Latrobe, PA: Jacob Boros, a senior at West Holmes High School, has been awarded a full tuition scholarship valued at $120,000 in Saint Vincent College’s annual Wimmer Scholarship Competition, it was announced by Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., president. Mr. Boros plans to major in history and mathematics.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Boros of Big Prairie, Ohio, he is currently studying full time at the University of Akron’s Wayne College where he has been doing post-secondary study since the fall of his junior year. Honored as a member of the dean’s list at Wayne College, he is active in his parish, St. Peter R.C. Church of Loudonville (Diocese of Cleveland), where he has been an altar server for seven years and a member of the St. Peter’s Keys youth group. A seven-year Ohio 4-H member, he has also done volunteer service with the Knights of Columbus at community events. His hobbies include reading, golf and traveling.

The Wimmer Scholarship Program is named in honor of Archabbot Boniface Wimmer who founded Saint Vincent College in 1846 as the first Benedictine college in the United States. The program is designed to recognize high school students with outstanding academic abilities and to encourage them to pursue a quality undergraduate education at Saint Vincent. The scholarship winner is based on their performance on a written examination which was given at the College in November. Students who participated in this year’s examination were nominated by their high school principals because they were college-bound and met academic qualifications. This is the 30th year for the scholarship competition. More than two hundred high school students participated in the competition this year.

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Latrobe, PA: United States Magistrate Judge William H. Baughman, Jr., left, of Cleveland, Ohio, installed Bridget Fitzpatrick, right, as a judicial intern on February 2 in the McKenna School Conference Room on the campus of Saint Vincent College.

Ms. Fitzpatrick, a junior political science major from Pittsburgh, will serve during the spring semester in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Ohio. She is the latest Saint Vincent student to participate in a remote internship program between Judge Baughman’s office and Saint Vincent College.  Instructional sessions are conducted by Webex videoconference and by telephone conference. 

These internships were developed by Judge Baughman, a 1971 graduate of Saint Vincent College, with the cooperation of Fr. Rene Kollar, O.S.B., Dean of the Saint Vincent College School of Humanities and Fine Arts; Dr. Gary Quinlivan, Dean of the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government; Dr. Gabriel Pellathy, professor of political science; and Courtney Baum, director of the Career Center.

Saint Vincent College’s Internship Programs is an academic program that allows students to work off campus to acquire career-related skills, earn academic credit, earn money and develop a professional network for future employment contacts.

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Latrobe, PA: The Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery is looking for personal artifacts from the late 1700s to the post-Civil War period to incorporate into an exhibit entitled, “Patriotism in Private Life:  Antebellum Nationalism in Domestic Textiles and Artifacts” that will be displayed from May 2 to August 31.

“The next exhibit at the McCarl Coverlet Gallery will investigate the varied symbols and meanings of patriotism in the antebellum period through an exploration of woven textiles and domestic artifacts,” explained Lauren Lamendola, curator of the McCarl Collection.  “Patriotic sentiment flourished in this era as Americans fought the Mexican-American War, westward expansion took settlers the length of the continent, and new immigrants aimed to assimilate into American life.  Moreover, the coinciding deaths of Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson – both on July 4, 1826, the nation's fiftieth birthday – and the centennial of George Washington's birthday in 1832 prompted a revival in celebrations of national independence and the heroism of the Founding Fathers.  Yet, patriotism had few modern symbols at its center before the Civil War. No official national anthem or uniform flag design, for example, yet existed.

Instead, eagles, trees, and stars proved popular emblems of the Republic and Liberty.  By focusing on the incorporation of these themes in the artistry of common domestic goods, this exhibit will emphasize the patriotism that private citizens performed, not at parades and in town squares, but in their own homes.”

“In conjunction with the exhibit, we are looking for personal artifacts dating from the late 1700s until the post civil war to incorporate into this exhibit,” she continued. “We are looking for flags, uniforms, clothing, photographs, letters, paintings or any artifact that deals with a patriotic nature. Objects from Pennsylvania are highly desirable. Objects that would have been used or produced in the home are also desirable.”

Area residents with an item they would like to have considered for the exhibit should contact Curator Lauren M. Lamendola at 724-805-2188 or lauren.lamendola@stvincent.edu.

2/3

Latrobe, PA: Saint Vincent College School of Social Sciences, Communication, and Education will present Dr. Jason King, associate professor and chair of the Theology Department at Saint Vincent College, as the first speaker in the fourth edition of its lecture series on Aging and Spirituality at 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, at the Fred M. Rogers Center. His presentation is entitled, “Intimacy and Aging.” Admission is free and open to the public.

“Intimate and romantic relationships are essential for the well being of most people,” Dr. King said. “Yet, in our society, we look suspiciously upon older people who are interested in these types of relationships, assuming they should be well past them. Not only is this assumption not true statistically, it is also detrimental. While those who are older typically have different challenges in romantic relationships than those who are younger, this primarily means these relationships should adapt to the differences. Moreover, these adaptations should not be viewed primarily negatively but rather as opportunities to expand one’s practice and understanding of love.”

Dr. King received his Ph.D. in Catholic moral theology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  His research focuses on feelings, decision making, dating, and marriage.  His works include “Marriage and the Redemption of the World” in Finding Salvation in Christ (Wipf & Stock, 2010), “A Theology of Dating for a Culture of Abuse” in Leaving and Coming Home: New Wineskins for Catholic Sexual Ethics (Cascade Books, 2010), “Vatican II’s Ecclesiology and the Sexual Abuse Scandal” in Vatican II: Forty Years Later (Orbis, 2005) and (with Donna Freitas) Killing the Imposter God:  Philip Pullman’s Spiritual Imagination in His Dark Materials (Jossey-Bass, 2007) and Save the Date: A Spirituality of Dating, Love, Dinner and the Divine (Crossroads, 2003). He is married and has three children. 

