Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Â鶹ÊÓƵ, IRMC unite with new collaborative to enhance rural health care

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Michael Driscoll and IRMC and Mountains Health President and CEO Steve Wolfe sign agreement formalizing the collaboration, designed to advance the health and wellness of the region.

Kittanning Leader Times, Feb. 3, 2026

Area students graduate from Â鶹ÊÓƵ Academy of Culinary Arts

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Area students have completed requirements for graduation from Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Academy of Culinary Arts, including a four-month paid externship.  The Academy in Punxsutawney is fully accredited by the American Culinary Federation, the maximum accreditation possible for culinary programs in the U.S. Students at the Academy can also complete a 16-month baking and pastry arts program in addition to the culinary arts program, or choose to complete both programs.

Dubois Courier Express, Feb. 3, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers interview third New Orleans Saints assistant coach

Assistant coach Chase Haslett is the latest New Orleans Saints coach to interview for a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff.  Chase Haslett served as the tight ends coach for the Saints this past season, his first with New Orleans. Haslett, 33, was a collegiate quarterback for Â鶹ÊÓƵ (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) in 2014 and 2015. He had been the tight ends coach at Mercer University in 2019 before being hired by McCarthy and the Cowboys. Under Haslett in 2025, Saints tight end Juwan Johnson had by far the best statistical production of his career with 77 receptions and 889 yards. Chase Haslett is the son of Jim Haslett, former NFL linebacker and head coach. Jim Haslett was a linebacker coach for the Saints in 1995 and the New Orleans defensive coordinator in 1996. Haslett would return as head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2005. From 2000 to 2004, Jim Haslett's offensive coordinator for the Saints was Mike McCarthy.  Pittsburgh has also interviewed and may be nearing a deal with New Orleans quarterback coach Scott Tolzien to be the offensive coordinator on McCarthy's staff.

Saints Wire, Feb. 2, 2026

Campus notes: February 1, 2026

Accomplishments by college students from Berks County and nearby communities. Jamileth Rivera, Reading, has completed requirements for graduation from Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Academy of Culinary Arts, including a four-month paid externship in Boca Raton, Fla. She completed the Baking and Pastry Arts, received an award for perfect attendance.

Reading Eagle, Feb. 1, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ, IRMC unite with new Collaborative to enhance rural health care

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Mountains Health officially established a Joint Collaborative focused on addressing rural health care needs Friday at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Michael Driscoll and IRMC and Mountains Health President and CEO Steve Wolfe signed an agreement formalizing the collaboration, designed to advance the health and wellness of the region. “We have been working together for a long time and have always shared a commitment to improving life in this region," Driscoll said. "The signing of the collaboration makes that relationship official, giving ourselves a more defined way to do even more together."

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 31, 2026

Lancaster County college news: Jan. 31, 2026

Area students were among those who earned dean’s list honors for the fall 2025 semester at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. They are listed with their hometowns.

Lancaster OnLine, Jan. 31, 2026

Lancaster County college news

Area students were among those who earned dean's list honors for the fall 2025 semester at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. They are listed with their hometowns.

Centre Daily Times, Jan. 31, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ University Museum prepares for opening reception for winter exhibition

Exploring the sentimental side of humanity, The University Museum at Â鶹ÊÓƵ invites the public to explore personal narratives on collections from members of the Indiana community. “What do you Collect?” opens today with a free and public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at the University Museum, Sutton Hall, Room 111. The exhibition will be on display through March 6 and holds an assemblage of unique, individual collections, highlighting the art of personal archive.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 31, 2026

YouTube cracks down, deletes 4.7b views of AI spam videos

YouTube was founded by Chad Hurley, Jawed Karim, and Steve Chen. The three were early employees at PayPal and had become wealthy after eBay's acquisition of the company. Hurley had studied design at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ, and Chen and Karim studied computer science together at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Express Times Tribune (Pakistan), Jan. 31, 2026

Indiana County students complete studies at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Academy of Culinary Arts

Two Indiana County students have completed requirements for graduation from Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Academy of Culinary Arts. Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s program includes a paid externship during the final semester.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 31, 2026

College News

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Area students have completed requirements for graduation from Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Academy of Culinary Arts. Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s program includes a paid externship during the final semester.

The Punxsutawney Spirit, Jan. 31, 2026

Workplace

Kristy Chunta has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees. Chunta is currently the Doctoral Program Coordinator and a professor in the Department of Nursing at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. She has been the Program Coordinator since May 2021 after previously serving as Master’s Program Coordinator and as an Assistant Chairperson. Chunta has also been a professor since August 2017 and has taught as an assistant and associate professor at Â鶹ÊÓƵ since 2005.

Altoona Mirror, Feb. 1, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ AND MOUNTAINS HEALTH SIGN COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

Representatives with Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Mountains Health gathered this afternoon to formalize a collaborative designed to advance health and wellness across the region. Â鶹ÊÓƵ president Dr. Michael Driscoll and President and CEO of IRMC and Mountains Health (the unified health system that brings together IRMC, Armstrong County Memorial Hospital, and Punxsutawney Area Hospital) Steve Wolfe signed the agreement today at the KCAC. IRMC and Â鶹ÊÓƵ have been working side by side for nearly a decade, improving the community through healthcare and education. Driscoll said it’s nice to formalize their partnership.

Renda Broadcasting, Jan. 30, 2026

Rutter’s Marks $1.75 Million Donated in 2025

Rutter’s and Rutter’s Children’s Charities have announced that in 2025, the organizations notched more than $1.75 million in charitable contributions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting children, families, education and food access across the communities it serves. The impact came in many ways, including $600,000 in Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donations. These funds supported scholarships, educational programs and workforce development initiatives that benefited students across multiple counties, including York, Bedford, Blair, Indiana, Dauphin, Schuylkill and Westmoreland. Notable EITC-supported organizations included the Bedford County Regional Foundation, Foundation for Â鶹ÊÓƵ (Â鶹ÊÓƵ), the Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund, York Academy Foundation, YWCA York, YWCA of the Roses and Junior Achievement of South-Central Pennsylvania.

