Indiana University of Pennsylvania names new financial division leader
Indiana University of Pennsylvania has tapped a veteran education financial leader to join its president’s cabinet. Peter Holden has been named as IUP’s next vice president for administration and finance, beginning in the role on Jan. 26. In his role, he will oversee IUP’s Office of Human Resources, Public Safety and University Police, the Finance Office, the Budget Office, Printing and Postal Services, Facilities Management and Engineering and Construction. He comes to the university after most recently serving as CFO of the Williston Northampton School, a private college prep school in Massachusetts. “Mr. Holden is an excellent fit for this position, bringing extensive leadership experience in all aspects of financial, facilities, and operations management in both the education and private sectors,” IUP President Michael Driscoll said in a prepared statement. “He understands and shares our commitment to student success, and we are very pleased to welcome him to the IUP community.”
Indiana University of Pennsylvania names new financial division leader
Pittsburgh Business Times, Jan 5, 2026
Laurels and barbs
Laurel: A federal grant of more than $1 million will help Indiana University of Pennsylvania create a new multi-year program to assist people with intellectual disabilities. The Crimson Hawks Bridge program aims to provide participants with experience and credentials to live independently and to help them gain skills. A portion of the $1.34 million from the U.S. Department of Education will also support Slippery Rock University’s Rock Life program, a four-year non-degree experience for students with intellectual disabilities.
Laurels and barbs
Yahoo News, Jan. 5, 2026
Pennsylvania Health Care in 2025
Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine
(The Center Square) – Perhaps more than any other area of concern, the story of Pennsylvania’s health care in 2025 has been carved out in reactions to the massive policy swings undertaken by the federal government. Indiana University of Pennsylvania is working toward a College of Osteopathic Medicine The school would be a first both for the state system of higher education and for the region.
Pennsylvania Health Care in 2025
Politics PA, Jan. 5, 2026
Incredible musicians I was lucky enough to know
When people talk about Indiana University of Pennsylvania, they usually mention teachers, the culinary school, maybe the football team, and hopefully now the proposed medical school. What doesn’t get said often enough is that IUP attracted and produced some incredible musical giants whose influence spread far beyond Western Pennsylvania, long after they left campus. Fortunately, I knew and still know a few of them. Knowing them changed how I hear the world, and how the world listens to music. These were my roots, and to this day I firmly believe that my journey through life was heavily influenced by my experience at IUP.
Incredible musicians I was lucky enough to know
Herald Standard, Jan. 4, 2026
Meet the 23-year-old about to become the next mayor of Carnegie
Sam Bigham will be sworn in Monday, making him mayor of Carnegie just a week before his 24th birthday. After graduating from Carlynton himself, Mr. Bigham attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned dual degrees in history and political science. He was also involved with the IUP College Democrats and was the editor of the university’s student newspaper, the Penn, for two years. Following his graduation from IUP in 2024, he moved back to Carnegie and was thinking about ways to get involved. He talked to Ms. Riley, the current mayor, who suggested he go for the position, given his familiarity with borough government.
Meet the 23-year-old about to become the next mayor of Carnegie
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jan. 3, 2026
Laurels and barbs
Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine
Laurel: A federal grant of more than $1 million will help Indiana University of Pennsylvania create a new multi-year program to assist people with intellectual disabilities. The Crimson Hawks Bridge program aims to provide participants with experience and credentials to live independently and to help them gain skills. A portion of the $1.34 million from the U.S. Department of Education will also support Slippery Rock University’s Rock Life program, a four-year non-degree experience for students with intellectual disabilities.
Laurels and barbs
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Jan. 3, 2026
Downtown Indiana businesses, residents unite for IRMC Park Christmas tree tradition
The roughly 40-foot Christmas tree sparkling in the heart of IRMC Park serves as a point of community pride and the center of Downtown Indiana‘s annual ”It’s a Wonderful Life” festivities. A seven-person team comprising members from Don Huey Custom Building & Remodeling, Indiana Borough Public Works and Sky Point Crane chopped down the 45-year-old, 3-ton Colorado blue spruce in November, removing it from IUP‘s Oak Grove to erect and decorate at IRMC Park. IUP President Michael Driscoll said the university was honored to provide the tree for this year’s seasonal celebration. “IUP is very proud to partner with the Allegheny Arboretum at IUP to provide the Christmas tree for this very special community tradition,” Driscoll said. “This beautiful tree has stood tall on our campus for decades, and we are very pleased that it will be a central part of a celebration enjoyed by so many members of the Indiana community, as well as thousands of visitors who come to Indiana County to enjoy the holiday season.”
Downtown Indiana businesses, residents unite for IRMC Park Christmas tree tradition
Indiana Gazette, Jan. 3, 2026
IUP to use federal funds to create Crimson Hawks Bridge program
INDIANA, Pa. – A federal grant of more than $1 million will help Indiana University of Pennsylvania create a new multi-year program to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Crimson Hawks Bridge aims to provide participants with experience, credentials to live independently and help them gain skills. A portion of the $1.34 million from the U.S. Department of Education will also support Slippery Rock University’s Rock Life program, which is a four-year, non-degree experience for students with intellectual disabilities. “IUP’s program builds on the Rock Life program, but it is significantly different because the goal of the IUP program is to offer a credential for the students completing the program, in this case, a certificate,” IUP associate professor Ali Kappel said in a release. Kappel authored the grant for the federal funding and will direct the new offering at IUP, which will begin in the spring.
IUP to use federal funds to create Crimson Hawks Bridge program
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Jan. 1, 2026