Penn State New Kensington is more than a campus; it's the heart of our community. Its impending closure threatens not only our local economy but also the very fabric of our healthcare system. As a proud graduate of its renowned Radiologic Science program, I come before you to plead for its survival.

For years, this campus has been a beacon of opportunity, providing accessible, high-quality education that keeps talented individuals within our region. It fosters a culture of excellence, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in their chosen fields. But its impact is most profoundly felt in the healthcare sector.

The Radiologic Science program is a critical pipeline for the highly skilled technologists our hospitals desperately need. These professionals—trained to operate advanced imaging equipment, from X-rays to MRIs—are essential for accurate diagnoses and effective patient care. Without them, our healthcare system faces crippling shortages, leading to longer wait times, compromised care, and a diminished quality of life for our community. The Biomedical Engineering Technology program further strengthens this lifeline, ensuring our medical equipment remains operational and cutting-edge.

The closure of Penn State New Kensington will create a devastating ripple effect. Hospitals will struggle with staffing, impacting patient care and increasing costs. The loss of this vital training ground will force healthcare facilities to recruit from afar, draining resources and potentially compromising the quality of care. The economic consequences will be severe, impacting not only the campus but the entire region.

This is not just about numbers and statistics; it's about people. It's about the students who dream of careers in healthcare, the families who rely on this institution for opportunity, and the patients who depend on a robust and well-staffed healthcare system.

I urge the Penn State Board of Trustees to reconsider this devastating decision to potentially close this campus. Saving Penn State New Kensington is not just about preserving a campus; it's about preserving our community's future, safeguarding our healthcare system, and ensuring that the promise of accessible, high-quality education remains alive for generations to come.

Join us in this fight!! Sign this petition and help us save Penn State New Kensington. Our community's future depends on it.