Keystone College Opens Pet Friendly Residence Hall Keystone College will soon have some new “residents” but it’s not accurate to refer to them as actual “students.” For the first time in its 156-year history, Keystone will offer a pet friendly residence hall as a housing option beginning in the fall 2024 semester. Tewksbury Hall has been designated as a “pet friendly residence” for students residing there. The new designation applies not only to pets, usually dogs, classified as emotional support animals, but also to other traditional, non-emotional support pets as well. The four-story residence hall has two floors of male residents and two floors of female residents. “During the last few years, we have seen a steady increase in students requesting a pet friendly residence hall option, not just for emotional-support animals but for other pets too,” said Keystone Assistant Vice President of Student Life Carlyle Hicks. “Because of that, we felt the time has arrived to offer this new option to our students.” Of course, there are specifications as to the number and types of pets’ students may bring into the residence hall, as well as other rules which must be followed. For example, each residence hall room may contain one dog, and one cat or two small caged animals such as gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Dog breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, and wolf hybrids are not permitted. Other requirements include such items as certified spay and neuter records, pet tags, and photos of each animal. Liability insurance is also recommended, and roommates must agree to having a pet in the room. So far, a few students have asked to bring their pets to campus, but Mr. Hicks expects the number of requests to increase as word of the pet friendly option spreads. “Certainly, maintaining safe and sanitary conditions is a priority and we expect students who bring pets into their room to abide by all the stipulations we have so that everyone has a positive experience, and that includes the pets themselves,” Mr. Hicks said. In recent years, emotional support animals have become important factors in the therapeutic treatment of young people, including college students. Colleges and universities have also realized, that, in addition to providing support for students dealing with documented medical conditions, pets can often provide comfort, entertainment, and friendship while boosting morale and comradery in a residence hall setting. Other colleges which have opened some form of pet friendly residences in recent years include Penn Western University/Clarion, Lock Haven Commonwealth University, Johnson & Wales University, and Stetson University, among others. “We are always willing to explore new ways to bolster our students’ educational and life experiences at Keystone. The opening of our first pet friendly residence hall is definitely something that will provide that type of beneficial result,” said Mr. Hicks.
Keystone College Signs Letter of Intent for Strategic Alliance On May 24, 2024, Keystone College announced that it has signed a letter of intent with a strategic partner to form a new alliance that provides Keystone with a more secure roadmap for a long-term path forward. Both parties have agreed to keep the name of the partner and details of the agreement private at this time. The letter of intent creates the means for both parties to move expeditiously to a definitive agreement, which will require the approval of the College’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE has been notified of the parties’ intentions. Approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the United States Department of Education, as well as the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, will also be necessary. During the review period, which is expected to take up to a year, Keystone intends to continue operation of classes, as well as all other college activities and intercollegiate sports, and continues to accept and enroll freshman and transfer students for the Fall 2024 semester. The executed agreement stipulates that day-to-day operations of the College and its academic mission will remain essentially unchanged. Additional details of the agreement will be made available after reviews by the necessary accrediting and regulatory agencies. “Keystone College is very fortunate to have secured this letter of intent with a committed strategic partner as we navigate the future of the College in this highly competitive education marketplace together,” said Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr. “The entire College community is grateful to our partner for the shared commitment to Keystone’s future. Over the past two months, our talks have solidified a collective determination to secure a path forward for Keystone, which will continue to offer a quality education at an affordable cost to our students while also seeking to expand opportunities for a diverse array of learners across the ever-changing landscape in higher education.” Pullo continued, “While this newly executed letter of intent creates a renewed path forward, there is still a significant effort ahead to create a more durable future for the College. At the same time, we are delighted and energized by this opportunity. We have shared these documents with Middle States and will work very closely with them on these items as well as the information required for submission at the beginning of August.” On May 15, the College submitted all of the necessary components of an “implementable teach-out plan” and a Supplemental Information Report (SIR) as requested by MSCHE. While both submissions are currently under review by MSCHE, Keystone did submit additional information to notify MSCHE of the secured letter of intent. “We are aware that there will be additional requirements to work through with Middle States as they review these documents and request additional information on the proposed alliance. We intend to be in frequent communication with them and to provide all of the necessary documentation,” Pullo added. The agreement brightens the future for the College. “While we understand the necessary work going forward, we are grateful for this commitment to continue the 156-year legacy of Keystone. The challenges that face many colleges and universities across the country are well-reported and are causing disruption within the industry. Keystone is extremely fortunate to be bolstered by this strategic alliance as we look forward to continuing to offer all of the opportunities and benefits of a Keystone education,” said Tim Pryle, Keystone’s Vice President of Enrollment, Institutional Advancement, and Marketing.