CStore Decisions, Jan. 30, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ awarded $2M+ for new Center of Dialogue and Civic Life

A multi-million- dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education will be used to create a Center for Dialogue and Civic Life at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. The school was awarded more than $2.2 million to launch an intellectual and physical headquarters for civil discourse innovation on campus.  "The Civic Life project represents a coordinated institutional effort to strengthen campus culture through a physical center and curricular integration of programs, a new student dialogues program, a new civil discourse programming with campus-wide seminars, a speaker series and moderated debates," Gwen Torges, an Â鶹ÊÓƵ associate professor of political science, said in a release.

Mahoning Matters, Jan. 28, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ awarded $2M+ for new Center of Dialogue and Civic Life

A multi-million-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education will be used to create a Center of Dialogue and Civic Life at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. The school was awarded more than $2.2 million to launch an intellectual and physical headquarters for civil discourse innovation on campus. "The Civic Life project represents a coordinated institutional effort to strengthen campus culture through a physical center and curricular integration of programs, a new student dialogues program, a new civil discourse programming with campus-wide seminars, a speaker series and moderated debates," Gwen Torges, an Â鶹ÊÓƵ associate professor of political science, said in a release. "I am very pleased that we are moving this important work forward with incredible faculty and staff involved, including Dr. Torges, and that this work has been recognized with this significant investment from the federal Department of Education," Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Michael Driscoll said in the release. "I am looking forward to our next steps in this initiative as we stand up the Center for Dialogue and Civic Life."

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Jan. 27, 2026

Scott Blasey to headline benefit concert for Highland Hose in Tarentum

Highland Hose Volunteer Fire Company in Tarentum is getting some big-name fundraising support next month. Pittsburgh rocker Scott Blasey, lead singer of The Clarks, is lending his voice to help raise money for the fire company at an event at the Brackenridge American Legion on Feb. 7. Blasey and the band have been rockin’ the Burgh since forming at Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 1986. In January, the band’s “Better Off Without You” was part of the opening episode of “The Pitt,” the HBO Max hit series set in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jan. 27, 2026

With the Opening of Cork & Crust, A Five-Star Chef Takes On An Old Favorite — The Pizza

After cooking in castles, five-star resorts and some of the country’s most exacting kitchens, Kristin Butterworth now leads the kitchen at Cork & Crust, bringing fine-dining discipline to the menu. After enrolling in the culinary program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Butterworth was placed in northern Italy at a culinary school housed in an old castle near Turin. Perched on a hill overlooking a village, the castle and surrounding area were “exactly what you imagine a quintessential Italian town looking like,” she says.

Pittsburgh Magazine, Jan. 27, 2026

What's at the Bottom of Lake Erie? Mapping our industrial, Indigenous, and geological past

This brings us to the fun part: what are they going to find down there? The obvious answer is shipwrecks, and they've already given us a high-res map of a noteworthy one. The  which was built in 1910 and sank in 1926, served as an early guinea pig for their mapping technology. We now have a much clearer view of the remains of the 241-foot-long steamer. "I think people have a natural interest in shipwrecks," says Ben Ford, historic and maritime archaeologist at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ. "They represent moments of extreme drama and remind us of the larger forces around us. The ships are also part of many people's heritage, representing how their families came to the region or past occupations."

Erie Reader, Jan. 27, 2026

Local students make Dean’s List

Academia. Three Â鶹ÊÓƵ students from Pike County received the honor for Fall 2025
Three Pike County students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ (Â鶹ÊÓƵ). Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Since its founding in 1875, Â鶹ÊÓƵ has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. The institution celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025, and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.

Pike County Courier, Jan. 27, 2026

Laurels and barbs

Laurel: Political science students, women’s rugby club players, and students interested in studying abroad through Â鶹ÊÓƵ received support through a $100,000 donation from Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate. She made the contribution as part of the Impact 150 campaign for Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s 150th anniversary. The campaign is the largest fundraiser in university history, with the goal of collecting $150 million to provide lasting experiences for students academically and personally.

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Jan. 24, 2026

Laurels and barbs

Laurel: Political science students, women's rugby club players, and students interested in studying abroad through Â鶹ÊÓƵ received support through a $100,000 donation from Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate. She made the contribution as part of the Impact 150 campaign for Â鶹ÊÓƵ's 150th anniversary. The campaign is the largest fundraiser in university history, with the goal of collecting $150 million to provide lasting experiences for students academically and personally.

Centre Daily Times, Jan. 24, 2026

Pennsylvania lawmakers convene in Indiana to tackle rural health care challenges

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

State representatives from across the commonwealth gathered to discuss potential solutions to rural health care challenges Thursday at the Hilton Garden Inn at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Regional health care professionals presented testimonies to state House Republican Policy Committee members at the “Overcoming Challenges in Rural Health Care” hearing Thursday to highlight issues impacting rural health care and potential legislative measures to address those issues. Some challenges discussed at the hearing included a lack of physicians, nurses, speech-language pathologists, radiologic technologists, laboratory professionals, nutrition and food science experts and mental and behavioral health providers — “the very professionals who make comprehensive, team-based care possible,” according to Â鶹ÊÓƵ Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Lara Luetkehans, one of the hearing’s testifiers.

Latrobe Bulletin, Jan. 23, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ receives $2.295 million to create civic life center

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has received $2,295, 315 from the United States Department of Education to create a Center for Dialogue and Civic Life at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.“Â鶹ÊÓƵ has long recognized the importance of being able to speak civilly with people with whom you disagree, live and work with people with whom you disagree, and debate with people with whom you disagree in a civil way, going back to the start of our Free Speech project and the engagement with various groups during our Difficult Dialogues program,” Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Dr. Michael Driscoll said. Dr. Gwen Torges, associate professor of political science in Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Department of History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies and director of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Pre-Law program, led the development of the grant proposal.

