ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â

Impact 150: ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â political science graduate gifts $100,000 to ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â to support students

Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, has gifted $100,000 to support students interested in studying abroad, students in the political science program, and ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s commitment to excellence and innovation; and healthy communities, including ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â's Kipp Gallery

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â. 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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, ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â offer certification program

Oil Region Venango Campus has entered into a partnership with ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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: ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â political science graduate gifts $100,000 to ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â

Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, has gifted $100,000 to support students interested in studying abroad, students in the political science program, and ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s commitment to excellence and innovation; and healthy communities, including ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â. 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â. 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â graduate gifts $100,000 to ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â

Cynthia Vallina, a 1982 political science graduate of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, has gifted $100,000 to support students interested in studying abroad, students in the political science program, and ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s commitment to excellence and innovation; and healthy communities, including ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â.

PennLive (Harrisburg), Jan. 7, 2026

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â alumnus donates $100,000 toward Impact 150

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

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 7, 2026

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â ALUMNA DONATED $100,000 TO SUPPORT STUDENTS

An ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â with helping launch her career through study abroad and internship opportunities. Vallina was inducted into the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â vice president of administration and finance

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â on Jan. 26.

Indiana Gazette, Jan. 6, 2026

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â selects Peter Holden as vice president for administration and finance

Following a national search, ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â President Dr. Michael Driscoll has selected Peter Holden, an administrator with extensive experience in leading administration, facilities, and finance functions as vice president of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s Division of Administration and Finance. Holden comes to ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â selects Peter Holden as vice president for administration and finance

Following a national search, ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â President Dr. Michael Driscoll has selected Peter Holden, an administrator with extensive experience in leading administration, facilities, and finance functions as vice president of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s Division of Administration and Finance. Holden comes to ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â names new financial division leader

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â has tapped a veteran education financial leader to join its president’s cabinet. Peter Holden has been named as ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s next vice president for administration and finance, beginning in the role on Jan. 26. In his role, he will oversee ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â community.”

Pittsburgh Business Times, Jan 5, 2026

Laurels and barbs

Laurel: A federal grant of more than $1 million will help ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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. ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â.

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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, where he earned dual degrees in history and political science. He was also involved with the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â College Democrats and was the editor of the university’s student newspaper, the Penn, for two years. Following his graduation from ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â‘s Oak Grove to erect and decorate at IRMC Park. ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â President Michael Driscoll said the university was honored to provide the tree for this year’s seasonal celebration. “ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â is very proud to partner with the Allegheny Arboretum at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â to use federal funds to create Crimson Hawks Bridge program

INDIANA, Pa. – A federal grant of more than $1 million will help ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â 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. “ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s program builds on the Rock Life program, but it is significantly different because the goal of the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â program is to offer a credential for the students completing the program, in this case, a certificate,” ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â associate professor Ali Kappel said in a release. Kappel authored the grant for the federal funding and will direct the new offering at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, which will begin in the spring.

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Jan. 1, 2026