Lynn Abraham (2002) Lynne Abraham is the chief law enforcement officer of Philadelphia serving as the city’s District Attorney. She is responsible for the prosecution of over 70,000 criminal cases annually, and oversees a staff of 300 assistant district attorneys. Before serving as Philadelphia District Attorney, Mrs. Abraham was judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. David Adamany (2005) David Adamany is the eighth President of Temple University in Philadelphia. Prior to his present position, he was the interim Chief Executive of the Detroit, Michigan public school system, and the former President of Wayne State University. Along with his responsibilities as President, Mr. Adamany is a Professor of Law and Political Science at Temple, and teaches a course on the U.S. Supreme Court." Judge Arlin
Adams (2000) Dr. James Adovasio (1999) Mayor Roy Afflerbach (2003) Roy Afflerbach is mayor of the city of Allentown, PA. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania State House and Senate, where he chaired several committees and became the Senate Majority Caucus Secretary. Mr. Afflerbach has received numerous honors and awards for his service to his community. Ramona Africa (2000) Richard Alley (2009) Richard Alley is one of the world’s leading climate researchers and is an Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences at Penn State University. In the 1990s, he and his colleagues made headlines with the discovery that the last ice age came to an abrupt end over a period of only three years. Among his many distinctions: Dr. Alley served as one of the authors on the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, whose members shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore; in April 2009, he was awarded the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and Dr. Alley is one of the experts featured in NOVA’s National Geographic film “Extreme Ice”. Dr. Domingo Alvear (2006) Dr. Domingo Alvear is the founder of the World Surgical Foundation (WSF). WSF provides volunteer healthcare to people in developing or impoverished countries where modern healthcare is not available or is too costly. The foundation also provides medical equipment, supplies, and medical training for hospitals around the world. Dr. Alvear is a pediatric surgeon, and has participated in several missions in his native country, the Philippines, as well as Honduras and Thailand. Reneé Amoore (2008) Reneé Amoore is the Deputy Chair of the PA Republican State Committee since 1996. In 2004, she became the first female and African American ever to chair a PA delegation to the Republican National Convention. Mrs. Amoore is also the Founder and President of The Amoore Group, a conglomerate consisting of four companies focusing on: healthcare; communications; job readiness and life-skills training; and construction and mechanical maintenance. Greg Anderson (2005) Greg Anderson is the founder and CEO of the Cancer Recovery Foundation of America. Mr. Anderson was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1984, and given 30 days to live. In 1985 he started his non-profit foundation that provides survival kits, workshops, seminars and emergency funding to families affected by cancer. The Cancer Recovery Foundation has also established affiliates in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany. Mario Andretti (1999) Richard Angino (2002) Richard Angino is the President of Angino & Rovner Law Firm and the Owner of Felicita Resort. Mr. Angino acquired the firm he worked for in 1978 upon his boss’ retirement. Angino & Rovner now boasts a team of 18 lawyers and 30 support staff. In the early 70’s Richard and his wife Alice began to buy land in the Blue Mountains north of Harrisburg. The Anginos spent their weekends for the next several years digging, planning and planting. Today, Felicita totals 650 acres, includes and 18-hole championship golf course, 21 themed gardens, a spa and a restaurant. Frederick Anton (2007) Frederick Anton is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA). The PMA was founded in 1909 as a statewide business organization that represented the interests of manufacturers in Pennsylvania’s public policy process. Mr. Anton has been at the helm of the organization since 1970. Rep. David
Argall (2002) Representative David Argall (R) serves the 124th district as the representative of parts of Berks and Schuylkill counties. Since being elected in 1984 he has bee re-elected eight times. He is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, responsible for the state budget. He currently lives in Rush Township with his wife and two children. Sen. Gibson Armstrong (2007) Sen. Gibson Armstrong is the Majority Appropriations Chair of the PA Senate. Sen. Armstrong has represented the 13th Senatorial District, which includes portions of Lancaster and York Counties, since 1985. Prior to joining the PA Senate, Mr. Armstrong served in the PA House of Representatives for eight years, as Captain in the United States Marine Corps, and as an investment advisor. Robb Armstrong (1998) Joel Ario (2009) Joel Ario was nominated by Governor Edward Rendell in June 2007 to serve as Pennsylvania’s Insurance Commissioner. As the PA Insurance Commissioner, Mr. Ario administers the following: adultBasic Health Insurance Program, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Catastrophic Loss Benefits Continuation Fund, Workers Compensational Security Fund and the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund. Prior to his Pennsylvania service, the Commissioner was the chief insurance regulator for the state of Oregon (2000-2007) and worked in the public interest movement for 15 years. A 1981 graduate of Harvard Law School, he also holds degrees from Harvard Divinity School and Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He is married and has three sons. Bob Asher (2000) Pavel Astakhov (2002) Pavel Astakhov defended the first US citizen tried for espionage since 1960. The case brought worldwide attention to the attorney, and his defendant, Pennsylvanian Edmund Pope. Astakhov also represented a TV network in Russia that had been raided by government officials after the network had been critical of the Kremlin. Born in Moscow, Astakhov came to the University of Pittsburgh to continue his education in law. Tony Auth (1999) Tony Auth (2004) Tony Auth is the editorial cartoonist for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He has been with the paper since 1971 and serves on its editorial board. Mr. Auth is also the illustrator of several children’s books, including his most recent work “My Curious Uncle Dudley.” As a cartoonist, he has won several awards including the Thomas Nast Prize and a Pulitzer Prize award.
Edna
Baehre (2007) Edna Baehre has served as President of Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) since 1997. Dr. Baehre is responsible for assuring appropriate funding and support for the multi-campus college, which serves an eight-county region. HACC serves over 18,000 undergraduate students, and an additional 35,000 students enrolled in noncredit workforce training programs. John Baer (1999) Jennifer Baker
& Sohelia Nikpour (1999) Yolanda Barco (1998) Mayor Lou Barletta (2004) Lou Barletta is the mayor of Hazleton, PA. He has served in his current position since 2000. Prior to being elected mayor, he was a member of the Hazleton City Council. He also founded a pavement marking business named the Interstate Road Marking Corporation. Mayor Barletta is listed as one of Pennsylvania’s Best Mayors by PoliticsPA.com. John Barley (1998) Bruce Baumgartner (2001) Bruce Baumgartner is a four-time Olympic medallist. He is the winner of two gold, one silver and one bronze medal. In addition to his Olympic successes, he was crowned the World Wrestling Champion on three occasions. Mr. Baumgartner is currently the Director of Athletics at Edinboro University. Chuck Bednarik (2003) Chuck Bednarick played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1948 through 1962. He was the last of the two-way players, playing both offense and defense. Mr. Bednarick is the recipient of the Maxwell Award, was an NFL All-Pro in 1949, 1956 and 1960 and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He is also a World War II veteran. He flew over 30 missions over Germany as a gunner. He and his wife Emma currently reside in Coopersburg, PA. Anne Beiler (2001) Anne Beiler is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Auntie Anne’s Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels. Mrs. Beiler developed her soft pretzel recipe after the wrong pretzel ingredients were delivered to her farmer’s market stand. Eventually the demand for her new pretzels overwhelmed the demand for any of her other food items. In 1989 Auntie Anne’s began franchising and today there are over 670 Auntie Anne’s nationwide, with locations in eight countries. Sen. Clarence
Bell (1926 - 2002) (1996) Amanda Bennett (2003) Amanda Bennett is the Editor and Executive Vice President of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Prior to arriving in Philadelphia she was the editor for the Lexington Herald Leader in Lexington, Kentucky. She has worked in Canada, Detroit, New York and Beijing China. She is married and currently resides in Philadelphia. Anthony Bevilacqua (1998) Cordelia Biddle (2001) Cordelia Biddle, along with her husband Steve Zettler, form the writing team known as “Nero Blanc.” Ms. Biddle hails from Philadelphia and is descended from the same Biddle clan that helped settle the city. The writing team met in New York’s Greenwich Village, and currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. Randy Bish (1997) Rep. Louise
Williams Bishop (2000) Norma Bixler (2002) Norma Bixler is the co-founder of Cornerstone TeleVision. After receiving “a calling,” instructing her, and her husband Russell Bixler, to build a Christian television station, Cornerstone TeleVision was born. After many years of hardship, and financial struggles, Cornerstone is aired in all 50 states and many countries around the world. Jerry Blavat (2003) Jerry Blavat, also known as the Geator with the Heater, has been playing the oldies as a radio DJ since 1959. At the age of 14, he debuted on the original American Bandstand as a dancer when Bob Horn was the host. In 1996, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Mr. Blavat purchased Geator Gold Radio in 1992 and has been spinning the tunes on the World Wide Web ever since. John Robinson
Block (2003) John Robinson Block is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the “Pittsburgh Post-Gazette” and “The Blade” of Toledo, Ohio. Journalism runs in Mr. Block’s family; they’ve owned the Post-Gazette since 1927. He also worked as a correspondent in Europe and for the Associated Press, both in the US and abroad. When not working at the paper, he can be found collecting rare books, cooking, or helping many charities in the Pittsburgh area. He currently resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Susan. Guion "Guy" Bluford (2007) Guion “Guy” Bluford was the first African-American in space. He was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1978 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA). Mr. Bluford was a mission specialist who flew in space four times – a total of 688 hours – between 1983 and 1992, aboard the Challenger and Discovery space shuttles. John Bogle (2002) John Bogle is founder of the Vanguard Group, Inc., and President of Bogle Financial Markets Research Center. He created Vanguard in 1974, and served as Chairman through 1997, and Senior Chairman through 1999. The recipient of various awards, Mr. Bogle was named one of the “Financial Leaders of the 20th Century” in 1997 by Financial Services and “Fund Leader of the Year” in 1996 by Fund Action magazine. He resides in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania with his wife Eve. They are the parents of six children and grandparents of twelve. Joe Bonsall (2004) Joe Bonsall is a native of Philadelphia and a member of the Grammy Award-winning country music group The Oak Ridge Boys. Mr. Bonsall is also an author of several books including one titled, "G.I. Joe and Lillie" which is a tribute to his parents. The title of the book later became a song recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys. His first taste of the stage came after he was entered in a talent contest at the age of four. Congressman
Robert Borski (2000) Albert Boscov (1997) Jerry Bowyer (1999) John Brenner (2006) John Brenner has been Mayor of the city of York since November 6, 2001. At the age of 33, Mr. Brenner was elected as the youngest mayor in York’s history. Prior to this current position, he was City Controller for two years, and worked as a staff assistant for PA Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel. David Bromberg (2003) David Bromberg is a folk and bluegrass musician. His music includes elements of country, jazz and classical. Mr. Bromberg plays guitar, violin and banjo and has performed on over 100 albums, recording with the likes of Bob Dylan, Chubby Checker, The Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Ringo Starr and Ricky Skaggs. Mr. Bromberg currently owns David Bromberg Fine Violins, which trades rare instruments and produces bows and violins. Joan Myers
Brown (2000) Maxine Bruhns (2009) Maxine Bruhns is the Director of the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs at the University of Pittsburgh. The Nationality Room Program was founded by Ruth Crawford Mitchell at the request of Pitt Chancellor John Bowman in 1926 in order to involve the community in constructing the Cathedral of Learning and to provide the spiritual and symbolic foundation of the Cathedral that would make the inside of the building as inspiring and impressive as the outside. Ms. Bruhns has been Director of this program since 1965 and the cathedral is home today to 27 Nationality Rooms, which showcase the culture of the ethnic groups that built Pittsburgh. Anthony Buba (2002) Anthony Buba is a documentary and feature filmmaker. His most recent work, Struggles in Steel: A Story of African-American Steelworkers was featured at the Sundance Film Festival and received the Alfred I. Dupont-Columbia University Award for excellence in broadcast journalism. His hometown of Braddock, PA has inspired the majority of his films, including Lighting Over Braddock and the series “The Braddock Chronicles.” Ryan Buell (2007) Lori Burkholder (2008) Lori Burkholder is a news anchor and reporter for WGAL-TV in Lancaster. Graduating from Millersville University in 1989, Lori began her career at WGAL when she hosted and produced “Susquehanna People,” a weekly public affairs program. In September 1990 she became the host of a new show, “12:30 Live” in which she won numerous Emmy awards during its ten years on the air. Lori currently co-anchors “News 8 at Noon” and has covered many stories of local, regional and national interest. Mark Bussler (2007) Johnny Butler (1997) Mark Butler (2006) Mark Butler is President and CEO of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. The first Ollie’s store opened in Mechanicsburg, PA in 1982. The four founding partners, Mort Bernstein, Harry Coverman, Oliver Rosenberg and Mark Butler started the company which specializes in close-out, surplus, and salvage retail merchandise. The chain currently operates more than 40 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Ohio.
