Etown Alumni
Awards & Recognitions
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Recognizing Our Outstanding Alumni
The Educate For Service Awards and the Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award represent the highest honors granted to Elizabethtown College alumni, celebrating those who embody the College’s mission of using education as a foundation for service.
Rooted in the College’s motto, Educate for Service, these honors recognize individuals whose lives reflect a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them. Whether through leadership, innovation, humanitarian work, or community engagement, recipients of these awards exemplify the values that define an Etown education. These recognitions are more than accolades; they are affirmations of a lifelong calling to lead with empathy, give generously, and inspire meaningful change across professions, communities, and borders.
Educate for Service Awards
Since 1966, the Educate For Service Awards have honored individuals whose lives exemplify the spirit and legacy of Elizabethtown College. Rooted in the College’s Educate For Service motto and coordinated by the Alumni Council, the awards are presented in three categories: Service Through Professional Achievement, Service to Humanity, and Service to the College.
2024–25 Educate For Service Award Recipients
Kyoko Utsumi Akanoma '67 H’18
A longtime trustee, generous supporter, and champion of global learning, Kyoko played a pivotal role in establishing the College’s exchange program with Nihon University in Japan. Her dedication has enabled hundreds of students to experience transformative international study and exemplifies the Educate for Service motto.
Dr. D. Rodney Chamberlain '74
A lifelong educator and leader at top institutions across the country, Dr. Chamberlain has dedicated his career to advancing student success through academic excellence. His leadership, mentoring, and ongoing commitment to Etown embody the College’s Educate for Service mission.
Jane L. (Thomas) Riese ’81
Jane L. (Thomas) Riese ’81, a licensed social worker and global advocate for bullying prevention, serves as Associate Director of Safe and Humane Schools at Clemson University’s Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life, where she helps lead the internationally recognized Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.
Past Award Recipients
- 2023-2024 – Janice '64 and John '65 Holsinger P’84 P’85, Jess Hayden '78, and Joseph DePippo '76
- 2022-2023 – Robert E. Rigg '74, Jennifer B. Feist '94 H'22, and Daniel J. Jones '97
- 2021-2022 – P. Alan Vernon '76 P'21
- 2020 -2021 – Dr. Mary E. Schmidt '79, Melanie G. Snyder '83, and Jay H. Lutz '57
- 2019 – Dr. Virginia "Ginger" W. Berninger '67 and Howard "Hob" A. Kroesen '71
- 2018 – Dr. Russell "Russ" H. Harris '76, Dr. Carl R. Spease '57 and Jon A. Singer
- 2017 – Stephen P. Poorman '72, Carl D. Herbein '68 and Phyllis M. Schell '59
- 2016 – Kim P. Witman '79, Rosalie E. Bowers '58 and Milton H. McFalls II '68
- 2015 – Dr. Beth E. Sweitzer-Riley '74, Barry P. Freidly '69 and Tracy S. Murray '82
- 2014 – Nancy Dering Mock '76, Rachel Jones Williams '06 and James H. Buford ’80
- 2013 – Dennis W. Felty '68 and Rev. Motlalepula Chabaku ’81
- 2012 – LT Elyse M. Braxton '87 and Alyce G. Spector '77
- 2011 – Dr. Roger Hoerl ’79 and Dr. Carl Desportes Bowman ’79
Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award
The Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award, established in 2016, honors recent graduates who demonstrate exceptional leadership, achievement, and a commitment to serving others. These awards, coordinated by the Alumni Council, showcase the enduring impact of an Etown education and the remarkable contributions of its alumni community.
2024 Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award
Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award Winner
Agnetha "Aggie" Serrame-Bennett '14
Read MorePast Award Recipients
- 2023 – Bhim Thapaliya ’15
- 2022 – Niko Antonellos '13
- 2021 – Donté McCrary-McClain ’13
- 2020 – Betty "Kit" Lai '13
- 2019 – Bryn C. Davis '09
- 2018 – Gregory L. Kenneally '11 and Michael L. Kenneally '11
- 2017 – Sarah E. Lanphier Himes '09
Requirements & Nominations
Elizabethtown College’s Educate For Service Awards and Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award honor alumni who exemplify the College’s mission by demonstrating leadership, achievement, and a commitment to serving others. Nominations for both are open year-round, with a deadline of November 15.
How to Apply or Nominate for Educate For Service Awards
The Educate For Service Awards are the highest honors Elizabethtown College can bestow on its alumni. Presented annually and coordinated by the Alumni Council, these awards have been conferred since 1966 to graduates who exemplify the foundation of the Elizabethtown spirit—using education in service to others.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be graduates of Elizabethtown College.
- Current members of the Alumni Council and Board of Trustees are not eligible.
- Nominees may be considered for more than one category.
- Past recipients may not receive the same award twice.
Nomination Deadline
Nominations are accepted year-round. The deadline for the current cycle is November 15, with award recipients honored during Homecoming and Family Weekend.
Award Categories & Criteria
Service Through Professional Achievement Award
- Continued intellectual and professional growth through research or continuing education
- Notable professional success recognized by peers, employers, media, or professional/civic organizations
- Published works in professional publications, journals, or books
Service To Humanity Award
- Promotes or engages in improving the social welfare of communities locally or globally
- Contributes pro bono efforts to meaningful causes
- Supports environmental stewardship and sustainability
Service To The College Award
- Advances the College’s programs, curriculum, or mission
- Demonstrates ongoing and exemplary service to the Elizabethtown College community
How to Nominate
To submit a nomination or learn more, please contact:
- Email: alumni@etown.edu
- Phone: 800-877-2604
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Mail:
Office of Alumni Relations
Elizabethtown College
One Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
How to Apply or Nominate for the Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award
The Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award honors Elizabethtown College alumni who have graduated within the past ten years and exemplify the College’s mission of using education as a foundation for service, leadership, and positive impact. Recipients demonstrate outstanding achievements in their professional or volunteer lives, emerging leadership, integrity, and continued connection to the College.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be graduates of Elizabethtown College.
- Current members of the Alumni Council are not eligible.
Nomination Criteria
- Distinctive professional or educational accomplishments
- Effective leadership or the potential to inspire as an emerging leader
- Commitment to community or volunteer service
- Integrity and a strong moral character
- Active interest in and support of Elizabethtown College
Who Can Nominate
Nominations may be submitted by colleagues, employers, community leaders, Elizabethtown faculty or alumni, or other individuals familiar with the nominee’s impact. Recognition may also come from professional organizations or media.
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominations are accepted year-round. The deadline for the current cycle is November 15, with honorees recognized during Homecoming and Family Weekend the following October.
Submit your nomination:
- Email: alumni@etown.edu
- Fax: 717-361-1520
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Mail:
Distinguished GOLD Award
c/o Office of Alumni Relations
Elizabethtown College
One Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
For questions, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 800-877-2604.