Upcoming presentations in the series include Richard Schulte, “Getting By with a Little Help from Our Friends,” Monday, March 19; and Msgr. James Gaston, “Spirituality and Grief,” Wednesday, April 11.

Persons of all ages are welcome to attend and share in the discussion and questions.

Parking for the physically challenged is available at the Fred M. Rogers Center.  All participants may park in Parking Area A and enter the Rogers Center at the first floor entrance.

Reservations are not required. For additional information, phone 724 805-2522.

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Greensburg, PA: Every year since 1995 the YWCA of Westmoreland County, in partnership with the Women's Sports Foundation, has proudly sponsored the prestigious YWCA Sportswomen of the Year Awards Banquet.  The Women’s Sports Foundation and the YWCA strive to enhance the quality of girls’ and women’s experiences with sports and physical activity. Recognition and awards are given to exceptional women and girl athletes in Westmoreland County for their outstanding athletic achievements.  Over 1000 female athletes have been honored since the program's inception. 

This year’s awards banquet will be held on April 12, 2012 at Four Points Sheraton in Greensburg.  Annie Urban, past YWCA board president, business owner and active member of the Ligonier community, will serve as our emcee for the evening.

The YWCA welcomes nominations from anyone in the community.  These nominations forms are due in the YWCA of Westmoreland County by February 21, 2012.  Contact the YWCA for a nomination packet at 724-834-9390 or visit our website: www.ywcawestmoreland.org.

Awards are Given in the Following Categories:
Sports Girl of the Year (middle school level)
Sports Teen of the Year for Individual Excellence (high school level)
Sports Teen of the Year for Personal Accomplishment (high school level)
Sportswoman of the Year (college level)
Special Needs Sportswoman of the Year
Girls Sports Team of the Year (grades 6-8)
Teen Sports Team of the Year (grades 9-12)
Sportswomen Team of the Year (college or adult team)
Women's Coach Award
Women's Health and Fitness Award

2/3

Pittsburgh, PA: In honor of National Bagel Day, all 28 Panera Bread Cafes in the Pittsburgh area are offering a  free bagel when you purchase a coffee (coffee can be substituted with a Hot Tea, Espresso Drink or Hot Chocolate).

“Panera Bread is excited to celebrate National Bagel Day. It is a great opportunity for Panera to celebrate with our loyal customers and share one of our favorite bakery items,” said Ashlee Mauti, Director of Marketing, Covelli Enterprises.

National Bagel Day is a celebration of the breakfast treat that is consumed by millions of Americans each day and Panera Bread wants to offer a free bagel when you purchase a coffee on Thursday, February 9th.  Visit your local Pittsburgh area participating neighborhood Bakery Café and celebrate National Bagel Day.

About Covelli Enterprises
Covelli Enterprises, along with affiliated Covelli Family partnerships, currently owns and operates more than 200 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida and Canada.  Covelli Enterprises was also ranked the eighth largest franchise group in the United States in 2010 by Franchise Times Magazine.  www.paneracovelli.com

2/3
 

Latrobe, PA: Saint Vincent College Department of Criminology, Law, and Society will present a continuing legal education (CLE) course for attorneys from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 18 in room S100 of the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion on the campus of Saint Vincent College.

The title of the session is Expert Witnesses in Pennsylvania: A Legal and Ethical Overview. It will cover the classic foundations of expert testimony, why expert testimony is screened, elements of expert testimony, new case law in Pennsylvania, particular applications in driving under intoxication cases, narcotics prosecutions, expert and eyewitness identification and other new areas, what a lawyer must know about the limits of science and the ethical perspective of the scientist and the National Academic of Sciences standards. Three CLE credits will be awarded (two substantive and one ethics).

Instructors will be Bruce Antkowiak, professor of law, legal counsel and director of the Criminology, Law and Society program, and Dr. Matthew A. Fisher, associate professor and chair of Chemistry.

Fee is $75 for private practitioners and $50 for public defenders, assistant district attorneys and judicial law clerks. All proceeds will benefit pre-law students at Saint Vincent. Registration is required and may be made by mail, phone or email with Sandra Frye, Office of Legal Counsel, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690, 724 805-2670, sandra.frye@email.stvincent.edu.

2/2

Greensburg, PA: Westmoreland Mall has partnered with the Blackburn Center to host a supply drive during February and March. Collection will be held from February 4 – March 31. Items can be dropped off in Center Court at Westmoreland Mall.  A list of requested items can be picked up at the collection site in Center Court or by visiting WestmorelandMall.com and clicking on the Sales and Events tab.
 
WHEN: Saturday, February 4 – Saturday, March 31
 
WHERE: Westmoreland Mall Center Court
 
ABOUT THE BLACKBURN CENTER  
Blackburn Center Against Domestic & Sexual Violence has responded to the needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence in the community for more than thirty-five years.  Westmoreland County residents receive critically-needed services such as counseling, emergency shelter, hotline assistance, legal and medical accompaniment, as well as community education.  Help is available whenever it is needed, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.
 
