DALLAS, Pa. — Penn State Wilkes-Barre was selected as “Best College Campus” in a local media group’s annual readers’ choice awards program.
The Times Leader Media Group sponsors the "Best of the Back Mountain" awards each year to recognize local organizations and businesses as selected by readers. Winners were honored during a networking mixer and dinner on Oct. 21 at Leggio’s Italian restaurant in Dallas on Oct. 21.
“The area’s original readers’ awards program, now in its 11th year, spotlights the region’s finest across a range of categories annually,” according to the Times Leader website. Winners received a plaque and were featured in the paper’s “Best of the Back Mountain” special section.
“It’s an honor to receive the Best College Campus award and know that our community members value what Penn State Wilkes-Barre brings to our area,” said Elizabeth Wright, chancellor for Penn State’s Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Scranton campuses. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and students in fostering a welcoming environment for learning and growing. It inspires us to continue striving for excellence.”
Lynda Goldstein, Penn State Wilkes-Barre chancellor and chief academic officer, said, “Penn State Wilkes-Barre is grateful to the Back Mountain community for its support of our public outreach mission. We host thousands of people every year, whether to an event at the Friedman Observatory, an Arts at Hayfield craft show or a chamber orchestra concert. We also happen to have the friendliest dogs in the neighborhood. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus.”
Penn State Wilkes-Barre also welcomes hundreds of young people each year to the Science Olympiad, summer camps and career exploration opportunities in various fields, providing opportunities for youth to learn more about their interests.
In addition to this year’s award, Ann Brennan, assistant chief academic officer and associate teaching professor of English at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, was named Best College Professor in three prior years.