TheFund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc., plans to recognize more than 30 individuals, corporations and foundations for their outstanding contributions to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

The third Eberly Medals for Philanthropy and Volunteerism will be presented the evening of October 9 at an event to be held at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. The medals, named in honor of the Eberly family of Uniontown for its support of higher education statewide and nationally, first were presented in 1998.

The recipients of the third Eberly Medals are:

Bloomsburg – Dr. Robert D. Warren (philanthropy). Dr. Warren is a faculty emeritus who served in the university’s history department from 1964 through 1983. He still advises Sigma Iota Omega, the social fraternity he began in 1964. He has established eight endowed scholarships for SIO brothers. Recently, Dr. Warren provided the initial gift to establish a scholarship endowment to support 25 participating students of the Presidential Leadership Program. As a result, the program was renamed in his honor. Dr. Warren was given honorary alumni status in 1995. He is a member of the university’s Legacy Society and served on the steering committee for Bloomsburg’s most recent comprehensive campaign.

Barbara Benner Hudock (volunteerism). Ms. Hudock (1975 alumna) has had a long career with Merrill Lynch, most recently serving as first vice president-investments in the Williamsport office. In December 2001, Ms. Hudock, together with a business colleague, launched Hudock, Moyer & Associates. Ms. Hudock has been a loyal contributor to Bloomsburg both financially and with her time. A member of the Bloomsburg University Foundation Board of Directors since 1991, Ms. Hudock continues to share her investment acumen in ways that ultimately benefit Bloomsburg students. In 1998, Ms. Hudock chaired the university’s first comprehensive campaign.

California – William R. Booker (philanthropy). Mr. Booker (1974 alumnus) is a 21-year veteran of Merrill Lynch and Company. He and his wife, Candice, have established an endowed scholarship awarded yearly to a student leader. Mr. Booker has donated $150,000 to the new Michael and Julia Kara Alumni House and most recently in September helped the university celebrate its 150^th anniversary by funding an art exhibit and essay contest.

U.S. Rep. Frank R. Mascara (volunteerism). Congressman Mascara (1972 alumnus) has spent his whole life in the Mon Valley and has demonstrated his commitment to the region on many occasions. He has served as a member of the university’s Council of Trustees for 16 years. Through his work, California University was included in the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21). This bill secured $1 million for the study of various modes of transportation on campus and the construction of the Mon Fayette Expressway linking California to Pittsburgh.

Cheyney – Philip Morris, USA (philanthropy). Philip Morris, USA has been outstanding in its support of Cheyney University through generous financial support and by providing internships and employment opportunities for Cheyney students and graduates. On-campus interview sessions and informational dinners conducted by company leaders provide students with tips on preparing for the world of work. The company also has supported the university in positioning itself for increased fund-raising opportunities by providing the funds for university personnel to attend critical networking events.

Shirley Scott (posthumously) (volunteerism). Ms. Scott, who died in March 2002, was a world-renowned jazz artist. She was committed to her craft and to her alma mater, showing her love for Cheyney and its students by always being available to guide and mentor promising students with musical talent. Whenever the need for an accompanist arose at the institution, she was there. Ms. Scott further demonstrated her love for Cheyney when she made a contribution to the university to establish an endowed scholarship in her name that provides tuition for a student majoring in music.

Clarion – Charles Motter and Art Fleming (philanthropy). Mr. Motter of Shippensville and Mr. Fleming of Knox made the largest gift in the history of the Clarion University Foundation – six rental properties that will continue to generate revenue for the Foundation and help fund many different areas. They began their rental business in 1955 and started their first rentals in Clarion Borough in 1962. They have earned an outstanding reputation as real estate developers and operators. Both are active donors to Clarion University.