In addition to providing critically-needed services, Blackburn Center has been a strong advocate for social transformation.  From the time the agency opened its doors in 1976 to today, Blackburn Center has challenged members of the community to speak out against this violence, to demand accountability for the perpetrators of this violence, and to put an end to the acceptance of this violence.
 
ABOUT WESTMORELAND MALL 
Owned and managed by CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. of Chattanooga, TN, (NYSE:CBL), Westmoreland Mall is a 1.1 million square-foot regional shopping destination featuring more than 140 stores and eateries and is anchored by Bon-Ton, JCPenney, Macy’s, Old Navy and Sears.  For more information, visit on-line at WestmorelandMall.com.

2/2

Latrobe, PA: Kathryn Klawinski, a senior at Saint Joseph High School, Natrona Heights, has been awarded a full tuition scholarship valued at $120,000 in Saint Vincent College’s annual Wimmer Scholarship Competition, it was announced by Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., president. Ms. Klawinski will begin studies in mathematics and pursue education certification at Saint Vincent in the fall.

She has participated for four years in both varsity basketball as a guard and varsity softball as pitcher with the Spartans. A member of the Student Ambassadors, she also participated in National History Day and has done volunteer service at the Allegheny Kiski Medical Center. Her hobbies are archery and piano.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Klawinski of New Kensington, she is a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church.

The Wimmer Scholarship Program is named in honor of Archabbot Boniface Wimmer who founded Saint Vincent College in 1846 as the first Benedictine college in the United States. The program is designed to recognize high school students with outstanding academic abilities and to encourage them to pursue a quality undergraduate education at Saint Vincent. The scholarship winner is based on their performance on a written examination which was given at the College in November. Students who participated in this year’s examination were nominated by their high school principals because they were college-bound and met academic qualifications. This is the 30th year for the scholarship competition. More than two hundred high school students participated in the competition this year.

1/31

Greensburg, PA: Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College will sponsor an Outside Your Frosty Window presentation in February and a Tai Chi workshop in March as part of the Saturdays at the Barn programs.
Environmental Education Director Angela Belli said, “The events allow the community to explore nature on many levels and in many ways.”

An animal and plant informational session on Saturday, February 4 from 10 to 11 a.m.  will end the six-session series on how animals and plants survive winter in Pennsylvania.  Outside Your Frosty Window will review how animals in Pennsylvania survive four distinct seasons and the drastic changes between them. The program will be led by Ali Klofta, a senior at Saint Vincent College majoring in environmental science.

A Tai Chi workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 3.  Living “With” the Seasons, a two-hour Qigong (Tai chi) workshop will focus on the postures that represent the five elements in nature – fire, water, earth, mineral/air/metal, and wood. 

Presented by Linda Vucelich, Qigong is an energy practice that represents each element and goes through the cycle of the seasons, each with an energy associated with it.  Registration is required and the fee is $30 per person. 

A Food, Land and People Educator Workshop on Saturday, March 31 will focus on agricultural and environmental awareness. Food, Land and People is coordinated and sponsored by the Office of Environment and Ecology, Pennsylvania Department of Education.  Participants will receive a FLP curriculum manual.  Registration deadline is March 15.

For more information or to register visit www.wpnr.org or call the Reserve at 724-537-5284.

1/31

Latrobe, PA: Saint Vincent College will present four planetarium shows this spring in the Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium and Astronaut Exhibit in the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion on the campus of Saint Vincent College. Admission is free and open to the public.

The one-hour shows, all scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., include Oasis in Space on Saturdays, February 18 and March 3, and Two Small Pieces of Glass on Saturdays, April 14 and May 5. A winter night sky tour will be included on February 18 and March 3 and a spring night sky tour will be included on April 14 and May 5.

Selected deep sky objects – star clusters, nebula, and galaxies – will be viewed along with simulated trips to planets and moons in the solar system. The shows will end with a 25-minute theatrically-produced full-dome immersive video. 

Because of limited seating, advance reservations are requested and may be made by contacting the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing at 724 805-2631. Private shows for groups of 15 to 35 people may also be scheduled at other times by contacting the Boyer School. Scout groups who wish to fulfill requirements for merit badges are especially encouraged to make appointments.

The shows are conducted by Saint Vincent College Department of Physics faculty members in astronomy Dr. John Smetanka or Dr. Daniel Vanden Berk.

The Angelo Taiani Planetarium and Astronaut Exhibit is the centerpiece of the glass-walled atrium entrance to the Dupré Pavilion. The state-of-the-art planetarium was made possible by a gift from Angelo Taiani, a 1948 graduate of Saint Vincent who enjoyed a successful career as an aerospace engineer with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Mr. Taiani wanted the new planetarium and exhibit to bring recognition to the nation’s space program and serve Saint Vincent students as well as the western Pennsylvania area and beyond. Space exploration will dominate our nation’s future. NASA’s goal is to go to Mars as soon as a new launch vehicle can be developed, perhaps as early as 2020.  It is hoped that this new facility will help Saint Vincent students as well as young area students get excited about the importance of interplanetary space exploration and the career opportunities available in this field. One of the objectives of space exploration is the search for extraterrestrial life and that exploration will eventually discover planets like the Earth, light years away where life may exist.

Mr. Taiani, a native of Latrobe and a graduate of Latrobe High School, served three years in the Navy during World War II and retired as a Navy Commander with 41 years of reserve service. He first became interested in aerospace when he was assigned to work with early guided missiles and space ordnance as a project officer for the first ten Jupiter launches. He returned to Saint Vincent and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from SVC in 1948. He also did graduate study at George Washington University.

