Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) and the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry partnered on Friday, April 10 to host a ribbon-cutting and open house dedication ceremony for the College’s new third-floor multi-use space. The dedication took place at noon at NPRC’s Administrative Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Warren.
The third-floor multi-use space is equipped with classrooms for academic and workforce development programming, space dedicated to emergency medical services programming, gathering areas, and collaborative equipment to support in-person learning for students, staff, and even members of the community when reserved through the College’s safety and facilities department.
A classroom was also dedicated in honor of Dr. Richard “Dick” McDowell, an advocate and one of four critical contributors who helped establish NPRC as an institution. McDowell and his colleagues, Dr. Fran Grandinetti, Ms. Deborah Pontzer, and the late Ms. Helene Nawrocki, were further recognized with a plaque honoring them as NPRC’s founders. The third floor was named “Founders Floor” to recognize their work, as well as the many individuals who contributed to bringing the College to life through years of dedication and hard work.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, which included speeches from NPRC President, Susie Snelick, and Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, Jamie Evens, attendees were invited for light refreshments and tours of the NPRC Administrative Center. The event also served as an unofficial celebration for the College’s recent accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which was awarded on March 12.
President Susie Snelick shared, “This space is especially meaningful because we dedicate it to our founders—individuals whose vision, determination, and unwavering commitment made this institution possible. Because of their efforts, students in our region now have access to affordable, accessible associate degrees and workforce development opportunities that simply did not exist before. They created choices where there were previously none. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to our students. This space is an extension of just that and we are proud to dedicate it towards their inspiring dedication.”
Chairperson Evens added, “I would like to thank those original pioneers who created the vision and developed the strategy we continue to follow today. I would also like to express my appreciation to the leadership team, staff, and partners who have brought that vision to life. These achievements do not happen by accident – they happen because of dedicated people working towards that shared vision. This new space strengthens our ability to service, innovate, and grow. It reflects our responsibility as a Board to ensure we are building not just for today, but for the needs of tomorrow. As we look ahead, with our recent accreditation, we are excited about what this represents – opportunity, impact, and momentum. The Board is proud to support an organization that continues to lead with innovation, excellence, and service.”
For more about Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, head to the College’s website.
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