Keystone College Provides Update on its Future On Friday, May 17, 2024, Keystone College announced that it is in the final stages of executing a letter of intent and funding agreement with a strategic partner to create a new partnership that will provide Keystone with a roadmap for a long-term path forward. While details of the agreement are not yet public, the day-to-day operations of the College and its academic mission will remain essentially unchanged. Both parties felt that discussions had crossed a critical point which would allow the College to announce that an agreement is imminent. Any agreement will be subject to the final approval of the College’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which will be notified of the parties’ intentions as soon as the signed agreement is finalized. Approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Higher Education and the United States Department of Education will also be necessary. During the review period, which may take up to a year, Keystone intends to continue uninterrupted operation of classes, as well as all other college activities and intercollegiate sports, and continues to accept and enroll freshman and transfer students for the Fall 2024 semester. Keystone will conclude its current academic year with its 153rd commencement on Saturday, May 18, on campus. “Keystone College is absolutely thrilled to reach this point in our discussions with our strategic partner,” said Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr. “For the past several months, we continued to say we were hopeful that an agreement with an innovative partner could be reached while fulfilling every obligation to our accreditor to prepare for closure, should that be necessary. We are so thankful to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who continued to believe in us as well as to the educational partners that are included in our teach-out plan. Since its founding in 1868, Keystone’s motto has been “Progress Through Effort” and we continue to work long and hard to secure a positive outcome so we can look to the future with promise and optimism. The agreement is just the beginning as there will be much work to do on our path forward in the days ahead. But we do have a path forward and we intend to work very closely with Middle States to ensure successful continuation of operations.” On May 15, the College submitted all of the necessary components of an “implementable teach-out plan” and institutional status report as requested by MSCHE. That plan is under review by MSCHE. “This partnership agreement demonstrates the need for innovation and forward-thinking in today’s highly competitive educational market,” said Tim Pryle, Vice President of Enrollment, Institutional Advancement and Marketing. “With a continued decline in college-age population, and other challenges, many colleges and universities across the nation, including Keystone, will continue to find themselves in financially difficult situations. The need to find and develop strong partnerships with organizations willing to share responsibilities, goals, and missions is becoming increasingly more important, even critical. We believe we have found just such an innovative and dedicated partner and are grateful to join with them on our journey.”
Lackawanna County Judge Frank J. Ruggiero Address Keystone College Graduates Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas Judge and Keystone College alumnus the Honorable Frank J. Ruggiero will address members of the Keystone College Class of 2024 during the college’s 153rd commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. in Gambal Athletic Center on campus. Judge Ruggiero’s last visit to campus was in October, 2023 when he served as guest speaker during the college’s Constitution Day program. “We are delighted and honored to have Judge Ruggiero serve as our commencement speaker,” said Keystone College President John F. Pullo, Sr. ’69. “As a proud Keystone alumnus, his message will have special meaning to members of our graduating class.” A native of Carbondale, Judge Ruggiero graduated from Sacred Heart High School and earned an associate of arts degree in human services from Keystone in 1991 and a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Penn State University in 1993. He obtained his juris doctorate degree from City University of New York at Queens College and began his career in the Brooklyn and Queen’s District Attorney Offices. He then served as law clerk to the Honorable Chester T. Harhut of the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas and worked for the Lackawanna County Public Defender’s Office representing indigent criminal defendants in various matters ranging from summary offenses to the highest-grade felonies, including homicide. While serving as a public defender, Judge Ruggiero entered private practice, concentrating on litigation pertaining to family, criminal, insurance, and municipal law. His client base was vastly diverse from representing individuals in their divorce and family-related matters to representing companies, corporations, and municipalities in complex civil litigation in various State, Federal, and Appellate Courts across the Commonwealth. He was also general counsel for a Reciprocal Insurance Exchange which insures hundreds of governmental entities across Pennsylvania and served as solicitor to numerous municipalities, including Carbondale and Lackawanna County. On June 16, 2023, Gov. Josh Shapiro nominated him to fill a vacant seat on the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County and on June 30, 2023, was unanimously confirmed by the State Senate by a 50-0 vote. He was elected to a full 10-year term in November 2023. Judge Ruggiero has served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and is active in national, statewide, and local associations and has earned national and state honors for his legal and public service. He is also active in several charitable organizations across the region. He is a former president of the Keystone College National Alumni Association and, from 1998 through 2004, served as an adjunct faculty member of political science, law, and criminal justice. “I’m really looking forward to being back on campus as guest speaker during Keystone’s annual commencement,” Judge Ruggiero said. “Keystone is a wonderful college that has meant so much to me not only during my time as a student but also in the years since graduation. I can’t wait to meet members of Class of 2024 on this special day in their lives.”
Keystone College to Offer Servsafe Class Keystone College will offer a ServSafe manager certification class on Wednesday, May 15, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at 120 College Avenue, Factoryville. The training will cover topics involving food-borne illnesses and health risks that commercial food service establishments must learn in order to provide safe food for customers. ServSafe, a nationally recognized certification program for safe food handling practices, meets Pennsylvania regulations and is accredited by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. For more information or to register, contact brenda.lidy@keystone.edu or call (570) 657-0248.