John
Callahan (2004) John Callahan is the mayor of Bethlehem, PA. Prior to being elected mayor, he ran for a seat on the Bethlehem City Council and was the youngest member ever elected. He served on City Council from 1998 to 2004. Currently, he is a board member of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park. Mayor Callahan and his wife reside in Bethlehem, PA with their three children. Johnny Callison (2001) Johnny Callison was an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1960 to 1969. In addition to playing for the Phillies, Mr. Callison played for the White Sox, Cubs and Yankees. He was a member of the All-Star team in 1962, 1964 and 1965. Angelo Cammarata (2005) Angelo Cammarata is credited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Oldest Bartender.” He started his career on April 7, 1933 when prohibition was repealed. Mr. Cammarata served beer at his family’s grocery store on the stroke of midnight. Today his is still tending bar in an establishment - Cammarata’s Café, owned by his sons. Bob Campbell (1999) Chief Justice Ralph Cappy (1943 - 2009) (2005) Captain Noah (2000) Bob Casey,
Jr. (1999) Gov. Robert
Casey (2000) Dr. John Cavanaugh (2009) Dr. John Cavanaugh became chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, effective July 1, 2008. He serves as the chief executive officer of PASSHE, which operates 14 comprehensive universities with a combined enrollment of more than 112,500 students. The chancellor works with the Board of Governors to recommend and develop overall policies for the State System. John Chaney (2001) Robert Child (2007) Robert Child is a documentary filmmaker. His television career spans nearly 25 years and he has worked on a variety of shows including “The CBS Morning Show,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” In 2000, he began producing independent documentaries. He served as writer, producer, and director of the Civil War film “Lincoln and Lee at Antietam: The Cost of Freedom.” He is currently directing “Dominion Day,” a World War II documentary film. Henry "Buddy"
Cianfrani (B: - D:) (2000) Hank Cisco (2002) Hank Cisco is a former boxer and Norristown detective. Mr. Cisco was a member of the police department for 24 years and headed the Juvenile Division in the Norristown Police Department. After his retirement from boxing, Mr. Cisco began training boxers and eventually began refereeing. He officiated in several countries, and refereed a Joe Frasier fight. Loretta Clairborne (2000) Mary Clark (2001) Mary Clark is a registered nurse who founded the company Derma Sciences. Mrs. Clark invented an ointment that was successful in combating a number of skin and burn problems. She obtained her nursing degree from Scranton State Hospital School of Nursing, and later became Lackawanna Counties’ first Physician Assistant. Herb Clarke (2004) Herb Clarke was the weatherman for WCAU-TV in Philadelphia from 1958-1998. His 40 year stint at WCAU, gives him the distinction of having worked the longest at the same station in any major city in the country. After Mr. Clarke retired from WCAU, the World War II and Korean war vet continued to broadcast by parlaying a hobby into a daily “Garden Report” on KYW Newsradio. Barbara Cloud (2002) Barbara Cloud started her career as a model on 7th Avenue in New York City following her graduation at Westminster College. She then returned home to Uniontown, PA to write for the local paper, The Evening Standard. After five years she became the assignment reporter, and eventually fashion editor and theater column writher for The Pittsburgh Press. Her writing has earned her awards such as the “best column” award from the PA Newspaper Publishers Association. Rep. Lita Cohen (1999) Rep. Mark Cohen (1999) Rep. Nicholas
A. Colafella (2002) Representative Nicholas Colafella (D) represents Beaver County. He has been a member of the PA House of Representatives for 22 years, and is the Minority Chairman of the Education Committee. Prior to serving in the House, he was an administrator at the Community College of Beaver County. Representative Colafella and his wife currently reside in Aliquippa, PA. Rep. Jeff Coleman (2001) Representative Jeff Coleman (R) represents Armstrong and Indiana Counties. He is a member of the Agriculture and Rural Affair, Game and Fishery, and the Children and Youth Committees. He is in the midst of his first term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Representative Coleman currently resides in Apollo, PA. Myron Cope (1929-2008) (1998) Tom Corbett (1998) Tom Corbett (2009) Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett was elected in 2004 as PA’s 25th modern Attorney General, dedicating the resources of the Office of Attorney General to make the Commonwealth a safer and better place for families to live, work and grow. Tom Corbett’s experience as a criminal prosecutor began in Allegheny County, where he served as an Asst. District Attorney. In the early 1980s, he served President Ronald Reagan as an Asst. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of PA, and again served President George H.W. Bush in the same position. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Mr. Corbett served his country as a member of the PA Army National Guard 28th Infantry Division from 1971 to 1984, rising from private to captain. Mr. Corbett won re-election on November 4, 2008. Pedro Cortés (2006) Pedro Cortés is the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The Secretary is responsible for administering the Department of State, which oversees Pennsylvania’s electoral process, maintaining corporate filings, providing licenses to the health and real estate professionals, and maintaining registration and financial information for charities that solicit in Pennsylvania. Secretary Cortés is the first confirmed Latino Cabinet member in Pennsylvania history. He currently resides in Harrisburg with his wife Lissette. George Curry (1997)
LeGree
Daniels (1920 - 2005) (1998) William Davis (1999) Darryl Dawkins (2005) Darryl Dawkins (a.k.a. “Chocolate Thunder”) is a former professional basketball player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers. He was one of the first players to go straight from high school to the NBA. He is known for his backboard-breaking dunks (which he would name) and his colorful personality. Mr. Dawkins had a 14-year career in the NBA and also played with the New Jersey Nets, the Harlem Globetrotters, the Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz. Currently he is the coach of the United States Basketball League’s Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs in Allentown, PA. Nick DeBenedictis (2007) President Judge
Joseph Del Sole (2001) The Honorable President Judge Joseph Del Sole is the President Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. He was appointed to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in 1978. In 1983, Judge Del Sole was elected to the Superior Court. Pete DeCoursey (2010) Pete DeCoursey is a prominent reporter of political news in Pennsylvania. DeCoursey worked as a press secretary for U.S. Rep. Bob Borski, D-Philadelphia, from late 1987 to late 1990, and for Philadelphia City Council for most of 1987. He first became a full-time reporter for the Reading Eagle-Times, in Reading, Pennsylvania in August 1990, leaving there to join The Patriot-News in March 1997. He worked as a political reporter and columnist for the The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania from 1997 to 2005 before being hired by GovNetPA to produce original news content for Capitolwire.com. He currently works as bureau chief of Capitolwire. The Pennsylvania Report named him to the 2009 "The Pennsylvania Report 100" list of influential figures in Pennsylvania politics and noted that his Capitolwire briefing is a "must read for all legislators, staff members, and lobbyists in the state capital," even if it is controversial due to DeCoursey's "attack dog reputation and his sometimes one-sided comments.” Jon Delano (2002) Jon Delano is a political analyst for KDKA in Pittsburgh. In addition to his work in broadcasting, he writes a weekly column for the Pittsburgh Business Times and contributes articles to the Pittsburgh Magazine. He has received recognition for his writing, including town Golden Quill awards and a Robert L. Vann award. Mr. Delano is also an adjunct professor of politics at Carnegie Mellon University and a partner and managing director of the law firm of Meyer Darragh Buckler Bebenek & Eck. He lives in Mt. Lebanon with his wife and two children. Joe DelGrosso (2006) Joe DelGrosso is the Vice President and Chief of Operations of DelGrosso Foods. The company’s production started in an amusement park his parents bought in 1946 in Tipton, PA. They used the park’s kitchen to begin making their spaghetti sauce. Over 50 years later, DelGrosso Foods’ product line has expanded to include pizza sauce, meatballs, salsa, and sloppy joe sauce. Harold "Bill" DeLong (2008) Harold “Bill” DeLong is currently the oldest working union waiter in the United States at the age of 88 years young. Born and raised in a Pennsylvania Dutch farm family and a native and still citizen of Reading, Mr. DeLong holds an amazing octogenarian humanitarian tale: a nurse to Chernobyl children, educator of children in Africa, former diplomat, Rotary International Relief’s UN Co-Chair at large, dance host, world’s oldest union waiter, champion of elderly workers’ rights and first to erect a food-service tent for the police officers and firefighters working the 2001 World Trade Center disaster. “Uncle Billy,” as he is often referred to, has been placed in the American Biographical Institute Hall of Fame and was presented the New York Post Liberty Ambassador Medal by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his humanitarian deeds. Rep. Bill DeWeese (1997) Rep. Bill DeWeese (2002) Representative William DeWeese (D) is the Pennsylvania House Minority Leader. He has represented Greene and Parts of Fayette and Washington counties in the House of Representatives since 1976. He was elected to Speaker of the House in 1993, and served in that position for one-term. Representative DeWeese immerses himself in the study of one topic each year. He may read over a dozen books on a topic, meet with experts and watch movies on the subject, and even travel to other countries to further his studies. Rep. Bill DeWeese (2007) Rep. Bill DeWeese is the PA House Majority Floor Leader. He has represented Greene and parts of Fayette and Washington Counties in the House of Representatives since 1976. He was elected as Speaker of the House in 1993, and served in that position for one-term. Each year Representative DeWeese immerses himself in the study of one specific topic. He may read over a dozen books on that topic, meet with experts, watch movies on the subject, and even travel to other countries to further his studies. Mayor Chris
Doherty (2004) Chris Doherty is the mayor of Scranton, PA. Prior to being elected mayor, he was a member of the Scranton City Council. He is also a partner in the James A. Doherty Company, an international distributor of religious articles such as medals, pins, posters and statues. The company was founded by his father. Mayor Chris
Doherty (2008) Chris Doherty is the current Mayor of Scranton. Elected in 2001, Mayor Doherty is credited with transforming the city of Scranton with rehabilitation and revitalization projects for buildings, parks, neighborhoods and infrastructure. The Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal wrote in its January 2004 edition, “Over the last four decades, being mayor of the City of Scranton was to preside over chaos…Enter, in 2002, soft-speaking Chris Doherty, 45…a model of ‘speak softly and proceed with determination.’” Mayor Doherty’s accomplishments have been recognized with his election as President of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities and he was also named one of “Pennsylvania’s Best Mayors” by PoliticsPA.com. Bob Dorough (2002) Bob Dorough is an acclaimed jazz composer and pianist whose music career spans more than fifty years. The Arkansas-born musician has worked with legends such as Miles Davis and shared the stage with giants like Louis Armstrong. He is probably most recognized for his compositions on ABC-TV’s SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK, which entertained children on Saturday mornings from 1973-1985. Mr. Dorough currently resides in Northampton County. Congressman
Mike Doyle (2001) Congressman Mike Doyle (D) represents Allegheny County and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He is the founder of the newly formed Autism Caucus; better know as the Coalition for Autism Research and Education. Congressman Doyle is married with four children and resides in Swissvale, PA. David Dye (2005) David Dye is a nationally syndicated radio host of the “World Café.” He is a longtime Philadelphia radio personality and has worked on several stations in the Philadelphia market. In 1991, David was asked to research the viability of a new public radio program format. From that research, “World Café” was developed. The program focuses on an eclectic blend of music that includes blues, rock, world, folk and alternative country. The program also features live performances and interviews with musical guests, as well as authors, critics, historians, playwrights, and television and movie personalities. “World Café” can be heard on more than 185 public radio stations across the United States.
