of 19 officials in local government to receive the honor, which recognizes officials for their dedication to improving public services through innovative initiatives. The award is presented annually during Local Government Week and recognizes people focused on community partnerships, fiscal accountability, and sound land use. Norwood, who moved to Crawford County and joined the planning department 10 years ago, took the seat of director eight years ago. Under his leadership, the planning office has undertaken various initiatives, including adopting the Crawford Inspired comprehensive plan and investing in physical amenities. Norwood's work has supported investments like millions in funding for local parks and trails, the county's ongoing housing rehabilitation program, and attraction of private sector investment — such as Evans Square, Adams Place and the proposed redevelopment of the blighted nursing home in Cambridge Springs. A decade ago, when Norwood first joined, the planning office had adopted a comprehensive plan and had numerous outstanding grant funds that needed to be administered for various projects and programs. 'I took on the role of starting the implementation of the comprehensive plan but also management and oversight of various grant programs,' he said. He focused on initiatives like the Community Development Block Grant program and the county's Act 13 program. Over the past decade, he has expanded the list to include other federal and state resources for investment. A key component for Norwood has been community engagement and communication. 'One of the most predominant ways we engage and secure public voices is through the comprehensive planning process,' he said. The comprehensive plan is like a road map that the county produces every 10 years and guides the county's decision-making. They do surveys, hold meetings, send out direct mailings and engage residents online. 'Every policy we put out, every grant we go after, every project or initiative we're investing in is intended to further the vision and further the priorities of our citizens that have been expressed in that planning process,' Norwood expressed. He has also collaborated with various entities like Allegheny College, Crawford County and Crawford Tech, which have all partnered on a federal application for workforce development. The commission is made of volunteer citizen planners and professional staff who aim to use solution-oriented services to grow the local economy, enhance quality of life and preserve the natural environment. It's that whole team that Norwood said deserves recognition. 'While this is a recognition for myself because I was the named individual, nobody gets to where they are by themselves,' he said. 'I am fortunate enough to have an outstanding staff with a number of extraordinary professionals and a thoroughly engaged planning commission. … And a board of commissioners who have supported us the entire way through and have bought into the vision of Crawford Inspired.' In addition to his role in Crawford County, Norwood serves as the chair of the Northwest Section of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association, chair of the Northwest Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, and a member of the statewide County Planning Directors Association of Pennsylvania. County Commissioner Chris Seeley applauded Norwood's achievement in a recent news release, saying, 'Zach has been a driving force behind Crawford County's ability to think long-term, work collaboratively, and deliver on a shared vision for the future. His leadership, professionalism and deep commitment to community engagement have elevated the work of our Planning agency and made a real difference across our county. This recognition is incredibly well-deserved.'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lafayette exhibit explores French general's visit to Allegheny College
Chris Anderson was leafing through various books in Allegheny College's archival collection when he came across a long 'lost' artifact. 'I was planning an event and I was looking randomly through some of our old books, and I pulled this out and I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, this is the missing Allegheny guest book from 1825 that Lafayette signed,' said Anderson, the archives and special collections librarian at the college's Pelletier Library. The book contains the signature of General Marquis de Lafayette, a French general in the Revolutionary War, who spoke on the steps of a partially completed Bentley Hall 200 years ago on June 2, 1825. For Anderson, who recently began his position at Allegheny and found the book just a handful of months in, it was the discovery of a lifetime. 'We thought the school had sold it possibly or someone had taken it. We had a photocopy of it from a long time ago, and here it is — the original. I thought, 'Wow, I should just go home now, I'm having a good day,'' he joked. Now, it's on display as part of the 'Lafayette at Allegheny' exhibit, which runs now until May 2 on the third floor of the library. On Tuesday, Anderson will host a talk from 4 to 5 p.m. at the exhibit, which is open to the public. The exhibit showcases several original artifacts, including the guest book, a silver tea set that Lafayette would've drank from, various portraits, commemorative gloves from the 1825 visit and more. The artifacts are from the Crawford County Historical Society, Erie's Hagen History Center and Allegheny College alumnus Bill Owens. A tale of two Washingtons Lafayette was at the ripe age of 19 — like that of an Allegheny College student — when he decided to join the American fight for freedom against Britain. He was a Frenchman from a noble class, so it took some deception and innovation to get to America. It was there he met George Washington who he would grow incredibly close with and name his son after. Lafayette fought as a major general in the war and played a large role in America's independence. Afterward, he returned to France to fight in its revolution for independence. But 50 years after the American Revolution, President James Monroe invited Lafayette, then the only surviving major general of the Continental Army, to tour the nation. Lafayette was considered an official 'Guest of the Nation' and toured 24 states beginning in 1824. When he returned to Pennsylvania, the place he met Washington, he was 67, almost as if an alumnus visiting his old stomping grounds, and he had his son George Washington Lafayette with him. Lafayette traced the steps of the original Washington, who took the same route from Pittsburgh to Fort LeBoeuf in Waterford in 1753. 