Dubois Courier Express, Jan. 23, 2026

Can we talk? Colleges invest in civil discourse

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and the University of Pittsburgh are spending nearly $5 million to teach students how to talk to one another. Â鶹ÊÓƵ received a $2.29 million federal grant to create a Center for Dialogue and Civic Life. Pitt was awarded about $2.7 million to build a regional model for civil discourse and civic leadership. Both efforts are multiyear and staff-heavy. Faculty say they are responding to a growing problem: Students increasingly avoid disagreement, not because they lack opinions, but because they fear engaging at all.

Lewistown Sentinel, Jan. 23, 2026

Campus Chatter

The following students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ for earning a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Wellsboro Gazette, Jan. 22, 2026

Campus Chatter

The following students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher.

Potter Leader-Enterprise, Jan. 22, 2026

Warren County man joins Northern Pennsylvania Regional College board

Scott Olewine of Warren County recently joined the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College board. Olewine earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ and holds several professional designations from The American College. Olewine is the founder and managing partner of Olewine Financial Group LLC in Warren.

Warren Times Observer, Jan. 23, 2026

HOUSE POLICY COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON RURAL HEALTHCARE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

Earlier today, the PA House Republican Policy Committee met for a hearing at the Hilton Garden Inn in Indiana to discuss problems and solutions for rural healthcare. Topics ranged from what is being done in Indiana County through IRMC’s Residency Program and the Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine at Â鶹ÊÓƵ to some potential solutions to bring healthcare to communities.  State Representative Jim Struzzi talked about the importance of holding these hearings in Indiana County.


Renda Broadcasting, Jan. 22, 2026

Pennsylvania lawmakers convene in Indiana to tackle rural health care challenges

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

Representatives from across the commonwealth gathered to discuss potential solutions to rural health care challenges Thursday at the Hilton Garden Inn at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Regional health care professionals presented testimonies to state House Republican Policy Committee members at the “Overcoming Challenges in Rural Health Care” hearing Thursday to highlight issues impacting rural health care and potential legislative measures to address those issues. “I invited the Republican Policy Committee here to Indiana County (because) I know all the great things we’re doing here with rural health care — with the residency program at IRMC, with the (proposed) school of osteopathic medicine at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, with economic development,” said State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana). “I wanted to share that with my colleagues because I believe some of the things we’re doing here can be replicated as models around the commonwealth to help address our rural health care needs.” Some challenges discussed at the hearing included a lack of physicians, nurses, speech-language pathologists, radiologic technologists, laboratory professionals, nutrition and food science experts and mental and behavioral health providers — “the very professionals who make comprehensive, team-based care possible,” according to Â鶹ÊÓƵ Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Lara Luetkehans, one of the hearing’s testifiers.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 22, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s John and Char Kopchick Hall offering Indiana Glass exhibition as part of ‘Science on Display’ project

As you would expect, Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s John J. and Char Kopchick Hall, home to Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, has laboratories with sophisticated equipment and state-of-the-art classroom technology. What you might not expect is a special display of Indiana Glass, on loan from Indiana collector Arnold Wolfe.

The Punxsutawney Spirit, Jan. 22, 2026

Can we talk? Colleges invest in civil discourse

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and the University of Pittsburgh are spending nearly $5 million to teach students how to talk to one another. Â鶹ÊÓƵ received a $2.29 million federal grant to create a Center for Dialogue and Civic Life. Pitt was awarded about $2.7 million to build a regional model for civil discourse and civic leadership. Both efforts are multiyear and staff-heavy. Faculty say they are responding to a growing problem: Students increasingly avoid disagreement, not because they lack opinions, but because they fear engaging at all. Those investments may be smart. They may be necessary. But they also should give us pause. How are young adults arriving on college campuses unable to manage a basic give-and-take conversation?

Mon Valley Independent, Jan. 22, 2026

Dean’s List

The following area students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

Fulton County News, Jan. 21, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ display recalls 'Indiana's Colorful Glassmaking Past'

A special display of Indiana Glass has been lent by a local collector to Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s John J. and Char Kopchick Hall for its “Science on Display.”  The display lent by Indiana collector Arnold Wolfe accompanies such exhibits as skeletons of prehistoric animals, the Charles Darwin Collection, a flight suit of the late Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumna and astronaut Dr. Patricia Hilliard Robertson, and a student-created DNA Bunsen Burner sculpture. More than 100 pieces of decorative and Carnival glassware were donated, as produced by the Indiana Glass Company and successor companies between 1892 and 1931, at a plant on what now is the parking lot for Miller Stadium on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ campus.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 21, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ announces area students on fall 2025 dean’s list

The following students from Indiana County have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. The full list of dean’s list students is available at www.iup.edu.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 21, 2026

Editorial: Can we talk? Colleges invest in civil discourse

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and the University of Pittsburgh are spending nearly $5 million to teach students how to talk to one another. Â鶹ÊÓƵ received a $2.29 million federal grant to create a Center for Dialogue and Civic Life. Pitt was awarded about $2.7 million to build a regional model for civil discourse and civic leadership. Both efforts are multiyear and staff-heavy. Faculty say they are responding to a growing problem: Students increasingly avoid disagreement, not because they lack opinions, but because they fear engaging at all. Those investments may be smart. They may be necessary. But they also should give us pause. How are young adults arriving on college campuses unable to manage a basic give-and-take conversation?

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jan. 21, 2026

Meet Jack Benedict, the longtime voice of Â鶹ÊÓƵ who isn’t done quite yet

Benedict graduated from the old Ramsay High School in 1961 and got his start at 19 years old for Connellsville WCVI, a 1000-watt station where he made $1.25 an hour. He moved to WDAD in 1969 and started calling high school football and Â鶹ÊÓƵ athletics. The voice of Â鶹ÊÓƵ football and basketball calls games — 601 in football and over 2,500 in men’s and women’s basketball and counting — now for Renda Broadcasting.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jan. 21, 2026

College News

The following students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher.

