The Power of PennWest

PennWest University
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

The Power of PennWest brings you inside the heart of Western Pennsylvania. Hosted by President Dr. Jon Anderson, each episode dives into the stories behind our campuses – California, Clarion and Edinboro. Through conversations with students, faculty and alumni, you’ll hear what makes PennWest thrive: the work, the connections, the wins and the lessons that shape who we are.

  1. 2d ago

    Unidos, Somos Más: Stories of Identity, Heritage and Belonging

    What does it mean to belong, connect and grow stronger together? In this special Latinx Heritage Month episode of The Power of PennWest, guest host Dr. Stephanie Diez welcomes three distinguished members of the PennWest community for a heartfelt Café con Leche conversation inspired by this year's theme, “Unidos, Somos Más” (Together, We Are More). Join Dr. Sheila Lorenzo de la Peña, Dr. Miguel Olivas-Luján and Dr. Sandra Trejos as they share personal stories about culture, family, identity and the experiences that have shaped their journeys as educators, scholars and community leaders. Through reflections on heritage, belonging, mentorship and cross-cultural understanding, they explore how embracing diverse perspectives enriches our campuses and strengthens our communities. From treasured family traditions to meaningful moments of connection at PennWest, this conversation highlights the power of storytelling, the importance of representation and the value of creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and welcomed. Grab your favorite coffee, tea or café con leche and join us for an inspiring discussion about culture, community and why, together, we are more.

  2. Sep 25

    Homecoming: What Stays With You

    In this episode of The Power of PennWest, host Amanda Sissem, associate vice president for Alumni Engagement and campus administrator for PennWest Edinboro, explores the meaning of Homecoming and the lifelong connections that begin at PennWest. Joining the conversation are Kylie Anicic Ries, a 2024 Edinboro graduate, former All-American student-athlete and registered nurse; Raechel Braun, a PennWest Clarion student-athlete and campus leader; and Davis Slagle, a California alumnus, former Homecoming King and business executive. Together, they share how their experiences as students helped shape their personal and professional journeys, reflect on the traditions that bring generations of PennWest alumni back to campus, and discuss why the friendships, memories and sense of belonging created here endure long after graduation. Whether you're a current student, alumnus or Homecoming enthusiast, this episode celebrates the lasting impact of the PennWest experience and the pride that unites the university community across generations.

  3. Sep 18

    Meeting Students Where They Are: The Future of Student Success

    In this episode of The Power of PennWest, student host and Student Trustee Aiden Dougan explores how higher education is evolving to meet the needs of today’s students. Joined by Jill Loop, Rachel Michaels and Dr. Leah Chambers, the conversation examines student success, wellness, retention and first-year support. From mental health and belonging to academic achievement and career readiness, discover how PennWest is creating innovative programs and personalized support to help students thrive in a rapidly changing world.

  4. Sep 11

    25 Years Later: Remembering 9/11 Through Science, Media and Memory

    For this special 25th anniversary episode, we reflect on the lasting impact of September 11, 2001, through the perspectives of forensic science, journalism and collective memory. Host Dr. Debbie Goh, associate professor of English, Philosophy, and Modern Languages at PennWest and a former journalist, is joined by Dr. Lenore Barbian, director of the PennWest Honors Program and nationally recognized forensic anthropologist. In the days following the attacks, Dr. Barbian was deployed to Somerset County to assist with the identification of victims from United Airlines Flight 93, giving her a firsthand look at the forensic response to one of the most significant events in American history. Together, they explore the challenges of disaster victim identification, the human stories behind the forensic work, and how 9/11 changed journalism, public discourse and the way Americans understand and remember major events. This thoughtful conversation examines the intersection of science, media and memory, and the enduring legacy of a day that continues to shape our world 25 years later.

  5. Sep 4

    Learning Beyond the Classroom: From Classroom to Career

    This episode explores learning beyond the classroom and how internships, student teaching, field experiences, research and other hands-on opportunities help PennWest students turn knowledge into real-world experience. Host Dr. Josh Domitrovich, Executive Director of The Career Center and Clarion Campus Lead, sits down with four guests whose summer experiences highlight the impact of experiential learning. Hear from Natalie Battaglia, a PennWest Clarion Honors student who interned with the Oil City Main Street Program through support from the McElhattan Foundation; Zoe Barron, a PennWest Edinboro Digital Film and Photography student who gained professional experience creating photo and video content through her internship with The Beehive; Adam Augustine, a PennWest California Sport Management student balancing campus leadership with his role as a Stadium Events Assistant at Acrisure Stadium; and Peyton Hudson, a two-time Edinboro graduate and current Field Services Coordinator who helps future educators gain valuable classroom experience. Together, they discuss building professional skills, making meaningful connections, navigating new challenges and discovering how experiential learning can shape career goals and future success. Whether you're preparing for your first internship, considering a career path or simply curious about the opportunities available at PennWest, this conversation offers valuable insights from students and professionals putting learning into action.