John
Eisenhower (2002) Congressman
Phil English (2002) Congressman Phil English (R) represents the 21st District (Butler, Crawford, Erie and Mercer Counties). Congressman English was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, and serves as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. He currently resides in Erie, PA with his wife Chris. Christoph Eschenbach (2004) Christoph Eschenbach is currently the Music Director for the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is the seventh person to hold this position since the orchestra was founded in 1900. Mr. Eschenbach was born in Breslau, Germany, and moved to Hamburg in 1950. Since that time he has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris and the Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston and New York orchestras. Kevin Eubanks (2004) Kevin Eubanks is a jazz guitarist and the music director for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He assumed the position after the show’s original music director, Branford Marsalis, departed in 1995. Mr. Eubanks grew up in Philadelphia and began studying the violin at the age of 7. He later went on to learn piano, guitar, and trumpet. He has recorded 12 albums to date. You can listen to some of his music or purchase his albums at www.kevineubanks.com. Col. Paul Evanko (1998) Rep. Dwight
Evans (1997) Rep. Dwight
Evans (2005) Rep. Dwight Evans is the Minority Chair of the PA House Appropriations committee. He was elected in 1980 and represents Philadelphia County. Prior to serving in the PA House, he taught in the Philadelphia Public Schools system and was a job developer for the Philadelphia Urban League. He is a lifelong resident of Philadelphia. Rep. Dwight Evans (2007)
Congressman
Chaka Fattah (2001) Congressman Chaka Fattah (D) represents Delaware and Philadelphia Counties. He is a member of the Appropriations Committee. Prior to serving as a congressman, he served for 12 years as a member of the PA Legislature. In 1994, Time Magazine identified him as one of the nation’s 50 promising leaders. Congressman Fattah is married with three children and still resides in Philadelphia. Derek Fell (2007) Christopher Fersugon (2007) Christopher Ferguson is a NASA Astronaut. Mr. Ferguson was born in Philadelphia and graduated from the city’s Archbishop Ryan High School. He was commissioned in the Navy, attended the Navy Fighter Weapon School (TOPGUN), and was eventually selected by NASA to train at the Johnson Space Center. He served as pilot on the Space Transport Shuttle Atlantis mission (STS-115) which restarted assembly of the International Space Station. Captain Ferguson has logged over 12 days in outer-space. "Salty" Ferguson (2000) Dr. Wanda Filer (2002) Dr. Wanda Filer served from December of 1996 to February of 1998 as Pennsylvania’s first Physician General. She is the founder of the Strategic Health Institute and the President Elect of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians. She is also the Medical Consultant for WGAL-TV 8. Dr. Filer is currently working on a syndicated health news project called Health Files with Dr. Wanda Filer. She has a part-time practice with the York Foundation Medical Group. Carmen Finestra (2003) Carmen Finestra is best known for being the supervising producer of “The Cosby Show” situation comedy for over 5 seasons during the 1980’s. While on the show, he acted in several episodes. After the ending of “The Cosby Show”, he co-created/executive produced “Home Improvement” during the 1990’s. On top of that he was a writer for such shows as “The Love Boat”. He also delved into movie producing. Some of his movie collaborations include: “What Women Want” with Helen Hunt and Mel Gibson and “Where the Heart Is” with Natalie Portman and Ashley Judd. He resides in Lemoyne, PA. Mike Fisher (1998) Mike Fisher (2002) Mike Fisher was elected the state’s top law enforcement officer, Attorney General, in 1996. He is currently running as the Republican Candidate for Governor in the General Election. Before being elected Attorney General, Mr. Fisher served in the PA House of Representatives from 1974 to 1980. He was then elected to the PA Senate in 1980. Mr. Fisher is married to Carol, Fisher, an adjunct at a Pennsylvania university. Kate Ford-Elliott (2006) Kate Ford Elliott is President Judge of the PA Superior Court. She has been a Judge on the court which handles appeals involving personal injuries, divorce, custody and support, wills and estates, and criminal matters, since 1989. Judge Elliott is a member of the American, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny County Bar Associations. She and her husband Frederick reside in the city of Pittsburgh. Major General
Hugh Foster (2003) Major General Hugh Foster was a “Code Talker” instructor during World War II. He was responsible for developing a code based on the native language of the Comanche Indians for the Army. He also served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Communications during Vietnam from 1970-1971. Major General Foster currently resides in Furlong, PA with his wife. Larry Frankel (1997) "Smokin" Joe Frazier &
Marvis Frazier (2007) “Smokin’ “ Joe Frazier was Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1968 to 1973. Born in South Carolina, Mr. Frazier was raised in Philadelphia. Prior to beginning his professional boxing career, Mr. Frazier was an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1964. He began boxing professionally in August 1965, but is most recognized for his trilogy of fights with his chief former boxing rival, Muhammad Ali. With a career record of 32 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw with 27 wins by knock-out, Mr. Frazier is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time. Sen.Vincent
Fumo (1998) Sen.Vincent
Fumo (2004) Sen. Vince Fumo has served in the PA Senate since 1978. He was the Majority Appropriations Chairman from 1993 to1994 and the Minority Appropriations Chair from 1985 to1992 and 1995 to present. In addition to his work in the PA Senate, Senator Fumo is also a lawyer, licensed electrical contractor, airplane pilot, boat captain and real estate investor. He currently resides in Philadelphia. Sen. Vince Fumo (2008) Sen. Vince Fumo has served in the PA Senate since 1978. He was the Majority Appropriations Chairman from 1993 to1994 and the Minority Appropriations Chair from 1985 to1992 and 1995 to present. In addition to his work in the PA Senate, Senator Fumo is also a lawyer, licensed electrical contractor, airplane pilot, boat captain and real estate investor. He currently resides in Philadelphia. The Furniture
Guys (2001) Ed Feldman and Joe L’Erario are both denizens of Philadelphia, PA. As host of nationally televised how-to shows, they are better known as The Furniture Guys. The pair met in 1979 while working at a construction site in Philadelphia. That pairing has led them to develop their own production company, a syndicated radio call-in show and a book detailing the art of furniture refinishing and repair.
Dale
Gallon (1997) Kenny Gamble (2003) Kenny Gamble is known as one of the fathers of the Sound of Philadelphia. Mr. Gamble was co-writer and co-producer of songs such as “Wake Up Everybody,” “Love Train,” “Family Reunion” and the “Sound of Philadelphia,” which was the theme for the television show Soul Train. Mr. Gamble’s primary interest now lies in economic development. He has used his re-development firm Universal Companies to purchase and revitalize his hometown of Philadelphia. Ron Gamble (2003) Ron Gamble is the Oakdale Borough Council President. Mr. Gamble was a member of the PA House of Representatives from 1977-1996. During that time, he was the chair of the Local Government Committee and also a member of the Travel and Transportation Committees. He currently resides in Oakdale, PA with his wife Brenda. George Gardner (1998) Congressman
George Gekas (2000) Bill George (1997) Bill George (2008) Bill George has been the President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) since June 1990. Mr. George was born and raised in Aliquippa, PA and served in a number of offices before being elected to his current position. He serves with a number of organizations, including: the National AFL-CIO Appalachian Council, the PA Occupational Disease Study Advisory Board, and the United Way of PA. Rep. Camille
"Bud" George (1999) Margaret Hewitt
George (2004) James Getty (2009) President Abraham Lincoln portrayer James Getty has portrayed our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, since 1978, and has been featured on television and in special appearances throughout the United States and Canada. A native of central Illinois, Mr. Getty now resides in historical Gettysburg, PA. He holds a master of Music degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and taught high school choral music in St. Charles and Naperville, Illinois, Sandusky, Ohio, and was director of Choral Activities at the University of Maine. How did he fall into the role of Lincoln? He grew a beard and his students thought he looked like Abe! Bill Giles (2008) Bill Giles is the chairman of the Philadelphia Phillies. He is the son of former National League president Warren Giles and his baseball career began in his father’s former organization, the Cincinnati Reds. Mr. Giles helped found the Houston Astros and served as the Vice President of Business Operations and Executive Vice President and President with the Phillies before being named Chairman in 1997. Bill Gindlesperger (2009) Bill Gindlesperger is founder, chair and CEO of e-LYNXX Corporation, a print and procurement company founded in 1975 in Chambersburg, PA. Mr. Gindlesperger has directed major in-plant studies in both the private and public sectors and he is highly regarded for his knowledge, advice and work on behalf of firms in matters pertaining to the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). He has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration regarding government print and procurement policy. He also has worked directly with numerous Congressional and Senatorial members and staff and has advised Congress on the development, operations and future of GPO print procurement and the federal print program in general. Mr. Gindlesperger invented the methodology that optimizes cost reduction in the procurement of specification-defined goods and services. He has been granted two separate business method patents by the U.S. Patent Office, first for the competitive procurement of print and then for the competitive procurement of all specification-defined goods and services. Lou Giovanni (2004) Chef Lou Giovanni is the host of “The Chef Lou Show.” His specialty is Italian cuisine and pasta is his favorite dish to prepare. Chef Giovanni has owned and operated numerous restaurants and authored two books. In conjunction with his cooking show, he is the executive chef at Lehigh University for the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He prepared lunch and dinner for the fraternity members there during the week. Chef Giovanni and his wife Joan reside in Bethlehem, PA. Donald Goldstein (2001) Donald Goldstein is a college professor and the “world’s foremost authority on Pearl Harbor.” Professor Goldstein has written over 50 articles and authored or co-authored 20 books on the subject. His most famous book “At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor” was first runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize in 1982. Wilson Goode (2000) Victoria Goodhart (2004) Victoria Goodhart is a mural artist who specializes in decorative paintings for either home or office. Her artistry can be seen in private collections around the world. Her creations include the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, PA. She also belongs to the Art Association of Harrisburg. Bill Goodling (2000) Jimmy Gownley (2008) Jimmy Gownley is the mastermind behind the popular comic book series “Amelia Rules!” Launched in 2001, Mr. Gownley is one of the only cartoonists in the country to write, draw, color and publish his own book without assistance. Over 300,000 AR! comic books and graphic novels have been sold and the series is also being translated into German, Spanish and Italian. Mr. Gownley is also the founder of the non-profit group Kids Love Comics, which is a resource for parents, teachers and librarians looking for suitable comics and graphic novels to be used as educational material for children. Glenda Gracia (2009) Glenda Gracia was the manager for Phyllis Hyman, a celebrated singer from Philadelphia who committed suicide in 1995. Ms. Gracia’s career spans over thirty years of legal, business affairs and artist management, marketing and production experience in the entertainment industry. She is a graduate of Temple University School of Law and has served as the Talent and Program Negotiator at CBS’s Entertainment Division in New York City. William H. Gray, III (2009) William H. Gray, III is founder and chairman of the Amani Group, a strategic partner of The Loeffler Group. Prior to founding the firm, he was the president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest and oldest minority education assistance organization. Before joining UNCF, Mr. Gray represented the Second District of Pennsylvania as a Congressman from 1979 to 1991. He was the first African American in the 20th century to become Majority Whip of the House of Representatives, and also served as chair of the Budget Committee. After leaving Congress, he served as the Special Advisor to President Clinton and the Secretary of State on Haiti. Alex Grass (1998) Dallas Green (2001) Dallas Green was the manager for the 1980 World Championship Philadelphia Phillies. He was a pitcher with the Phillies from 1960-64 and 1967, playing professionally for a total of 13 years. Mr. Green is married with four children and resides in West Grove, PA. Sen. Stewart
Greenleaf (1999) Mike Greenwald (2008) Mike Greenwald, a founding staff member of the PBS station in Harrisburg, WITF, and a Public Broadcasting pioneer, spent his entire forty-three year career at WITF. He began as a producer-director, and quickly moved up to public relations director and later development director. He established WITF’s first membership program, corporate underwriting department, annual on-air auction, and major gifts and planned giving programs. He managed three capital campaigns, most recently the $19 million Building for a Lifetime of Learning campaign to construct the WITF Public Media Center, which opened in November 2006. In 2007, Mike retired from his position as Senior Vice President and now works in a part-time consulting role as Senior Advisor. Mike has been a resident of the Harrisburg area since 1955 and is very active in the community. Congressman
