A longtime advocate for education funding and initiatives in Pennsylvania, state Sen. Pat Browne was honored this month with
Lehigh Carbon Community College
's Collegiate Award of Distinction.
The award, which is bestowed by the college's Board of Trustees, was presented during the Student Awards and Recognition event on May 6. Sen. Browne has been a member of the Senate since 2005, and previously served in the state House of Representatives for ten years. He is the Senate Majority Appropriations Committee chairman, serves on the Education Committee and is a member of the Community College Caucus.
"I am humbled to have received (
Lehigh Carbon Community College's) Collegiate Award of Distinction, last weekend," Sen. Browne tweeted. Every day,
Lehigh Carbon Community College prepares future leaders for careers in important and in demand fields. Thank you for your continued service to our community."
The Award of Distinction is presented annually by the Board to recognize a person or organization for unique contributions to the community, service and dedication in support of education, and to honor those who have demonstrated their commitment to the college and its students.
"Throughout his years in the Pennsylvania legislature, Sen. Browne has been a strong supporter of
Lehigh Carbon Community College and the Lehigh Valley,"
LCCC president Dr. Ann D. Bieber said. "His work on behalf of businesses and individuals has been visionary. He has placed the education of our future workforce as a top priority, benefiting
LCCC students, as well as area employers."
Dr. James Denova, Vice President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, delivered an inspiring speech as commencement speaker at
Community College of Beaver County
's 2018 graduation ceremony.
Dr. Denova lauded community colleges affordability and open-enrollment policy in making the dream of college a reality for thousands. He also praised community colleges in offering training that aligns with the continually evolving needs of business and industry.
"Because the vast majority of jobs call for postsecondary/associate degree education, but not a four-year degree, community colleges have a unique workforce mission that directly engages companies which not only offer good paying jobs, but opportunities for promotion," Dr. Denova said. "Community colleges, and I must say especially
CCBC, fulfill this mission in a very agile way."
A new simulation lab at Penn Highlands Community College will bolster the learning experience for those in healthcare programs such as Medical Assisting Technology and Pharmacy Technician.
The lab replicates many healthcare environments such as a doctor's office. Simulations done through this lab will allow students to role-play and act out situations they may encounter in the healthcare industry. It includes EKG machines, venipuncture training arms, vital signs equipment, a pulmonary function monitor, infant mannequins and scales, a surgical skills trainer kit, infection control supplies and personal protective equipment, respiratory supplies and assistive devices.
Students will be able to practice and perfect their skills in a safe and controlled environment. The simulation lab will help students learn to avoid medication errors, develop critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills, promote effective communication and encourage teamwork.