Dr. Ernest Aharrah (volunteerism). Dr. Aharrah, a 1949 alumnus and faculty member from 1966-1986, was the first executive director of the Alumni Association and one of the founders of the Clarion University Foundation. The Alumni Association honored him in 1985 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. With his wife, Peggy (Berringer ’49), they established the Cheri Aharrah Reid Memorial Scholarship in memory of their daughter to assist freshman students in the Department of Speech Communication and Theater. They also are chairpersons of the Heritage Club, the planned giving society for Clarion University, and leadership donors in the “Investing in Futures” Capital Campaign.

East Stroudsburg – Aventis Pasteur Corporation (philanthropy). Aventis Pasteur of Swiftwater has been a long-time supporter and remains the single largest donor to the university. Aventis is a world leader in the production of vaccines to protect against infectious diseases. Aventis supported the State System’s Prometheus Project to develop the East Stroudsburg Lecture Hall “Smart Classroom.” It also donated 2,000 doses of Menomune® vaccine to protect ESU students from meningococcal meningitis. Aventis also has donated equipment valued at $600,000 and provided a $25,000 grant that resulted in the development of a molecular biotechnology laboratory at the university.

Karen El-Chaar (volunteerism). Ms. El-Chaar (1979 alumna) is the director of global operations for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. She joined the ESU Foundation Board in 1992 and served as chairperson from 1999 to 2001. Under her leadership, the ESU Foundation increased its support of academic enrichment programs and faculty grants. She was instrumental in arranging an ESU trade mission to Singapore, resulting in the signing of a student recruitment agreement with TMC Educational Group to recruit students from Singapore, Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

Edinboro – Louis C. Cole (philanthropy). Mr. Cole, an Edinboro alumnus and chairman of the Netreon, Inc., Board of Directors, recently donated $1 million to Edinboro, the largest unrestricted donation in the university’s history. Mr. Cole is a past contributor to the university in support of the Frank G. Pogue Honors Scholarship Endowment, the Arts and Sciences Center building fund and the fund for the restoration of Academy Hall.

R. Benjamin Wiley (volunteerism). Mr. Wiley is executive director of the Greater Erie Community Action Committee, a non-profit corporation that serves the northwest corner of the Commonwealth and employs nearly 400 individuals. Over the years, he has made personal contributions and sacrifices to enable countless students to realize their higher education aspirations. Mr. Wiley has served as a member of the Council of Trustees for nearly 20 years and currently is vice chair of the State System’s Board of Governors.

Indiana – Robert and Nellie Reynolds (philanthropy). Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have generously supported IUP for decades. The Robert and Nellie Reynolds Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation has consistently supported the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology with resources to maintain and update technology for students. A past member of the university’s Council of Trustees, Foundation Board of Directors, and National Development Council, Mr. Reynolds received a bachelor’s degree in science education from IUP in 1948. Mrs. Reynolds also is a 1948 IUP graduate, with a degree in art education. Since his 1995 selection as a Distinguished Alumnus Award winner, Mr. Reynolds also has supported the IUP Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society’s program.

Myron Tomb (volunteerism). Mr. Tomb is a Renaissance volunteer with a bachelor’s degree in economics from IUP (’60) and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh (’72). He combines his love of law and litigation with creative expression in architecture, renovation, and visual art collection. He has served for four years as University Museum Board director and its president, University Foundation Investment Committee chair and is a co-chairman of the university’s philanthropic campaign.

Kutztown – Dr. Ruth Freyberger (philanthropy). Dr. Freyberger, art educator, artist and professor emeritus, has received many prestigious national awards. Following her life-long interest in the Pennsylvania German heritage, she became an integral force in the development of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center on the Kutztown campus. Her strong commitment to the preservation of the Pennsylvania German heritage was demonstrated through her support of the tenant farmhouse renovation, the moving of the Freyberger one-room schoolhouse to the site and the creation of the first endowed chair of instruction at Kutztown University. This chair is dedicated to Pennsylvania German studies.