Jim Greenwood (2001) Representative James Greenwood (R) represents Bucks County and a portion of Montgomery County. He has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993. Prior to that he served as a member of the PA Senate for Seven years. Recently he was appointed as a Chairman of the House Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee. Representative Greenwood also serves as a member of the House Commerce Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Dick Groat (2001) Dick Groat was a shortstop for the 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates, along side Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski and Harvey Haddix. In addition to playing for the Pirates, during his 14-year career, Mr. Groat played for the Cardinals and the Giants. He was a member of the National League All-Star team in 1959, 1960, 1962 and 1963. George Grode (2002) George Grode is the Executive Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Government Business for Highmark, Inc. He also served in Gov. Dick Thornburgh’s administration as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency from 1979 – 1983. Mr. Grode was instrumental in the development of the “McGruff the Crime Dog” campaign. He currently resides in Camp Hill with his wife Brigid. Thomas Groff (2009) Thomas Groff is the owner of the Choo Choo Barn, a 1,700 square foot building featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains in Strasburg, PA. The Choo Choo Barn first opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1961, and was very quickly a hit with local folks and visitors alike. In 1979, Tom and his wife Linda became the new owners, builders, and operators of the Choo Choo Barn. To this day, Tom Groff and his talented team continue to add, update, clean, renovate, and restore the display, so there’s something new to see every year. Lani Guinier (1998) Amy Gutmann (2005)
Barbara
Hafer (1996) Marvin Hamlisch (2005) Marvin Hamlisch is known for his work as a composer, conductor and pianist. In his current position, he is the Principal Pops Conductor with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as well as with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. He is the composer of more than 40 motion picture scores including his Oscar-winning score and song for “The Way We Were,” which was recorded by Barbra Streisand. Mr. Hamlisch is also the recipient of several other awards including an additional Oscar for Scott Joplin’s music for “The Sting,” four Grammys, four Emmys, one Tony, three Golden Globes and a Pulitzer Prize for “A Chorus Line.” Joe Hand (2000) Clyde Hare (2008) Joanne Harmelin (2009) Joanne Harmelin founded Harmelin Media in 1982, after working in a senior capacity at leading advertising agencies in Philadelphia for more than ten years. She is a 30+ year media veteran and has been honored regionally and nationally for her work. Over the past 25 years, Harmelin Media has grown to be one of the top ten independent media firms in the country and the largest in Pennsylvania. Harmelin has a team of more than 100 media professionals servicing accounts totaling more than $300 million in annual billing. Walt Harris (2001) Sen. Melissa
Hart (1997) Congresswoman
Melissa Hart (2000) Congresswoman
Melissa Hart (2001) Scott Hartwig (2007) Derek Hathaway (2005) Derek Hathaway is the Chair, President and CEO of Harsco Corporation. Mr. Hathaway joined Harsco in 1984. By 1991, he was named President and CEO and was elected to the Board of Directors. Under his direction, the industrial services company has become a multi-billion international company, with over 18,000 employees. Mary Haverstick (2009) Mary Haverstick is the owner of Haverstick Films in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1989, Mary has had a successful career thus far. Mary was the host of WGAL’s program Susquehanna People for several years, interviewing celebrities such as Michael Landon, Carroll O’Conner, Jay Leno, Winton Marcalis and Billie Jean King. Her first film for Haverstick Films was SHADES OF BLACK (1991), followed by CHRISTMAS DINNER (1996). Mary then focused on commercial work creating countless promotional videos, national and regional television commercials, music videos and commissioned documentaries. 2005 marked Mary’s return to feature length film making with PARADISE PENNSYLVANIA. 2006 was a landmark year with the creation of Mary’s third dramatic feature film HOME. HOME features an amazing cast starring Academy Award Winner Marcia Gay Harden, Eulala Scheel and Tony Award Winner Marian Seldes and Michael Gaston. Samuel Hayes (1997) Riley & Rhonda Hebbard (2009) At the ripe old age of four, Riley Hebbard was watching the TODAY show with her mom, Rhonda Hebbard as they were getting ready for school one morning. There was a news story featuring Ann Curry and George Clooney who were at a refugee camp in Chad, Africa, an area decimated by genocide and poverty. Riley saw a completely different message in this story. Noticing that the children had no toys, playground equipment or furniture at their school, she decided that she would send some of her toys to the children in Africa. She proceed to talk to several businesses that she visits regularly: her daycare, her favorite diner, mom’s favorite coffee shop and even her gymnastics center. They all agreed to collect toys for the kids in the Darfur refugee camps…and Riley’s Toy Foundation was born. To date, the organization has already sent over 3,500 toys to Africa thanks to World Vision, the foundation’s logistics partner.
Jim Herr (1997) Eugene Hickok (1997) Dale High (1999) Bill Hillgrove (2001) Bill Hillgrove began his lengthy radio career while still in college in 1959. He graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in radio and television journalism. Currently, he serves as the “Voice of the Pittsburgh Panthers”, a position he has held for 27 years. He is the Chairman of the Bill Hillgrove Charity Golf Tourney, which fosters his love of the game. Mr. Hillgrove also does radio commentary for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Congressman
Joe Hoeffel (2001) Representative Joseph Hoeffel (D) represents part of Montgomery County. He is a member of the House International Relations, Budget and the Science Committees. Prior to serving as a congressman he served seven years as a county commissioner. He is married with two children and still resides in Montgomery County. Congressman
Tim Holden (2001) Irv Homer (1998) Cheri Honkala (1997) Martin Horn (1997) Morgan Hughes (2003) Morgan Hughes is an amusement park pioneer. During the 1950’s Morgan Hughes, Inc. (later Hot Rods Inc.) was responsible for importing many of the amusement park rides from European manufacturers and distributing them to American amusement parks. He is credited as the man who brought the first giant Ferris Wheel to the United States. Mr. Hughes now runs Williams Grove Amusement Park and Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Ivan
Itkin (1997)
Sen.
Harold James (1997) Bruce Johnson (1998) Charlie "Tremendous"
Jones (2003) Charlie “Tremendous” Jones is an author and motivational speaker whose speeches have been heard by thousands of audiences in several countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. He has been featured on several television shows and films, and has written books having to do with his personal philosophy on life’s challenges. Mr. Jones is the President of Executive Books in Mechanicsburg, PA where he and his wife Gloria currently reside. Clifford Jones (1927-2008) (1999) Clifford Jones (1927-2008) (2005) Clifford Jones served six Pennsylvania Governors in cabinet positions as the Secretary of Commerce, Labor and Industry, and Environmental Resources. While heading DER (Department of Environmental Resources), his agency led the response to the Three Mile Island nuclear incident in 1979. Currently, Mr. Jones serves on several boards, and teaches at Messiah College and Penn State Harrisburg. Judge John Jones (2007) John Jones joined the federal court in the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 2002. Before taking the bench, Judge Jones was chair of the PA Liquor Control Board. He became nationally known in 2005 for his ruling in the Dover Area School District case which banned the teaching of intelligent design in public schools. Shirley Jones (2002) Shirley Jones is an Oscar Award-winning actress, perhaps best known for her role as Shirley Partridge in “The Partridge Family” from 1970 to 1974. Ms. Jones started singing at the age of six, and began her career in the Broadway production of “South Pacific.” She went on to Hollywood to appear in films such as “Oklahoma!” “Carousel” and “The Music Man.” Ms. Jones’ most recent guest appearances include “The Drew Carey Show,” “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” and “That 70’s Show.” She is married to comedian Marty Ingles and tours the U.S. performing songs from her musicals. Reid Joyce (2009) Reid Joyce is a member of The BentProp Project, an organization that locates and identifies sites in the Western Pacific Ocean where US airmen, still listed as MIA, presumably lost their lives while defending the United States in WWII. Mr. Joyce played an integral role in the production of Last Flight Home, a documentary following the BentProp team members. Sen. Robert
Jubelirer (1997) Sen. Robert
Jubelirer (2006) Senator Robert Jubelirer is the longest-serving PA Senate President Pro Tempore in state history. Senator Jubelirer was elected to the state Senate in 1974 to represent Bedford, Blair, Fulton, and Huntingdon counties, and part of Mifflin County. As third ranking constitutional officer in the state, Senator Jubelirer became Lieutenant Governor for two years when Governor Tom Ridge left Pennsylvania to become Homeland Security Director in Washington, DC in 2001.
Major
General Nicholas Kafkalas (Retired) (2003) Major General Nicholas Kafkalas began his military career in 1939, when he enlisted as a private in the 28th Infantry Division. During World War II he was promoted to Sergeant and shortly thereafter to Second Lieutenant. He also served as a regimental and division staff officer in the Korean War. His 41-year military career also included a two-year term as Pennsylvania’s Adjunct General. Harry Kalas (1936-2009) (1998) Dan Kamin (2003) Dan Kamin is a professional mime that has performed worldwide for theaters, colleges and symphony orchestras. He has worked with Hollywood actors Johnny Depp and Robert Downey, Jr. He created the physical comedy sequences for their respective movie roles in “Benny and Joon” and “Chaplin.” Mr. Kamin also scored an on-screen role as the wooden Indian in the horror film “Creepshow 2.” Mr. Kamin resides in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Larry Kane (1998) Yvette Kane (1998) Congressman
Paul Kanjorski (2000) John Kanzius (2007) John Kanzius is a cancer researcher in Erie, PA. As a former radio and TV engineer who suffered from leukemia, Mr. Kanzius developed a potential cancer therapy that uses radio waves to destroy cancer cells. The Kanzius Non-invasive Radio Wave Treatment is currently being tested at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Sam Katz (2001) Sam Katz is the Chief Executive Officer of Greater Philadelphia First. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the National Museum of American Jewish History. Mr. Katz has sought public office three times, including Mayor of Philadelphia (in 1991 and 1999) and a gubernatorial run in 1994. He has four children, and he and his wife Connie reside in Philadelphia, PA. Joseph Kelly (2008) Joe Kelly is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, a private non-profit organization which represents Pennsylvania in the Federal-State Partnership of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Since 1994, as Executive Director, Mr. Kelly has maximized the effect of core PHC programs – grants, Commonwealth Speakers, and book discussion series – while forging partnerships with state agencies. He frequently advocates for the humanities to Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation. On a national level, he chairs the Legislative Committee of the Federation of State Humanities Councils. Andrew Kistler (2001) Andrew Kistler is the Past National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans. He played professional baseball with the Albany Cardinals until he was drafted into the Korean War. While serving, Mr. Kistler tripped a land mine resulting in he legs being amputated below the knee. He was named the Pennsylvania Disabled Veteran of the Year in 1993. Janet Klein (2001) Janet Klein is the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. As such, some of her responsibilities include: care of public records and objects of historic interest, museums and historic preservation of public interest for the Commonwealth. Ernie Kline (1999) Lew Kline (2000) Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll (1930 - 2008) (2004) Michael Kobold Michael Kobold founded the Kobold Watch Company at the age of 19 in 1998 when the company was little more than a hobby turned into a college class project. An aficionado of mechanical watches since age 12, Michael thought it would be fun to start a watch company as part of his entrepreneurship class at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Michael limited his company's exposure to the Internet to a simple, 4-page website, and started with only $5,000. Since 2002, Kobold watches have been worn on more polar expeditions than any other wristwatch. Kobold watches today are worn not only by polar explorers, but also by NASA test pilots and astronauts, NSA and CIA operatives, SWAT teams, deep sea divers, field scientists and others who depend on their timepieces for their livelihoods if not their lives. The company's high level of attention to individual clients has not only established a following among collectors and extreme professionals, but also with an increasing number of high-profile celebrities. To date, Kobold has manufactured custom watches for members of several royal families, heads of state, as well as sports and entertainment stars. Walt Koken (2005) Walt Koken is an Old Time Musician. He has played the banjo and fiddle in a variety of groups including “The Busted Toe Mudthumpers,” “Fat City,” “The Highwoods Stringband,” and the “Orpheus Supertones.” In the late 70’s, he retired from the old-time music business and worked as a carpenter. In the early 1990’s, he began playing banjo again, released several CD’s, and formed Mudthumper Music. The company is dedicated to the preservation of non-electrified, fiddle-banjo oriented music. Zell Kravinsky (2003) Zell Kravinsky is a philanthropist that donated a healthy kidney to a stranger in July 2003. He has also given away $15 million dollars – almost his entire fortune. He was a professor of Renaissance literature at the University of Pennsylvania and a real estate investor with his own company, Zell Kravinsky Properties. He resides in Philadelphia with his wife and four children. Jimmy Krenn (2002) Jimmy Krenn is the star of the hit radio show “Jim, Randy and the DVE Morning Show” in Pittsburgh. Mr. Krenn was born in Pittsburgh and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He traveled around the county as a comedian and performed with big names such as Jerry Seinfeld and Drew Carey. Mr. Krenn is well known for his impressions of local and national celebrities. His Morning Show has been at the top of the ratings for fourteen years.
