Noah Lopez: Preserving History Through a Communications Degree at Central Penn College

Noah Lopez turned a work-study project at Central Penn College into a journey of discovery, uncovering the history of his community while building skills for a Communications career.

A Photo That Tells a Thousand Stories

Sometimes, history speaks through a single image. For Noah Lopez, a photograph of an unknown person in a full pig costume in a dark-paneled courtroom, joined by a court reporter in a bunny costume, became a favorite from Central Penn College’s archives. This quirky yet compelling snapshot surfaced during his two-year work-study project, scanning more than 1,000 faded photos and documents that chronicle the life of the college since its 1970 move from downtown Harrisburg to what is now Enola.

From Scanning to Storytelling

The project, titled “Frames of the Past: Summerdale Campus History Project,” began in 2023, continuing the work of student Dylan Bowman, who had documented CPC’s Radio Station in the ‘80s. Lopez initially found the work repetitive. Hours spent scanning photos and organizing archives felt quiet and monotonous. But as he recognized faces, landmarks, and familiar names, the project took on a personal meaning. “I realized I was not just handling school archives, I was preserving the story of my community,” Lopez said.

Capturing College Life and Community Roots

Lopez discovered stories in every photograph—students presenting in classrooms, dorm life, school trips, and campus events. “The vintage images told not just the history of Central Penn College, but of real life in our area,” he explained. From construction photos documenting the 1970 campus build to snapshots from the Legal Studies Department, each image offered a unique perspective on campus life.

A Transformative Experience

For Lopez, the project was more than work experience, it was a journey of personal growth. Born in Harrisburg and raised in Enola, he had lived near CPC his entire life, but the project deepened his connection to the college and his community. The experience sparked a passion for history and storytelling, complementing his studies in corporate communications and his goal of a career in public relations, marketing, and voice acting.

Building Skills for the Future

Lopez’s work demonstrates the value of combining hands-on experience with academic learning. Central Penn College’s Communications programs, including Corporate Communications degrees, empower students to develop skills in media, storytelling, and professional communication. Projects like Noah’s highlight how students can explore real-world applications of their Communications degrees while contributing to meaningful initiatives.

A Message to Future Students

Noah’s journey shows that every project has the potential to shape your future. At Central Penn College, students pursuing Communications degrees gain not only knowledge but also opportunities to make lasting contributions to their community. If you’re considering earning a Communications degree at a college in the Harrisburg area, remember: your work today could preserve history and inspire the next generation.

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FAQ Section

Q: What is the Frames of the Past project at Central Penn College?
A: It’s a student-led initiative to digitize over 1,000 historical photos and documents, preserving CPC’s history since 1970.

Q: Who is Noah Lopez?
A: Noah Lopez is a student at Central Penn College studying Corporate Communications, who led the digitization of the college archives.

Q: How does Central Penn College support Communications students?
A: CPC provides hands-on projects, work-study opportunities, and professional skill-building for students pursuing Communications degrees.

Q: Can this project help students in the Harrisburg area?
A: Yes, it offers practical experience and networking opportunities while deepening understanding of local history.