Campus News
Welcoming the Class of 2028
Juniata College welcomed 400 new students to campus for the current academic year. This marks the second consecutive year the incoming class has hit or exceeded 400 students and the fourth such class in the past decade.
"I’m incredibly proud of the Juniata community and how the enrollment team, faculty, staff, and coaches, and alumni continue to contribute to new student recruitment. It was truly a collaborative effort,” said Jason Moran, vice president for enrollment. “Our recent enrollment success can be attributed to several key factors — new undergraduate and graduate academic programs, faculty meeting individually with prospective students, continued alumni donor support for student scholarships, strong partnerships with domestic and global organizations supporting underrepresented students, and impressive recruitment in athletics."
"I’m incredibly proud of the Juniata community and how the enrollment team, faculty, staff, and coaches, and alumni continue to contribute to new student recruitment."Jason Moran, VP, Enrollment
The class of 2028 includes students from 24 states and eight countries, with 260 hailing from Pennsylvania. Last year’s 60% increase in enrollment from Central Pennsylvania was maintained, with 117 new students from the region beginning their college journey at Juniata. Additionally, 130 new students are the first in their families to attend college.
New academic programs continue to attract prospective students, including environmental engineering, civil engineering, legal studies, exercise science and kinesiology, and sport management. The 3+1 accelerated dual degree program continues to be a differentiator. The program, which accounted for 37 new students this fall, allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in four years, as they move seamlessly from undergraduate to graduate studies.
In the graduate space, Juniata added two new programs this year. The new Master of Applied Ecology and Natural Resource Management began its courses over the summer. The Master of Public Health started this fall semester.
For the upcoming recruitment cycle, Juniata will continue its work to raise awareness of its 3+1 program, engineering, public health, exercise science and kinesiology, and the broader health professions. Juniata is also seeking accreditation approval for a future nursing program.
Mock Trial Team Transitions Leadership
After developing and leading the Juniata College mock trial team since 2018, Juniata College Attorney Dave Andrews '74 retired from the team at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 season. Over its six years, mock trial has grown to three teams totaling 60 students, and has ranked nationally and qualified for the national tournament since its founding.
Jordyn Ney, who previously served as the assistant coach, has assumed leadership of the team as head coach. She is an associate with GSL Public Affairs in Harrisburg, where her area of focus is public affairs strategy, organization and mobilization, and outreach initiatives. She is a graduate of Dickinson College. Andrews continues to stay actively involved with the mock trial team. Over Homecoming and Family Weekend, he served as judge of the scrimmage trials between Juniata and Bucknell.
9/11 Day of Service
Students, faculty, and staff came together to serve throughout the month of September in recognition of the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. This annual observance pays tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001, and demonstrates the strength of the community through service. Volunteer opportunities included hosting blood drives, honoring local veterans, maintaining the Thousand Steps, participating in the Huntingdon United Way Day of Caring, working at the Mount Union Children’s Fun Fair and Bike Rodeo, and cheering on athletes at the Special Olympics of PA Central Fall Sectional.
Highlighting Civil Discourse
Juniata College has partnered with Braver Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging civil discourse. Through moderated on-campus workshops and debates, participants attempt to better understand one another’s positions and discover shared values. This partnership is a continuation of Juniata’s commitment to fostering a campus culture where civil discourse and proactive strategies are the norm. By engaging in meaningful conversations, the campus community enhances its ability to communicate across all forms of difference. After seeing the approach work at other locations, David Wagner '85 brought the idea of Braver Angels to Juniata.
Ranked Among the Best
Juniata has once again ranked among the top colleges and universities in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, and other national publications.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Juniata #90 among the best national liberal arts colleges in the publication’s 2025 rankings. The U.S. News also ranked Juniata #25 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #66 among Best Value Schools in national liberal arts colleges. "The rankings clearly demonstrate the significant difference Juniata College faculty and staff make in supporting students throughout their education," said James Troha, president.
The Princeton Review selected Juniata as one of the nation’s best 390 colleges, based on its surveys of 168,000 students. The Washington Monthly ranked Juniata as #62 on its list of best national liberal arts colleges. Additional recognition was #91 for social mobility, #58 for research, and #24 for service. On its comprehensive list of top colleges and universities, the Wall Street Journal ranked Juniata College as #353. The Wall Street Journal has published its college rankings since 2016.
