On Wednesday, September 4, Penn State Greater Allegheny, in conjunction with the City of McKeesport, officially opened the Mon Valley Launchbox at the Common Ground Building in downtown McKeesport.
Penn State President Eric J Barron (fourth from the left) was joined by Jacqueline Edmondson, Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of Penn State Greater Allegheny (third from left), Madlyn Hanes, (fifth from the left) Vice-President for Commonwealth Campuses, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherpko (second from left), Penn State Greater Allegheny's Street Team and other Penn State and local dignitaries to officially open the Mon Valley Launchbox on September 4, 2019.
Michael Cherpko, Mayor of McKeesport, speaks at the Mon Valley Launchbox Ribbon-Cutting and Dedication Ceremony on September 4, 2019. Cherpko discussed the importance of partnerships in making communities stronger.
Penn State Greater Allegheny Alumnus Trevor Lofton attended the event. Lofton was hired in a management position with TMS International, through the relationships the Mon Valley Launchbox established with the company.
Representative of the 35th District, and McKeesport-native, Austin Davis, emceed the Mon Valley Launchbox Ribbon-Cutting and Dedication Ceremony on September 4, 2019, at the Common Ground Building.
Aaron Whigham, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Penn State Greater Allegheny and Co-Coordinator of the Mon Valley Launchbox, speaking to the successes of the Mon Valley Launchbox since its soft opening in 2017. Whigham also spoke about his journey to Penn State and took a moment to thank his parents in the audience.
Founding Members of Penn State Greater Allegheny's Street Team recognized for their hard work on developing the Mon Valley Launchbox. Pictured left to right: Siobhan Brooks, Erica Willis, Mylisha Burns, Aaron Whigham, Tracy Gibbs, Johnathan White, Jacqueline Edmondson, Eric Ewell, and Erica Tachoir.
Penn State Greater Allegheny Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Jacqueline Edmondson (Center), with aspiring entrepreneurs receiving guidance and mentorship from the Mon Valley Launchbox.
Penn State Greater Allegheny Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Jacqueline Edmondson smiling with both winners of the pitch competition held during the Mon Valley Lauinchbox ceremony on September 4, 2019.
Penn State President Eric J. Barron speaking at the Mon Valley Launchbox Ribbon-Cutting and Dedication ceremony on September 4, 2019, at the Common Ground Building in McKeesport PA.
