The Fund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc., has recognized more than 30 individuals, corporations and foundations for their outstanding contributions to the State System of Higher Education.

Chancellor James H. McCormick presented each with the Eberly Medal for Philanthropy and Volunteerism during an event held at the Zembo Temple. The medal is named in honor of the Eberly family of Uniontown for its support of higher education statewide and nationally.

Richard T. Ingram, president of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), spoke at the event, addressing “Philanthropy and Volunteerism in Public Higher Education.” Ingram is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Robert E. Eberly Sr., president of The Eberly Foundation, also participated in the evening’s activities and was presented with a special award in recognition of his family’s significant contributions to public higher education.

The recipients of the first Eberly Medals are:

Bloomsburg – Leonard I. Comerchero (philanthropy). Mr. Comerchero is chief executive officer of Milco Industries, Inc. and the Mitrani Family Foundation of Bloomsburg. The Mitrani Family Foundation has supported a variety of programs at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, including scholarships, construction of the new campus library and renovations to Mitrani Hall, named for Marco and Louise Mitrani.

Elbern H. Alkire Jr. (volunteerism), chair of the Bloomsburg University Foundation Board of Directors. Mr. Alkire was recognized as an honorary alumnus in 1995 for his years of service to the university, which began in 1975 when he was appointed by Gov. Milton J. Shapp to a team to study the costs of higher education. Since then, he has served as a founding member of the university’s College of Business Advisory Board and the Council of Trustees.

California – The Sarah Scaife Foundation (philanthropy). The foundation since 1985 has generously supported California University of Pennsylvania’s Mon Valley Renaissance program, which educates and helps small businesses compete for federal and state contracts. This partnership between the Scaife Foundation and California University has stimulated economic growth, helped regional businesses obtain nearly 11,000 contracts totaling more than $500 million and created nearly 17,000 jobs. The Pittsburgh-based foundation is headed by Richard Mellon Scaife.

Robert H. Hallam III (volunteerism). A 1974 alumnus of California University, Mr. Hallam serves as chair of the Planned Giving Committee, vice president of the alumni association, board member of the Foundation for California University, chair of the Foundation’s Investment Committee and member of The Campaign for California Steering Committee. He is vice president of A.G. Edwards and Sons Inc., a national stock brokerage firm headquartered in St. Louis.

Cheyney – Walt Disney World Company (philanthropy). More than 30 Cheyney University of Pennsylvania students have participated in the Walt Disney World College program since 1992. Through this program, students enrolled in paid internships have been able to gain practical experience in one of the most well-known entertainment centers in the world. Several participants in the program have been employed, upon graduation, in permanent management positions with the company, which also has made monetary contributions to Cheyney University for scholarships to students in its hotel, restaurant and institutional management program.

Robert W. Bogle (volunteerism). Mr. Bogle has served as a member of the Cheyney University Council of Trustees since 1975, including as chair since 1989. He has been a leader in institutional advancement activities and has contributed in many other positive ways to his alma mater. He is the publisher of the Philadelphia Tribune and sits on the boards of the American Red Cross, Philadelphia Center for Older People, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Airways.

Clarion – The Henry G. Burns Family (philanthropy). The Burns family established an endowed scholarship in memory of Henry G. Burns, a 1936 graduate, for high-achieving students in finance, insurance and real estate. Mr. Burns and his son, Gene, in 1963 founded Burns & Burns Associates, Inc., now a regional insurance agency. Gene Burns has been an active supporter of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, serving as co-chair of Clarion's two major campaigns during the last two decades. His wife, Susanne, serves as a member of the Clarion University Council of Trustees and the Clarion University Foundation Board. She also serves with Gene as co-chair of the current capital campaign.

Oleta B. Amsler (volunteerism). A member of the Clarion University Council of Trustees, Ms. Amsler has served on the Clarion University Foundation Board of Directors since 1983, and was president from 1988 to 1995. She serves as a member of the Investing in Futures Capital Campaign Steering Committee and was recognized by the Clarion University Alumni Association with the Distinguished Service Award. She has held volunteer positions with the Clarion Area Board of Education, the Clarion Hospital Board of Directors and the Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council Board of Directors.

East Stroudsburg – Mildred E. Beers (philanthropy). A 1929 alumna of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Beers provided a major gift to build the Joseph H. and Mildred E. Beers Lecture Hall, a state-of-the-art building on campus dedicated in 1997. Earlier this year, she made a significant contribution to a scholarship endowment that was created in her honor by the East Stroudsburg University Foundation. She has been recognized for her generous support of her church and social service agencies in the community.

Mary Murphy Sobrinski (volunteerism). A 1945 alumna of East Stroudsburg University, Ms. Sobrinski is active on the alumni board, serving on three committees, assisting at alumni phone-a-thons, providing volunteer hours at the alumni office and representing East Stroudsburg University as a delegate to State System and Pennsylvania Council of Alumni Association events. She was chair for the 50^th year reunion of her class while giving leadership to creating a class scholarship fund endowment. To serve other alumni, she coordinates “Tag Along Tours” that offer trips to New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Edinboro – Erie Insurance Group (philanthropy). The company since 1995 has funded the Metropolitan Erie Intervention Plan, which develops academic skills and potential, strengthens parental involvement and provides role models for disadvantaged minority youth in grades 5-12. The company in 1989 supported the Partnership for Academic Progress to help economically disadvantaged minority students go to college. Erie Insurance Group is the 12^th largest insurer of private passenger automobiles and the 24^th largest property and casualty insurer in the United States.