Pat
Langiotti (1997) Rep. John Lawless (1997) Gov. George
Leader (1996) Gov. George Leader
Inauguration, 1955 (1998) Gov. George
Leader (1998) Jerry Lee (2005) Jerry Lee is an FM radio pioneer. Currently
he is the president and partner of WBEB 101 FM in Philadelphia.
When Mr. Lee was hired by WBEB-FM in 1963, he told management
they could fire him if he didn’t make them the number-one
radio station in town in one year. Mayor Thomas
Leighton (2004) Thomas Leighton is the mayor of the city of Wilkes-Barre, PA. He has served in his current position since January 2004. Prior to being elected mayor, he was a member of the Wilkes-Barre City Council. He was also the President and Owner of C.A. Leighton Company, a real estate and insurance appraisal business located in Wilkes-Barre. He is married with three children. Craig Lewis (2002) H. Craig Lewis is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Norfolk Southern Corporation. Prior to this position, he served Bucks County as a member of the Pennsylvania Senate from 1974 to 1994. While in the Pennsylvania Senate, he acted as both the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the Ethics Committee. In addition to his history as a state Senator, Mr. Lewis has written numerous works, including America’s Blind Ambition, published in 1987. Noah Lewis (2008) Noah Lewis, aka Edward “Ned” Hector, is what he likes to call himself as a “historical educator.” Mr. Lewis began his Ned Hector presentation in 1996 for his daughter’s 4th grade class and has been growing into the role ever since. Edward “Ned” Hector was an African-American Revolutionary War soldier who fought in the Battle of Brandywine and Germantown. He was so well respected in his community that in 1850, 16 years after he died, they named a street for him in Conshohocken, PA. This special PCN Profile features an interview with both Noah Lewis and Edward “Ned” Hector. Brett Lieberman (2004) Brett Lieberman is a reporter for the Harrisburg Patriot-News. He was an imbedded reporter stationed in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion in the 25th Marine Regiment. Mr. Lieberman lived with and wrote about nearly 900 Marines, including approximately 180 from Harrisburg-based Echo Company while they were stationed abroad. Sen. Joseph
Loeper (1997) Thacher Longstreth (1998) John Lukacs (2002) John Lukacs is a World War II historian and author. He originally hails from Hungary and immigrated to the United States in 1946. Mr. Lukacs has authored over twenty books including “Five Days in London,” “The History of Hitler,” and “End of the Modern Age” which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. He currently resides in Phoenixville, PA. Walker Lundy (2002) Walker Lundy is the Editor and Executive Vice President of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Before working at The Inquirer, Lundy was the Editor and Senior Vice President of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, a Pulitzer Prize winning publication. He has worked in the newspaper industry for over thirty-five years. He currently resides in Philadelphia with his wife, Saralyn.
G. Terry Madonna (2009) Dr. G. Terry Madonna is Director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs, Professor of Public Affairs, and Director of the Franklin and Marshall College Poll. For more than 30 years, Dr. Madonna has taught and written about his two academic specialties: the American presidency, and American political parities and political behavior. As a pollster in recent years, he has written extensively about voters and voting behavior. He is the host of Pennsylvania Newsmakers, a weekly statewide news and commentary program, writes a bi-weekly political commentary column, “Politically Uncorrected”, is a regular analyst for WGAL-TV (Lancaster/Harrisburg) and has appeared on numerous national political programs such as CNN’s Inside Politics, Fox News, MSNBC and ABC News. This man’s talent doesn’t end there: he’s also the author of numerous publications in the fields of American history, government and politics, a lecturer and moderator, and has received many awards and honors. Stuart
Malina (2004) Stuart Malina is the musical director and conductor for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Prior to taking the reins in Harrisburg, he held the same position with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina. Mr. Malina also has the distinction of being a Tony Award winner. He won the award for his collaboration with Twyla Tharp on the musical “Movin’ Out,” based on the music of Billy Joel. Bradley Mallory (1995) Rep. Kathy
Manderino (1999) Rep. Jennifer Mann (2009) State Representative Jennifer Mann represents the 132nd Legislative District in Pennsylvania, which includes portions of the city of Allentown in Lehigh County. Rep. Mann serves in House leadership as the majority caucus secretary and she is only the third woman to serve in a House Democratic leadership position since the PA legislature was formed. During her tenure in the legislature, she has served on numerous committees. A lifelong resident of Allentown, Rep. Mann graduated from Lehigh University with degrees in government and economics. She is an avid golfer and a longtime Philadelphia Phillies fan. Sid Mark (2000) Chris Martin,
IV (1999) Elwood Martin (2009) Elwood Martin is the President of Shady Maple Farm Market and Smorgasbord in East Earl, PA. Shady Maple originally started in the early 1970s, selling produce in a roadside stand which was located under large Maple Trees, which is where the name Shady Maple Farm Market originated. Today, Shady Maple encompasses a farm market, smorgasbord, banquet facilities, catering, RV sales and service, and Weaverland Foods. Shady Maple Farm Market presently employs over 350 people and is one of the largest independently owned grocery stores in Lancaster, PA. Congressman
Frank Mascara (2001) Congressman Frank Mascara (D) represents Greene, Washington and parts of Allegheny, Fayette and Westmoreland counties. He is a member of the House committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Banking and Financial Institutions. Congressman Mascara is a veteran of the United States Army, is married, has four children and resides in Charleroi, PA. Robert May (2004) Robert May is a movie producer and the founder
of SenArt Films. He founded the film company in 2000 to search
out meaningful stories that would affect audiences. His first
picture, “The Station Agent,” won a Sundance Film
Festival Acting Award. Mr. May also served as the Executive
Producer on the Oscar-winning film “The Fog of War.”
He is a life-long resident of Northeastern PA and currently
resides in Dallas, PA with his wife and children. Seamus McCaffery (2006) Seamus McCaffery is a judge on the PA Superior Court. His family emigrated to the U.S. when he was five-years old. After high school he joined the United States Marines. After his active duty in the Marines ended, he then joined the Philadelphia Police Force, serving for 20 years. Judge McCaffery then served 10 years as a trial judge before being elected to the PA Superior Court in 2003. Judge McCaffery established a pioneering court session at Philadelphia Eagles’ home games for meting out justice to rambunctious fans. Keith McCall (2009) Rep. Keith McCall was elected and sworn in as the 136th Speaker of the PA House on January 6, 2009. Speaker McCall has served the people of Carbon County since 1982 when he was elected to fill the vacancy left in the General Assembly by the death of his father, Rep. Thomas McCall. He has served as the Majority Whip for the Democratic Caucus, as well as Minority Chairman of the Consumer Affairs and Transportation Committees. James McCormick (1998) Frank McCourt (1930-2009) (2008) Frank McCourt was born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York to Irish immigrant parents. He grew up in Limerick, Ireland and returned to America in 1949. McCourt gained international recognition for his memoir Angela’s Ashes, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. He continued his life story with the memoir ‘Tis, about his immigration to America. His most recent work, Teacher Man, describes his teaching career in the New York City public school system, which spanned 30 years. Mr. McCourt was the 2008 Speaker’s Millennium Lecture guest speaker. President Judge
Emeritus Stephen McEwen, Jr. (1998) Congressman
Paul McHale (1998) Bruce J. McKinney (1999) Ed McMahon (1923 - 2009) (2003) Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. was born in Detroit on March 6, 1923. Best known as Johnny Carson’s sidekick on the “Tonight Show”, Mr. McMahon got his start in television in 1949 at Philadelphia’s Channel 10 WCAU. His first day on the job, Mr. McMahon was writer, producer and co-host of a live three-hour daily show. Over the next nine years, he became a familiar face on 13 different local shows, mostly for Channel 10. He was a clown on Big Top, the nephew on the cooking show Aunt Molly’s Den, the host of Cold Cash and Million Dollar Movie and featured visiting celebrities on the first morning show, Strictly for Girls. He also hosted McMahon and Company for Channel 3 (then WRCV-TV). In 1958, McMahon worked with Johnny Carson for the first time as the announcer for Carson’s new game show Who Do You Trust? In 1962, Carson replaced Jack Paar on NBC’s The Tonight Show and Mr. McMahon came along. The two appeared together weeknights for the next three decades. Ed McMahon passed away on June 23, 2009 at the age of 86. Rep. Mark McNaughton (2001) Kenneth Melani (2008) Dr. Kenneth Melani is president and chief executive officer of Highmark, Inc., which operates as Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in western Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Shield in central Pennsylvania and Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield in West Virginia. Dr. Melani has served in his position since January 1, 2003, and he oversees the day-to-day operations of one of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans in the country. Highmark’s 19,000 employees serve more than 23 million people nationally through health, dental, vision and life and casualty insurance products and services. Sen. Robert
Mellow (1997) Fred Miles (2002) Fred Miles has received national recognition for his animation with NBC Sports, ESPN, ABC Sports, MTV, The Discovery Channel and NBA Entertainment. Mr. Miles is currently Director of Broadcast for HLG Marketing. He conducts yearly, weeklong cartooning camps for high school students in his studio. Fred Miles resides in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania with his wife Nancy. Col. Jeffrey Miller (2004) Leslie Ann
Miller (1998) Jerry Mondesire (2005) Chris Moore (1998) Dr. Robert
Morrison (1997) Thaddeus Mosley (1997) Tom Murphy (1998) Sen. Raphael
Musto (1999) Joel Myers (2001)
David Nathan (2009) From record store owner and fan club secretary to music journalist, media coach, liner notes writer, reissue producer, website owner, broadcaster, recording artist and now record producer, David Nathan has spent most of his professional life “dedicated to soul.” Mr. Nathan is from London, but now resides in Philadelphia. His career began in the ‘60s as co-owner of Britain’s first R&B-only record store, “Soul City” and he has since worked with platinum-selling artists such as Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Toni Braxton and Tony Rich. What all does he do now? You’ll have to watch the interview to find out! Ivory
Nelson (2003) Ivory Nelson is the President of Lincoln University. He graduated from Grambling State University, in Louisiana in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and chemistry. Mr. Nelson is a trained chemist and has authored eleven technical publications in the field of analytical chemistry. He and his wife Patricia currently reside in Lincoln University, PA. Peter Nero (2000) James Nevels (2007) James Nevels is the Founder and Chair of the Swarthmore Group, a minority-owned securities and investment firm headquartered in Philadelphia with investment assets exceeding $1.5 billion. In 2001, Mr. Nevels was appointed by Governor Mark Schweiker to chair the Philadelphia School Reform Commission. The commission was charged with overseeing the turn-around of the nation’s eighth largest school district. David Newell (2003) David Newell is best known for his role as “Mr. McFeely” the Speedy Delivery man on the children’s TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Behind the scenes, he has had many responsibilities such as Properties Manager and Associate Producer. Currently, he is not the Director of Public Relations for Family Communications, Inc. Scott Newkam (2001) Judge Sandra
Schultz Newman (1997) Judge Sandra
Schultz Newman (2005) Sandra Schultz Newman is a Justice of the PA Supreme Court. Justice Newman holds the distinction of being the first woman elected to Pennsylvania’s highest court. Prior to her current position, she served as a private attorney for several years, and was elected Judge of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in 1993. Outside of her legal work, Justice Newman serves on the boards of many organizations which involve the community, education, charities, and the arts. Mark Nordenberg (1999) Mark Nordenberg (2003) Mark Nordenberg is the chancellor and chief executive officer of the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the university as a member of the law faculty in 1977. Since then, he has held many different positions with the university including: dean of the School of Law, interim provost, and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. In 1999, Pittsburgh Magazine named Mr. Nordenberg “Pittsburgher of the Year”. In 2002, he shared the honor and was named “Co-Pittsburgher of the Year” for his work in regional development initiatives. Alan Novak (2002) Michael Novak is the theologian, author and former U.S. ambassador. He is currently the Director of Social and Political Studies at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. Mr. Novak has authored over 30 books including “The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism.” He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion 9awarded at Buckingham Palace), the George Washington Honor Medal, and more that 15 honorary degrees. Michael Novak (2002) Michael Novak is the theologian, author and former U.S. ambassador. He is currently the Director of Social and Political Studies at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. Mr. Novak has authored over 30 books including “The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism.” He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion 9awarded at Buckingham Palace), the George Washington Honor Medal, and more that 15 honorary degrees. Michael Nutter (2009) Michael Nutter, a lifetime Philadelphian, is the current mayor of the city of Philadelphia. He is Philadelphia’s third African American mayor. Mayor Nutter served as a City Councilman for nearly 15 years representing Philadelphia’s Fourth District. Mayor Nutter grew up in West Philadelphia, at 55th and Larchwood Avenue, where he lived with his parents, sister and grandmother. The mayor received an academic scholarship to St. Joseph’s Preparatory High School, where he graduated in 1975. He enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Wharton School of Business in 1979. Mayor Nutter has a wife, Lisa, and two children, Olivia and Christian. Recently, Mayor Nutter was seen in the movie "Law Abiding Citizen" as the Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia.
