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Pitt-Johnstown Student, Alijah Gibson, Wins Gillman Award
Pitt-Johnstown Student, Alijah Gibson, Wins Gillman Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Johnstown Native Awarded Prestigious Gilman Award
JOHNSTOWN, PA – Alijah Gibson, a junior Management major with a concentration in Healthcare and a minor in Information Systems at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, has been selected to receive the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This competitive, nationally recognized scholarship will enable Gibson to study abroad and gain invaluable global perspectives that will enhance his academic and professional trajectory.
The Gilman Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides awards to outstanding undergraduate students with financial need to pursue academic studies or internships abroad. The program aims to provide the means for students to study and intern abroad in various countries and regions around the globe.
UPJ President Jem Spectar enthusiastically applauded Gibson’s award, noting that Alijah, whom he has gotten to know very well in the last two years, “exemplifies the promising, purposeful, and public-spirited student we prize here at Pitt-Johnstown, clearly a young man pursuing a well-articulated plan for personal and professional success.”
A Johnstown native and Greater Johnstown High School graduate, Alijah has distinguished himself as a leader and active contributor to campus life at UPJ. He currently serves as a Resident Assistant, Student Ambassador, Program Board member, and Student Government Association representative – roles through which he has made significant positive impacts on the student experience.
One of Alijah’s professors, Dr. Tim Whisler, the head of the UPJ Business and Enterprise Division, observed that Gibson is especially well-deserving of this prestigious award as he is “a very bright, personable, thoughtful, and inquisitive."
"What I love most about Pitt Johnstown the most is the sense of community," Gibson said. "People know each other, support each other, and want to see one another succeed. The relationships I've built with students, faculty, and staff make UPJ feel like home. The support and opportunities I've received here mean a lot to me, and they've helped me grow into who I am today."
Alijah was motivated to pursue the scholarship by his desire to challenge himself and experience life beyond his hometown. "Growing up in Johnstown has given me strong roots, but I've always been curious about the world beyond," he explained. "I admire people who take bold steps into new cultures and experiences, and I wanted to take that same leap – to learn, grow, and understand the world in a deeper way."
The application process required dedication and perseverance. Gibson balanced his extensive campus responsibilities with crafting thoughtful essays and meeting rigorous deadlines, all while managing his academic coursework. He credits the support of UPJ faculty and staff, along with encouragement from friends and family, as instrumental in his success.
"I'm fortunate to have had strong support throughout the entire process," Alijah noted. "UPJ faculty and staff offered guidance, feedback, and encouragement when I needed it most. My friends supported me constantly, and my family reminded me why I was pursuing this opportunity in the first place. Having people who believed in me made a huge difference."
Looking ahead, Gibson plans to maximize his study abroad experience and share his learning with the UPJ community. "Receiving the Gilman Scholarship is an incredible honor," said Gibson. "It represents dedication, resilience, and the belief others have placed in my potential. For me, it's more than financial support – it's a gateway to expanding my worldview. It gives me the chance to study abroad in a way that wouldn't have been possible otherwise, and it allows me to grow both personally and academically through experiences I could only gain abroad," stated Gibson.
Alijah plans to study at The Global Business Institute in London, England, in the Spring of 2026. He hopes to mentor other students interested in applying for the Gilman Scholarship and to build a career connected to global learning, leadership, and service in the healthcare management field.
“Gibson's achievement reflects Pitt-Johnstown’s commitment to providing students with transformative educational opportunities that will deepen critical thinking while also fostering resiliency, agency, self-efficacy, intercultural fluency, key habits for succeeding in an intensely competitive job market,” stated UPJ President Jem Spectar.
For more information about the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, visit www.gilmanscholarship.org.
Media Contact: Michael Drahos; Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Athletics, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown; 814-269-7173; drahos@pitt.edu
Honors Convocation
Honors Convocation
Chemistry
Caleb Bean graduated in April 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with minors in music, psychology, biology, and business was awarded the Chemistry Department’s College Scholar Award. While at UPJ, Caleb was incredibly active on campus, serving as the president of the Chemical Society student club and treasurer of the Tr-Beta Biology Honors Society clubs, Concert & Jazz bands, and Catholic Campus Ministries. In addition, he helped his fellow classmates as a tutor and SI for chemistry and physics. To supplement his classroom learning, Caleb spent eight semesters researching terpyridine ruthenium oxide complexes with Dr. Bell-Loncella and presented his results at both SPACE and the American Chemical Society Student Regional Symposium at Duquesne University. Finally, he participated in SupreMED summer program and the Mentoring in Medicine summer internship at Connemaugh Health. Currently he is attending Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathy Medical Degree. Caleb really enjoyed his time here: “The chemistry faculty at UPJ are some of the best instructors I have ever had, and they really put many medical school professors to shame. I was very lucky to have such caring and dedicated professors.”
Respiratory Care
The Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care presents this award annually to a deserving student, and Jeremiah Dilts exemplifies our program in every aspect of our profession. He graduated in May 2025 with an associate of science in Respiratory Care, earning an overall GPA of 3.31, with his professional GPA in respiratory therapy classes at 3.36.
In the clinical setting, Jeremiah demonstrates excellence and professionalism. Before graduation, he secured a job at Indiana Regional Medical Center, where he is still employed. Jeremiah passed both of his board exams on the first attempt, earning the Certified and Registered Respiratory Therapist credentials. He was a class leader, assisting his classmates as well as underclassmen with organizing study groups and practicing competency skills. He is devoted to the profession of respiratory therapy and continues to serve our program as a mentor to underclassmen.
