September 24, 2019
Volume 1 | Issue 38
Your Weekly Commission Update
Community colleges play an important role in educating and training current and future generations of workers,
in addition to providing affordable and responsive higher education to thousands of Pennsylvanians every year.
Community Colleges Train for Careers in Addiction Recovery
Starting this spring, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is adding the Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician program to its already diverse list of academic offerings. This
18-credit certificate enables graduates to work in the in-demand field of addiction treatment.
Colleges Observe National Recovery Month with Seminars
Substance abuse and addiction were recently discussed in two separate programs at Westmoreland County Community College. The free programs are being held as part of the college’s observance of September as National Recovery Month.
Can Those in Recovery Best Help and Understand Current Addicts?
People recovering from drug addiction can now learn to help other addicts.  Luzerne County Community College recently  opened a new institute where those who know addiction firsthand can become counselors. “No health care issue is more demanding, more taxing and more difficult than the opioid problem,” said AllOne Foundation Board Chairman Attorney John Moses.
Former NBA Star Shares Horrors of Addiction at College Event
Last week, former  NBA star  Chris Herren captivated a  Northampton Community College audience with his powerful story of addiction. Herren cited specific incidents where his addiction hurt loved ones, like the time when he ducked out to grab a pint of vodka at a local liquor store following the birth of his youngest son.
"Hope is Dope" Event Aims to Give a Voice to Recovering Addicts
Butler Arts Center is working with  Butler County Community College to promote the college's “Stories of Hope” on September 30, an event where recovering addicts are welcomed to share their stories in an open-microphone setting. The goal is to change public perceptions of addiction by teaching what happens when the brain is under the influence of controlled substances.
"Go Purple" Event Reduces Stigma
Montgomery County Community College is helping to spread awareness about addiction recovery. Earlier this month, the college hosted a “Go Purple!” awareness event during which employees and students dressed in purple and wore “Recovery is Possible” buttons. One attending graduate, Ryan Schweiger, celebrated his 11 th year in recovery earlier this month. 
Think We Aren't Doing Enough?
Community colleges across the Commonwealth are joining in the fight against opioids. Establishing new degrees and certificates in addiction recovery, making Narcan available on campuses and hosting awareness seminars are just some of the ways they are making a difference. For more on what community colleges are doing, check out this opioid-focused newsletter from earlier this year.
Montgomery County Community College Appoints New Vice President for Pottstown Campus
Congratulations to Therol Dix , who has been named vice president of the  Montgomery County Community College  (MCCC) Pottstown campus! In her new role Ms. Dix is responsible for the overall growth and development of the Pottstown campus .

“Therol has a deep commitment to the transformative power of higher education in the life of communities,”said Victoria Bastecki-Perez , MCCC’s interim president and provost.
Famous Artists Display Work at HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College , is currently showcasing internationally known artists. Mitchell Davidson Bentley is displaying his art exhibit, “Other Worlds/Future Worlds: Digital Works on Paper and Canvas,” at the Art Space at HACC’s Lancaster Campus. Ceramic works by Carolanne Currier and Jack Troy are also on display in the Rose Lehrman Art Gallery on the Harrisburg Campus.
Birthdays & Milestones
Hope you Enjoy a Fabulous Year!
Happy (belated) Birthday to Reading Area Community College Presidnet Dr. Susan Looney , Rep. Jim Struzzi , Rep. Dan Williams , Rep. Todd Stephens , Community College of Beaver County alumnus Rep. Rob Matzie , Rep. Tommy Sankey , Sen. Christine Tartaglione , Rep. Steve Samuelson , Sen. Katie Muth and Rep. Jesse Topper !

Did we miss someone? Birthday submissions are welcomed to media@pacommunitycolleges.org .