The recipients of the second Eberly Medals are:

Bloomsburg – Jack L. Mertz (philanthropy). A 1942 graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Mertz has been a major supporter of his alma mater. Now retired from the United States General Accounting Office, he was instrumental in providing support for the construction of Andruss Library and for the professional development of accounting department faculty. Mr. Mertz is a lifetime member of the Bloomsburg Alumni Association and received its Distinguished Service Award in 1979. He also is a member of the university’s Legacy Society.

Joseph J. Mowad (volunteerism). Dr. Mowad is director of the department of urology and senior vice president at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. He has been a member of Bloomsburg’s Council of Trustees since 1994 and was elected chairperson in 1996. In addition, Dr. Mowad serves on the Bloomsburg University Foundation board of directors and is a member of the steering committee for New Challenges, New Opportunities: The Campaign for Bloomsburg University.

California -- John Lechman (philanthropy). Mr. Lechman, a 1974 graduate of California University, is president and chief executive officer of Nova Solutions, Inc. His generous giving has helped furnish the new Eberly Science and Technology Center through a gift-in-kind of ergonomic computer desks and furniture. Nova Solutions places the computer monitor, hardware and cables below the surface of the desk, giving a much cleaner look that encourages eye contact between the students and their instructor.

Charles C. Keller (Volunteerism). Mr. Keller, a 1947 graduate of California University and an attorney, served as chair of the university’s first capital campaign, which exceeded its financial goal. Along with supporting various community organizations such as the Easter Seal Society, the United Way, and the Mon Valley Health and Welfare Council, Mr. Keller has been an active member of California’s alumni association. He has been granted the university’s highest undergraduate honor – the Distinguished Service Award.

Cheyney – The Richard Humphreys Distribution Committee of the Fiduciary Corporation of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends (philanthropy). This organization has historically supported Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. It was through Richard Humphrey’s bequest of $10,000 in 1832 to the Society of Friends that the Institute for Colored Youth (today Cheyney University) was established on February 25, 1837 to instruct “…the descendents of the African Race in school learning, the various branches of the mechanik arts and trades and in agriculture.” Continuing the legacy of Richard Humphreys, the Distribution Committee provides financial and other assistance to the university annually.

Deidre Lyons Patterson and Samuel J. Patterson (volunteerism). The Pattersons made the largest alumni contribution to the university in recent history. Samuel J. Patterson, a 1982 graduate of Cheyney, is the CEO and owner of Shepard-Patterson, a multi-million dollar global information management and technology consulting company. Deidre L. Patterson, a 1985 Cheyney graduate, is a chemist for the Eastern Regional Research Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They received the 1999 Cheyney Legacy Family Award for having more than 12 Cheyney graduates in their family, spanning several generations in addition to the four family members currently enrolled.

Clarion – The E.G. Kriebel Family (philanthropy). The Kriebel Family established an endowed scholarship, has been a contributor to Clarion’s annual fund program since its inception, and, in recent years, has been one of the university’s top donors. The endowed scholarship supports students who demonstrate the entrepreneurial skills and dedication to quality and hard work. The family also has aided the local community through support of such organizations as the Clarion Area Rotary Club, Clarion Little League, Immaculate Conception School, and Clarion Chamber of Commerce.

Charles P. Leach Jr. (volunteerism). Mr. Leach has provided volunteer service as a member of the Clarion University Foundation Board of Directors since 1988, serving as its president since 1995; Capital Campaign Steering Committee; and numerous other committees. He has been an active volunteer in the community, including the local fire company, a founding member of a volunteer ambulance company, Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees and Presbyterian Church.

East Stroudsburg – Lester G. Abeloff (philanthropy). Mr. Abeloff, a 1939 alumnus, provided one of the largest gifts in the university’s history for the renovation of the East Stroudsburg University Convocation Center, named in his honor. Mr. Abeloff has established a charitable remainder trust naming the university as beneficiary. As a generous supporter to many community activities, he and his wife, Clementine, are major benefactors of the Pocono Medical Center, the Eastern Monroe Public Library and the Temple Israel.

Robert A. Kearn (volunteerism). An active member of the East Stroudsburg University Foundation and Alumni Association, Mr. Kern, Class of 1958, is an influential force behind the success of the university’s fundraising. He is treasurer of the Foundation, chairman of the resource development committee, member of the investment committee, a team leader for the university’s Foundation for Success scholarship campaign, volunteer for the annual alumni phonathon and a fund raising leader in his class. Mr. Kearn was chairman of the 1998-99 Annual Fund and served on the university’s Fund Raising Goal Steering Committee.

Edinboro – Michael J. Redlawsk and James Properties, Inc. (philanthropy). Mr. Redlawsk is president of James Properties, Inc., which has provided off-campus housing opportunities for thousands of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania students for nearly two decades. Mr. Redlawsk and James Properties have demonstrated a significant commitment to Edinboro and its students through a number of philanthropic initiatives, including the James Properties Scholarship and participation in the university’s Clock Tower campaign. He also is a founding member of the Edinboro University Foundation.

