Pennsylvania Western University

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Three PennWest University students recently stepped onto a regional stage to showcase their financial analysis and presentation skills at the CFA Society of Pittsburgh's Investment Research Challenge.

Pennsylvania Western University announces Winter 2025 graduates.

Brianna Fisher is building a future around preserving the past. "I'm passionate about archival work because I believe in the importance of preserving stories for future generations," she said. "So much history gets lost as people grow and change, and I want to make sure it's taken care of and appreciated by the right people."

Audiences at PennWest California will soon have the opportunity to experience a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical production. The University Players will present "The White Rose" by Lillian Groag, with performances scheduled for 7 p.m. February 26-28 and 2 p.m. February 28 in Steele Hall's Blaney Theatre. A special school performance will also be held at 10 a.m. on February 26.

Pennsylvania Western University honored its fall 2025 graduates during simultaneous commencement ceremonies on December 13 across the California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses.

Madison Messina walked across the stage on December 13 to receive her Master of Science in speech-language pathology, marking the culmination of a two-degree journey at PennWest Edinboro.

Nearly 3,000 undergraduate students at Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) have been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2025 semester, recognizing their outstanding academic achievement.

Kyla Kowinsky graduated a semester early from PennWest California with a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a concentration in general science. A highly engaged student leader, she completed her student teaching this fall at Mount Pleasant Area Junior High School and is now working as a substitute teacher while preparing to launch her teaching career.

A lockdown-era spark became a calling. Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, native Lauren Sims started tinkering with computers around age 15 and then enrolled at PennWest California as a criminal justice major. Conversations with faculty - and a course that covered cybersecurity and cyber forensics - showed her how to merge that passion with justice. She added concentrations in cyber forensics and forensic investigation, plus a computer information systems minor to "get the best of both sides."

Ansley Burke remembers having a student teacher from Clarion during her 5th grade year at Immaculate Conception Parish School. She recalls the fun that the student teacher brought and her own sadness when the student teacher completed her assignment at IC.

When Bailey Mutschler arrived at PennWest Edinboro, journalism wasn't even on her radar. A STEM major in her first semester, she never imagined herself stepping behind a microphone, let alone leading a campus radio station or building a career in television news.

PennWest Edinboro senior Gavin Mitsdarfer is earning national recognition for their leadership, advocacy, and passion for education. Mitsdarfer, a secondary education major with dual concentrations in English and special education and a minor in literature and culture, appeared on the Fall 2025 cover of NEA Today for Aspiring Educators in the feature story, "Why We Teach."

When Coal Center, Pennsylvania, native Addison Gregory enrolled in her first PennWest course as a sophomore at California Area High School, she didn't realize just how far the opportunity would take her. Today, she's a biology/pre-medical science major with an honors interdisciplinary minor - already a sophomore in her first semester of college - and on a clear path toward a career in dentistry.