The Citizen Standard, Jan. 20, 2026

Clearfield County students named to 2025 fall dean's list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ

The following students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. The full list of dean’s list students is available at www.iup.edu.

Clearfield Progress, Jan. 20, 2026

College News

The following students have been named to the fall dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher.

The News-Item, Jan. 20, 2026

Jefferson County students named to fall 2025 dean's list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ

The following students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. The full list of dean’s list students is available at www.iup.edu.

Dubois Courier Express, Jan. 20, 2026

Program Offers Students With Intellectual Disabilities Bridge to Adulthood

A new Â鶹ÊÓƵ program for those with intellectual disabilities will aim to fill a "real need" in Indiana and Armstrong counties. Although community services in the region support residents with intellectual disabilities, this new program will fill a need for a post-K-12 educational program, said Ali Kappel, a professor in the Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Department of School Psychology, Special Education and Sociology.  In the students’ second and final year, they will have the opportunity to live in an Â鶹ÊÓƵ dorm with other Crimson Hawk Bridge students.

Disability Scoop, Jan. 19, 2026

Show him the money: Franklin Regional grad enjoys fast-paced career as sports agent

Sports agent Aidan Sadoski … who said his business mindset complements his passion for sports, calls his career choice fulfilling. He graduated from Â鶹ÊÓƵ with degrees in economics and sports administration, then stayed there to earn a master’s in sports administration.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jan. 17, 2026

Area students names to Fall 2025 Dean’s List at Â鶹ÊÓƵ

The following students have been named to the fall 2025 dean's list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean's list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. The full list of dean's list students is available at www.iup.edu.

Ridgway Record, Jan. 17, 2026

College News

The following local students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. The full list of dean’s list students is available at www.iup.edu.

The Punxsutawney Spirit, Jan. 17, 2026

AREA STUDENTS NAMED TO FALL 2025 DEAN’S LIST AT Â鶹ÊÓƵ

The following students have been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) students with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. The full list of dean’s list students is available at www.iup.edu.

Franklin County Free Press, Jan. 16, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ receives nearly $2.3M federal grant for civic discourse center

Â鶹ÊÓƵ, part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, announced that it has received nearly $2.3 million from the U.S. Department of Education. The funding, in the form of a grant that runs through December 2029, will be used to establish Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s new Center for Dialogue and Civic Life. “Â鶹ÊÓƵ has long recognized the importance of being able to speak civilly with people with whom you disagree, live and work with people with whom you disagree, and debate with people with whom you disagree in a civil way, going back to the start of our Free Speech project and the engagement with various groups during our Difficult Dialogues program,” Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Michael Driscoll said in a release. Gwen Torges, associate professor of political science in Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Department of History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies and the director of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Pre-Law program, led the development of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s grant proposal. 

Pittsburgh Business Times, Jan. 16, 2026

Pitt, Â鶹ÊÓƵ launch initiatives to transform campus culture through dialogue

For the most part, students weren’t afraid to have difficult conversations on controversial topics when Gwen Torges started teaching at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 1997. That’s no longer the case. “There has always been, and will always be, people who say that’s not me, but there were always students who thought a good-natured debate was invigorating and they wanted to hear what other people say,” said Torges, a political science professor at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Now, “They don’t want to and because they don’t want to, they become unable to,” Torges said. “They think disagreement itself is a bad thing.” A $2.29 million federal grant awarded to Â鶹ÊÓƵ is hoping to change that.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jan. 16, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ receives $2.29M to establish Center for Dialogue and Civic Life

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has received $2,295, 315 from the United States Department of Education to create a Center for Dialogue and Civic Life at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. The center will serve as both a physical and intellectual headquarters for civil discourse innovation at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. “Â鶹ÊÓƵ has long recognized the importance of being able to speak civilly with people with whom you disagree, live and work with people with whom you disagree, and debate with people with whom you disagree in a civil way, going back to the start of our Free Speech project and the engagement with various groups during our Difficult Dialogues program,” Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Dr. Michael Driscoll said.

The Punxsutawney Spirit, Jan. 16, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ RECEIVES GRANT FOR NEW CENTER FOR DIALOGUE AND CIVIC LIFE

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has received a large grant to create a new Center for Dialogue and Civic Life at the university. The $2,295,315 grant comes from the US Department of Education.  The center will serve as a physical and intellectual headquarters for civil discourse innovation at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.  The grant, which will run through December 2029, funds both the physical establishment of the center which will be housed in current university facilities, and the outreach activities.  Grant funding will be used to hire full-time professionals and employ students at both graduate and undergraduate levels. In a statement, Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Dr. Michael Driscoll said the university has “long recognized the importance of being able to speak civilly with people with whom you disagree” and he says the center “will help our students – and all of us – live, learn, and work in a democracy that fully embraces civil discourse and discussion.”

Renda Broadcasting, Jan. 16, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ gets $2.3 million federal grant for 'Center for Dialogue and Civic Life'

Â鶹ÊÓƵ announced Thursday that it has received a grant of $2,295,315 from the United States Department of Education to create a Center for Dialogue and Civic Life, which will serve as both a physical and intellectual headquarters for civil discourse innovation at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Dr. Gwen Torges, associate professor of political science in Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Department of History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies and director of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Pre-Law program, led the development of the grant proposal. “The Civic Life project represents a coordinated institutional effort to strengthen campus culture through a physical center and curricular integration of programs, a new Student Dialogues Program, a new civil discourse programming with campuswide seminars, a speaker series, and moderated debates,” Torges said.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 15, 2026

Research.com the latest entity to rank Â鶹ÊÓƵ among 'top colleges' in Pa., U.S.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has attained another top ranking, this time from Research.com, which ranked Â鶹ÊÓƵ as a top college in the U.S., the Northeast, and among the top nine in Pennsylvania for quality, affordability and value. Â鶹ÊÓƵ officials said  named the university to five national “best” lists: Best College, Best Public, Most Affordable, Best Value and Most Popular. In the Northeast, Â鶹ÊÓƵ earned Most Affordable, Best College, Best Value and Most Popular rankings. Within Pennsylvania,  ranked Â鶹ÊÓƵ sixth as a “Best College,” sixth as a “Most Affordable College,” ninth as a “Best Value College,” and recognized the university as a “Most Popular College.”