Daniel E. Higham (volunteerism). Mr. Higham, a 1971 alumnus of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, is president of U.S. Bronze Foundry and Machine, Inc., in Meadville. He has served on the alumni association board of directors since 1992, holding the positions of secretary, vice president and president. He also served on the committee that coordinated the construction of the $350,000 Alumni House. In 1993, Mr. Higham received the Distinguished Alumni Award in Business and Industry.

Indiana – The S.W. Jack Family (philanthropy). The S.W. Jack Family helped financially with the restoration of the Blue Room of John Sutton Hall in 1978, established a Distinguished American Lecture series, endowed many athletic scholarships and has taken active leadership in the university. Samuel W. Jack Jr., now deceased, served as chair of IUP’s first comprehensive capital campaign in 1986-87, served on the Council of Trustees from 1980-87 and was instrumental in the construction of the S.W. Jack Co-Generation Plant. Nell G. Jack annually sponsors the Nell Jack Golf Classic, the single-largest source of private funds for the benefit of female scholar-athletes at the university. The Jacks’ daughter, Christine J. Toretti, presided over the Foundation for IUP from 1988-91 and now serves on the Board of Governors for the State System.

David L. Johnson (volunteerism). Mr. Johnson, a 1953 graduate of IUP, has served on the university’s Council of Trustees since 1980 and currently is its vice chairman. He also serves as liaison to the Office of Public Policy of the Association of Governing Boards. Holding a master’s degree in safety science from New York University, Mr. Johnson was instrumental in creating IUP’s Department of Safety Science, which has achieved national recognition. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1987, and retired as vice president and corporate secretary of Pennsylvania Manufacturers Insurance Corporation after 38 years.

Kutztown – Riley and Elizabeth (Dollie) Gilbert (philanthropy). Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are long-time supporters of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and are deeply devoted to helping young people with their future. The Gilberts have established a scholarship fund for young people from Schuylkill County who attend Kutztown. They also have established an endowment fund for residents of their hometown, Frackville. Mr. Gilbert’s career was spent in the defense and explosives industry. Mrs. Gilbert, a 1931 Kutztown graduate, was a well-known and loved grade school teacher in the Frackville area.

Edward F. Labuda (volunteerism). Mr. Labuda is a retired vice president and chief operating officer of the Lightwave Business Unit of AT&T. He has donated countless hours to the university, currently serving as vice president of the Kutztown University Foundation. He is the founding president of a joint partnership between the fund and the Kutztown PA German Festival Board. For the past five years, these two organizations have sponsored the Kutztown PA German Festival, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors each year to partake in traditional Pennsylvania German heritage.

Lock Haven – Marian Owens Darrow and the late Melvin R. Darrow (philanthropy). Mrs. Darrow, a 1948 graduate of Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Darrow, a 1949 Lock Haven graduate, have made regular, generous contributions to the history, management and economics departments at the university. In 1994, they established the Darrow Endowed scholarship to support students from Clearfield County, Mrs. Darrow’s birthplace. They also made a lead gift for a courtyard at the university’s fine arts building. Most recently, the Darrows contributed the lead gift for the 50^th anniversary of Mr. Darrow’s class. During the campaign, Mr. Darrow succumbed to cancer, but Mrs. Darrow carried the campaign torch to its successful completion.

Ronald H. Jury (volunteerism). Mr. Jury has tirelessly served Lock Haven in nearly every volunteer capacity, including as president of both the university foundation and alumni association, and as a member of the Council of Trustees since 1994. As an alumni ambassador, Mr. Jury has represented the university at college nights in outlying areas of the recruiting region. He also has been a generous philanthropic supporter, having established the Jury Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship. Recently, he made a major gift pledge toward a campus beautification project.

Mansfield – Helen Dieffenbach Lutes (philanthropy). Mrs. Lutes taught at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania for 29 years, retiring in 1974 as a full professor in the health and physical education department. She and her late husband, Ferris (Class of 1933), each established scholarship endowments to assist academically and athletically talented student-athletes. Recently, Mrs. Lutes made a second significant gift for the benefit of the women’s athletic program. She also has supported several local charities such as Hospice, the library and her church.

Howard J. Smith, Jr. (volunteerism). Mr. Smith will begin serving his 18^th year as a member of the Mansfield University Council of Trustees. He has been very involved and instrumental in attracting major financial support to the university, serving on both the North Hall Steering Committee Capital Campaign and the Mansfield University Foundation Business and Industry Campaign. He also works directly with the president and vice president for development on major gift solicitations.

