Indiana University of Pennsylvania will celebrate 150 years of excellence and impact during the 2025-2026 academic year as it marks its sesquicentennial.
IUP’s “official” 150th birthday is May 17, 2025. The university (then Indiana Normal School) opened for its first 10-week term on May 17, 1875, with 80 students, which grew to 150 students by the end of that first week.
In order to fully involve students in the celebration, the sesquicentennial celebration will officially launch in August with the IUP Crimson Carnival on Aug. 23. IUP’s first day of classes for the fall 2025 semester is Aug. 25.
In preparation for its birthday, IUP today launched its IUP 150 website (iup.edu/150), which announces several sesquicentennial events, including IUP Giving Week from May 12 to 17; a t-shirt 150th design contest; and IUP Day at PNC Park on Aug. 10 with a special “first pitch promotion.”
“IUP is deservedly proud of its rich history, which reflects a university that respects and honors its past, is resilient, and is focused on the future,” IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said. “IUP has weathered many storms over the past 150 years, but it has always had an incredible sense of pride and optimism, independence, and commitment to student success. I am truly looking forward to all of the planned events, and to the beginning of our next 150—and more – years to come.”
Flagger Force, an industry-leading, Safety-Driven®, short-term traffic control company with operations across the eastern third of the United States, announces two key leadership changes to enhance its operations and technological capabilities. The company welcomes Craig Connell as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and promotes Kevin Grant to Vice President of Field Operations, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional service for clients and frontline employees across its expanding geographic footprint.
With over 30 years of experience designing and managing large-scale analytical systems and big data platforms, Craig Connell joins Flagger Force to lead its technology strategy. Connell previously served as CTO for a learning management and talent solutions provider and has extensive experience architecting platforms in the energy, gas, and electric industrie
s. His expertise in data management, platform development, and operational technology will be instrumental in advancing Flagger Force’s proprietary software and digital infrastructure.
Kevin Grant, who joined Flagger Force in 2024 as Associate Vice President of Field Operations, has been promoted to Vice President of Field Operations. With a distinguished background in military service and numerous leadership positions in various energy industry roles, Grant has led high-performing teams, optimized field operations, and driven business growth throughout his career.
“Craig and Kevin bring a wealth of knowledge to their roles, strengthening our leadership team across safety, business development, and operations,” Doner added. “Together, they will help ensure we continue delivering seamless, high-quality solutions for our clients and communities.”
As Flagger Force expands its reach to meet the growing demand for utility, telecommunications, and infrastructure support, the company remains focused on optimizing its technology and field operations.
CPA and advisory firm RKL LLP ranked first in Pennsylvania and 58th nationwide in the latest roundup of the 100 largest firms from the industry publication Accounting Today.
RKL’s 2025 national ranking is based on the previous year’s revenue of $139.63 million, up 10.8 percent from last year’s total. The firm climbed from the 10th spot in the Mid-Atlantic in 2024 to the ninth spot on the 2025 list.
“This honor truly belongs to the talented and dedicated professionals who comprise the RKL team,” said RKL CEO Ed Monborne. “Their commitment to exceptional client service, engagement in our communities and support of each other is the foundation of our nationally leading firm.”
In 2024, RKL continued to expand its presence and enhance its service offerings through organic growth and strategic mergers and acquisitions. RKL eSolutions acquired the Sage 100 Practice from Chortek LLP, boosting its ERP expertise and market presence. The acquisition of TechwareMN further reinforced RKL eSolutions’ capabilities in the Construction and Real Estate Development (CRE) industry. Additionally, the firm merged with Kauffman CPA Company, a Lancaster-based outsourced accounting and financial management firm, to strengthen RKL Virtual Management Solutions, particularly in the creative agency industry.
Representing the firm’s fast-growing entity, RKL Virtual Management Solutions saw significant demand for outsourced accounting, financial management, payroll and HR services. Additionally, RKL Wealth Management achieved significant growth in Assets Under Management, reaching a new milestone of over $2 billion in August 2024.
RKL’s advisory approach is built on a commitment to the firm’s values to be bold, caring and collaborative as team members serve clients, grow as professionals, and give back to our communities. Proactive and comprehensive service from RKL advisors earned a world-class satisfaction rating from the firm’s clients in a 2024 survey, while innovative service development creates compelling growth opportunities for RKL team members. It all makes RKL one of the “Best Places to Work in PA” for seven straight years.
Visit accountingtoday.com to view the full 2025 Top 100 firms report and learn more about the firm at rklcpa.com.
In a move that solidifies Saxton & Stump’s position as one of the premier and fastest-growing law firms in Pennsylvania, the full-service firm is pleased to announce that the iconic York firm Stock & Leader has joined its ranks effective April 1. This strategic expansion strengthens Saxton & Stump’s presence in York County and enhances both firms’ ability to serve clients with expanded legal capabilities.
Stock & Leader has been a pillar of the York legal community since 1952, providing dedicated service and expertise to clients throughout the region. Many of Saxton & Stump’s attorneys have practiced in York County for several decades and have existing ties to the York community, making this expansion a natural fit.
The combination at Saxton & Stump will create one of the most comprehensive and largest education practice groups in the state.
“Stock & Leader has an outstanding reputation, and we have great respect for their talented attorneys and long-standing service to both the York community and their clients,” Saxton & Stump CEO James W. Saxton said. “We have had this expansion in our strategic plan for some time, and we saw an ideal opportunity to collaborate with a firm that shares our commitment to client service and community engagement. We are honored to have them join our firm.”
This is one of several successful combinations Saxton & Stump has completed in recent years, continuing its commitment to strategic growth. With this expansion, the firm will grow from 115 attorneys to more than 135 attorneys across nine offices, in addition to the several affiliate companies that provide business and consulting services.