Award-Winning Grants
$150,000
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) awarded Juniata its nonprofit security grant for the second year in a row to enhance campus safety. The $150,000 funding will update keyless door access controls in five residence halls (Lesher, Sherwood, South, Sunderland, and Tussey) to enable proximity- controlled access and pave the way for implementation of mobile student IDs. Juniata is the only recipient in Huntingdon County.
$250,000
"We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and look forward to creating a new, seamless pathway for student success. Our project, Aspire Juniata, seeks to remove barriers by providing transfer students with specialized programming and guided support customized to fit their needs."James Troha, President
Juniata was selected to receive a highly competitive American Talent Initiative (ATI) Grant provided in partnership with the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The $250,000, twoyear grant will create the Aspire Juniata program to meet the unique needs of community college transfer students and develop seamless connections with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. Juniata’s selection recognizes an institutional commitment to educating students with the highest financial need. More than 1 in 5 students receive a federal Pell grant to build on Juniata’s generous need and merit-based aid. Juniata is one of 16 ATI member institutions to receive the grant.
$300,000
Juniata received a three-year renewal of a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant totaling $300,000. The grant seeks to promote mental health and wellbeing across campus, and develop critical skills to cultivate resilience, referral and help-seeking among all Juniatians. The grant also funds critical access to counseling support and programming that reduces distress and addresses suicidality, a leading cause of death for traditional college-age students, according to the CDC. Funds will support salaries, training, and workshops sourced through the Glaeser Counseling Center, and the activities of a campus-community coalition of practitioners and agencies that address mental wellbeing through a public health framework.
$400,000
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded Juniata a three-year $400,000 grant to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campus. This grant is an unprecedented fourth consecutive award of funding that first established the SPoT and the Office for the Prevention of Interpersonal Violence at Juniata in 2016, and the continued support from the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women affirms the confidence in Juniata’s approach as a national model for promoting healthy relationships and reducing instances of violence through education and awareness. These grant funds will continue to sustain staff, programs and services related to the SPoT, It’s on Us, and Green Dot.
Mobile App Engagement
How do students know what’s happening on campus? A new mobile app called Involve features the extensive activities, clubs, and organizations available to students. Rolled out last year, the app’s use ramped up for the fall semester. Event organizers now scan students into events to track attendance, and Student Life awards prizes when students regularly engage in campus events and meetings. The app also generates data that measures student involvement. As an example, in early October, 19 organizations sponsored 23 events with 532 participants in just one week. Highlights of the week included an alumni career panel, bingo, the vice-presidential debate watch party, crafts, and a politics lecture. Student Life intends to use the data to strengthen student retention.
St. Andrews Bound: Brooks Richardson '26
Interview by April Feagley g'23Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, is a long way from your hometown of Gulfport, Mississippi. How did you come to choose Juniata?
When I first heard about Juniata College, I was scrolling through a soccer camp website to see which coaches would be at the camps. I spent a few days at the camp held at Swarthmore College, where I met Coach (Brendan) Grady, who was a nice guy. Coach Grady invited me to campus, and I fell in love with the team and the campus. It truly feels like a community — it’s not as if you’re all on your own. It’s connected.
"I want to go to law school and work in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) through the Air Force or the Navy."Brooks Richardson ’26
Why is travel so important to your learning?
While I don’t know exactly what I want to do for my career, my experiences at Juniata and traveling abroad will influence it. I want to go to law school and work in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps ( JAG) through the Air Force or the Navy. Like my friend Kei Takahashi '24 says, "Juniata is where I found out who I was. Going abroad is where I found out what I want to do." Studying at St. Andrews University in Scotland, through a St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia scholarship, will give me a different perspective on many things — who I am, who others are, and how to navigate differences.
What inspired your love for soccer? What experiences has soccer given you?
I love the competition and the drive of soccer, and I grew up playing it. When I traveled to Mexico for a short-term study abroad last year, I wasn’t fluent in any language other than English. We got to play a soccer game against a Mexican team, and it was cool to laugh and react to the same things but not necessarily speak the same language. I had a few conversations with one of the guys on the other team, using hand gestures and sounds. We ended up trading jerseys after the game. It was an amazing moment.
You’re pursuing a program of emphasis (POE) in political science. Where did your interest in politics come from?