He worked on numerous projects at NASA as a general space engineer, in test support at Cape Canaveral and later the Kennedy Space Center on the Juno project. He also worked in support of the Space Shuttle program. He retired in 1984 after a 34-year career with the space agency. He still lives in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and enjoys volunteering to give tours of NASA facilities to journalists. He has known many of the astronauts, from Buzz Aldrin to Alan Poindexter, and has been an avid collector of photographs of the astronauts and launchings. Many of these have been given to Saint Vincent for display in the planetarium.

The planetarium projector system was purchased from the Spitz Corporation, based in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, a leader in planetarium technology. The planetarium features the latest digital technology that can not only project the nighttime sky but can also take viewers on a tour of the solar system.

1/31

Greensburg, PA: The Gay-Straight Alliance at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg will present Eve Ensler's award-winning play, "The Vagina Monologues," February 22, February 23, and February 24, in the Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. (February 22 and February 23) and noon (February 24). Admission is $8 for the general public and $5 for students with identification.
 
This is the sixth year that Pitt-Greensburg students have initiated, produced, directed, and performed the play, which is staged to raise awareness and funds for local organizations working to end violence against women and girls and to support the V-Day movement.  New to this year’s performance will be the powerful new piece entitled, “Over It.” Described as a memory, a monologue, a rant, and a prayer, “Over It” is designed to inspire a spoken word event that allows the cast to express what they are over.

V-Day is the global movement to end violence against women and girls. All proceeds from the performances are given to charity. Ninety percent of the proceeds will be used locally to benefit The Blackburn Center Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the YWCA of Westmoreland County. Ten percent of the proceeds will benefit Women for Women, an international organization that helps women survivors of war. Pitt-Greensburg students will also initiate additional fundraising activities the week of the show.

Pitt-Greensburg production of “The Vagina Monologues” is one of more than 5,800 V-Day benefit events that occurs annually throughout the United States and the world. (The “V” in “V-Day” stands for Victory, Valentine, and Vagina.)

The cast and crew for the Pitt-Greensburg performance include Sheila Confer (Latrobe, PA), Academic Village coordinator and part-time instructor of Theatre Arts, and students Nicole Wang (Philadelphia, PA), Bethany Thomas (Uniontown, PA), Zabi Mulwa (Westmoreland County), Chelsea Herrity (Doylestown, PA), and Alicia DiPaolo (Irwin, PA).
 
For more information, contact Sheila Confer at 724-836-9905.

1/31

Youngwood, PA: Westmoreland County Community College is accepting nominations for its 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award which will be presented at commencement ceremonies, Thursday, May 6.

The award recognizes and honors WCCC alumni who have distinguished themselves through professional accomplishments, significant community-based service, and support or service to WCCC.

Prospective recipients must have earned an associate degree, diploma or certificate from WCCC or have completed at least 30 credit hours at WCCC. The award is a one-time honor and previous recipients are ineligible.

Self-nominations by qualified WCCC alumni will be accepted. Nomination forms can be obtained by visiting www.wccc.edu or by calling the WCCC Public Relations Office at 724-925-4087. All completed nomination forms must be submitted to WCCC by Monday, February 20.

1/31

Latrobe, PA: Natalie Nakles, a senior at Greater Latrobe High School, has been awarded a full tuition scholarship valued at $120,000 in Saint Vincent College’s annual Wimmer Scholarship Competition, it was announced by Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., president. Ms. Nakles will begin studies in bioinformatics at Saint Vincent in the fall.

“I think it is awesome news, I was dancing around, I was so happy,” Ms. Nakles related after being informed of the award last week. “Saint Vincent has been my first choice for many reasons – its new science center, its program in bioinformatics, its location and its ideal size. I am very grateful for the scholarship.”

Ms. Nakles plans to pursue both a Ph.D. and an M.D. after she completes her undergraduate education. “I am really interested in neurology and want to go to medical school,” she added.

At Greater Latrobe, she has been active in the marching band, jazz band, piano accompanist and as a member of the Key Club. A participant in Seton Hill University’s  Community Music Program for ten years, she has won various awards in competitions including the Merrill Lynch Young Artists Award, NCTM Composition Competition Award sponsored by Warner Brothers (first place in state, first place in eastern region and third place national), PMTA Sonatina Competition (first place winner five times), and Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival participant.

A volunteer with the Latrobe Art Center’s summer art program, she will exhibit her drawings and paintings at the Keynote Café in Jeannette in February. She appeared in a television program, MTV’s Made, about her dreams, hopes, and accomplishments.

She completed Advanced Placement courses in Calculus, German, Chemistry, and Biology. She has been honored with membership in the National Honor Society, German Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society.

The Wimmer Scholarship Program is named in honor of Archabbot Boniface Wimmer who founded Saint Vincent College in 1846 as the first Benedictine college in the United States. The program is designed to recognize high school students with outstanding academic abilities and to encourage them to pursue a quality undergraduate education at Saint Vincent. The scholarship winner is based on their performance on a written examination which was given at the College in November. Students who participated in this year’s examination were nominated by their high school principals because they were college-bound and met academic qualifications. This is the 30th year for the scholarship competition. More than two hundred high school students participated in the competition this year.

She is the daughter of Jo Ellen Harr of Unity Township and Chris Nakles of Latrobe.