Rep. Dennis
O’Brien (2007) Representative Dennis O’Brien (R) is the 135th PA Speaker of the House. As Speaker, some of his responsibilities include appointing all chairmen and vice chairmen of standing committees, referring all bills to committee for consideration, and convening and recessing the body each legislative day. Speaker O’Brien has been a member of the PA House since 1979, representing the 169th legislative district in Philadelphia. Fr. Christian Oravec (1999)
Robert
Page (1999) Vince Papale (2007) Vince Papale was a professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 to 1979. At the age of 30, Vince tried out for the Eagles as a walk-on candidate. He made the team and became the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL. His story has been chronicled in a book and major motion picture called “Invincible.” Steven Pasquale (2009) Steven Pasquale, born in Hershey, Pennsylvania, most recently starred on Broadway in Neil LaBute’s Tony-nominated Reasons to be Pretty. A regular on the theater scene, Pasquale’s credits include Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden (World AIDS Day Concert), Henrik in A Little Night Music (opposite Victor Garber, Natasha Richardson, and Vanessa Redgrave), and Robbie in the Ahrens/Flahrety/McNally musical A Man of No Importance (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations). Television audiences have followed him for five seasons as Sean Garrity on the FX hit show “Rescue Me.” His other television credits include a recurring role on HBO’s drama “Six Feet Under” and Sofia Coppola’s “Platinum.” His solo album, “Something’ Like Love” was released in April 2009 by the Grammy nominated record label PS Classics. Viewers may be interested to know that Steven got his start in theatre at Bishop McDevitt High School as the lead in the production of Fame Dr. Ruth Patrick (2003) Ruth Patrick is recognized internationally as one of the foremost experts on the biological effects of water pollution. She is in her 90’s, and has contributed to natural science as an ecologist for 70 years. In 1996 she received the nation’s top science award, the National Medal of Science. She is currently working on the final volume of her six-volume set, Rivers of the United States. Dr. James Pawelczyk (2002) Dr. Jim Pawelczyk is an astronaut and Assistant Penn State Professor. He was a payload specialist aboard the 1998 Space Shuttle Columbia Mission. Dr. Pawelczyk spent 16 days in flight and circled the earth 256 times while conducting neuroscience experiments. He is married and has two children. Dr. Harold Paz (2009) Dr. Harold Paz was named Penn State University’s fifth Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, Dean of its College of Medicine, and Chief Executive Officer of the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in April 2006. With over 8,000 employees, 1,500 students and post-graduate trainees, and a combined budget of over $1 billion, the Medical Center and College serve the citizens of Pennsylvania through a four-part mission of education, research, patient care, and community engagement. During his tenure at Penn State, Dr. Paz has initiated the formation of the Penn State Hershey Health System, which includes four hospitals, 44 ambulatory care sites, and eight affiliated hospitals. He has spearheaded the creation of both the Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, and has overseen a major one-half million square foot expansion of the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus that includes five new patient care, research, and education buildings. Georges Perrier (2003) Georges Perrier who hails from Lyon, France is the chef and owner of Philadelphia’s Le Bec-Fin restaurant. Mr. Perrier has owned and operated the establishment since 1970. Le Bec-Fin has garnered a host of awards over the years. In 1994 Conde Naste’ Traveler magazine chose Le Bec-Fin as the #1 restaurant in the country. Since then, Mr. Perrier has opened two other establishments in Philadelphia – La Brasserie Perrier and La Mas Perrier. Rep. John Perzel (1997) Rep. John Perzel (2002) Representative John Perzel is the Pennsylvania House Majority Leader. As the Majority Leader, he controls the movement of all legislation in the House of Representatives. He has been a member of the House since 1978. Representative Perzel still resides in his hometown, Philadelphia, with his wife Sheryl. They have four children. Rep. John Perzel (2006) Congressman
John Peterson (2002) Congressman John Peterson (R) represents several counties including: Armstrong, Camerson, Centre, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Union, Venago and Warren. He has the largest congressional district East of the Mississippi. Congressman Peterson was the first elected to congress in 1996, and currently serves as a member of the House Appropriation Committee and the Resource Committee. Before running for Congress, he served in the PA House of Representatives for seven years and in the state Senate for 12 years. Mike Pettine,
Jr. & Mike Pettine, Sr. (2000) Robin Piacine (2005) Robin Piacine is the President of the Coalition of Families of Korean & Cold War POW/MIA's. The national organization works to promote a full accounting for American servicemen who remain missing from the Korean and Cold Wars. Mrs. Piacine's organization also works to identify Korean War remains, declassify Korean and Cold War era documents, and increase government awareness of POW/MIA issues. To learn more about the Coalition of Families of Korean & Cold War POW/MIA's, please visit www.coalitionoffamilies.org. Joseph Piccirilli (1999) Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (2005) Sen. Jeffrey Piccola is the Majority Whip of the PA Senate. He was first elected to the Senate in 1995 and was a Member of the House of Representatives from 1977 to November 1995. Senator Piccola is a member of the Education, Ethics, and Judiciary committees along with several others. He represents Dauphin and York Counties. Congressman
Joseph Pitts (2001) Charlie Pizzi (2003) Charlie Pizzi is president and CEO of the Tasty Baking Company, the makers of Tastykakes. He has been the head of the Tasty Baking Co., the Mid-Atlantic region’s biggest source of snack cakes, since October 2002. Mr. Pizzi was the president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce for 13 years and served on transition teams for Gov. Tom Ridge and mayors Ed Rendell and John Street Congressman
Todd Platts (2001) Congressman Todd Platts (R) represents Adams, Cumberland and York Counties. He is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and the Workforce, and the Government Reform Committees. Prior to serving as a congressman, he served for six years in the PA House of Representatives. Congressman Platts is married with two children and still resides in York, PA. Ed Pope (2001) Ed Pope is an American businessman who was arrested and convicted of spying in Russia. Mr. Pope, a former Naval Intelligence officer, was doing research in Russia on torpedo propulsion reports when he was detained. He spent eight months in jail, was found guilty of the charges and was then immediately pardoned and released by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ed and his wife, Cheri, currently reside in State College, PA. Sam Psoras (2001) Sam Psoras cultivated his career as a photographer by working for his high school newspaper. After a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Psoras obtained a job at the Philadelphia Daily News. He has taken photos of celebrities and public figures such as: J. Edgar Hoover, Frank Sinatra, Mother Teresa, Billy Holiday, Malcolm X and Shirley Temple. After a 40-year career, Mr. Psoras has a collection of over 600,000 original photographs.
John Quain (1997) Janie Quinn (2004) Janie Quinn is the founder of Essential Living and the author
of “Essential Eating, A Cookbook.” She is a nutritional
counselor and loves to promote the benefits of eating unaltered,
organically grown, and chemical-free foods that support wellness.
Mrs. Quinn is also a certified Feng Shui consultant who believes
that a balanced environment is also an integral part of healthy
living. She and her husband reside in Waverly, PA.