Regina Miller (volunteerism). As an accomplished painter and owner of her own business, Mrs. Miller’s philanthropic interests include the arts and arts organizations, education and human services. As immediate past chair of the Kutztown University Capital Campaign in Berks County, she led the campaign to a successful conclusion. In addition, she has been active with a number of organizations and has created the “Regina Gouger Miller Gallery” at Carnegie Mellon University.

Lock Haven – Ronald and JoAnn Bowes (philanthropy). Ron (1966 alumnus) and JoAnn Bowes have been generous supporters of Lock Haven and the university’s foundation through contributions to the wrestling and football programs. In September 2000, the Ron and JoAnn Bowes Football Locker Room was dedicated at Hubert Jack Stadium because of their leadership gift toward a $1.3 million building and renovation project. As devoted wrestling fans, they have made contributions to the LHU wrestling program and hosted receptions at their home. Mr. Bowes has been a member of the Lock Haven University Foundation Board of Directors since 1997.

Dr. Betty Schantz (volunteerism). Dr. Schantz (1959 alumna) has served as a member of Lock Haven’s Foundation Board of Directors for the past 30 years. She is chair of LHU’s second capital campaign, a comprehensive five-year, $10 million campaign. A loyal contributor annually at the President’s Council level, she made one of the first leadership gifts and challenged other volunteer boards to be as generous. Dr. Schantz served as associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Lock Haven from 1991 until her retirement in 1996.

Mansfield – James and Wanda Stroud (philanthropy). Wanda Storms Stroud (1983 alumna) and her husband, Jim, established the Cornerstone Scholarship Fund in 2000 to provide scholarships to students with potential but who have been overlooked. Jim Stroud worked three jobs to make ends meet as a student. Finally, he had to leave school for lack of money. Wanda Storms worked two jobs to earn her degree in home economics. The Strouds contributed $250,000 to create a deferred charitable gift annuity, the proceeds from which one day will fund the Cornerstone Scholarships. The Strouds are the youngest benefactors to make a gift of this size to the Mansfield University Foundation.

Marcella Hyde-Smith (volunteerism). Mrs. Hyde-Smith (1956 alumna) has provided volunteer leadership service to Mansfield University for more than 30 years. She is a member of the Mansfield University Foundation Board of Directors, a position she has held for 24 of the past 25 years. She also served on the Mansfield University Council of Trustees and the Alumni Executive Board. She also has served as past president and past treasurer of the Mansfield University Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Millersville – The John Frederick Steinman Foundation (philanthropy). The John Frederick Steinman Foundation was established in 1951 by its namesake. Mr. Steinman and his brother, James Hale Steinman, founded several businesses including Lancaster Newspapers, Inc., Intelligencer Printing Company and WGAL Television, Inc. The foundation supports the needs of Lancaster County through grants made largely to local educational, charitable, religious, scientific and literary organizations. Additionally, Mr. Steinman founded the John Frederick Steinman Fellowship Fund in 1963 to offer postgraduate fellowships in psychiatry, psychology and social work to assure continuing mental health services in the Lancaster area.

Sarah N. Vanderslice (volunteerism). Mrs. Vanderslice was a Millersville trustee from 1982 through 1997, serving as chair from 1991 through 1995. She also served as the university’s representative to the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees from 1982 through 1997 and as its president from 1996 to 1997. Mrs. Vanderslice was a member of the university’s first Campaign Cabinet and the Campaign Executive Committee and chair of the Special Gifts Committee. She is a founding member of the board of The Inn at Millersville, a lifetime member of the Millersville University Foundation Board and an honorary alumna award recipient.

Shippensburg – Richard D. Rife (philanthropy). Mr. Rife, retired CEO of Capital Blue Cross, has provided leadership to Shippensburg both as a volunteer and philanthropist. He became the charter president of the Shippensburg University Foundation Board of Directors in 1977 and served in that capacity until 1981. He also has served as president of the alumni association and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1977. He has established two endowed funds, the Richard D. Rife Education Enhancement Fund and the Richard D. Rife Faculty Chair in the College of Education and Human Resources, the first endowed chair at Shippensburg and in the State System.

