FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 Contact: Marisa Bilicic

July 19, 2004                                                                                            814-676-6591, ext. 1215

Clarion University–Venango Campus Selects Marilyn Neely

As its 2004 Distinguished Alumna

OIL CITY, PA – Clarion University–Venango Campus selected Marilyn Neely as its 2004 Distinguished Alumni Award winner. Neely, who is the founder and president of Pathways Adolescent Center in Oil City, received her Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Venango Campus. She has served on several volunteer boards and planning committees for Clarion University and the Venango Campus over the years as well as volunteering time with many other community organizations.

          “Marilyn Neely is committed to improving the lives of the people of this region through her professional and personal initiatives, and we’re delighted to be able to recognize her achievements with this award,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Clarion University–Venango Campus. “She is also an inspiration for current and future students as she overcame significant obstacles to complete her degree.”

As with many Venango students, Neely was a single mother raising two young boys who had graduated from high school more than 10 years before enrolling at Venango Campus. While working on her Associate of Science in Nursing degree full-time, Neely also worked full-time.

“Looking back now, I’m not sure how I juggled everything, but I knew I had to go back to college to make a better life for my children,” said Neely, who believes that anything you really want in life, you need to work hard to achieve.

            Pathways, which Neely co-founded with her oldest son Nathan in 1998, serves troubled youth from our region and is the only facility of its kind in Venango County. It has the capacity to serve 68 males and females ages 9-18 who have been ordered by the courts to participate in its residential program. Pathways also serves 55 students in its daytime Alternative Education Program and employees 44 teachers, counselors and administrators.

Prior to founding Pathways, Neely worked for six years in several senior-level positions for Extendicare Health Facilities. She also worked as a hospice nurse with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Venango County following her graduation from Venango Campus.

In addition to her professional experience, Neely contributes time to several local non-profit organizations that support women, children and the arts. She currently serves as vice president of the board of the Venango Area Handicapped Riding Association (VAHRA), on the board of the UPMC Northwest Medical Association and on the Oil City School District’s Strategic Planning Committee.

“I would never have been able to succeed in my own life without the education I received at Venango Campus,” says Neely, who believes in giving back to the community and was surprised and humbled to be honored for her efforts by the university. “I see a lot of spirit and vision at Venango Campus now that did not exist before,” continued Neely. “And I think the new student housing will have a significant impact on the campus and our community.”

Clarion University–Venango Campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology. Clarion University–Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.

###