There have been lots of special moments for me since becoming President of the College in 2007 — new buildings, new campuses, major gifts, new programs, etc.
Articulation signings are important in our “student-centered” environment, but describing them as special on a personal-level might be stretching it a bit.
That is until yesterday.
On October 8 in Steffler Board Room on our Main Campus, several BC3 representative in addition to several representatives from the Penn State University Commonwealth Campuses were present for the signing of a multi-program articulation agreement.
Students at BC3 who earn an associate degree can transfer all of their credits toward a similar bachelor’s degree program offered at the Penn State’s six western Pennsylvania campuses — Beaver, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, New Kensington, and Shenango. In addition, BC3 graduates can easily transition to four-year programs at the eight other Commonwealth campuses — Brandywine, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, Schuylkill, Wilkes-Barre, Worthington Scranton, or York.
As a marginal graduating senior from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City (Lawrence County) back in 1985, I felt stuck. The economy was struggling and my friends were heading off to college. Although a prime candidate for a community college, BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing didn’t yet exist. And the universities in which I applied were not accepting me.
That’s when I applied to Penn State’s Beaver Campus. Although my acceptance hinged on succeeding in a summer class, I was ecstatic. Someone wanted me! After earning a B in that summer remedial reading and English course, I enthusiastically entered my freshman year at Penn State Beaver. Knowing my unemployed father and hard-working mother were paying the freight, I never studied so hard.
Success my freshman year led to even greater success as a sophomore. It set the path for earning not only a bachelor’s degree from Penn State’s Main Campus, but also graduate degrees from Clarion University and West Virginia University. Some of my very best friends to this day date back to my time at Penn State Beaver.
I am certain with the signing of these multiple agreements with Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses our wonderful BC3 students will enjoy similar successes and experiences.
Pioneer Proud!