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 15, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Smith is honored by osteopathic exam board 

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

A founding associate dean of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine has been honored by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. Founding Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education Dr. Ryan Smith was selected as the NBOME 2025 Item Writer of the Year for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States or COMLEX-USA Level 1 examination.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 15, 2026

A Young Pennsylvanian Shows Up and Wins

But young New Yorkers aren’t the only ones speaking out or lining up behind younger candidates. In western Pennsylvania, that surge led to Sam Bigham, 23, becoming the youngest mayor ever of Carnegie, a Pittsburgh suburb southwest of the city. After graduating from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history, Bigham decided to run for mayor because he felt the Carnegie Town Council needed more younger residents to invigorate town government. “It’s important to have someone with more energy, ’cause I think another thing that happens when you’re in a position for so long is you kind of get stuck in your ways,” Bigham told the Prospect.

The Prospect, Jan. 14, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ proposed college of osteopathic medicine associate dean honored

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

A member of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine administrative team has been honored by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. Founding Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education Dr. Ryan Smith has been selected as the NBOME 2025 Item Writer of the Year for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) Level 1 examination.

The Punxsutawney Spirit, Jan. 14, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumna donates $100K for study abroad opportunities

Political science students and women’s rugby club players at Â鶹ÊÓƵ have a new opportunity to study abroad due to a $100,000 donation from an alumna. Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate, made the contribution as part of the Impact 150 campaign for Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s 150th anniversary. “My experiences in Valladolid, Spain, on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ study abroad program were the most memorable and influential in my life,” Vallina said in a release. “I want to help and encourage all students who are willing and able, but may not have the resources needed, to be able to dream and to fulfill those dreams of travel and study abroad.”

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Jan. 13, 2026

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER FOR Â鶹ÊÓƵ PROPOSED COM AWARDED TOP HONOR

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

A member of the leadership team for Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine was awarded a top honor from the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. Founding Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education Dr. Ryan Smith was selected as the organization’s 2025 Item Writer of the Year for Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States.  The NBOME is an independent examination board that provides the sole means for assessing the competencies for osteopathic medical practice on a national level.  Passing this examination sequence is a requirement for attaining a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from colleges across the United States.  and for entry into and promotion within residency training programs and the attainment of a state medical license. Â鶹ÊÓƵ has secured 19 clinical training affiliation agreements and a pre-clinical training agreement with the Indiana County Coroner’s Office. Securing clinical training sites for students is part of the successful accreditation process; Â鶹ÊÓƵ has secured more than 240 percent of the needed clinical training spots, surpassing the 120 percent required for accreditation. Typically, students in colleges of osteopathic medicine spend the first two years of their education in the classroom; during the third and fourth years, students are based in the community at clinical sites.

Renda Broadcasting, Jan. 13, 2026

‘Pit Boss’ star speaks to police cadets about bias training

Drew Volchko has an exercise for new cadets at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Police Academy. The education in implicit bias, as they soon learn, comes from Luigi “Shorty” Rossi, a person with dwarfism. Some of the cadets might recognize him from his former Animal Planet show “Pit Boss,” which focused on his animal rescue advocacy. Rossi, a longtime friend of Volchko, has been coming to the area for the past 15 years, participating in events with Volchko’s Washington Police Benevolent Association to raise money for the families of officers who have been injured or killed. For the past couple of years, Rossi’s also helped present to cadets.

Observer-Reporter, Jan. 13, 2026

Impact 150: Â鶹ÊÓƵ political science graduate gifts $100,000 to Â鶹ÊÓƵ to support students

Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, has gifted $100,000 to support students interested in studying abroad, students in the political science program, and Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s women’s rugby club, according to a recently issued press release. This gift is part of Impact 150, the university’s $150 million comprehensive campaign. The campaign, the largest in the university’s history, launched on Aug. 23, 2025, in conjunction with the university’s 150th celebration carnival, part of the university’s sesquicentennial events. The Impact 150 Campaign centers around raising funds for healthy students, including supporting students academically and personally; a healthy university, including maintaining Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s commitment to excellence and innovation; and healthy communities, including Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s work to establish a college of osteopathic medicine.

Kittanning Leader Times, Jan. 12, 2026

Gen Z has entered city hall. Meet 4 young Pa. mayors who want to bring new ideas to local government

Now is an important time to get involved in government and run for office, said Sam Bigham, the new Democratic mayor of Carnegie in Allegheny County.  “We’re seeing a lot of leaders at different levels not really delivering on their promises or keeping their constituents’ best interest at heart, especially not for young people like me,” he said, pointing to issues like unaffordability and climate change. Carnegie’s “old-style” Main Street and strong community connections drew Bigham — a resident since age 10 with deep family roots in the area — back to the borough of about 8,000 after he graduated from Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 2024. Now the commonwealth’s , the 23-year-old had known for years that he wanted to work in government or public service, and his resume proves it. A former junior councilperson, Bigham also interned for a state representative and a congressman, and worked as a Democratic organizer ahead of last year’s election.