1/30
 

Greensburg, PA: The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg recognized members of its staff with various awards during its annual holiday and staff recognition luncheon held recently.

Sheila E. Confer, Academic Village coordinator and MAP-Works coordinator, was the recipient of the President's Distinguished Service Award for Staff.

The purpose of the award is to recognize regular staff members who have demonstrated a consistent pattern of extraordinary dedication to the University above and beyond the candidate's job responsibilities. She has worked for Pitt-Greensburg for 12 years. In addition to her other duties, she is a part-time instructor in Theatre Arts.

Confer, a native of Latrobe, PA, who resides in Greensburg, is the daughter of Wayne and Edwinna (Eddy) Confer of Latrobe. Her partner is Bruce Cox, of Greensburg.

Dr. Sharon P. Smith, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, noted that choosing the recipient of the President's Distinguished Service Award for Staff is the second hardest thing she has to do in her role as President. Confer stood out because of her commitment to a large variety of activities and initiatives and the success of the programs she oversees.

 Eight staff members were recognized with service awards, including:

   . 20 years of Service: Allen Tedrow, Jr. (Purchasing Administrator in the Business Affairs Office) from Youngwood, PA; Daniel Mudry (Systems Analyst in the Computer Services Department) from Washington Township, PA.

   . 10 years of Service: Timothy Simms (Custodian in the Plant Maintenance

Department) from Mount Pleasant, PA; Lori Moore (Administrative Secretary in Academic Affairs) from Hunker, PA; Rebecca Sorice (Administrative Secretary in Academic Affairs) from Greensburg, PA; Troy Ross (Director of Housing & Residence Life in Student Affairs) from Whitsett, PA.

   . 5 years of Service: Michael Altman (Maintenance Worker in Plant Maintenance Department) from Greensburg, PA; Diane Hughes (Administrative Support in Millstein Library) from Penn Township; Jim Vikartosky (Library Specialist in Millstein Library), and Valerie Kubenko (Administrative Secretary in Academic Affairs) from Latrobe, PA.

Three staff members were the recipients of the "You Make The Difference" recognition from their colleagues. The "You Make The Difference" program is an official University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg staff recognition program wherein staff members are recognized for special efforts and achievements.

Any member of the campus community, including staff, faculty, administrators, students, Advisory Board members, parents of students, alumni, and the general public, can recognize a Pitt-Greensburg staff member for extraordinary performance to the University.

Eighteen new staff members who had been hired during the past calendar year were introduced and received University of Pittsburgh pins. They included:

. Todd Brant who was hired as a part-time campus police officer.

. Gabrielle Calabro, of Elizabeth, PA, who was hired as the graduate resident director for Westmoreland Hall.

. Courtney DeCarlucci, of Greensburg, PA, who was hired as the manager of Foundation and Corporate Relations in the Office of University Relations and Institutional Advancement.

. Aaron Detwiler, of Greensburg, PA, who was hired as head women's bowling coach.

. Paula Fetherlin, of Greensburg, PA, who was hired as the Mail specialist.

. Joshua Gmys, of Pittsburgh, PA, who was hired as the coordinator of Alumni Affairs in the Office of University Relations and Institutional Advancement.

. Chad Hoffner who was hired as a member of the campus police.

. Dan Kelly, of Jeannette, PA, who was hired as a full-time Plant Maintenance Custodian in the Plant Maintenance Department.

. Brian Korey who was hired as a campus police officer.

. Cletus McConville, of Ligonier, PA, who was hired as the Development coordinator in the Office of University Relations and Institutional Advancement.

. Erick Randolph, of Williams' Township, PA, who was hired as the Graduate resident director.

. Deann Scherbick, of North Huntingdon, PA, who was hired as an Accounts Payable specialist in the Business Office.

. Autumn Shields who was hired as a part-time campus police officer.

. Glenn Smith, of Latrobe, PA, who was hired as head men's and women's tennis coach.

. Kylynn Smith, of Greensburg, PA, who was hired as an assistant women's volleyball coach.

. Betsy Warren, of Irwin, PA, who was hired as head women's soccer coach.

. Ricky Wheeler, II, of Muskogee, OK, who was hired as an athletic trainer.

. Anthony Williams, of Pasadena, MD, who was hired as head baseball coach in the Athletic Department.

1/27

Delmont, PA: For many years the Westmoreland County Food Bank received pet food through their Reclamation Program; and through that program many shelters in Westmoreland County were supplied pet food to provide to the animals that resided there until their adoption.  When the Reclamation Program ceased to exist so did the donation of pet food to the shelters. 

“We have had many inquiries, not only from shelters but from families with pets that benefit from our services, who are finding it more and more difficult to feed the animals at the shelters and in their homes; as well as individuals and businesses interested in donating pet food” stated Westmoreland County Food Bank CEO, Marlene Kozak. 

The Food Bank would like to re-establish relationships with the local shelters to provide the pet food to them on a rotating basis and as the Food Bank receives it.  “As we receive the donations, we will contact the shelters that wish to receive this and let them know that it is available for them,” Kozak said.  “We aren’t physically able to keep pet food on stock for any extended period of time, so it will be a quick moving process.” 

If the Food Bank would have an abundance of pet food donated it would be taken to the Operation Fresh Express distributions and distributed to families who have pets to help ease the burden of the expensive purchase of pet food. 

Shelters are asked to contact the Food Bank if they are interested in being on the call list for the donated pet food by calling Community Outreach Coordinator, Clarissa Amond at 724.468.8660 extension 33 or emailing her at clarissa@westmorelandfoodbank.org. 