Michael M. Zahorchak (volunteerism). A 1937 alumnus of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Zahorchak was a teacher and principal in the Aliquippa School District and an associate professor of education at the university until his retirement in 1978. An honorary lifetime member and director emeritus of Edinboro’s Alumni Association, he is also a Distinguished Alumnus and charter member of the Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1997, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree at Edinboro’s December commencement. Mr. Zahorchak represents the university on the Pennsylvania Council of Alumni Associations.

Indiana – Robert E. Cook (philanthropy). A 1964 alumnus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Mr. Cook donated the largest gift that IUP had ever received to establish the Robert E. Cook Honors College in 1993. The honors college began enrolling students two years ago and will graduate its first class in 2000. Because of its success, it serves as a model for similar programs at the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Cook founded his own software company in 1981. The company developed and marketed software to enhance IBM’s VM (virtual machine) operating system.

Susan S. Delaney (volunteerism). A 1964 alumna of IUP, Mrs. Delaney has been a member of the university’s Council of Trustees since 1987, serving as its treasurer and chair of the academic affairs and institutional advancement committees. She is president of Indiana’s Meals on Wheels program and serves on the boards of Indiana Hospital and Clairvaux Commons, a residence for the elderly. She is an advisory board member for the joint program between IUP and the School of Respiratory Care at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh and is a member on the advisory committee for the IUP Academy of Culinary Arts.

Kutztown – DeLight E. Breidegam, Jr. and Helen S. Breidegam (philanthropy). DeLight E. Breidegam is chairman of the board of East Penn Manufacturing, Inc., one of the largest makers of batteries on the East coast. He serves on many boards, including the Kutztown University Foundation, Lead Industries Association and Meridian Bancorp. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 1997. Dr. and Mrs. Breidegam have been active in many charitable organizations. Mrs. Breidegam recently served as honorary chair of the Kutztown Community Library Drive and Dr. Breidegam served as co-chair of the Kutztown University 125^th Anniversary Campaign.

Terrence R. Wilson (volunteerism). Mr. Wilson is president of Magnatech International, L.P., which manufactures braiding machines for high-pressure hydraulic hose. He serves as vice president of the Kutztown University Foundation Board and was co-chair for the Kutztown University President’s Advisory Board. He serves on various boards in the community, including the United Way Campaign Cabinet, Reading Area Community College, Community General Hospital Board of Trustees, Berks County Chamber of Commerce and Hawk Mountain Council Boy Scouts of America Operation Saturation.

Lock Haven – Samuel H. Fredericks, Jr. and Carol W. Fredericks (philanthropy). Drs. Samuel and Carol Fredericks sponsored the Samuel H. Fredericks Leadership seminar at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, which brought leaders from Pennsylvania business, government and education together to address strategies for change. Samuel Fredericks, a former executive in the railroad industry, has received an honorary doctor of science degree from Lock Haven. Carol Fredericks is an acknowledged leader in the fields of psychology, communications and organizational research as the founding president of Whitcraft Consultants.

William F. Williams (volunteerism). Mr. Williams has served on the university’s Council of Trustees since 1964 and as its chair since 1977. A prominent business leader, he served for 20 years as vice president and secretary of the Jersey Shore State Bank in central Pennsylvania. He also has served as the president of various organizations, including the Trustees Association of the Pennsylvania State Colleges and Universities, Jersey Shore Area Board of School Directors and the Jersey Shore Rotary Club. He helped lead the university’s first capital campaign.

Mansfield – Robert M. Jones Family (philanthropy). The late Robert M. Jones was a community leader, businessman, patron and trustee who labored to improve the quality of education at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Marion (’38), provided a leadership gift for the renovation of the North Hall Library. Their daughter, Carol Jones Tama, is a member of the Council of Trustees. Their son, Robert, is a physician. The Jones family also provides generous support to numerous community projects.

Fred C. Noye (volunteerism). A 1968 graduate of the university, Mr. Noye has been a member of the General Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Mansfield University Foundation Board of Directors. He has served on search committees, made fund-raising calls, given lectures and taught in the classroom. Mr. Noye helped acquire Commonwealth funds and chaired the steering committee to raise private funds to renovate North Hall on campus. While a member of the state Legislature, he was a strong advocate for public education in the state.

Millersville – The SICO Foundation (philanthropy). The SICO Company, one of the largest independent oil companies in the United States, was reorganized in 1941 by its founder Clarence Schock as a non-profit corporation with earnings to be used to promote public education. In 1951, the SICO Company began funding scholarships for worthy high school graduates who reside in the company’s service area and who attend public four-year colleges. The company in 1955 formed the SICO Foundation with its stated purpose continuing to be the promotion of public education. Over the years, more than 2,000 Millersville University of Pennsylvania students have received scholarships.