Lloyd A. Trinklein (volunteerism). Mr. Trinklein, a former Shippensburg professor, is a tireless volunteer for the university. He has been a member of the Foundation Board of Directors since 1981 and serves as its treasurer. In addition, he chairs the Facilities Planning Committee and the Performing Arts Center Bridge Financing Task Force. He is a member of the Joint Foundation/University Facilities Planning Task Force, the Investment Committee, the Campaign Management Team and the steering committees for both the Navigating into the Future comprehensive campaign and the capital campaign for the Spiritual Center and Interfaith Chapel.

Slippery Rock – Dr. Stanley B. and Marilyn D. Kraus (philanthropy). Dr. and Mrs. Kraus of Boca Raton, Fla., are longtime friends and benefactors of Slippery Rock University. Dr. Kraus, a respected entrepreneur and real estate developer who received an honorary doctorate from the university, serves on the Slippery Rock University Foundation Board and the President’s Advisory Council. Their gifts to the university include a residence hall named in their honor, and real estate in Sharon, Pa., and Armstrong County that provides income to fund five annual scholarships.

Dr. Constance K. Smith and Mrs. Ramona L. Smith (volunteerism). Dr. Smith and Mrs. Smith are being honored for their work in establishing the Institute for Learning in Retirement, part of Slippery Rock’s Lifelong Learning Division for mature adults. The institute, staffed by volunteers, gives retired faculty and staff an opportunity to continue involvement in the teaching/learning process and enables retired alumni and others to share interests and expertise with fellow learners. Dr. Smith has served several universities in the field of institutional research and presented papers and workshops at many professional conferences. Mrs. Smith, the institute’s treasurer, is an officer of the Butler Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Hospital Foundation volunteer.

West Chester – Dr. Charles E. Swope (philanthropy). Dr. Swope, chairman of the board and president of First National Bank of Chester County, grew up on the West Chester campus when his father served as university president. He has been a donor to the university both personally and through First National Bank of Chester County. The bank employs West Chester graduates and offers student internships. In addition, the Swope Foundation annually awards 31 scholarships to incoming students. He is president of the West Chester University Foundation.

Alvy and Adelyene Kelly (volunteerism). Mr. And Mrs. Kelly were born and raised in West Chester. In 1972, they established Kelly’s Sports, Ltd. Mrs. Kelly founded the Vonnie Gros Endowment in 1984, the first women’s athletic scholarship fund at West Chester. She has served on the executive board of the Rams Athletic Association and serves on the West Chester University Fund Board. They donate annually to the university’s Presidential Scholarship and helped restore Hollinger Field House by installing 15 new trophy cases. They also support the West Chester community through the support and creation of the West Chester Area Sports Association.

Fund for the Advancement of the State System of Higher Education, Inc. – Dr. Muriel M. Berman (philanthropy). Dr. Berman is an Allentown civic leader and former member of the State System’s Board of Governors. A licensed optometrist, Dr. Berman has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Medical College of Pennsylvania and a former member of the Board of State College and University Directors. In addition, she has served as a trustee at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Philip I., have donated more than 1,500 pieces of artwork to colleges and universities throughout Pennsylvania, including the State System universities.

Dr. Syed R. Ali-Zaidi (volunteerism). Dr. Ali-Zaidi, president of Kimaz Corporation, is a founding and current member of the Board of Governors. He was chairman of the Board’s committee on academic policy and planning and also chaired the first long-range strategic planning committee of the Board. Dr. Ali-Zaidi has been a trustee at Clarion University of Pennsylvania since 1980 and was chair of the council for three years. He recently established the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence given to one graduating senior each year from one of the 14 System universities.

With more than 98,600 students, the Pennsylvania 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. More than 360,000 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.