CU-Lock Haven junior announced as recipient of LHUF Saundra K. Hybels Memorial Scholarship

LOCK HAVEN-Alyssa Fohl, a junior communication student at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven is a recipient of the Lock Haven University Foundation’s (LHUF) Dr. Saundra K. Hybels Memorial Scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to one rising sophomore, one rising junior and one rising senior excelling in the field of journalism.

Originally from York, Fohl chose CU-Lock Haven for its affordability and welcoming campus. Once enrolled, she found its smaller classroom sizes were a perfect environment for her to build personal connections with faculty. Fohl has a 3.35 GPA and participates in extracurricular opportunities made possible by her scholarship support.

As a member of the cheerleading team, Fohl not only supports her fellow Bald Eagles, but also hones her teamwork and leadership skills at sporting events throughout the year. In addition to cheer, she is active with CU-Lock Haven’s video production Club, HavenScope. Her involvement with these groups complement her academic pursuits, which she describes as an array of engaging courses taught by faculty who care deeply about students’ current and future success.

One faculty member who has made a significant impact on Fohl is her advisor, Dr. Matthew McKeauge, a 2008 Lock Haven communication graduate who now serves as an associate professor of media and journalism at CU.

“He’s such an engaging professor who makes class exciting,” Fohl said. “I encourage all students, even if you’re not a communication student, to consider taking one of his classes.”

For Fohl, the generosity of donors is also a powerful motivator that is helping her stay on track toward earning her degree. The financial assistance she has received through donor support is something she feels is helping prepare her to someday leave her mark in the field of journalism.

“Donor generosity means so much to my family and I,” Fohl said. “This scholarship has given me the chance to pursue my dreams and continue growing as a student, a leader and as a person. I cannot thank my donors enough.”

Along with her coursework and participation in cheer, Fohl is also preparing for her future career through on-campus employment in the Parsons Union Building (PUB), where she assists students and visitors and she is currently engaged in a 120-hour marketing and communications internship with the LHUF.

“Lock Haven is truly the perfect place to grow and achieve your goals,” Fohl said.

Fohl’s career goals include news reporting, sports broadcasting or social media management.