History and social studies always interested me in middle school, so I participated in the Youth Legislature when I went to high school. After researching statistics following a school shooting, I partnered with other students to push for a bill to ban assault rifles in Mississippi. I spoke on the House floor. The bill failed, but it was rewarding to see all these facets of life come together in politics and mix — imperfectly and sometimes chaotically. It gave me a passion for doing the work, not just sitting on the sidelines. I volunteer to work with voter registration on campus and at the election precincts.
The Big Question
Supermarket aisles abound with supplements, food, and other products focused on improving the bacteria in your gut. We asked Gina Lamendella, George ’75 and Cynthia ’76 Valko Professor of Biological Sciences:
Why Does the Microbiome Matter to Your Health?
The microbiome, a diverse community of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms residing in the human gut, plays a critical role in maintaining our health and well-being. From digestion and metabolism to immune function and even mental health, this diverse “microbial cloud” has a profound influence on our bodies.
At the core of the microbiome’s relevance to health is its role in digestion. The gut bacteria help break down complex carbohydrates, fibers, and other nutrients that our bodies cannot process on their own. This process not only maximizes nutrient absorption but also leads to the production of beneficial metabolites, which are vital for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and providing energy to cells in the colon. An imbalance in these bacteria — known as dysbiosis — can lead to poor digestion, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In fact, because the average American diet is low in fiber and high in processed foods, we are witnessing a mass extinction of beneficial microbes in our gut microbiome!
"Because the average American diet is low in fiber and high in processed foods, we are witnessing a mass extinction of beneficial microbes in our gut microbiome!"
Our microbiome also interacts closely with the immune system, helping to regulate its function and protect against harmful pathogens. A healthy microbiome can boost immunity by encouraging the production of antibodies and preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing the gut. Conversely, when the microbiome is disrupted, the immune system may malfunction, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, or allergies.
Recently, scientists have also discovered a significant connection between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis.” The microbiome produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood and cognitive function. A disrupted microbiome has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases.
Given the profound role the gut microbiome plays, it’s no surprise that products like probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods are gaining popularity in supermarkets. These supplements aim to restore balance to the gut ecosystem, promoting a healthier microbiome and, by extension, a healthier body. By nurturing your “microbial cloud,” you can support not only your digestive health but also your immune system, mental well-being, and overall vitality. In short, fill your grocery carts with yogurt with live cultures, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and fermented foods, such as kimchi. Nourish your gut, and watch your microbiome supercharge your health for the long haul!
Lamendella will lead a research study on Clostridioides difficile infection, a costly and difficult-to-treat condition, with a $551,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health that will fund student undergraduate research for four years.
Past Comes Alive
Ancient Life Forms, Modern Gift
Steven Hetrick’s lifelong passion fuels fossil collection.
by April Feagley g'23A trilobite — a long-extinct arthropod — scuttled along the floor of an ancient sea that would one day be Pennsylvania. Five hundred million years later, its fossil landed in the hands of 12-year-old Steven Hetrick '71 while he was fossil hunting near Lancaster, Pa., with his mother. That find sparked his lifelong passion for paleontology.
“There is something about ancient life,” says Hetrick, whose fossil hunting over 62 years has taken him across the United States and Canada. “You’re holding a rock in your hand that contains a 500-million-year-old animal or plant that hasn’t seen the light of day in hundreds of millions of years, and you’re the first to see it.”
That trilobite was the foundation for his world-class fossil collection, the likes of which would be the envy of any natural history museum. This year, Hetrick made plans to donate his extensive collection to the College as a teaching tool for geology and biology, and to provide additional financial support to endow the collection.
Ryan Mathur '96, professor and chair of the geology department, and Matthew Powell, professor of geology, see this collection as an unparalleled resource for study and discovery.
“This is such a complete collection of life through the Paleozoic era,” says Mathur. “It’s amazing to have one collection that displays all these different types of life and the changes [they] underwent.”
Fossil hunting, whether for recreation or research, is at the intersection of biology and geology. Hetrick, who studied biology at Juniata and went on to a career as an enforcement specialist with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, easily connects the bioluminescent noctiluca (a glowing protozoa), squid, and sea spiders he studied as a student with their prehistoric counterparts.
"Fossils are a natural extension of that desire to know where you came from."Steven Hetrick ’71
Tying past and present, his collection speaks to his drive to understand the surrounding world and its origins. Hetrick notes the striking similarities that exist between the starfish imprinted upon a limestone fossil and one hunting in a tidal pool on a modern beach.
