President's Newsletter
January 2025
Dear Juniata Community,
We begin this new semester with purpose and promise, a time to reflect on the founding principles that define Juniata: service and community.
For the fifth year, students, faculty, and staff truly embodied what it means to celebrate "a day on, not a day off" as they gathered for our observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service. The day before the start of classes was spent completing projects in communities throughout Huntingdon County. Service included painting, cleaning, organizing, baking, and, as pictured at the top of this newsletter, leading a volleyball clinic for area youth. The importance of the connections forged through volunteer work will reverberate through students’ lives well beyond their college careers.
Our community braved the frigid temperatures to kick off classes with our traditional Coffee on the Quad and ended the day with our 33rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation presented by keynote speaker Folayemi Wilson, associate dean for access and equity at the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture. Her uplifting presentation, “The Pursuit of Happiness,” challenged us individually and collectively to use our voices and our influence as creators of knowledge and art to craft meaningful futures in the spirit of Dr. King, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison.
We are excited to begin work on a project led by Susan Prill, professor of religion, and Ursula Williams, associate professor of chemistry. The project, funded by a $500,000 three-year grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, will explore regional environmental challenges, focusing on the experiences of impacted residents, artists, advocates, and scholars.
With the tremendous positive energy on campus, remember to share information about Juniata with those in your networks who may be searching for a college. Last year, 45% of Juniata's incoming class were positively influenced by alumni and parents who referred them for a Juniata Community Scholarship (JCS). Prospective students are preparing to make a significant life decision, and your encouragement goes a long way!
I look forward to seeing you at events or on campus in the coming weeks and months!
Warm regards,
President James A. Troha
Zero degrees and snow were no match for Juniatians attending Coffee on the Quad. The first day of class tradition was moved to Statton Learning Commons due to the frigid temperatures.
Zero degrees and snow were no match for Juniatians attending Coffee on the Quad. The first day of class tradition was moved to Statton Learning Commons due to the frigid temperatures.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
A group of 250 volunteers spent the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service as "a day on, not a day off," on Monday, January 20, 2025. The impressive turnout, the variety of projects, and the community impact attracted the attention of regional media outlets, who sent reporters to cover the event. Participation doubled from 2024, and included eight varsity athletic teams. Students, faculty, and staff worked alongside 28 community organizations throughout Huntingdon County making a difference through painting, cleaning, baking, organizing, serving, and community building. Thank you to Sarah Worley, director of community engagement, and Allie Sones, educational services assistant, for their work in organizing the day. Photos by Nate Thompson '05.
33rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation
Keynote speaker Folayemi Wilson presented "The Pursuit of Happiness" at Juniata’s 33rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation ” to an audience of students, faculty, and staff. The event featured introductory remarks by President James Troha and Derek James, dean of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Beautiful vocal performances by Le’Naya White ’25 and the concert choir made the convocation a special experience. Photos by Maggie Eckroat '25.
We are pleased that WJAC TV highlighted the college's recent Mellon Foundation grant, which will build connections between the College and residents of Central Pennsylvania to understand and enrich learning about regional environmental challenges.
The Juniata College chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) has won an Outstanding Chapter Award from the SPS National Office for the 25th consecutive year. Juniata’s chapter is the only chapter in the nation with such a remarkable and continuous run.
Jim Borgardt, William W. Woolford Professor of Physics and chair of the physics and engineering physics department, credited the honor to the dedication of the officers of Juniata’s chapter: Lee Roby ’26, president; Riley Hopkins ’25, Jack Shelton ’26, Adrian DiBenedetto ’27, and Rohit Raj ’25.
This recognition is awarded to less than 10% of SPS chapters nationally and is based on the chapter’s strength, inclusiveness, energy, activities, and outreach.
The Society of Physics Students is a professional association designed for students and membership is open to anyone interested in physics and related fields. SPS operates within the American Institute of Physics, an umbrella organization for professional physical science societies.
The Juniata men’s volleyball team has started their season strong with impressive performances and high energy on the court! Cheer the team on as they face off against Eastern Mennonite and Stevenson at Stevenson University on Saturday, January 25!
Men’s and women’s swimming are making a splash at meets this season. At their most recent competition, both teams prevailed over Lycoming, and the women’s team beat Wilkes 125-56. Stay up to date with competitions here.
Marissa Molnar, head women’s basketball coach, has taken the lead in her first season at Juniata. The team rung in the new year as champions of the Juniata College Holiday Tournament, hosted in Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center. Come to Memorial Gymnasium this weekend to watch as they take on Scranton!
Coffee on the Quad
Students received a warm welcome on their first day of classes at Coffee on the Quad, which was moved inside to the warmth of Statton Learning Commons due to very cold temperatures. The start of classes tradition is celebrated with free coffee from Standing Stone Coffee Co. The event brings students, faculty, staff, and local alumni together for a time of well wishes. Photos by Christina D'Amato '25.
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