PennWest California

09/10/2026

Meet Dr. Michelle Valkanas, a professor at the California campus whose passion for research starts with students. From mentoring undergraduate researchers to building a collaborative lab culture, she helps students gain confidence, develop real-world skills and explore their own scientific interests.

Through hands-on experiences and meaningful mentorship, Dr. Valkanas is empowering the next generation of scientists to discover what they’re capable of and where their futures can lead.

https://ow.ly/5F5k50ZLUAv

09/09/2026

Lindsey Scammell and Olivia Weiseman were named to the Wheeling Hall of Fame/Alumni All-Tournament Team after standout performances against top competition.

Scammell delivered career-best attacking numbers, while Weiseman filled the stat sheet with a triple-double and all-around play. Congratulations to both Vulcans!

https://ow.ly/oieK50ZKYIM

09/08/2026

Picture yourself at PennWest California.

Attend Fall Open House to meet future classmates, connect with student ambassadors, tour residence halls, explore majors and learn about campus life. From academics to student organizations, you'll get a firsthand look at the welcoming community and experiences waiting for you as a Vulcan.

Register today at https://ow.ly/r1HU50ZKCeZ.

09/04/2026

Our Vulcans are 1-0 in convincing fashion.

CALIFORNIA (Sept. 3) – The Vulcans scored 42 points in the first half while battling a pair of severe weather delays that lasted over three hours to open the season with a 49-24 victory against Charleston (WV) at Adamson Stadium on Thursday night.

09/04/2026

Adam Augustine knows the value of hands-on experience. The PennWest California sport management student and stadium events assistant at Acrisure Stadium joins the latest “The Power of PennWest” podcast to discuss internships, leadership opportunities and turning classroom knowledge into practical skills.

Hear how experiential learning is shaping his future while preparing him for success beyond graduation. Tune in now at https://ow.ly/SKX050ZJiTC

09/03/2026

At PennWest California, Greek life is about service, leadership and making a difference. Integrated business major Brandon Hebda found his community through Acacia, helping lead initiatives like The Big Event and local philanthropy efforts.

Through giving back, supporting fellow students and creating connections, Brandon is building a lasting impact on campus and beyond.

https://ow.ly/LfV850ZIN83

09/02/2026

A strong start between the posts earned Justin Brink PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Week honors.

Making his collegiate debut, the California goalkeeper helped the Vulcans open the season 1-0-1, recording six saves and a 1.50 GAA. Brink becomes the program’s first goalkeeper since 2021 to earn the conference recognition.

https://ow.ly/rnPU50ZHWam

09/01/2026

From remote mountains in Siberia and Alaska to the classroom at PennWest, Dr. Daniel Harris is helping reshape our understanding of Arctic geology.

As a co-author of a major “Geological Society of America Bulletin” publication, Harris helped introduce the newly proposed Beringia Arc, advancing decades of research while inspiring students through hands-on science and discovery.

Dr. Harris has taught mineralogy and petrology, structural geology, tectonics and more at the California campus since 2013.

https://ow.ly/7hPF50ZHKNU

08/31/2026

There’s no place like home. From the hillside views overlooking the Monongahela Valley to the glow of the Convocation Center on a fall evening, PennWest California is a place where friendships grow, traditions endure and every welcome feels like coming home.

08/28/2026

This summer, PennWest California students gained real-world experience in industries across Pennsylvania and beyond.

From Animal, Wildlife & Environmental Science and Technology & Cybersecurity to Arts, Media & Communication and more, students put classroom learning into action through internships, research and career-connected opportunities.

See where their journeys took them and explore the stories highlighting their hands-on experiences and professional growth.

https://ow.ly/3bkb50ZGvL9