Jack
Race (2006) Jack Race was a WWII pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps and recently co-authored a book about his experiences. “I’ll Fly Away” chronicles Mr. Race’s life as an aviator for over 60 years. Captain Race obtained his pilot’s license in 1940, flew with Pan American for 34 years, and even captained a cargo flight with his flying hero, Charles Lindbergh. Currently, Mr. Race serves as a volunteer captain for Project Orbis, an international organization working to combat blindness. Sheryl Lee
Ralph (2006) Sheryl Lee Ralph is an actress, singer, writer, director, and producer. Her first Broadway show was in the musical “Reggae” in 1980. That was followed by over 1,200 performances as Deena Jones in “Dreamgirls,” a role that netted her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She has also appeared in several films including “The Mighty Quinn” with Denzel Washington, and “The Distinguished Gentleman” with Eddie Murphy. Small screen credits include “It’s a Living,” “Designing Women,” and “Moesha.” In 1990, she created an annual AIDS fundraiser “Divas: Simply Singing” to promote HIVAIDS awareness and prevention. In July 2005, she married PA Senator Vincent Hughes and they currently share residences in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Rep. Benjamin
Ramos (1999) John Randolph (2008) John Randolph is the Editor and Publisher of Fly Fisherman magazine and Publishing Director of the internet site www.flyfisherman.com. He has written numerous books and chapters for anthologies. Mr. Randolph’s fly-fishing experiences have taken him to places such as Alaska, New Zealand, Argentina, Nova Scotia, Costa Rica, the Amazon River and most of the states in the U.S. Mr. Randolph has been at the helm of Fly Fisherman magazine since 1981. Luke Ravenstahl (2008) Silver Ravenwolf (2005) Silver Ravenwolf is a witchcraft expert and author. She has penned over 18 books on religion and “magick” and lectures to audiences across the United States. Ms. Ravenwolf began her career as an author writing fiction works. Now she is most recognized for her books on New Age spirituality. She is the head of 11 covens in eight states, and her work is published in at least 3 languages. Paul Redman (2006) Paul Redman became the Director of Longwood Gardens in July 2006. Located in Kennett Square, PA, the gardens were purchased by Pierre S. du Pont in 1906. The facility showcases 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows; 11,000 different types of plants and a horticultural career training center. Prior to his current position, Mr. Redman was the Executive Director of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden in Ohio and co-hosted a weekly garden news television segment. Penelope Reed (2007) Penelope Reed is the Producing Artistic Director for Hedgerow Theatre. The theatre is located in Rose Valley, PA, and touts itself as one of the few remaining resident repertory companies in the country. In addition to regular shows, Hedgerow also offers training and performance opportunities for actors, directors and playwrights. Stephen Reed (1998) Stephen Reed (2006) Stephen Reed has been the Mayor of Harrisburg, PA since 1982. Mr. Reed is the longest serving mayor in Harrisburg history. Prior to his current position, he served three terms as a member of the PA House of Representatives, and he was a Dauphin County Commissioner. One of Mayor Reed’s most notable distinctions is that he is the first PA mayor to be placed in charge of the local school district Merrill Reese (1999) Merrill Reese (2005) Merrill Reese has been the radio voice of the Philadelphia Eagles since 1977. He is a Philadelphia denizen who dreamed of being a broadcaster and is now living his lifelong dream. Along with announcing for the Eagles, he is also part owner of WBCB-AM 1490. Ed Rendell (1998) Ed Rendell (2002) Ed Rendell was the Mayor of Philadelphia from 1991 – 1999. He is currently running in the Gubernatorial race for Governor. Before serving as Mayor, Mr. Rendell was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia for two terms from 1978 through 1985. He also served as the General Chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2000. Mr. Rendell is married to Marjorie Rendell, a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Marjorie Rendell (2005) Marjorie Rendell is the 43rd First Lady of Pennsylvania and a federal judge. As First Lady, her primary focus is the improvement of civic learning for Pennsylvania students. While she practiced law for over 20 years, her specialty was bankruptcy law and commercial litigation. Judge Rendell was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1997. She has been married to, Gov. Ed Rendell, for over 30 years and they have one son. Patrick Reynolds (1997) Michele Ridge (1998) Tom Ridge (2009) Tom Ridge was born on August 26, 1945, in Pittsburgh’s Steel Valley. He grew up in Erie and later earned an academic scholarship to Harvard, graduating with honors in 1967. After his first year at Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Ridge was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam between 1969 and 1970, earning the Bronze Star for Valor. After returning to Pennsylvania, he earned his law degree and was in private practice before becoming assistant district attorney in Erie County. He was elected to Congress in 1982, where he was the first enlisted Vietnam combat veteran and was re-elected six times. Ridge was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania, serving from 1995 to 2001. Governor Ridge’s aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state’s advances in the priority areas of economic development, education, health and the environment. In early 2003, Ridge was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the nation’s first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for mitigating terrorist attacks on the United States. Cardinal Justin Rigali (2005) Cardinal Justin Rigali is the Archbishop of Philadelphia. He was born in Los Angeles and had six siblings. In 1961, he began graduate studies in Rome and remained there for several years. In 2003, he was installed as Archbishop of Philadelphia. Two weeks later, Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal. Cardinal Rigali is the spiritual leader of almost 1.5 million Catholics in Philadelphia. Ralph Roberts (2001) Ralph Roberts is the founder and Chairman of Comcast Corporation. Mr. Roberts purchased his first cable system in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1963. Since that initial purchase, Comcast has grown to one of the largest cable companies in the world. Sara Robinson (2009) Sara Robinson is the Head Instructor at Force of One Tae Kwon Do studio in Mount Joy, PA. Since the age of 11, Sara has been heavily involved in Tae Kwon Do, eventually earning her 3rd degree black belt. Sara founded Force of One in April of 2005 with the Amateur Athletic Union. Force of One offers programs for ages 4 and up and has proudly had 6 national champions throughout its years of existence. Sara works for UPS and currently works in the training department which is responsible for training new employees when they first start. She also tutors elementary age to high school and GED students. Ardath Rodale (1999) Jim Roddey (2000) Judith Rodin (2003) Judith Rodin is the President of the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated from Penn in 1966 with a B.A. in psychology, and is the first Penn alumna to serve as president. Ms. Rodin also has the distinction of being the first woman named president of an Ivy League institution. She currently serves on several boards including Brookings Institution, Catalyst, and the Greater Philadelphia Corporation. Dan Rooney (1998) Robert Rosenthal (2001) Bob Rosenthal was the editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1998-2001. He served as the paper’s Africa correspondent for four years out of Nairobi, Kenya. He also worked in Israel, and spent three months in Beirut, Lebanon in late 1983 and early 1984. He was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in international reporting. Mr. Rosenthal resigned as editor of the Inquirer November 6, 2001. Mike Ross (1996) Rep. Matt Ryan (1997) Representative Matt Ryan is the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. First elected to this position in 1981, he was re-elected Speaker in 1985, 1997, 1999 and 2001. He is a member of the Capitol Preservation Committee; the committee charged with the Capitol’s historic preservation and renovation. In June 1999, the Capitol Annex was renamed the Matthew J. Ryan Legislative Office Building. Rep. Matt Ryan (2002)
Sen.
Frank Salvatore (2000) Sen. Rick Santorum (1997) Sen. Rick Santorum (2001) Sen. Rick Santorum (2004) Sen. Rick Santorum has served in the U.S. Senate since 1995. He is a member of the Aging, Finance, and Banking Committees. After graduating Penn State University with a BA in Political Science, Mr. Santorum went ton to earn his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and a law degree from Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle. He is married and the father of seven children. Wolfgang Sawallisch (2000) Carolyn Scanlon (2006) Carolyn Scanlan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). The association represents and advocates for nearly 250 hospitals and health systems in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Scanlan has been in her current position since 1995. Prior to working at HAP, she served eight years with the Healthcare Association of New York State. In her free time, Mrs. Scanlan serves on the governing boards of HARSCO Corporation and WITF, Inc. She is married and currently resides in Hummelstown, PA. Sen. Joseph Scarnati (2007) Sen. Joseph Scarnati was sworn in as the PA Senate President Pro Tempore on January 2, 2007; the third highest constitutional office in Pennsylvania. He represents the 25th senatorial district, which includes all of Cameron, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter and Tioga Counties and parts of Clearfield and Warren Counties. Prior to serving in the PA Senate, Sen. Scarnati was a third-generation business owner in the Brockway area where he was born and raised. Eleanor Schano (2007) Eleanor Schano is a television pioneer. Ms. Schano claims many “firsts” in television – including being the first female commercial announcer, first TV weathergirl, and one of the first solo women to anchor a major market prime-time TV news show. Her book “Riding the Airwaves” chronicles her fifty-year plus odyssey through the world of broadcasting. Mel Schiavelli (2008) Leo Schramm (2004) Leo Schramm is a World War II veteran. During the war, he was also a member of the American Volunteer Group called the “Flying Tigers.” As a member of this special unit, he contracted with the Chinese government as a First Class Air Mechanic. The “Flying Tigers” were the first group to see combat against the Japanese during World War II. Sen. Allyson
Schwartz (1997) Rep. Allyson Schwartz (2008) Lt. Gov. Mark
Schweiker (1997) Mark Schweiker (2005) Mark Schweiker was Lieutenant Governor from 1995 – 2001 and PA governor from 2001 – 2003. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, PA Governor Tom Ridge left the position to become Homeland Security Director in Washington, DC. Lt. Governor Schweiker was then sworn in as Pennsylvania’s 44th Governor. He is the only governor to serve as a direct result of the 911 terrorist attacks. Gov. Schweiker received national attention during the Quecreek Mine disaster in Somerset County by leading one of the most successful mine rescues in national history. After leaving office, he became President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Sen. Richard
Schweiker (2001) K. Lee Scott (2010) During the past two decades, K. Lee Scott has emerged as one of America’s foremost composers of music for the church. His 300 published compositions include anthems, hymns, works for solo voice, organ, bass, and major works including a Christmas cantata and Te Deum. Scott received two degrees in choral music from The University of Alabama School of Music under the tutelage of Frederick Prentice. In addition to Prentice, he also studied composition with Paul Hedwall and Gail Kubik. Scott has served as adjunct faculty for The University of Alabama School of Music, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Music and Samford University School of Music. He has traveled extensively as guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States, and to Canada and Africa. Thomas & Vasiliki Scotes (2008) Bill Scranton (2005) Bill Scranton is the former Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania. During the Three Mile Island accident in 1979, he coordinated the activities of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Currently he co-chairs an organization he co-founded, the Great Valley Technology Alliance, whose mission is the creation of a self-sustaining technology-based economy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His father William Scranton was elected governor of Pennsylvania 1962. The city of Scranton, PA was named after their family. Gov. William Scranton (1996) Sister Mary Scullion (2009) Sister Mary Scullion is the Co-Founder, Executive Director and President of Project H.O.M.E., a nationally recognized organization that provides supportive housing, employment, education and health care to enable chronically homeless and low-income persons to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Sister Scullion has been involved in service work and advocacy for homeless and mentally ill persons since 1978, and she helped co-found Project H.O.M.E. in 1989. Project H.O.M.E. has grown from an emergency winter shelter to 447 units of housing and three businesses that provide employment to formerly homeless persons. Sister Scullion was most recently named one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 of the World’s Most Influential People. James Seif (2002) James M. Seif was the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from 1995 to 2001. Appointed by Governor Ridge, he worked to foment global trade between Pennsylvania environmental companies and countries across the world, including Singapore, Brazil, and South Africa. Mr. Seif is currently the Vice President of Corporate Services for PPL Corporation. He lives with his family in Whitpain, Pennsylvania. Ruth &
Blair Seitz (1999) Gov. Raymond
Shafer (1996) Nelson Shanks (2003) Nelson Shanks is a realist painter. He has been commissioned to paint such notable figures as former President Ronald Reagan, Luciano Pavarotti, Princess Diana and Lady Margaret Thatcher. His work has been exhibited in many museums and galleries including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Philadelphia Art Alliance and the Palmer Museum of Art. Mr. Shanks currently holds instructional classes at Studio Incaminati in Philadelphia. Judge Norma
Shapiro (2002) Judge Norma Shapiro was the first female appointed to the federal bench in the third circuit, which presides over Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is a winner of the American Bar Association Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award and has contributed her wisdom to Elizabeth Vrato’s book The Counselors. Stan Sheetz (2002) Stan Sheetz is the President and CEO of Sheetz, Inc., the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain that boasts 258 stores in five states. Mr. Sheetz also serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Convenience Stores and the Omega Financial Corporation. Sheetz, Inc. has won many accolades, including the Silver Plate Award and “Convenience Store Chain of the Year” in 1994. It was inducted into the Convenience Store Industry Hall of Fame in 1995. Sheetz, Inc. remains one of the largest contributors to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics. Marciarose Shestack (2005) Marciarose Shestack was the first woman in
the country to anchor a major-market Rev. James
