LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Dozens of students made their way to class on the first day of the fall semester at Keystone College.
Earlier this month, officials with the college announced Keystone would merge with the Washington Institute for Education and Research, a nonprofit organization, after concerns over the school's financial status arose in the spring.
"We're really thrilled that we're, we're here, and we continue to educate the students that, that see us as having value in the areas that we serve," said College President John Pullo.
Being named President in 2023, Pullo has overseen the college's merger and restructuring plan after it's accreditation organization—the Middle States Commission on Higher Education—said there were concerns over Keystone's financial future.
While they are still working to prove the institution is financial stable, Pullo says the threat of closure is not in the future.
"So thrilled to be able to come back here and do something to grow this college and continue its mission," said Pullo.
Despite the challenges, Keystone College is welcoming 240 new students this semester.... 189 freshmen and 51 transfer students.
For returning students, like senior Reese Karp, he wasn't concerned about the possibility of not finishing his degree at Keystone.
"The noise over the summer didn't really bother me at all," said Karp. "I knew I was coming back here. I never really had any doubts that it was going to close down."
And as a soon-to-be alum, Karp is excited to see the future of the institution.
"They are going to continue to improve and make this a better place than it already is," said Karp. "So it's gonna be living and breathing for years to come."
Keystone's merger with the Washington Institute for Education and Research is expected to be completed by the spring.