Charles W. Hash Sr. (volunteerism). A 1948 graduate of Millersville, Mr. Hash served on the Council of Trustees from 1966-81 and again since 1991 to the present. He has served as a member of the university’s capital campaign cabinet, and was honored by the Millersville University Alumni Association with the distinguished service award. Mr. Hash spent 35 years in education before founding the Walshire Insurance Corporation more than 20 years ago. He retired from the business in 1996.

Shippensburg – H. Ric Luhrs (philanthropy). A Shippensburg native, Mr. Luhrs is chairman of the board and past president of the Beistle Company, a firm he has served since 1948. He serves or has served on boards of professional and civic organizations including the Shippensburg University Foundation, Mellon Bank N.A. and Chambersburg and Carlisle hospitals. He owns the Gun Depot and is chairman of Walking Quail Sporting Goods. Mr. Luhrs, his wife Grace, and four children also have pledged their financial commitment to the proposed performance arts center on campus.

President Emeritus Gilmore B. Seavers (volunteerism). Dr. Seavers served as an education administrator in Cumberland County for nearly 43 years before retiring in 1980. He started his career as a principal in the Penn Township School District in 1938. He is the recipient of numerous national and state educational awards for service and is a member of various professional and civic organizations, including Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers, WITF Inc. and the board of Capital Blue Cross. He is a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Fund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc.

Slippery Rock – Jerome “Jerry” F. Bejbl (philanthropy). A 1963 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania alumnus, Mr. Bejbl is the president of Armoloy, a leader in the metal coatings industry. He is a past president of the university’s alumni association, helped organize the first capital campaign, established the Jerry Bejbl Football Scholarship and has made the largest single alumni donation in the university’s history to build the Jerry Bejbl Weight Training Center. The university has honored him with an outstanding alumnus award, an honorary doctorate and inducted him into the Slippery Rock University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kenneth B. Blair (volunteerism). A former nursing home owner/operator, Mr. Blair has served as a member of the Council of Trustees and the Slippery Rock University Foundation Board and has donated countless hours to “Future Watch,” a university planning initiative. He also is a past president and member of the Board of Directors of the Allegheny Valley YMCA and a recent recipient of its President’s Award. He is the secretary of The Sower’s Chapel in Sarver, treasurer of the Region I Pennsylvania Health Care Association and a fellow of the American College of Nursing Home Administrators.

West Chester – Emilie K. Asplundh (philanthropy). A 1927 graduate of West Chester, Mrs. Asplundh has given generously over the years to her alma mater. Her gifts have helped to remodel Philips Auditorium (to be renamed the Emilie Asplundh Concert Hall). To encourage other alumni to support the renovations of Philips Building, Mrs. Asplundh established a challenge grant to help raise additional funds. The children of Mrs. Asplundh also have made contributions to the renovation of Philips in honor of their father, Carl Asplundh, who founded the Asplundh Tree Company with his brother.

Martha Ford McIlvain and Donald McIlvain (volunteerism). Martha Ford McIlvain, a 1952 graduate of the university, has served as a member of the annual giving committee for four years, including one year as its chair. She and her husband, Donald, agreed to co-chair the first capital campaign at the university. With the help of the McIlvains, the $12 million campaign reached its primary goal eight months ahead of schedule. During the campaign, the McIlvains hosted volunteer lunches and dinners, visited alumni, helped plan fund raising strategy and visited The Kresge Foundation in Michigan, which resulted in a large challenge grant to the university.

Fund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc. – F. Eugene Dixon Jr. (philanthropy). The founding chairman of the State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors, Mr. Dixon has given tirelessly to higher education. His generous gifts have benefited students through scholarships and helped to establish and renovate the Dixon University Center. Mr. Dixon serves on various boards, including the Abington Memorial Hospital, the Episcopal Academy and the Philadelphia Free Library. He serves as president of the Fairmount Park Commission and also is chairman of Widener University’s Board of Trustees and past chairman of Temple University’s Board of Trustees.

William H. Duncan (volunteerism). Dr. Duncan served as president of Millersville University of Pennsylvania from 1968 to 1981. Since his retirement, he has participated in numerous fund-raising events and served as alumni association president. The alumni house was recently renamed the William H. and Alma P. Duncan Alumni House in honor of Dr. Duncan and his wife, Alma. He currently serves as the president of the SICO Foundation Board of Directors and is a charter member and vice chairman of the Fund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc. Board of Directors.

The State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the state. Nearly 350,000 State System alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

In addition to the 14 state-owned universities, the System also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Kittanning, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers.

The Fund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc., advances and supports the 14 State System universities. The Fund communicates the education purposes of the System to the citizens of Pennsylvania, and encourages, solicits, receives and invests gifts, grants, bequests and other appropriate donations. It develops programs to encourage public and private sector support of the State System, including endowment development, scholarship programs and regional partnerships.