Jeremiah is currently taking classes at Pitt-Johnstown to complete his bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and Supervision. While maintaining his busy schedule of classes and job at Indiana Regional Medical Center, Jeremiah represented the Acacia fraternity on the 2025 Pitt-Johnstown Homecoming Court. He continues to serve as an orientation leader and belongs to other campus organizations. He also works on campus in the print shop and mail room.
Respiratory Care
Jacquelyn Borland graduated in May 2025 with an associate of science in Respiratory Care. She earned an overall GPA of 3.23, with her professional GPA in respiratory therapy classes at 3.42.
Jacquelyn’s performance in the clinical setting was beyond our expectations. She was a class leader and performed beyond the requirements of our program. Jacquelyn completed a respiratory therapy internship at UPMC Altoona, giving her valuable hands-on experience in the profession. She also served as a resident assistant on campus and worked in the Student Conduct and Counseling Services Office. In addition to making the Dean’s List, Jacquelyn volunteered time with the Branches of Mercy assisting those in need.
Jacquelyn will complete her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and Supervision in December 2025. She is currently working in the Respiratory Therapy Department at Indiana Regional Medical Center.
Social Sciences
At the 2025 Honor’s Convocation, the Pitt-Johnstown Alumni Association awarded over $10,000 to deserving students. The Pitt-Johnstown Junior Achievement Scholarship is awarded each year to deserving students who are, at the time of award, a Junior level student holding a GPA of 3.25 or higher and have shown themselves to be outstanding members of the Pitt-Johnstown community. The scholarship is designed to help provide a strong push for students to be able to finish their degrees here at Pitt-Johnstown. Dr. Doug Ledney, Chair of the Alumni Scholarship Committee, and Professor Matt Sernell, President of the Alumni Association were on hand to present the awards to these amazing students.
Business and Enterprise
The most decorated student in the Business & Enterprise Division was Logan Angus, a junior General Finance major with a Marketing minor. After a competitive selection process, Logan was awarded the full-tuition Bross Family Scholarship in recognition of his high academic achievements and commitment to ethics and ethical leadership. He was also awarded the G. Fesler Edwards Award for academic excellence in the business curriculum and high potential for success in the business field. Logan was nominated by faculty members and selected as a recipient of the Alumni Association Junior Scholarship for students who demonstrate service to and leadership in the Pitt-Johnstown community, and exemplify characteristics of enthusiasm, social consciousness, responsibility, outreach, and dedication to the campus and community. Logan was also inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta International Honors Society. He is a member of the Accounting & Finance Interest Group and the Out Cold Ski Club. Logan will graduate in May 2026 and is seeking a career as a procurement specialist.
Mallory Pinske, a senior Marketing and Business Information Systems major, received the Howard M. Picking, Jr., award for maintaining the highest academic achievement in business and displaying the qualities necessary to succeed in the world of business and finance. She also received the Faculty Senate Scholar Athlete award for participating in the college’s intercollegiate athletics program, involvement in extracurricular activities, and demonstrating academic achievement. She was recognized with the Robert Smith Scholarship which recognizes excellence in accounting education and application of knowledge in a real-world setting through internships, employment, memberships, and professional activities. Mallory is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was named Academic All-District for Women’s Volleyball. Mallory interned at 1st Summit Arena at the Cambria County War Memorial and after graduation in December 2025, she plans to pursue a career in data analytics.
Kaylee Kolonich earned the designation of College Scholar in both English Literature and Professional Writing and was last year’s winner of both the Carroll Grimes Award for Writing in Humanities and the Verma Family Scholarship.
A dual major in English Literature and Writing with a minor in Art History, Kaylee consistently elevated literature class discussions with her insightful engagement with literary and cultural topics and her energetic, collegial curiosity. Her professors note that the written work she produced in her classes routinely ranked among the best of her peers.
Her Grimes Award–winning essay, “The Sacred, The Sexual, and The Human,” examines the archetypes of Lilith, Eve, and the Virgin Mary in light of evolving societal views of feminine autonomy and sexuality in the modern era. It demonstrates a sophisticated, layered approach that integrates analysis of carefully selected artistic imagery with insightful literary criticism. Her winning essay for the Verma Family Scholarship, “An Inherent Degree of Alienation,” explores the theoretical concepts behind imperialism as they apply to a complex group of characters in colonial and neo-colonial contexts. After graduation, Kaylee plans to pursue a graduate degree in English Literature and work to promote the arts in the community through grant writing, marketing, and community outreach.
Hannah Kim earned the designation of College Scholar in Creative Writing and was the winner of last year’s Louise Letizia Miele Award.
A Creative Writing major, Hannah is recognized by her professors as a smart, dynamic presence in the classroom who excels in poetry, fiction, and playwriting. They describe her as an impressive student with strong promise in the field of creative writing. Hannah’s winning submission for the Miele Award was a packet of six poems that the judging committee found highly impressive, citing their evocative imagery, elegant and original diction, and compelling use of various poetic forms. After graduation, Hannah hopes to open her own business as an animation director and freelance content creator.
Katherine Landis earned the Dr. Robert Duca Scholarship in Humanities & Romance Languages in April. Katherine was an English Literature major and President of the English Honors Society, Sigma Tau Delta.
A thoughtful reader and talented writer, Katherine is recognized by her professors for class essays that routinely display keen scholarship and deep insight into assigned texts, their historical contexts, and their critical elements. They are pleased to honor her devotion to excellence, talent, ability, and hard work with this award. After graduation, Katherine plans to pursue a graduate degree in English Literature and subsequently secure a position in publishing.
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