Allentown Morning Call, Jan. 12, 2026

Two exhibitions to kick off spring season for Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Kipp Gallery

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Kipp Gallery, and its sister Annex Gallery, will kick off its spring 2026 season with two exhibitions featuring unconventional media and student creations. The first, “a small collection of memories,” features pieces made by Pittsburgh-based artist Cheryl Capezutti on display from Jan. 20 to March 5 in the Kipp Gallery in Sprowls Hall at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. An opening reception is planned for Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. Starting Jan. 23, B. A. Harrington’s Fall 2025 advance woodworking class will present their handmade tables in the Kipp Annex Gallery in “10 @ 15 x 15: Variations on a Theme.” Arielle Golden, Brenna Nutter, Cathaline Saylor, Clarissa Marshall, Faith Gill, Grace Aikens, Joshua Clark, Kai Southard, Ma’kaylah Goldwire-Thomas and Sharon Boykiw are among the students that will be a part of the exhibition. An opening reception is planned for 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 11, 2026

Gen Z has entered city hall. Meet four young Pa. mayors who want to bring new ideas to local government

Now is an important time to get involved in government and run for office, said Sam Bigham, the new Democratic mayor of Carnegie in Allegheny County.  “We’re seeing a lot of leaders at different levels not really delivering on their promises or keeping their constituents’ best interest at heart, especially not for young people like me,” he said, pointing to issues like unaffordability and climate change. Carnegie’s “old-style” Main Street and strong community connections drew Bigham — a resident since age 10 with deep family roots in the area — back to the borough of about 8,000 after he graduated from Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 2024. Now the commonwealth’s , the 23-year-old had known for years that he wanted to work in government or public service, and his resume proves it. A former junior councilperson, Bigham also interned for a state representative and a congressman, and worked as a Democratic organizer ahead of last year’s election.

The Lock Haven Express, Jan. 11, 2026

Yearlong paramedic course to start in Oil City; Oil Region Venango Campus, Â鶹ÊÓƵ offer certification program

Oil Region Venango Campus has entered into a partnership with Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Institute for Rural Health and Safety to offer a yearlong paramedic certification course, which starts Monday in Oil City.

Oil City Derrick, Jan. 10, 2026

Impact 150: Â鶹ÊÓƵ political science graduate gifts $100,000 to Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, has gifted $100,000 to support students interested in studying abroad, students in the political science program, and Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s women’s rugby club. This gift is part of Impact 150, the university’s $150 million comprehensive campaign. The campaign, the largest in the university’s history, launched on Aug. 23 in conjunction with the university’s 150th celebration carnival, part of the university’s sesquicentennial events. The Impact 150 Campaign centers around raising funds for healthy students, including supporting students academically and personally; a healthy university, including maintaining Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s commitment to excellence and innovation; and healthy communities, including Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s work to establish a college of osteopathic medicine. Vallina hopes that giving back to her alma mater will encourage others to do the same, and will help Â鶹ÊÓƵ continue to serve, educate, and support Pennsylvania’s local communities and our future, citing Diogenes: The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”

Dubois Courier-Express, Jan. 9, 2026

The Clarks release new EP to ride the wave of ‘The Pitt’ song inclusion

When viewers turned on the season two premiere of HBO Max hit series “The Pitt” on Thursday, the first thing they heard was the dramatic percussion intro of The Clarks’ “Better Off Without You.” The inclusion of the Pittsburgh music-scene titans was an effort by producers to add local flavor to the Pittsburgh-set series. On Thursday, The Clarks released an EP titled “” with a re-recorded version of “Better Off Without You” to introduce a new influx of listeners to the band. The Clarks formed at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 1986 and found success with songs such as “Penny on the Floor” and “Cigarette.” Their most successful album to date — 2000’s “Let It Go” — included “Better Off Without You.” Lead singer Scott Blasey told TribLive that “The Pitt” executive producer R. Scott Gemmill reached out to the band last summer about putting their music in the show.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jan. 9, 2026

Gen Z has entered city hall. Meet 4 young Pa. mayors who want to bring new ideas to local government

Carnegie’s “old-style” Main Street and strong community connections drew Bigham — a resident since age 10 with deep family roots in the area — back to the borough of about 8,000 after he graduated from Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 2024. Now the commonwealth’s youngest active mayor, the 23-year-old had known for years that he wanted to work in government or public service, and his resume proves it. A former junior councilperson, Bigham also interned for a state representative and a congressman, and worked as a Democratic organizer ahead of last year’s election.

WTAJ-TV, Jan. 9, 2026 

Two Black Administrators at UNC Charlotte Recognized for Advancing Fraternity and Sorority Life

The Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) recently announced the recipients of the organization’s annual awards. Among this year’s cohort of individual award-winners are two Black administrators at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for student affairs at UNC Charlotte, received the 2025 Dr. Kent L. Gardner Award. The annual honor recognizes a senior college or university administrator who has demonstrated a continued commitment to the advancement of fraternities and sororities. Dr. Bailey has been a student affairs administrator in higher education for more than 30 years. At UNC Charlotte, he oversees all aspects relating to student success, well-being, and engagement for more than 31,000 students. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with the University of West Florida, Tulane University in New Orleans, Millersville University in Pennsylvania, Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and Â鶹ÊÓƵ. A member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Dr. Bailey previously served as director of curriculum for the organization’s Undergraduate Leadership Institute. There, he helped provide over 1,200 fellows from more than 150 chapters with training opportunities in leadership, ethics, and social justice. He also also been a national advocate for hazing prevention. Dr. Bailey received his bachelor’s degree in management information systems and his master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Â鶹ÊÓƵ. He holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University.

Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, Jan. 9, 2026

Gen Z enters city hall: Meet 4 young Pa. mayors aiming to bring new ideas to local government

.“We’re seeing a lot of leaders at different levels not really delivering on their promises or keeping their constituents’ best interest at heart, especially not for young people like me,” he said, pointing to issues like unaffordability and climate change. Carnegie’s “old-style” Main Street and strong community connections drew Bigham — a resident since age 10 with deep family roots in the area — back to the borough of about 8,000 after he graduated from Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 2024. Now the commonwealth’s , the 23-year-old had known for years that he wanted to work in government or public service, and his resume proves it. A former junior councilperson, Bigham also interned for a state representative and a congressman, and worked as a Democratic organizer ahead of last year’s election.