Powell concurs. “We are living organisms, and most humans are interested in their origins. Fossils are a natural extension of that desire to know where you came from. A lot of them are weird but recognizable as onceliving things. That combination of being connected as living things but having different realities that we are not normally exposed to generates a lot of interest.”
Hetrick has nearly as many rollicking fossil hunting stories as he does fossils: tales of eating salmonberries and camping on the beach in the Pacific Northwest, vacationing in Spain, or digging in Pennsylvania, Canada, or the Southwestern U.S.
“It’s an obsession, an illness, a sickness, but I love it,” Hetrick says, indicating one of his favorite trilobite specimens. “It cures me.”
Back Row (L–R): Melonie Sappe ’05, Kim Allen Wise ’04, Wilson Antoniuk ’94, Steph Strauss ’11, Amber Thomas Rieger ’09
Front Row (L–R): Ashton Bankos Hirsch ’12, Megan Sollenberger Wytovich ’10, Nancy Hayes ’06, Alyssa Erb ’10, Bethany Kozak Chamberlain ’09
Athletic Honors
Exceptional Achievement
Induction into Juniata’s Sports Hall of Fame
Eighteen alumni athletes were inducted into Juniata’s Sports Hall of Fame at an event on campus in April.
The large ceremony honored the 2024 inductees as well as those from 2020 who did not have an event due to the pandemic.
Members of the Sports Hall of Fame are chosen by a committee of current Hall of Fame members, alumni, coaches, athletic administrators, and other campus administrators.
Charlie Harvey ’71 (basketball): Started every game and was co-captain his final two seasons.
Dan Kauffman ’08 (baseball): All-time leader in career RBIs, home runs, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, total bases, walks, intentional walks, putouts, and double plays turned.
Kyle Mazur ’09 (track and field): Earned All-American twice and placed second at the NCAA Championships.
Amber Thomas Rieger ’09 (volleyball): Earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Rookie of the Year and First Team All-American.
Matt Werle ’09 (volleyball): Played on the Molten National Championship teams and was the 2007 National Player of the Year and 2009 National Tournament MVP.
Wilson Antoniuk ’94 (soccer): Holds program record in points and goals and was co-captain of the team that holds the record for conference wins.
Bethany Kozak Chamberlain ’09 (volleyball): Selected twice as AVCA All-American and was starting setter for 2006 NCAA National Championship team.
Kenny Eiser ’04 (volleyball): Named the 2004 AVCA Player of the Year and an AVCA First-Team All-American.
Alyssa Erb ’10 (softball): Holds record as all-time program leader in wins, single-season strikeouts, and innings pitched.
Nancy Hayes ’06 (cross country/track & field): Earned first place and First Team All-Conference in the indoor 5000-meter.
Ashton Bankos Hirsch ’12 (basketball): Ranks third in program history in assists, fifth in steals, and earned a Landmark Conference Player of the Year.
Nat Mitchell ’68 (football): First Black student athlete to play football at Juniata College.
Bill Williams ’68 (basketball): First Black student athlete to play men's basketball at Juniata College.
Nathanael Ocasio ’07 (volleyball): Named twice to the AVCA All-American First Team and crossed the 1,000-kill career plateau.
Melonie Sappe ’05 (field hockey): Started as goalie all four years and holds school records for most saves in a game and a career.
Steph Strauss ’11 (volleyball): Earned three AVCA Second Team All-American honors and holds the single-game record for solo blocks.
Kim Allen Wise ’04 (swimming): Earned honorable mention All-American status in 2001 and holds the record in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke.
Megan Sollenberger Wytovich ’10 (volleyball): Named three times to AVCA All-America team and holds the program record for career digs.
Making Their Mark
Today’s Juniata’s student-athletes are continuing a proud tradition of stand-out achievement, on and off the field. Some highlights:
24
NCAA Division III sports at Juniata
290
All-American athletes throughout Juniata’s history
1300+
student-athletes named All-Conference at Juniata
3.42
grade point average for student-athletes in the 2023–2024 academic year
2500+
volunteer hours by student-athletes during the 2023–2024 academic year
108
student athletes inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the new athletic honor society, in 2024
A Visit to the White House
The Juniata championship women's volleyball team joined student-athletes and coaches from other NCAA title-winning teams at College Champions Day at the White House in July. Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the teams, lauding them for their "grit and determination."
