天美传媒 Hosts Commonwealth & County Legislative Lunch
天美传媒 welcomed state and local leaders today for its Commonwealth & County Legislative Lunch, held at the College's Educational Conference Center on the Nanticoke campus. The event brought together members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Luzerne County Council, and regional stakeholders for an afternoon of meaningful dialogue focused on advancing education, workforce development, and economic growth across northeastern Pennsylvania.*
The program featured an informative discussion led by John Yudichak, President of 天美传媒, who was joined by distinguished faculty, staff, and community partners to highlight innovative college initiatives addressing critical regional needs.
"Luzerne County Community College is proud to serve as a convener of ideas and partnerships that directly impact the future of our region," said Yudichak. "By bringing together leaders from education, government, and industry, we are building pathways that prepare our students for in-demand careers while strengthening northeastern Pennsylvania's economy."
Yudichak also emphasized the importance of continued investment in community colleges. "Our ability to respond quickly to workforce needs and provide affordable, high-quality education makes community colleges like LCCC essential to Pennsylvania's long-term economic vitality," he added.
Opening the event, Robert Bertoni, Chair of the LCCC Board of Trustees, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of collaboration between education and government leaders.
"Today's discussion highlights the power of collaboration," Bertoni said. "When institutions like LCCC work hand-in-hand with policymakers and community partners, we can create real opportunities for students and families across our region."
Bertoni added, "Events like this ensure that the voices of our students, faculty, and local employers are heard at every level of decision-making."
Panel discussions followed, beginning with "PA Works ? Building PA's AI Infrastructure," featuring President Yudichak; Brian Uplinger, Superintendent of the Hazleton Area School District; Nicholas Lee-Romagnolo of Amazon Web Services; and Carrie Amann of the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education. The panel explored how artificial intelligence is shaping workforce demands and how educational institutions are preparing students for emerging careers.
"Preparing students for careers in AI and advanced technologies requires strong partnerships between education and industry," said Lee-Romagnolo. "Collaborations like those highlighted today are essential to building a workforce ready to meet the demands of tomorrow."
"Introducing students to these technologies early creates a pipeline of talent that will benefit our entire region," added Uplinger. "It's about giving students the tools and exposure they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world."
The second panel, "Accelerate Your Degree," highlighted a growing partnership between LCCC and Misericordia University. Speakers included Russ Bigus, David Rehm, Glenn Bozinski, and Janis Seeley, who discussed streamlined transfer pathways designed to help students complete their degrees efficiently and affordably.
"Our partnership with Misericordia University is designed with student success at the center," said Bigus. "By creating clear and affordable transfer pathways, we are helping students achieve their academic and career goals without unnecessary barriers."
"Students today are looking for flexibility, affordability, and clear outcomes," added Seeley. "This partnership delivers on all three."
The final panel focused on workforce development partnerships and featured Romilda Crocamo; George Brown, Mayor of the City of Wilkes-Barre and LCCC Trustee; Christopher Boyle of the Children's Service Center; and Linda Loop of Dress for Success Luzerne County. The panel highlighted successful collaborations that are strengthening the regional workforce and supporting community needs.
"Workforce development is about meeting people where they are and connecting them to meaningful opportunities," said Crocamo. "Through partnerships like these, we are making a lasting impact on individuals, families, and our entire community."
Mayor Brown reinforced the importance of local collaboration. "Strong partnerships between education, government, and community organizations are key to building a resilient workforce and a stronger region," he said.
Closing remarks were delivered by Megan Kennedy, LCCC Trustee, who reinforced the College's commitment to fostering partnerships that benefit students and the broader community.
"LCCC continues to be a driving force in aligning education with workforce needs," Kennedy said. "Today's conversations demonstrate what is possible when we work together with a shared vision for the future."
Kennedy added, "The collaboration we saw today is exactly what's needed to move our region forward in a meaningful and sustainable way."
Following the program, legislators, county officials, and College leadership gathered for a group photo, with an optional tour of the 天美传媒 Technology Center offered to attendees.
Today's Legislative Lunch underscored 天美传媒's role as a regional leader in education, innovation, and workforce development, while strengthening connections with policymakers and community partners dedicated to the future of northeastern Pennsylvania.