Pennsylvania Western University

For Zach Miller, sports have always been about more than the action on the field or court. This summer, the PennWest Clarion student is gaining a firsthand look at everything that happens behind the scenes to make collegiate athletics successful.

For many college students, an internship offers a glimpse into a future career. For PennWest Clarion student James O'Dell, it has meant helping keep one of the busiest schedules in baseball running smoothly.

Brenden Padilla knows that cybersecurity is a field where experience matters just as much as education. That's why the PennWest Global Online student is spending his internship at Ford Office Technologies immersed in the day-to-day work of protecting organizations from cyber threats while putting the concepts he's learned in the classroom into practice.

PennWest students are playing a central role this summer in strengthening Oil City's downtown and local economy. Through internships supported by McElhattan Foundation grants, students are working with the Oil City Main Street Program, ARTS Oil City, Venango County Chamber of Commerce, and Century Design and Fine Arts Studio.

Natalie Reynolds is preparing for a career in public relations through a summer internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Connor Vickers knows that the best way to prepare for a career is to gain experience before graduation. The North Huntingdon native is doing just that as the Undergraduate Admissions Intern at PennWest California, where he's building professional skills while helping prospective students take their first steps toward college.

Through leadership roles, academic achievement and an internship focused on event planning, Rylee Kendro is preparing for career success

Alex Keller is building communication skills and workplace experience through a safety technician internship as he prepares for medical school.

For Elise Cacchione, creativity and strategy go hand in hand. The PennWest Edinboro communication major is spending the summer gaining hands-on experience as a marketing intern at Snap-tite Hose in Erie, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Fort LeBoeuf Senior High School, Cacchione has built a strong foundation in digital marketing through her coursework, leadership experiences and campus involvement.

Waynesburg native Preston Wood builds strong foundation for graduate study, future career success

PennWest graduate student and Vulcans football player is gaining hands-on experience protecting information systems through a summer internship with NEXCOM.

As a senior majoring in environmental science: sustainability and climate science at PennWest Edinboro, Adriana Bernard is turning classroom knowledge into real-world experience through a scientific and technical internship with the Northwest Regional Office of the PA Department of Environmental Protection Waterways and Wetlands program in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

Just days before graduating from PennWest Edinboro on May 9, Devin Keidel used her training and quick thinking to help save a choking student during her student teaching placement at West End Elementary School in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

For many golfers, playing a round at Pebble Beach Golf Links is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Cal Koukides, a junior from Le Roy, New York, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in sport management studies: professional golf management at PennWest California, the iconic course has become part of his daily routine.

For Alison Jones, a summer internship with VisitErie offers more than professional experience - it's an opportunity to help promote the region she has always called home. A senior at PennWest Edinboro majoring in interdisciplinary studies with dual minors in marketing and event planning and management, Jones is spending her summer as a marketing intern with VisitErie, the county's official destination marketing organization. The General McLane High School graduate is gaining hands-on experience while helping showcase Erie County's attractions, events and experiences to visitors.

Even at a young age, Pittston, Pennsylvania, native Gianna Slodysko showed a deep passion for helping others learn and grow, often offering support to classmates working through topics they did not understand.

PennWest Edinboro senior Bailey Clark rarely meets a stranger on campus. Over the last four years, the Cochranton native has guided hundreds of prospective students and their families on campus tours through her work in the Admissions Office while also welcoming visitors as a member - and later president - of the Highland Ambassadors.

Inspired by her younger brother and driven by a passion for helping children thrive, Bridget Bartlett graduated May 9 from PennWest Edinboro with a degree in early childhood and Deaf education.

Perched carefully in Ryann Shirey's hands, the Guam kingfisher represents one of conservation's rarest success stories - a species once declared extinct in the wild and now making a fragile return. For Shirey, a PennWest California senior completing an internship at the National Aviary, moments like this are more than memorable. They are the reason she chose a future that blends science, compassion and hands-on discovery.

The Student Activities Board at PennWest California has been named the 2026 National Student Programming Board of the Year by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA), recognizing the group's outstanding work creating engaging programs and events for students.

More than 2,800 undergraduate students at Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) have been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2026 semester, recognizing their outstanding academic achievement.

Two PennWest University students from the Department of Business, Economics and Communication were selected to present original research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland's annual Economic Scholars Program on April 17, continuing a growing record of strong student scholarship.

Addison Gregory, a sophomore biology/pre-medical science major at PennWest University's California campus, has been selected to serve as the student trustee representing California on the Pennsylvania Western University Council of Trustees.

PennWest Clarion sophomore Raechel Braun has been selected to serve as the student representative on the Pennsylvania Western University Council of Trustees - a role that places her at the center of university leadership and decision-making.

Taylor, an early childhood education major and honors student at the PennWest Edinboro campus, has been selected to serve on the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education - a prestigious role that places her among the key decision-makers shaping the future of public higher education across the Commonwealth.

Ashley Paulisick, a senior criminal justice major at PennWest Clarion, has earned Tau Beta Sigma's highest student honor, The Baton Leadership Award. Paulisick, president of the PennWest Clarion chapter of Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority, received the award after attending the Northeast District Convention held in March.

Audiences at PennWest California will soon have the opportunity to experience a magical and thought-provoking theatrical production. Cal Theatre and the University Players will present Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim, with performances scheduled for 7 p.m. April 17-18 and 2 p.m. April 18-19 in Steele Hall's Blaney Theatre. Two school performances will also be held.

PennWest California hosted its annual STREAMfest, an educational event designed to give future teachers hands-on experience creating and delivering engaging, standards-based lessons for young learners.

Students, advisors and campus leaders gathered to celebrate the energy and impact of PennWest Edinboro's student organizations during the PennWest Edinboro Club and Organization Awards. The annual event recognized the students and groups whose leadership, service, creativity and advocacy help shape campus life.

The Bruce Gallery on the PennWest Edinboro campus is proud to announce the opening of Celebrate the Artist: The 16th Annual Michael V. Gmitter Memorial Scholarship Exhibition. An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, March 19, from 5-7 p.m., with awards announced at 6 p.m. During the reception, more than $4,000 in scholarships will be awarded to student artists.