Harris noted that seven teams in attendance had been undefeated; Juniata College finished its season undefeated in December 2023 with its championship win over Hope College.
"It is amazing to be here with all these championship teams and to celebrate our national championship one more time," said Women's Volleyball Head Coach Heather Blough Pavlik '95.
Kennedy Christy '24 g'25, represented Juniata College on stage at the event. "I got to meet a lot of NCAA athletes who play different sports and go to different schools," she said.
The event also featured a tour of the White House, a walk on the famous lawn, and the opportunity to write well wishes for Team USA athletes before the Olympics.
"It's an honor to be here, to be invited by the White House, and to experience a unique day with other student-athletes," said Abbey Telesz '25, senior and co-captain.
"I'm just happy to be celebrated, and it feels like we're still living the dream," said Emily Sullivan '25, senior.
Women’s Volleyball Breaks Division III Record
Juniata College Women's Volleyball soared into the record books on October 5, shattering the second-longest NCAA volleyball all-time winning streak with an unprecedented 76 consecutive victories. This monumental achievement cements the Eagles' legacy of dominance and determination, showcasing the team's relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the court.
The top three longest runs of consecutive wins in NCAA women's volleyball history are now Penn State University (Division I), Juniata College (Division III), and Concordia St. Paul (Division II). Both Juniata College and Penn State University are located in Central Pennsylvania, 40 minutes apart.
Following two back-to-back national championships, Juniata broke the NCAA Division III record for consecutive wins on September 7, defeating Swarthmore College and marking 67 straight victories. The cross-division record-breaking win occurred Saturday, October 5, in a doubleheader against Catholic University and Mary Washington University. The first win tied Juniata with Concordia St. Paul for the second-longest winning streak in collegiate women's volleyball history at 75. Juniata surpassed the Division II record from 2008–2010 with their second win of the day and 76th in a row. Penn State holds its current record of 109 consecutive wins from 2007–2010.
Exploring Careers in Sports
Morgan Martin '25, who is a starter in field hockey, and Aiden Duran '24, who plays midfield/attack in lacrosse, attended the NCAA Career in Sports Forum this summer at the NCAA Headquarters. This annual three-day program educates 200 student-athletes about careers in sports, particularly in college athletics.
Duran says he considered the experience very valuable to his future career aspirations. Martin most enjoyed networking and making connections with professionals in the field.
Welcoming the Central PA Special Olympics
Juniata hosted the Central Pennsylvania Special Olympics Fall Sectional on campus this September. This exciting annual fall event brings over 500 Special Olympics athletes, along with their 250 coaches and team members, to campus for a day-long competition.
"Juniata athletes always show up with smiles, excited to share the sports they love to play."Alicia Elder ’25
Every Juniata athletic team volunteered throughout the day to make the event possible, bringing together over 500 student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Event director and Juniata student Alicia Elder '25 told local news station WJAC, "Juniata athletes always show up with smiles, excited to share the sports they love to play."
Athletics staff worked closely with the student directors from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to manage a meaningful event for the college and the community.
New Coaches Join Athletics
Three new head coaches joined the athletics department at the start of the fall season: Dylan Abplanalp, men's lacrosse; Marissa Molnar, women's basketball; and Paul Tobin, men's and women's tennis.
For five seasons, Abplanalp served as the assistant coach and the recruiting coordinator at Illinois Wesleyan University, where the team advanced to the NCAA tournament three times. He has also worked as the senior regional director for True Lacrosse, a club program, and as head intern at HoganLax in Maryland. He played lacrosse at Susquehanna University and earned a master's degree from Illinois State in kinesiology and recreation.
Molnar spent two seasons at Franklin & Marshall as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Prior to F&M, she spent two years as the graduate assistant at Misericordia University, where she had the same responsibilities. She played for four years at Bloomsburg University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education and her MBA in sports management.
Tobin comes to Juniata College from Penn State University, where he was the associate head coach for men's tennis for the past 11 seasons and guided the team to a 111–63 record and a No. 16 ITA ranking. Prior to Penn State, Tobin turned around the Division I Saint Francis University men's and women's programs into top teams in the Northeast Conference. Tobin previously was the assistant coach for the ninth ranked men's and 19th ranked women's tennis teams at Division II Georgia College & State University.