1/27

Youngwood, PA: To help prepare workers for careers in Pennsylvania’s booming energy industry the Westmoreland County Community College approved the Natural Gas and Oil Technology program at its meeting Wednesday, January 25.

The program will prepare graduates for entry level jobs in the natural gas and oil industry which involve exploration, drilling, production, midstream, transportation, storage and distribution.

An estimated 18,500 to 30,000 jobs will be created in the natural gas industry, according to the 2011 Pennsylvania Statewide Marcellus Shale Workforce Needs Assessment, as drilling continues to increase through 2014.

WCCC designed the Natural Gas and Oil Technology curriculum in collaboration with industry experts to meet employers’ needs.  The program combines classroom instruction, lab activities and field experience.  Students may complete the 19-credit certificate program in two semesters or may opt for part-time study.
 
Graduates may accept positions such as electric/electronics installer; measurement and regulation technician; field safety representative; crew member for various operations including hydraulic fracturing, drilling and service; compressor operator and well testing technician.

The Natural Gas and Oil Technology program was developed through WCCC’s share of a $20 million U.S. Department of Labor grant awarded to Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges which is funded through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training program.

The college is accepting applications for this program which will begin in March. More information is available by contacting the WCCC Workforce Development Division at 724-925-4104.
In personnel matters, the board approved a two-year contract extension for WCCC President Daniel J. Obara of Irwin, to run through June 30, 2014. 

Obara, who has served as college president since April 2009 said, “The first three and a half years have been really exciting and I’m looking forward to the next two years.”

Professor of English Michael Hricik said he was pleased with the extension of the president’s contract.

“Dr. Obara has the full support and endorsement of the college faculty,” said Hricik, who is president of the WCCC Professional Association, the faculty bargaining unit.

In other business, the board took the following action:
• Awarded contracts for the purchase of the following equipment and maintenance agreements:  for Workforce Development - mechatronics learning system from Allegheny Educational Systems, Inc. for $132,813; for Electronics Engineering - Intelitek hardware, software and installation from JBH Technologies for $44,804; for Machine and CNC Technology - electric discharge machine from East Coast EDM Remedy Machine Sales for $35,170; and for Computer Technology - interface wireless supply kits from PrepCo Products for $17,258.20.  This equipment is being funded entirely by the 2012 Carl Perkins Grant.
• Awarded contracts for the purchase of the following:  for Workforce Development-HAAS Mini Mill from Gossinger for $39,233 and Allen Bradley hardware and software from Moseback for $35,226.20; for Radiology - refurbished Siemens Siromobile C-arm from Radon Medical Imaging for $35,000; for Culinary Arts - dishwasher from Curran-Taylor for $27,372; for Dental Hygiene - dental chairs upgrade from Patterson Dental for $22,835; and for Sonography - flow lab from Midway Vasular Inc., for $20,000.  These purchases are being funded by college capital funds.
• Retained the firm of Deluzio and Company LLP of Greensburg to audit the college for fiscal years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 for fees not to exceed $19,000, $20,000 and $21,000, respectively for the financial audit; and $7,100, $7,250 and $7,400 respectively for the single-audit compliance and $5,700 for all three fiscal year agreed upon procedures reports.
• Awarded a contract for the purchase and installation of an expansion to the emergency notification system in Science Hall to Simplex Grinnell for $56,720. This installation will expand the college’s current fire system capabilities by adding audio/visual devices in hallways and rooms to allow detailed notification of the emergency.  This project is a continuation of a 2010 upgrade to the fire panel and meets all recommendations as outlined in NFPA.
• Approved a six-year maintenance agreement with Kidde Fire Trainers in the amount of $121,950 payable in annual installments for fire simulator maintenance and support at the Public Safety Training Center.
• Approved the appointment of Joleen R. Henry of Scottdale as TAACCCT career coach for the Workforce Development Division effective January 30.
• Approved the appointment of Colette F. Wilson of Greensburg as KEYS student facilitator effective January 30.
• Approved the retirement request of Paul A. Bazzano of New Kensington, professor/Business Management and Real Estate, effective February 1 following 40 years of service.
• Adopted amendments to the college bylaws which reduce the number of regular meetings to eight per year and adds the Workforce Development Committee as a standing committee of the board.

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Greensburg, PA: The Center for Professional Growth at Pitt-Greensburg, in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh's School of Nursing, will offer monthly continuing education sessions as part of the 2011-2012 Pharmacology Update Series. Presented by teleconference at Pitt-Greensburg's Millstein Library Room 250 and live in Pitt-Oakland, each session runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Nurses earn three CNE contact hours for each session they attend. Registration is $60 per session with a discount applied to registration for multiple sessions. Sessions will be offered on the following topics: Heart Failure (February 4) and GI Disorders (March 3).
Visit www.greensburg.pitt.edu/about/cpg for details and to register.

During the 2010-2011 academic year, Pitt-Greensburg was the first regional campus in the University of Pittsburgh system to offer these teleconferences. This year, these teleconferences are now offered at all the regional campuses in the Pitt System.

The Center for Professional Growth at Pitt-Greensburg provides high-quality, relevant educational courses, programs and services designed to meet the needs of professionals seeking to start, advance or maintain their professional status, while providing career development, training and consulting services that help organizations, businesses and corporations prepare effective leaders and create productive work environments.