  6. Aug 28

    Student Voices: The Paths That Led to PennWest

    "The Power of PennWest" returns for Season 5 with a fresh format and new voices from across the university community. Hosted by a rotating group of PennWest faculty, staff and student leaders, this season highlights the people, experiences and opportunities that make PennWest a place where students can learn, lead, and belong. In our season premiere, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and PennWest Clarion alumnus Dr. Shawn Hoke hosts a conversation centered on a question that shapes every college journey: Why do students choose PennWest, and what helps them feel at home once they arrive? Representing PennWest's Edinboro, Clarion, and California campuses, students Alison Jones, Bella Troese, and Matthew Feenan share their personal stories about finding community, overcoming challenges, getting involved, and building meaningful connections. From leadership roles and campus organizations to friendships and support systems, this episode explores how students create a sense of belonging and make the most of their PennWest experience.

  7. Jun 26

    America at 250: PennWest Stories That Shape Us

    As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, this special episode brings together three members of the PennWest community whose work reflects the depth, complexity and evolution of the American story. Today we’ll speak with one faculty scholar, whose journey bridges generations, and shaped by a pivotal immigration story. Another faculty member guest connects local experiences to national narratives, illuminating World War II, labor and immigration while showing how history lives in everyday communities. Finally, our student scholar amplifies citizen voices, championing inclusive storytelling and elevating women’s history. Today's guests include: Dr. Azadeh Masalehdan Block is a Southwestern Pennsylvania native whose story reflects America’s evolving journey, rooted in 1799 ancestry and a pivotal 1965 immigration chapter. A social work scholar, she has served multiple universities and is now associate professor at PennWest California, specializing in cultural humility, group practice, and immigrant and refugee mental health research. Dr. Marc Sanko is an associate professor of history at PennWest whose work highlights American story, including World War II. He researches U.S. immigration, labor and foreign policy, and has written on Erie, Pennsylvania women during the war. He mentors students and creates public history projects that connect local experiences to broader national narratives. Elyssa Baczynski is a PennWest student of history whose work reflects America’s 250-year story through citizen voices. A major in U.S. and women’s history, she researches museum representation, advocates for a national women’s history museum, and serves as Clarion History Club president while leading campus organizations and connecting inclusive narratives past and present.

  8. May 8

    From PennWest to the World: Summer Adventures Shaping the Future

    This summer, PennWest students and faculty aren’t just leaving campus – they’re stepping into the world. From rainforest research in Madagascar and reef studies in Thailand to creative mentorship in Japan and community advocacy closer to home, these experiences highlight learning beyond the classroom. Today’s episode celebrates bold plans, global exploration and hands-on opportunities shaping futures in science, storytelling, and public service. Each journey reflects curiosity, commitment, and real-world impact. Today's guests include: Dr. Summer Arrigo Nelson is a Professor of Biology, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at PennWest, teaching animal behavior, conservation, ecology and zoology. Her research examines how habitat disturbance shapes mammal communities in Madagascar’s rainforests, where she has led study abroad programs since 2010. Mary Kelly is a Fisheries and Wildlife Biology student at PennWest California, commuting from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Passionate about global wildlife conservation, she is expanding her field experience through an internship in Thailand and a study abroad program in Costa Rica. Braden McCormick is a senior Applied Media Arts major at PennWest Edinboro, concentrating in 3D Animation and graduating in Fall 2026. Mentored by industry leader and Edinboro alum Jalil Sadool of Steamroller Animation Studios, he thrives in hands on creative spaces on campus. This summer, Braden will continue his mentorship while studying abroad in Japan. Henry Miller is a Legal Studies major at PennWest Clarion from Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Recruited as a collegiate swimmer, he discovered his academic passion through meaningful engagement with faculty in the classroom. This summer, Henry will intern at the Clarion Women’s Shelter, gaining hands‑on experience that will shape his professional development and deepen his commitment to real‑world advocacy and community impact.

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Ratings & Reviews

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About

The Power of PennWest brings you inside the heart of Western Pennsylvania. Hosted by President Dr. Jon Anderson, each episode dives into the stories behind our campuses – California, Clarion and Edinboro. Through conversations with students, faculty and alumni, you’ll hear what makes PennWest thrive: the work, the connections, the wins and the lessons that shape who we are.

Information

  • Creator
    PennWest University
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PennWest University
  • Show Website
    The Power of PennWest