Penn College News

Eight Students Named Community Peer Educators

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

A new student leadership position, Community Peer Educators, has been added at Pennsylvania College of Technology, and eight students are serving in this engaging role for the 2017-18 academic year.

The CPEs are focused on developing passive and active programming for the Penn College community, specifically in the areas of health and wellness; suicide prevention and interpersonal violence; diversity and inclusiveness; and community engagement. In addition to their role as programmers, the CPEs serve as liaisons to help identify the ongoing needs, resources and areas of interest for the college’s constantly evolving student population.



Penn College's Community Peer Educators (from left) are Maepearl E. St. George, Keenan A. Bayus, Tasia A. Werkmeister, Samuel J. Pham, Nina L. Walk, Timothy J. Schafer Jr., Tia G. La and Paul M. Lasell. This year’s CPEs are: Keenan A. Bayus, software development and information management, of Waterford; Tia G. La, pre-physician assistant, Guam; Paul M. Lasell, plastics and polymer engineering technology, Milton, Vermont; Samuel J. Pham, aviation maintenance technology, Camp Hill; Timothy J. Schafer Jr., automotive technology management, Lancaster; Maepearl E. St. George, pre-physician assistant, Bellefonte; Nina L. Walk, graphic design, Bellefonte; and Tasia A. Werkmeister, nursing, Altoona.

“Through the position, students will gain the knowledge and skills to strengthen their communities, teach others how to advocate for themselves and their needs, and assert more control over their lives – all through peer education,” said Mallory L. Weymer, coordinator of student health and wellness education/suicide prevention specialist. “This position is so exciting because it gives our students a voice in identifying what they want and need to develop their own well-being, personal views and perspectives, and role in our campus and community."

The student leaders will sit on various committees across campus, and will help present several of the On-Demand Training Workshops through the Academic Success Center’s portal page.

Many of the CPEs have already made significant contributions on campus and in the surrounding communities.

The CPE initiative is a collaborative effort of Student Affairs, with students reporting to the offices of Health & Wellness Education, and Diversity/Campus & Community Engagement.

In addition to Weymer, the CPEs are working closely with Sammie L. Davis, coordinator of diversity and cultural life.

For more information on the CPE position, or for anyone who would like to work with these student leaders on a collaborative learning experience or program, email them.