Keystone College Shares Statement on Status of College: President Remains Hopeful for the Future On Friday, April 26, 2024, Keystone College President John F. Pullo, Sr. updated members of the college community on the status of the college. In letters to Keystone students and their parents and to faculty and staff, President Pullo emphasized that Keystone, as it has maintained in the past, is continuing to pursue discussions with an investment partner to secure an agreement which would be in the best interest of Keystone, its students, and the entire college community. While those talks are ongoing, President Pullo noted that he is “growing more confident in successfully concluding those discussions.” While those discussions continue, President Pullo noted that Keystone continues to work with its accrediting organization, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), on elements of a “teach out plan” to protect students. The need for such a plan arose because of an MSCHE requirement as a result of a “complex substantive change” after a planned partnership with the Washington Institute for Education and Research (WIER) concluded unsuccessfully in March. As noted in the past, such a procedure is a typical measure taken by accreditors in response to such changes being withdrawn. MSCHE also requested that the College submit a “Substantive Change for Closure” which is a procedural step required to enact a teach out plan. The “Substantive Change for Closure” can be withdrawn by the college if not needed. While acknowledging this can be a stressful time for everyone, President Pullo, a 1969 Keystone graduate, encouraged Keystonians to remain optimistic about the future. For example, in his letter to students, he said, “I am proud of you all and applaud your persistence in staying the course in spite of the visibility we’ve received in the press and in social media. In the words of freshman Brock Kreider, ‘Keep your head high and keep going….Keep driving and keep doing what we are doing.’” He concluded: “That’s the Giant spirit, and what energizes me every day to keep fighting for this College, so many years after I was a student here just like you. Thank you for everything you are doing and your loyalty to Keystone.”
Keystone College Observatory Announces Spring 2024 Schedule The Thomas G. Cupillari ’60 Astronomical Observatory at Keystone College will begin its spring schedule beginning on Wednesday, March 20 and will continue each Wednesday and Friday evening from 7:30-9:30 p.m. through Friday, May 24. The sessions are provided free of charge as a community service. Advanced registration or reservations are not required. Groups such as scouts, school groups, or other civic groups, may reserve a group night, which are held on Mondays, and are also free. All sessions will be held outdoors, or in unheated observatory buildings. Inclement weather will force a cancelation of the evening’s session. The Observatory will also be open on Monday, April 8 from 1:30 – 5 p.m. for the 95 percent partial solar eclipse, which begins at 2:08 p.m. and lasts until 4:35 p.m. There will also be a brief program prior to the event about how to safely view the sun. For more information, contact Jo-Ann Kamichitis (570) 945-8402, observatory@keystone.edu or visit http://www.keystone.edu/observatory/. The Thomas G. Cupillari ’60 Astronomical Observatory is located at the intersection of Route 107 approximately two miles west of Interstate 81, exit 202, and approximately two miles east of Fleetville.
Keystone College Posts New Date for Cupcake Challenge Join Keystone College and Sodexo for the 11th annual Keystone College Cupcake Challenge! All proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. There will be 3 judges who will vote and crown winners for best tasting, best table display, and a peoples’ choice award! Additional details to follow. For more information contact Kristin Meola, Kayla Occhipinti, or Tracy Dwyer. Date: April 8, 2024 Time: 5:00 to 8:00 pm Venue: Hibbard Campus CenterLa Plume, PA 18440
Keystone College to Host Maple Sugar Open House and 5K Run/Walk Keystone College will welcome the beginning of spring with a Maple Sugar Open House and a 5K “Sugar” Run/Walk on Sunday, March 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on campus. The Maple Open House, which is free and open to the public, highlights the beginning of the annual maple sugaring season as Keystone’s Sugar Shack maple syrup operation on its Woodlands Campus. Guests will be able to see the maple sugar process from sap to syrup as it takes place with the coming of spring each year. For more information, visit Keystone College Sugar Shack Open House – Keystone College In addition, Keystone’s Future Healthcare Professional Club will sponsor a 5K charity run/walk during the Open House festivities. Registration for the 5K begins at 10 a.m. at the Eckel Family Pavilion and the race will begin at 11 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. To register, click on the following link or email club president Casey Stratton at cstratton@keystone.edu.
Keystone College to Offer Servsafe Class Keystone College will offer a ServSafe manager certification class on Wednesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at 120 College Avenue, Factoryville. The training will cover topics involving food-borne illnesses and health risks that commercial food service establishments must learn in order to provide safe food for customers. ServSafe, a nationally recognized certification program for safe food handling practices, meets Pennsylvania regulations and is accredited by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. For more information or to register, contact brenda.lidy@keystone.edu or call (570) 657-0248.