Harrisburg Patriot-News (PennLive), Jan. 9, 2026

Gen Z has entered city hall. Meet 4 young Pa. mayors who want to bring new ideas to local government

Now is an important time to get involved in government and run for office, said Sam Bigham, the new Democratic mayor of Carnegie in Allegheny County.  “We’re seeing a lot of leaders at different levels not really delivering on their promises or keeping their constituents’ best interest at heart, especially not for young people like me,” he said, pointing to issues like unaffordability and climate change. Carnegie’s “old-style” Main Street and strong community connections drew Bigham — a resident since age 10 with deep family roots in the area — back to the borough of about 8,000 after he graduated from Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 2024. Now the commonwealth’s youngest active mayor, the 23-year-old had known for years that he wanted to work in government or public service, and his resume proves it. A former junior councilperson, Bigham also interned for a state representative and a congressman, and worked as a Democratic organizer ahead of last year’s election.

Spotlight PA, Jan. 9, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduate gifts $100,000 to Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, has gifted $100,000 to support students interested in studying abroad, students in the political science program, and Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s women’s rugby club. This gift is part of Impact 150, the university’s $150 million comprehensive campaign. The campaign, the largest in the university’s history, launched on Aug. 23 in conjunction with the university’s 150th celebration carnival, part of the university’s sesquicentennial events. The Impact 150 Campaign centers around raising funds for healthy students, including supporting students academically and personally; a healthy university, including maintaining Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s commitment to excellence and innovation; and healthy communities, including Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s work to establish a college of osteopathic medicine.

The Punxsutawney Spirit, Jan. 8, 2026

GRACETON WOMAN RECEIVES NOMINATION FOR MILITARY ACADEMY

U.S. House Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler has released the list of military academy nominations from Pennsylvania’s 14^th congressional district, and that list includes one person from Indiana County. Ava King of Graceton is part of a group of 15 individuals nominated to go to one of the four U.S. Service Academies.  Currently attending Â鶹ÊÓƵ, she wishes to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Nassau County, New York.  In a statement, Reschenthaler said that those on the nomination list have “demonstrated character and commitment to serve our nation.” Upon receiving this nomination, these constituents will look to meet the admission requirements of their service academy, which will make the final decision on admission in the early months of this year. Each student who attends a service academy will make a commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Renda Broadcasting, Jan. 8, 2026

What were you doing at 23? This 20-something is mayor of a Pa. town

Sam Bigham has had an interest in public service as long as he can remember. But that’s not too far into the past. The 23-year-old who recalls organizing his toys in his childhood home into a miniature city and playing the SimCity video game where he would attempt to build a metropolis will have a chance to do similar work in real life — as the mayor of Carnegie. He is a graduate of Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

PennLive (Harrisburg), Jan. 7, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumnus donates $100,000 toward Impact 150

Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, has gifted $100,000 to support students interested in studying abroad, students in the political science program, and Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s women’s rugby club. The university said the gift is part of Impact 150, Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s $150 million comprehensive campaign, which centers around raising funds for healthy students, including supporting students academically and personally; a healthy university, including maintaining Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s commitment to excellence and innovation; and healthy communities, including Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s work to establish a college of osteopathic medicine. “Alumna like Cynthia Vallina continue to remind us how Â鶹ÊÓƵ provides an incredible foundation for talented, motivated students to have meaningful and impactful careers and lives,” Vice President for University Advancement Jennifer DeAngelo said. “Â鶹ÊÓƵ is very proud to have played a role in the successes of our alumni, and very grateful for their ongoing commitment to university and their willingness to support the university and the next generation of Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduates.”

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 7, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ ALUMNA DONATED $100,000 TO SUPPORT STUDENTS

An Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumna is making a major investment in future students. Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate, has donated $100,000 to support study abroad opportunities, the political science program, and Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s women’s rugby club. The gift supports Impact 150, the university’s $150 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. Vallina retired after a 32-year federal career in the Office of Management and Budget, where she worked on national energy, sustainability, and procurement initiatives. She credits Â鶹ÊÓƵ with helping launch her career through study abroad and internship opportunities. Vallina was inducted into the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Rugby Hall of Fame in 2023 for helping start the university’s first women’s rugby club in 1979. She says her gift is meant to help students dream big and give back to the university that helped shape her future.

Renda Broadcasting, Jan. 7, 2026

Massachusetts school finance officer is new Â鶹ÊÓƵ vice president of administration and finance

Â鶹ÊÓƵ said it has named a permanent vice president of administration and finance, after its latest national search. It said Peter L. Holden, chief financial officer at Williston Northampton School, an independent college preparatory school in Easthampton, Mass., will begin his work at Â鶹ÊÓƵ on Jan. 26.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 6, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ selects Peter Holden as vice president for administration and finance

Following a national search, Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Dr. Michael Driscoll has selected Peter Holden, an administrator with extensive experience in leading administration, facilities, and finance functions as vice president of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Division of Administration and Finance. Holden comes to Â鶹ÊÓƵ from his work as chief financial officer at Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA. He previously worked in leadership positions in administration, finance, and operations in the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; in facilities, planning, and operations at Brown University’s Division of Biology and Medicine in Providence, RI; in project management at DynCorp in Washington, D.C.; and in customer support operations for TMA Systems Inc. in Tulsa, OK.

