Alyssa Fohl, a junior communication student at Commonwealth University (CU)-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, Pa., 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. Proudly boasting a 3.35 GPA, Fohl is already on a path to a bright career in media—while eagerly taking advantage of the wealth of academic and extracurricular opportunities made possible by her scholarship support.
Fohl believes she thrives on Lock Haven’s vibrant campus culture. As a member of the cheerleading team, she not only supports her fellow Bald Eagles, but also hones her teamwork and leadership skills at countless 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 described 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 and makes it very easy to stay engaged,” said Fohl. “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.
Her gratitude for the donors who have invested in her academic pursuits is palpable: “Donor generosity means so much to my family and I,” said Fohl. “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’s currently engaged in a 120-hour marketing & communications internship with the LHUF. Through it all, she lauds CU’s communication program and its faculty for equipping her with the essential skills to overcome any challenge.
As Fohl continues working toward her career goals, she is excited for the remaining journey she has yet to experiences at The Haven, proudly asserting: “Lock Haven is truly the perfect place to grow and achieve your goals.”
In the future, Fohl envisions her professional journalism endeavors culminating in one of two areas: news reporting or sports broadcasting. Social media management is another professional avenue she is open to exploring.