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Latrobe, PA: The Saint Vincent Gallery will present works by regional artists in an exhibit entitled, “2 x 20: Twenty Regional Artists Everyone Should Know,” from Friday, February 3 to Sunday, February 26 during regular Gallery hours, 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. Admission is free and open to the public.

An opening reception with the artists will be held in the Gallery, located on the third floor of the Robert S. Carey Student Center on the campus of Saint Vincent College, on Thursday, February 2 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Twenty regional artists who are painters, sculptors and photographers working in a wide-array of media, were invited by Saint Vincent College to submit two works each for this special exhibition. “All of the selected artists are masters of technique, have a unique vision and are worthy of being better known and celebrated,” commented Br. Nathan Cochran, O.S.B., Gallery director.

“Western Pennsylvania is blessed with an abundance of accomplished artists and it was difficult to choose only 20 for this exhibition,” Br. Nathan added.  “It was decided that to qualify to be invited, the artist must demonstrate strong artistic techniques and craftsmanship and be communicating a vision. This vision could be as timeless as classical and biblical imagery or as contemporary as current environmental issues. Although the exhibition is strongly figurative, with many artists having depicted the people and world around them, abstraction and minimalism are also present.”

The artists featured are Eric Armusik, Hamburg, Pennsylvania; Zachary Brown, Mars, Pennsylvania; Neilson Carlin, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth Myers Castonguay, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Robert Daley, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; John R. Del Monte, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; Alexis Dillon, Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Bud Gibbons, Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania; John Hinderliter, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; Barbara Kern-Bush, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania; Eric Kunde, Akron/Cleveland, Ohio; Patrick Lee, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Anne Lopez, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Duncan  MacDiarmid, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Christopher McGinnis, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dan Overdorff, Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania; John Ritter, Ligonier, Pennsylvania; Ron Romano, Western Pennsylvania; Paul R. Sirofchuck, Ligonier, Pennsylvania; and Timothy Thompson, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Future exhibits scheduled in the Saint Vincent Gallery include two senior exhibitions featuring works by graduating art majors March 16 to 25 and April 20 to 29.

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Latrobe, PA: The Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College has launched Out-A-Bout, a new iPhone app for children ages 3 to 5 to encourage physical activity, outdoor play, early literacy and parent-child interaction. An introduction to the application can be found at www.fredrogerscenter.org/resources/play-and-learn/.

Out-A-Bout allows parents to use their iPhone to take photos of their children engaged in outdoor activities (such as running, jumping, and climbing) and embeds those photos into an adventure story for subsequent viewing and reading together. Out-A-Bout features original music as well as voiceover narration by Jessica Trybus, founder of Etcetera Edutainment, and Anthony Daniels, who portrayed C-3PO in the Star Wars series of films.

“Out-A-Bout is a wonderful example of the creativity and the child-centered work that the Fred Rogers Center Early Career Fellows program is designed to support,” explained Rita Catalano, executive director of the Fred Rogers Center. “We hope that young children and their parents, teachers and caregivers enjoy this delightful, story-based game that uses the power of digital, mobile media to bring children and adults together in playful learning.”

Out-A-Bout™ (©Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College) was developed by the Fred Rogers Center, with contributions to development by Mary Gillis and Julie Polvinen, Fred Rogers Center Early Career Fellows for 2009-2010, and by Children’s Hospital Boston (CHB) through Julie Polvinen, Michael Rich, MD, MPH, and the Center on Media and Child Health at CHB. Support for development of this game included a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This product includes art, music, and programming developed for the Fred Rogers Center by Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center and its students, class of 2010. 

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Youngwood, PA: A Marcellus ShaleNET grant-funded Floor Hand (roughneck) program will be held March 19 through April 11 by Westmoreland County Community College at the Youngwood campus.

The program is designed for those interested in applying for entry-level training for floor hand and field technician jobs in the natural gas drilling and production industry. 

This 120-hour intensive course certifies and prepares students to work on natural gas oil rigs at the entry level in the floor-hand position. This course provides a practical, hands-on, training environment that helps students understand the mental and physical demands of gas industry production work.  The course content includes knowledge, skills, and certifications in safety, CPR, defensive driving, rig components, rigging systems, well control, hydraulics and basic electrical skills.
Students will also receive an overview of the range and diversity of careers in the gas industry.

“This is physically demanding work requiring 12-hour shifts outside in all kinds of weather, with the number one priority being safety,” said Dr. Byron Kohut, WCCC director, Western Hub Marcellus ShaleNET Grant. 

Some drilling jobs require 14 consecutive working days with 14 days off.  Moving from site to site in Pennsylvania and other states is required. “Employers will not tolerate drugs and workers will be randomly drug tested,” said Kohut.

The training is a highly interactive, industry-oriented program and is taught by expert instructors.  Class size is limited to 17 students. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and will take a variety of pre-qualification assessments.

Each participant is expected to pay a one-time fee to cover the costs of a drug assessment, background check and a physical exam, which is approximately $150.  The training program is free, but the application process is highly competitive. Prospective applicants must register by logging onto www.shalenet.org and/or by calling Michelle Hansel at the WCCC Youngwood Campus, 724-696-4594.

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Latrobe, PA: The Center for Political and Economic Thought at Saint Vincent College, in cooperation with the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government, will present a lecture by Wall Street Journal senior economics writer Stephen Moore, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 8 in the Fred M. Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College. Admission is free and open to the public.

This will be the eighth in the Center's 2011-2012 Government and Political Education Series, and is entitled “The End of Obamanomics.”

