November 12, 2019
Volume 1 | Issue 45
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.
Free Art Classes for Veterans Help Relieve PTSD, Participant Said
Bucks County Community College is offering free art classes to local veterans. One veteran attending the watercolor painting classes said they are relieving his post traumatic stress disorder. The community college's first free art classes for veterans, held in the spring of 2019, were so popular it had to add more.
Veterans Breakfast with Sen. Vogel Touts College's Military Benefits
The Community College of Beaver County recently partnered with Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. to host a free Veterans Breakfast for all past and present military members and a guest. During the breakfast and resource fair, veterans and current military members learned about CCBC's military-friendly benefits.
Meet Abigail: Navy Veteran and Successful Nursing Student
Navy veteran Abigail Weitkamp says she chose HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College because, “HACC is one of the few schools that has a VetSuccess on campus counselor that is readily available to answer questions and give support to veterans. The Veterans Affairs office has also been incredibly helpful with figuring out how to use my benefits.”
Community College Organizes Blanket Collection for Veterans
The Community College of Allegheny County Office of Military and Veteran Services is collaborating with Strive For A Better Tomorrow for Holidays for Veterans. This year the college is collecting blankets for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s Aspinwall Division and their veterans recovery programs.
Veterans Honored at Wreath Annual Ceremony
Last week Delaware County Community College and the Veterans Services Committee honored its veterans during the Second Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony. The event recognized students, faculty and staff who have served or currently serve in the armed forces and memorialized those veterans who are no longer physically present.
Reading Area Community College Trustee Appointed to
the Commission on Presidential Scholars
The White House recently announced that Reading Area Community College Board of Trustees Chair, Mr. Guido M. Pichini , will be appointed to the Commission on Presidential Scholars , a group of distinguished citizens charged with selecting and honoring the nation’s top graduating high school seniors. 

Established in 1964, the Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.
Birthdays & Milestones
Happy (belated) Birthday to Rep. Adam Ravenstahl , Rep. Tim Hennessey , Rep. Daryl Metcalfe , Rep. Paul Schemel , and Bucks County Community College alumnus Rep. Mark Gillen ! May it be the best year yet.

Congratulations to Andrew W. Johnson , Executive Director of Community Partnerships and External Affairs at the Community College of Allegheny County on making the  Pittsburgh Magazine   40 Under 40 Class of 2019 !
Editor's Note: Last week's issue incorrectly stated that HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College , team member Linnie S. Carter, Ph.D., APR was honored by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC . Both she and another HACC employee, Aimee Brough , were honored through Events by Eye Candy .