Millersville – The Mr. and Mrs. William F. Brossman Charitable Foundation (philanthropy). The Mr. and Mrs. William F. Brossman Charitable Foundation has been a long-time investor in educational causes. The Brossman family members, particularly Dr. Anne Sweigart, CEO of D&E Communications, serves on a number of professional and community boards, providing leadership as to the importance of education. The Brossman Foundation supported the university’s first capital campaign in 1994. Brossman Hall, built that same year, houses the earth science program and recognizes the three family members who attended Millersville as well as the Brossman Foundation.

J. Freeland Chryst (volunteerism). Dr. Chryst, a 1950 graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania, is the founder and chairman of the Jay Group, Inc. He successfully chaired the university’s first capital campaign and now is involved in assisting the university’s Student Affairs Focused Campaign. He is a long-time advocate of public higher education and has encouraged high school students to attend State System universities. To honor Dr. Chryst, the building that houses the university’s department of English was named Chryst Hall in 1996.

Shippensburg – John L. Grove (philanthropy). Mr. Grove, retired chairman of the Board or JLG Industries, became a charter member of the Shippensburg University Foundation Board of Directors in 1977 and served as its president from 1981 to 1995. He continues to be an active member of the board and its executive committee. He served as chair of the “To Enhance the Tradition” capital campaign, and is serving on the Campaign Management Team for the current comprehensive campaign. He and his wife, Cora, established an endowment for the John L. Grove College of Business and have contributed to several campaigns over the years.

John M. “Mac” Aichele (volunteerism). Mr. Aichele, a 1943 Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania alumnus, has been a member of the Shippensburg University Foundation Board of Directors since 1983, serving as president since 1995. He has served as chair of “Building for a Better Future: The Campaign for Shippensburg University,” capital campaign, and is serving on the campaign management team for the current comprehensive campaign. Mr. Aichele and his wife, Shirley, served as the National Annual Fund Co-chairs during 1990-91. He is retired president of Milton Hershey School.

Slippery Rock – Ethel Carruth (philanthropy). In 1989, Ethel Carruth’s family established the Ralph Emerson Greasley Memorial Scholarship in her father’s memory. The scholarship offers young people of academic promise but limited resources the means to achieve their educational dream. This year, Mrs. Carruth made the largest gift in Slippery Rock history to restore the newly named Paul and Carolyn Carruth Rizza Hall in honor of her daughter and son-in-law for their 52 combined years of teaching service to the university.

William C. Sonntag (volunteerism). Mr. Sonntag, a 1970 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania alumnus and this year’s Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, is president and CEO of the First National Bank of Slippery Rock. He serves the university in numerous initiatives, including the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc., President’s Advisory Council and RockNet career advisement program. He is a past president of the alumni association.

West Chester – William H. and Tania K. Boucher (philanthropy). Mr. Boucher, (Class of 1948) and his wife provided to West Chester University of Pennsylvania a substantial gift that assisted in the funding of the Tania K. and William H. Boucher Science Center, which was completed in 1995. The Boucher Science Center includes laboratories, multi-media lecture rooms, animal research space, a greenhouse, faculty offices and abundant research space. Tania Bucher is a sculptor and painter. Her husband taught mathematics in Delaware and later became a partner in a real estate development firm, B&B Company. Mr. Boucher served on the university’s most recent capital campaign.

Ray M. and Rosanne D. Mincarelli, Jr. (volunteerism). Mr. And Mrs. Mincarelli began their volunteer service to the university during their daughter, Lisa’s, freshman year in 1993. During that year, they joined the Annual Giving Committee as parent representatives and coordinators of the Parents’ Fund. Mrs. Mincarelli became a member of the Presidential Scholarship Community Gala Committee. The Mincarellis involvement with the committee, including several years as chairs, refocused its efforts to include more community involvement. Special gifts to the gala have since risen by 71 percent.

Fund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc. –

Verizon Foundation (philanthropy). The philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications (formerly Bell Atlantic), the Verizon Foundation has been a major investor in the State System's mission over the years. Programs supported by the Foundation include the ADEPTT Program (Advancing the Development of Educators in Pennsylvania through Technology Training), which trains K-16 faculty to use technology in their teaching. The Foundation also has provided financial assistance to help establish scholarships for academically talented students with financial needs, and has provided for faculty training in multipoint video technology.

Gerald N. Hall (volunteerism). Mr. Hall has been a tireless advocate for the State System. He has served on the Fund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc. since 1996. His active participation in the Fund has helped it grow and prosper over the years. In addition, Mr. Hall and the entire Hall Family have been very generous in financial support to the State System through the Hall Foundation, which gives scholarships every year to high school students from Cumberland and Dauphin Counties who attend State System universities.

The State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 350,000 System alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. The System also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Kittanning, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg and the University Center for Southwest Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh. The regional centers are part of the Educational Resources Group, which is responsible for coordinating statewide programming.