Tom Guzzo can’t stress enough the importance of Penn State New Kensington in his community.
But on Thursday, the New Kensington mayor — as well as a handful of other appointed and elected officials — are going to try.
In response to the Penn State branch campus possibly closing in two years, area officials are holding a rally at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the New Kensington City Hall to emphasize the college’s importance and its role in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The rally is anticipated to last about an hour, according to the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp.
“The campus has served as a catalyst in the rebirth of our city and neighboring communities,” Guzzo said. “I cannot emphasize enough that its continued presence is critical to our region’s long-term prosperity.”
At the event, people can share their personal experiences and reflections on the campus’s impact within the community.
Penn State officials in late February announced that some branch campuses will close because of declining enrollment, demographic shifts and finances.
In addition to New Kensington, other campuses potentially on the chopping block are Fayette, Beaver and Greater Allegheny in McKeesport.
It’s anticipated that the decision on closures will be made before Penn State’s spring commencement.
“This branch campus provides an opportunity for students from this area, who otherwise might be unable, to attend college affordably,” Guzzo said. “I cannot stress enough how impactful, meaningful and life-changing that can be.”
Although the campus is in Upper Burrell, Penn State New Kensington has played a role in revitalizing the city of New Kensington, Guzzo said.
He referenced The Corner Launchbox, an entrepreneur training center and co-working space; and the Digital Foundry, a business development service. The Digital Foundry is also working with Re:Build Manufacturing to hire 300 local people over the next couple of years, he said.
“So much of this is a result of Penn State New Ken’s involvement in our city,” Guzzo said.
The campus is not only a valued educational institution, but also a driver of economic opportunity and regional development, said Jason Rigone, executive director of the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp.
“Our primary goal is to advocate and show support, and send a clear message to University Park of what this campus means to the community, to the businesses and to our students and prospective students that access the college for higher education,” Rigone said.
“It’s an opportunity for those in the community to hear local leaders and stakeholders, and also recognize the importance of the campus and really see the campus as part of long-term growth and economic development in the region.”
Of Penn State’s 19 Commonwealth campuses, 12 are on the potential chopping block. Since news of Penn State considering closing campuses was announced, some communities with branch campuses have held similar rallies advocating for their local school. Petitions to fight closures have been started at campuses in Shenango, Mont Alto, DuBois and Fayette.
State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, R-Fayette, has introduced legislation in direct response to the proposed closures. State Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Murrysville, penned a letter to Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi advocating to keep Penn State New Kensington open, with support from three other state representatives.
“Each one of us believe that Penn State New Kensington is an asset we should be working to grow, to support a path forward for our students and to build a workforce pipeline that will help continue to grow our region in ways and industries that we know are prepared to make investments into our corridor, if they have the trained workers to do so,” the letter said, in part.
“… Its closure would have far-reaching consequences for our community and contradict the university’s values of inclusivity and support for all students.”
Penn State officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Cooper’s letter.
Kellen Stepler is a TribLive reporter covering the Allegheny Valley and Burrell school districts and surrounding areas. He joined the Trib in April 2023. He can be reached at [email protected].
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Categories: Local | Top Stories | Valley News Dispatch