HUNTINGDON

Juniata opens Aspire Center

Juniata College has opened the Aspire Center in Ellis Hall, a new multipurpose space designed to support the college’s growing population of transfer and commuter students by providing a dedicated hub for connection, community and engagement on campus.

“The Aspire Center serves to centralize and accelerate support for transfer students, fostering critical connections that students make at Juniata — with one another and with faculty and administrators that are fundamental to their success,” said Matthew Damschroder, vice president for student life and dean of students. “We are deeply grateful for the grant support and the vision and work of the team who has developed this space and program.”

The Aspire Center was made possible through an American Talent Initiative Grant provided in partnership with the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R, and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

AIU8’s JoltEDU earns award

Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 has been recognized with a Gold ADDY at the 2026 American Advertising Awards for its innovative branding and launch of JoltEDU, the region’s microlearning platform designed to expand access to flexible, online teacher professional development.

The award, presented by AAF Midlands, honors excellence in advertising and brand development. JoltEDU received top recognition in the Brand Elements, Public Service Collateral category.

JoltEDU was created to provide educators across central Pennsylvania with flexible, high-impact learning opportunities delivered in short, accessible formats. The platform allows teachers to engage in meaningful professional development anytime, anywhere, supporting AIU8’s broader mission.