'In 1753, George Washington, as a young military officer, was sent up through this area to deliver letters to the French saying basically the 1750's equivalent of 'get off our lawn' by the British,' explained Crawford County Historical Society Director Josh Sherretts. 'Washington's journal of this area is a big part of what influenced David Mead to choose here to settle.' Anderson said it's unknown exactly what Lafayette said on the steps of Bentley Hall, but there are some clues. 'What little we know about the speech he gave at Bentley Hall was just a bit that I read from a report where he's at Bentley Hall, he gives this talk, then they have him look down the hill toward French Creek to say, 'This is where Washington walked on his early visits through what is now Meadville,'' Anderson said. At that point, Allegheny College was likely a not-quite-finished Bentley Hall and some outhouse facilities. It's unknown how much time he spent on campus, but he spent part of one day in Meadville, so it's estimated that he didn't stay long. In Meadville, Colonel John Bliss led Lafayette to Gibson's Tavern followed by a tea reception at Samuel Torbett's Sign of the Stag. 'When Lafayette came through Meadville, he was thrown a tea reception lunch when he first got here at a tavern owned by Samuel Torbett called Sign of the Stag,' Sherretts said. 'And we have the silver tea service that was purchased in 1820 and was the main service in the dining room of Sign of the Stag at the time that Lafayette came here in 1825.' In addition to the tea set on display, there is a pair of gloves thought to be memorabilia for the tour, as well as Torbett's liquor license. Tressa Snyder, dean of the library, said the gloves reflect the period and help visitors conceptualize what it was like back then. 'There was no social media back then. There were no phones. There was a whole different way to advertise,' she said. 'So I think students can imagine, 'how did he actually do this stuff without all the things we have now?'' A series of panels from a traveling Lafayette exhibit provides information and context to the artifacts and Lafayette's life. 'It's just enough I think to not overwhelm you with information,' Anderson said. The 'spirit of 1776' When Lafayette was invited back to celebrate 50 years of freedom, Monroe hoped Lafayette would inspire the 'spirit of 1776' in American citizens. 'After the American Revolution, we, as a country, invited him to come back and travel the whole country, and there were parades, and there were banquets and all kinds of things, and you can see how excited we were about our history,' Sherretts said. 'I mean, it was a huge deal that the United States was an independent nation for the first time.' The spirit Monroe referred to is evident in the exhibit at Allegheny. 'What I think is valuable about this exhibit is yes, it exhibits his military life, but it also then talks about his interest and work with anti-slavery and enslaved persons and how he was involved in Europe as far as trying to help with the eradication of slavery,' Anderson added. The exhibit includes information about a slave that Lafayette worked closely with and then helped to free after the war ended. His passion for human rights is a lesson that all those involved hope visitors learn. 'I think there's very much a spirit of 'we do what needs to be done to help others that need it the most.' For all intents and purposes, Lafayette was living in France, which had its own set of revolutionary activities … and he chose to come over here,' Sherretts said. 'He did so because, in his mind, those ideals were worth not just fighting for, but there were people who needed help, and he had a set of skills that he could help a group in need to do a thing that needed done. And I think that's something that on an every daily basis, all of us could do a bit more.' Although the exhibit at Allegheny College is tailored to the college and Meadville, there will be another chance to learn about Lafayette's regional impact later in May when the artifacts make their way to the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum. The Crawford County Historical Society, in partnership with the college, will host a free presentation May 31 in Ford Chapel on campus featuring alumnus Richard Arthur speaking about Lafayette. Then, on June 1, there will be a more in-depth look into Lafayette over a luncheon and tea service featuring a period menu. 'Without some of that history, we don't really understand where we come from,' Sherretts said. 'In an era where we're trying to make sure that we have the context of what's in the news and the context of how we got here, it's a crucial thing to remember or to be reminded of the steps that we, as a people, have taken to get to this point.' Continuing, he talked about how these events highlight the spirit of unity rather than division: 'We can look at some of these pieces of history that we had a common set of problems that we all had to put our thinking caps on and work together to make a nation.' YOU CAN GO From 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Chris Anderson will host a talk and showcase on the 'Lafayette at Allegheny' exhibit on the third floor of the college's Pelletier Library, 555 N. Main St. The exhibit will be open to the public and on display until May 2.
