Voices of the Class of 2026: Purpose, Persistence, and the PennWest Journey

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.

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.

Voices of the Class of 2026: Where Purpose Meets Perseverance

Today is the second part of the 2-part series with our May 2026 PennWest commencement student speakers. Just like last week’s episode, today celebrates transformation – the journey from uncertain beginnings to confident leadership. Our guests embody what happens when passion is met with resilience, when service fuels purpose, and when perseverance shapes impact. From classrooms to athletics, advocacy, and campus leadership, these students have not only found their voices – they’ve used them to lift others. Today's guests include: Kendal Mumaw is a senior, earning dual degrees in Secondary Education Social Studies and PK–12 Special Education, summa cum laude, from PennWest Edinboro. A campus leader and President of the National Panhellenic Council, she is deeply committed to inclusive, student‑centered teaching. Through hands‑on classroom experience and educational advocacy, Kendal is preparing to begin her career as a special education teacher who empowers every learner to succeed. Caleigh Aigler, who is a senior at PennWest Clarion majoring in Economics with a minor in Pre‑Law, recognized for academic excellence and consistent Dean’s List achievement. A dedicated student‑athlete on the women’s cross country and track teams, she also serves as Vice President of Student Senate. Passionate about advocacy and service, Caleigh is preparing for a future career in law focused on meaningful impact.

Voices of the Class of 2026: Purpose, Persistence, and the PennWest Journey

Today is Part 1 of our 2-part series with our May 2026 PennWest commencement student speakers. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be celebrating the graduating Class of 2026 and the voices that rise to represent it. Today’s episode begins that celebration by honoring students whose journeys reflect the very best of PennWest. Through perseverance, leadership, service and academic purpose, they have shaped not only their own futures, but the communities around them. Today's guests include: Caitlyn Egan is a senior at PennWest California majoring in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Investigation. Deeply involved on campus, she serves in Student Government Association leadership, leads the Co-ed Volleyball Club and holds roles with the Criminal Justice Club, SAI Board and peer mentoring. Her college experience – paired with an Ocean City Police Department internship – has shaped her passion for law enforcement careers ahead. Karsten Kadylak is a senior Nursing student at PennWest Clarion from Franklin, Pennsylvania, drawn to Clarion for its close‑knit campus community. He has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while tutoring peers in nursing and anatomy and gaining hands‑on clinical experience at UPMC Northwest in inpatient medical‑surgical and specialty units. Karsten prepares to begin his career in the medical intensive care unit at UPMC Hamot. Jordan Wiedman is also from the California campus, majoring in Criminology, with a master’s degree in Analysis of Criminal Behavior already underway. A Marine Corps Reservist and campus scholar, Jordan has maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing military leadership, research presentation and Division II athletics. His college experience blends discipline, service and academic excellence, shaping his path toward law school and a future career in military law and public service.

P.E.A.K. Performance: How PennWest Powers Students and Small Business

PennWest recently launched a new initiative bringing together innovative economic development programs across our three Western Pennsylvania campuses. P.E.A.K. @ PennWest supports regional business growth while offering students meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Through partners like the Clarion SBDC, California’s APEX Accelerator, PennWest Edinboro’s Beehive, the Career Center, and academic programs across multiple disciplines, P.E.A.K. provides resources for local businesses and gives students hands-on experience that prepares them to lead, create and innovate. Today's guests include: Chad Smith is a Professor of Management and Marketing at PennWest, focused on entrepreneurship, strategy and leadership through hands‑on learning. He brings business to life using simulations, internships and real‑world application. An entrepreneur and investor, Chad is committed to helping students build practical skills, confidence, and career‑ready experience beyond the classroom. Chris Lantinen serves as Faculty Director of Entrepreneurship and leads the Edinboro branch of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. Based in the Baron‑Forness Library, he supports regional entrepreneurs with branding and marketing. A former Edinboro student‑athlete and journalist, Chris brings real‑world experience to teaching, innovation and community‑focused economic growth. Ben Kalmey is a Corporate Communications graduate student at PennWest Edinboro, building on a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in Music. A deeply engaged campus leader, he serves with the Spirit of the Scots Marching Band, University Choir, WFSE Fighting Scots Radio and Kappa Kappa Psi. Ben also works as a Digital Media Specialist with the PennWest Edinboro Beehive, blending communication, creativity and community impact. Hailee Liptak is an MBA student in Finance at PennWest Clarion, building on her undergraduate degree in Finance with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning. She works as a Merchandising Administrator at Dick’s Sporting Goods and brings hands‑on experience from the Clarion Small Business Development Center.