Dubois Courier Express, Jan. 6, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ selects Peter Holden as vice president for administration and finance

Following a national search, Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Dr. Michael Driscoll has selected Peter Holden, an administrator with extensive experience in leading administration, facilities, and finance functions as vice president of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Division of Administration and Finance. Holden comes to Â鶹ÊÓƵ from his work as chief financial officer at Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. He previously worked in leadership positions in administration, finance, and operations in the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; in facilities, planning, and operations at Brown University’s Division of Biology and Medicine in Providence, Rhode Island; in project management at DynCorp in Washington, DC; and in customer support operations for TMA Systems Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Punxsutawney Spirit, Jan. 6, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ GRAD BECOMES YOUNGEST MAYOR SERVING IN PA

The youngest mayor to ever be elected in Carnegie is now officially leading the borough. Twenty-three-year-old Sam Bigham was sworn into office yesterday evening. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ grad says he plans to make investments along Main Street and continue to work with the local police department. Bigham is also the youngest serving mayor in Pennsylvania right now.

Renda Broadcasting, Jan. 6, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ names new financial division leader

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has tapped a veteran education financial leader to join its president’s cabinet. Peter Holden has been named as Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s next vice president for administration and finance, beginning in the role on Jan. 26. In his role, he will oversee Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Office of Human Resources, Public Safety and University Police, the Finance Office, the Budget Office, Printing and Postal Services, Facilities Management and Engineering and Construction. He comes to the university after most recently serving as CFO of the Williston Northampton School, a private college prep school in Massachusetts.  “Mr. Holden is an excellent fit for this position, bringing extensive leadership experience in all aspects of financial, facilities, and operations management in both the education and private sectors,”  said in a prepared statement. “He understands and shares our commitment to student success, and we are very pleased to welcome him to the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community.”

Pittsburgh Business Times, Jan 5, 2026

Laurels and barbs

Laurel: A federal grant of more than $1 million will help Â鶹ÊÓƵ create a new multi-year program to assist people with intellectual disabilities. The Crimson Hawks Bridge program aims to provide participants with experience and credentials to live independently and to help them gain skills. A portion of the $1.34 million from the U.S. Department of Education will also support Slippery Rock University’s Rock Life program, a four-year non-degree experience for students with intellectual disabilities.

Yahoo News, Jan. 5, 2026

Pennsylvania Health Care in 2025

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

(The Center Square) – Perhaps more than any other area of concern, the story of Pennsylvania’s health care in 2025 has been carved out in reactions to the massive policy swings undertaken by the federal government. Â鶹ÊÓƵ is  a College of Osteopathic Medicine The school would be a first both for the state system of higher education and for the region.

Politics PA, Jan. 5, 2026

Incredible musicians I was lucky enough to know

When people talk about Â鶹ÊÓƵ, they usually mention teachers, the culinary school, maybe the football team, and hopefully now the proposed medical school. What doesn’t get said often enough is that Â鶹ÊÓƵ attracted and produced some incredible musical giants whose influence spread far beyond Western Pennsylvania, long after they left campus.​ Fortunately, I knew and still know a few of them. Knowing them changed how I hear the world, and how the world listens to music. These were my roots, and to this day I firmly believe that my journey through life was heavily influenced by my experience at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

Herald Standard, Jan. 4, 2026

Meet the 23-year-old about to become the next mayor of Carnegie

Sam Bigham will be sworn in Monday, making him mayor of Carnegie just a week before his 24th birthday. After graduating from Carlynton himself, Mr. Bigham attended Â鶹ÊÓƵ, where he earned dual degrees in history and political science. He was also involved with the Â鶹ÊÓƵ College Democrats and was the editor of the university’s student newspaper, the Penn, for two years. Following his graduation from Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 2024, he moved back to Carnegie and was thinking about ways to get involved. He talked to Ms. Riley, the current mayor, who suggested he go for the position, given his familiarity with borough government.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jan. 3, 2026

Laurels and barbs

Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

Laurel: A federal grant of more than $1 million will help Â鶹ÊÓƵ create a new multi-year program to assist people with intellectual disabilities. The Crimson Hawks Bridge program aims to provide participants with experience and credentials to live independently and to help them gain skills. A portion of the $1.34 million from the U.S. Department of Education will also support Slippery Rock University’s Rock Life program, a four-year non-degree experience for students with intellectual disabilities.

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Jan. 3, 2026

Downtown Indiana businesses, residents unite for IRMC Park Christmas tree tradition

The roughly 40-foot Christmas tree sparkling in the heart of IRMC Park serves as a point of community pride and the center of Downtown Indiana‘s annual ”It’s a Wonderful Life” festivities. A seven-person team comprising members from Don Huey Custom Building & Remodeling, Indiana Borough Public Works and Sky Point Crane chopped down the 45-year-old, 3-ton Colorado blue spruce in November, removing it from Â鶹ÊÓƵ‘s Oak Grove to erect and decorate at IRMC Park. Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Michael Driscoll said the university was honored to provide the tree for this year’s seasonal celebration. “Â鶹ÊÓƵ is very proud to partner with the Allegheny Arboretum at Â鶹ÊÓƵ to provide the Christmas tree for this very special community tradition,” Driscoll said. “This beautiful tree has stood tall on our campus for decades, and we are very pleased that it will be a central part of a celebration enjoyed by so many members of the Indiana community, as well as thousands of visitors who come to Indiana County to enjoy the holiday season.”

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 3, 2026

Â鶹ÊÓƵ to use federal funds to create Crimson Hawks Bridge program

INDIANA, Pa. – A federal grant of more than $1 million will help Â鶹ÊÓƵ create a new multi-year program to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Crimson Hawks Bridge aims to provide participants with experience, credentials to live independently and help them gain skills. A portion of the $1.34 million from the U.S. Department of Education will also support Slippery Rock University’s Rock Life program, which is a four-year, non-degree experience for students with intellectual disabilities. “Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s program builds on the Rock Life program, but it is significantly different because the goal of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ program is to offer a credential for the students completing the program, in this case, a certificate,” Â鶹ÊÓƵ associate professor Ali Kappel said in a release. Kappel authored the grant for the federal funding and will direct the new offering at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, which will begin in the spring.

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Jan. 1, 2026