Mr. Moore is senior economics writer for the Wall Street Journal editorial page and a member of the Journal’s editorial board. He is also an economics commentator for CNBC TV and Fox News Channel, where he appears daily commenting on economic, fiscal policy and political issues of the day.  Mr. Moore is a frequent lecturer to business, investment and university audiences around the world on the U.S. economic and political outlook in Washington, D.C.

Upcoming lectures in the series include Dr. Micah Watson, “Locke’s Legacy or Rousseau’s Temptation: American Government as Creature or Creator,” February 22; and Dr. Charles Holt, “Auction Design for Public Policy,” March 14.

For more information, contact Mary Beth McConahey, program manager of the Center for Political and Economic Thought at Saint Vincent College at marybeth.mcconahey@email.stvincent.edu.

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Greensburg, PA: The Joan Chambers Concert Series at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg will present a solo piano recital by Elizabeth Tomlin on Friday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center. This event is open to the public at no charge.

Elizabeth Tomlin is an active piano soloist, chamber musician, and new music advocate.  A recent performance of the Schumann "Piano Concerto" received high praise, John Lambert of "Classical Voice of North Carolina" declaring it "so good, indeed, that I'd urge anyone to go out of their way to hear Tomlin again." 

A sought-after collaborative pianist with over 200 works in her repertoire, she has performed throughout the United States with such artists and ensembles as British clarinetist Janet Hilton, former NY Philharmonic principal oboist Joseph Robinson, Martin Kuuskmann, Laura Gilbert, Shigeru Ishikawa, the Mallarme Chamber Players, Blue Mountain Ensemble, Ciompi Quartet, and the Carolina Wind Quintet.

Tomlin was the coordinator of the piano accompanying programs at Indiana University and the Harid Conservatory of Music, and has been a chamber coach at the UNC Chamber Workshop, American String Workshop, and DePauw University.  Her solo appearances have taken her to the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, Dudley Profile Series at Harvard University, and concerto performances with orchestras in Illinois, Indiana, and North Carolina.

She often premieres works by established and emerging composers such as T.J.
Anderson, Derek Bermel, Thomas Dempster, and George Lam. Her passion for teaching aspiring young musicians has also put her in demand as a master class clinician, lecturer, and adjudicator.

Tomlin holds a PhD in music from Indiana University, a master of music from the University of Michigan and a bachelor of music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Principal teachers include Edward Auer, for whom she was also teaching assistant, Louis Nagel, and Duke Miles, and she has worked in master classes with Murray Perahia, Michael Tilson Thomas, Robert Levin, and John Perry. Having recently moved to the Bay area of California, her previous faculty posts were at Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Harid Conservatory of Music.

The Joan Chambers Concert Series is named in honor of Joan Chambers, late wife of President Emeritus George F. Chambers. She was an ardent supporter and representative of Pitt-Greensburg for many years in the community. While her interests were wide spread, she especially enjoyed participating in book-discussion groups, attending cultural events, and hosting themed luncheons at her home. The Children's Literature Collection in Millstein Library, another of her passions, was developed and named in her honor.

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Youngwood, PA: One of America’s most significant contemporary artists, Beverly McIver, will visit Westmoreland County Community College for a public lecture February 21 as her exhibit, “Intersecting Identities,” is shown February 1 through March 1 at the Youngwood Campus.

McIver’s art is known to take a critical look at race, gender and society while being credited as taking African-American women artists in a new direction. Her works have been reviewed by Art News, Art in America, The New York Times and many more publications. She has also received numerous awards and grants.

Her newest exhibit, “Intersecting Identities” will be on display throughout February in the Science Hall Art Gallery.  Her paintings are autobiographical in nature focusing on herself, her mentally challenged sister Renee and the interactions between the two. This exhibit is sponsored by the Betty Cuningham Gallery.

Westmoreland County Community College welcomes the public to hear Beverly McIver speak on February 21 from 5-6 p.m. in the Commissioners Hall auditorium.  A reception will follow from 6-8 p.m. in the Science Hall Art Gallery lobby.

The artist and her sister are also the subjects in a feature-length documentary slated to premiere on HBO.

Raising Renee deals with the promise Beverly made to take care of her mentally challenged sister Renee after the death of their mother.  This life-changing event coincides with Beverly’s art career taking off, and focuses on powerful themes of family, race, disability and class.

The film debuts February 22 on HBO.  Visit wccc.edu and raising-renee.com for more information.

The WCCC Art Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Greensburg, PA: The Verizon Foundation has presented a check for $3,500 to the YWCA of Westmoreland County in support of the YWCA’s Literacy and English as a Second Programs. In presenting the check to the YWCA, William Carnahan, Vice President of External Affairs said, “We are proud to partner with such a great organization and look forward to advancing literacy awareness and its impact in your community!”

The YWCA, located at 424 North Main Street in Greensburg, serves low-level reading adults to prepare for the language arts and essay portion of the G.E.D. exam, helps non-readers to increase their literacy skills and provides non-English speaking adults to learn the English language and American civics.

Maggie O’Leary, Literacy Director for the YWCA said, “The state of adult literacy has far-reaching implications for the community, especially in terms of employment and self sufficiency, business productivity, education, healthcare and other social issues. The YWCA is dedicated to giving adults and their families the opportunity to be effective in their roles as member of their families, communities and workplaces. This grant from the Verizon Foundation will allow us to continue and expand the outreach of the YWCA so that the community has increased opportunities for learning.”

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