FACTORYVILLE, Pa. — The future of a college in Lackawanna County is uncertain after a letter outlining the college's precarious financial position was sent to students on Friday.
"I was a little upset because I just transferred here from getting my degree in information technology, and I was excited because this place is real good, it's a small community and all that. When I heard of the possible closure, I was like, 'Oh, this stinks,'" said Griffin Atkinson, a junior at Keystone College.
In the letter shared with Newswatch 16, Keystone's president says he is hopeful that a new financial partner can be secured in the next few weeks. But cautions that if those negotiations fail, Keystone College might be forced to close.
"The next several weeks will be critical to these negotiations and a path forward to an agreement, and I am growing more confident in successfully concluding these negotiations every day," wrote John F. Pullo, Sr., President of Keystone College.
Preparations are being made to help students transfer their credits if the college is forced to close its doors. Students we spoke with on campus remain hopeful.
"I'm feeling hopeful that it is going to keep it open. I love this college. I love being here. This was like one of the two that I wanted, and after I came here, toured the college; the campus is beautiful here. I love it here, and I really don't want to see it close, so I'm very happy there is a chance it will remain open," said Diamond O'Dowd.
"I'm just excited because I know that this won't bring Keystone to a close, especially with this new partnership," added Atkinson.
The school in Factoryville can trace its history back 90 years.