SFU graduates aviation techs

LORETTO — Saint Francis University celebrated a major milestone this year as the university graduated the first class from its Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate Program.

Five graduates successfully completed the program and earned their General, Airframe and Powerplant certificates from the university, qualifying them to take their final Federal Aviation Administration examinations.

Members of the inaugural graduating class include Michael Folton of Jerome, Hayden Sutton of Ebensburg, Joshua Mathis of Johnstown, Liam Kerlin of Ligonier and Mason Krouse of Jennerstown.

Following the opening of the Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center in August 2024, the university has rapidly developed a comprehensive portfolio of aviation programs designed to meet growing workforce demands across the aviation industry.

“This milestone reflects the vision and momentum behind aviation education at Saint Francis University,” said Father Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, PhD, president.

The Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate Program provides students with hands-on technical training aligned with FAA standards and industry expectations. Graduates completing the program are prepared for careers in aircraft maintenance, repair and inspection across commercial, corporate and government aviation sectors.

Saint Francis University now offers a growing range of aviation-focused programs, including the Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate Program, Professional Pilot Training with an aviation specialization and an online Associate of Applied Science in Specialized Studies.

The University recently announced the addition of a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Management, a forward-looking degree designed to meet critical workforce needs and create leadership pathways for aviation maintenance professionals.

The university’s aviation initiatives are designed to provide students with flexible, career-focused pathways that combine technical expertise, applied learning and workforce alignment. For more information, visit

francis.edu/aviation.

Students on All-PA Academic Team

The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges recently honored the 32nd annual All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, consisting of select students representing 15 community colleges from across Pennsylvania.

The 2026 scholars include Transfer Pathway students and Workforce Pathway students, with four of those honored being from Pennsylvania Highlands.

The following students were selected and are members of the All-Pennsylvania Academic Transfer Pathway Team: Caitlyn Carnahan of Patton, Emmie Johns of South Fork, Gina Pettenati of Ashville and Makayla Stephens of Northern Cambria.

This honor recognizes high-achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

The students are selected for the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team based on a nomination and application process.

Transfer Pathway honorees plan to transfer to a four-year college after graduation.

They must have completed at least 36 credits at a community college with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Pennsylvania’s community colleges partner with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education to provide scholarships to Transfer Pathway students, providing two years of tuition at any PASSHE school.

Student joins Phi Kappa Phi

BATON ROUGE, La. — Marianela Davis of Altoona was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.

She is a student at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.