Simms (2002) Rev. James Simms is President of District 10 City Council, in Allegheny County. He is the pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Pittsburgh. Rev. Simms is the former Executive Director of the City of Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission and former Executive Assistant to Pittsburgh Mayors Richard Caliguiri and Sophie Masloff. He resides in the Hill District of Pittsburgh with his wife Emmajane. Dan Simpson (2003) Dan Simpson is an associate editor and a member of the Editorial Board at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He also served as an U.S. ambassador in several African nations including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and Somalia. He currently resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Elizabeth. Mark Singel (1997) Joseph Sinnott (2008) Joseph Sinnott is the current Mayor of Erie. A lifelong resident of Erie, he has worked as the Industrial Pre-Treatment Coordinator for the City of Erie, Waste Water Treatment Plant; several law firms and served on Erie City Council. Mayor Sinnott is the only Mayor to have been a city employee and City Councilman prior to becoming Mayor in November 2005. Bev Smith (2004) Bev Smith is the host of her own nationally-syndicated four hour-long radio program. “The Bev Smith Show” has been on the air for over 20 years. Ms. Smith began as a Consumer Affairs Investigative Reporter. Since then she has gone on to write a weekly consumer advice column and became the host of “Our Voices,” a one-hour long talk show on Black Entertainment Television (BET). Devon Smith (2002) Devon Smith is a World Record Hitchhiker and artist. Mr. Smith hitchhiked 291,000 miles over a period of 24 years. This trek has taken him across Europe, South America and the United States. In the 1980’s, Mr. Smith began using scrap materials to construct life-sized models of robots. His work has been displayed at the American Visionary Art Museum and the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum. Luther Smith (2006) Luther Smith is a World War II veteran and a member of the prestigious Tuskegee Airmen. As part of an experimental program sponsored by the U.S. Army Air Corps to train America’s first black military aviators, Mr. Smith received his pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. He served as a fighter pilot with the all-black 302nd Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group. The Tuskegee Airmen are credited with not losing a single bomber to enemy fire in more than 200 combat missions – a record unmatched by any other fighter group. Mr. Smith is credited with destroying two German enemy aircraft in aerial combat and 10 German aircraft in ground strafing missions. He was permanently injured on this 133rd and final combat mission on Friday, October 13, 1944. To learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen, please visit www.tuskegeeairmen.org. Thomas Sokolowski (2003) Yongyi Song (2001) Yongyi Song, a Dickinson College librarian, was arrested and accused of spying while in the People’s Republic of China. Mr. Song and his wife, Helen Yao, were held in China while compiling research on the country’s Cultural Revolution. Mr. Song was detained for approximately six months before being released. He and his wife currently reside in Carlisle, PA. Graham Spanier (1997) Graham Spanier (2004) Sen. Arlen
Specter (1997) Sen. Arlen Specter (2008) Sen. Arlen Specter was elected to the United States Senate in 1980 and is currently serving his fifth term. In 2005, Senator Specter became Pennsylvania’s longest-serving U.S. Senator. He is Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a senior member of the Appropriations and Veterans Affairs committees. Robert Stack (2009) Robert Stack is the Founder, President and CEO of Community Options, Inc., an organization that develops residential and employment supports for people with severe disabilities, utilizing technology and training. As a national agency, Community Options has participated in institutional closure and community residential placement for thousands of people across several states. Mr. Stack has extensive international experience in entrepreneurial business development and non-profit management. He has spoken throughout the world on employment for persons with disabilities using a social entrepreneurial model. He has spoken at the Yale Goldman-Sacks school of Management and has given the plenary session at the National Council of Negro Women USAID conference in Cairo, Egypt on entrepreneurial management, business development and advocacy. Dr. Thomas Starzl (2005) Dr. Thomas Starzl is an organ transplant pioneer. He performed the world’s first human liver transplant in 1963, and the first successful liver transplant in 1967. He was also instrumental in developing a more effective anti-rejection agent for organ transplant surgeries. In 1996, he was appointed Director of the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine. Bill Strickland (1998) Anthony Stultz (2007) Anthony Stultz is a Buddhist teacher and counselor. Sensei Stultz is the founder and director of the Blue Mountain Lotus Society (BMLS), a non-profit organization devoted to sharing the teachings of the Buddha. His book “Free your Mind: The Four Directions of an Awakened Life” combines insights from Eastern and Western psychology and developing Western Buddhist practice. Rep. Mike Sturla (2009) Rep. Mike Sturla serves the 96th Legislative District and was born and raised in Lancaster County. Rep. Sturla began his public service in 1987 when he was elected to Lancaster City Council. He also served as a member of the Lancaster County Planning Commission in 1990 until his election to the PA House of Representatives in 1991. Throughout his legislative career, Rep. Sturla has served on a variety of House standing committees and was elected by his Democratic colleagues to the leadership position of Majority Policy Committee chairman for the 2009-2010 session. Rev. Leon Sullivan
(1922 - 2001) (1998) Andrew Susko (2008) Andrew Susko is the 113th president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. He has served as chair on numerous committees within the PBA such as the Young Lawyers Division, Task Force on the Judicial System, Membership Development Committee, Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee and the “Project Peace” subcommittee. He is currently the chairman of the Litigation Department at White and Williams LLP, a 220-lawyer firm and leads the insurance fraud practice group. He has been a trial attorney for the past 20 years and has extensive jury trial experience
Yuci
Tan (2002) Yuci Tan is the author of “The Art of Food Sculpture: Designs and Techniques.” Her book details the art of Chinese and International food sculpture. Ms. Tan began studying food sculpture in Beijing, China. Since moving to the United States, her work has been displayed at hotels, conventions and country clubs around the country. Bob Tarlton (1914 - 2006) (1997) Rep. Elinor
Taylor (1999) Dr. James Tayoun (2004) Jimmy Tayoun (2004) David Thornburgh (2001) David Thornburgh is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Economy League, a non-profit public policy research and development organization. His expertise extends to entrepreneurial development projects in China, Hungary, Japan and Russia. Mr. Thornburgh is married with two children and resides in Philadelphia, PA. Gov. Dick Thornburgh (1996) Gov. Dick Thornburgh (1998) Dick Thornburgh (2009) A native of Pittsburgh, Dick Thornburgh served as Governor of Pennsylvania, Attorney General of the United States under two presidents, and was the highest-ranking American at the United Nations during a public career which spanned over 25 years. Elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 1978 and re-elected in 1982, Thornburgh was the first Republican ever to serve two successive terms in that office. During his service as Governor, Thornburgh balanced state budgets for eight consecutive years, reduced both personal and business tax rates, cut the state's record-high indebtedness and left a surplus of $350 million. Following the unprecedented Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979, he was described by observers as "one of the few authentic heroes of that episode as a calm voice against panic". After his unanimous confirmation by the United States Senate, Thornburgh served three years as Attorney General of the United States (1988-1991) in the cabinets of Presidents Reagan and Bush. Thornburgh played a leading role in the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He also took vigorous action against racial, religious and ethnic "hate crimes", and his office mounted a renewed effort to enforce the nation's anti-trust and environmental laws. During his tenure as Attorney General, Thornburgh twice personally argued and won cases before the United States Supreme Court. Brian Tierney (2007) Brian Tierney is CEO and Publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer, CEO of the Philadelphia Daily News, and CEO of Philadelphia Media Holdings (PMH). PMH acquired the two newspapers, philly.com, and several other community newspapers and magazines in 2006. Prior to his current position, Mr. Tierney launched several advertising and public relations companies, including T2 Group and Tierney Communications. Sen. Richard
Tilghman (1999) "Jolly" Joe
Timmer (2000) John Timoney (1998) Steve Tobin (2004) Steve Tobin is a sculptor who works in several different mediums including bronze, glass, steel and clay. His is assisted by ten sculptors from around the world who aid him in creating 40-foot high glass sculptures and multi-ton ceramic sculptures shaped with explosives. His art has appeared at the White House, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania State Museum. His 21,000 square-foot studio is the largest private sculpture studio in the world. You can view some of his work at www.stevetobin.com. Congressman
Pat Toomey (2001) Cong. Patrick Toomey (R) represents Lehigh, Northampton and parts of Montgomery County. He is currently a member of the House Budget and Financial Services Committee. Cong. Toomey has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1999. Pat Toomey (2007) Pat Toomey is the President and CEO of the Club for Growth. The club is a political advocacy group that espouses limited government. Mr. Toomey also served as a member of the United States House of Representatives 15th congressional district for three terms, from January 1999 through January 2005. Christine Toretti (2001) Christine Toretti is the National Committeewoman of Pennsylvania to the Republican National Committee. She is also the Chairman and CEO of the S.W. Jack Drilling Company, the largest privately held land-based drilling company in the United States. Among her many other projects, Ms. Toretti also serves on the Energy Advisory Committee for the Bush/Cheney Transition Team. She has three sons and currently resides in Indiana, PA. Joseph Torsella (2008) Joseph Torsella is the President and CEO of the National Constitution Center (NCC). The NCC is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of, and appreciation for, the Constitution. The museum is an interactive, interpretive facility located within Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. Rep. Fred Trello (2002) Representative Fred Trello (D) represents Allegheny County. He is the Democratic Chairman of the House Finance Committee, a position he has held since 1983. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1974 and will complete his 14th and final term in office this year. He resides in Coraopolis, PA with his wife Elizabeth. C. DeLores
Tucker (1927 - 2005) (2001) C. Delores Tucker is the Chair of the National Political Congress of Black Women. Mrs. Tucker was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She later became an outspoken opponent of segregation in the 1960’s and has since devoted her life to fighting for racial justice. In 1971, Governor Milton Shapp appointed her Pennsylvania’s Secretary of the Commonwealth – making her the first African American to serve as a state secretary. Erna Tunno (2002) Erna Tunno is a watercolor artist who specializes in landscape paintings of the Susquehanna River and the State Capital. She was born in Germany and her family immigrated to the United States during the 1940’s. They originally settled in New York, then found their way to Pennsylvania. Mrs. Tunno is married with two grown children; Erna and her husband reside in Harrisburg.
Carl Upchurch (1997) John Updike (2007) John Updike is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. He is internationally known for his two prize-winning novels “Rabbit is Rich,” and “Rabbit at Rest,” along with a large body of work that includes short stories, poetry, and even a play about President James Buchanan. Mr. Updike was born in Reading, PA, and lived in Shillington, PA until he was 13 years-old.
Rep.
Patricia Vance (1999) John Vartan
(1945 - 2004) (2000) Rep. Mike Veon (1999) Dick Vermeil (2007) Dick Vermeil was the former head football coach for the Philadelphia Eagles (1976 – 1982), St. Louis Rams (1997 – 1999), and the Kansas City Chiefs (2001 – 2005). After his first retirement from coaching in 1982, Mr. Vermeil spent 15 years as a sports broadcaster and announcer. Mr. Vermeil holds the distinction of being named “Coach of the Year” on four levels: High School, Junior College, NCAA Division 1 and the National Football League Elizabeth Vrato (2002) Elizabeth Vrato is an attorney with the National Organization for Women (NOW). She is a first-time author of the book “The Counselors: Conversations with 18 Courageous Women Who Have Changed the World.” The book examines the struggles of several influential women including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jamie Gorelick, Sandra Day O’Connor, Norma Shapiro and Janet Reno. Ms. Vrato currently resides in Philadelphia.
Jack Wagner (2007) Jack Wagner is Pennsylvania’s 50th elected Auditor General. His office is responsible for making sure that state money is spent legally and properly by providing financial and performance audits of state government programs. Prior to being elected to his current position, Jack Wagner represented Allegheny County as PA Senator from 1994 through 2005. Jack Wagner (2009) Jack Wagner is currently Pennsylvania’s Auditor General. His mission in this role is to improve the performance of government so that it improves the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and received a Purple Heart and other military commendations while serving in the Vietnam War from 1966-68. The Auditor General has lived in Pennsylvania all of his life and has served as a member and president of Pittsburgh City Council and was a state senator for Allegheny County. C.
Alan Walker (2006) C. Alan Walker is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bradford Energy Company. Bradford Energy was founded in 1935 and operated as a coal brokerage company. Today, Bradford Coal is the second largest privately-owned coal company in Pennsylvania. In addition to his duties at Bradford Energy Company, Mr. Walker also maintains a scholarship fund for local students, and serves on the boards of several organizations. Ray Walker (2003) Congressman
Robert Walker (1997) John Walson (1998) Father Paul
Washington (1921 - 2002) (1997) Ricky Watters (2010) Ricky Watters was born on April 7, 1969 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and is a former American football running back who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. Watters played college football at the University of Notre Dame where he played wide receiver on the school's 1988 national champion team. He also won a Super Bowl as a member of the 1994 San Francisco 49ers. Currently Watters is a motivational speaker for kids who, like himself, are adopted. He is also a recording artist, music producer, President and CEO of Tigero Entertainment and an author, having written the book, For Who For What, a Warrior’s Journey. André Watts (2005) Andre Watts is a classical pianist who began playing at the age of six. He was born in Nuremberg, Germany, and his family moved to Philadelphia in 1954. Mr. Watts' career begain at age 16 when Leonard Bernstein selected him to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic in their televised Young People's Concerts. He has played with the Dallas and National symphonies, the Israel Philharmonic, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and many more. Weather World Hosts (2006) Paul Knight and Fred Gadomski are the hosts of “Weather World.” The program, seen weekdays on PCN, is a 15-minute weather magazine that makes forecasts for the entire state of Pennsylvania. Mr. Knight and Mr. Gadomski have hosted and produced the show since its inception in 1983. As part of Penn State’s Weather Communication Group, they also compose the daily weather page for the New York Times. Marcia Dale Weary (2009) Marcia Dale Weary, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Artistic Director, began her teaching career in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 1955 after her own studies with Thalia Mara and Arthur Mahoney at the School of Ballet Repertory in New York City. Her unequaled dedication to her school, students, and instructors, and her unique teaching style have brought the CPYB to the top of the dance field. The New York Times stated in 1989 that Weary is “considered one of the country’s foremost ballet teachers.” Ms. Weary is the 2009 recipient of the Pennsylvania Society’s Distinguished Citizen of the Commonwealth Award and also the 2007 recipient of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for the Arts for her Outstanding Leadership and Service to Youth. She and the CPYB have been featured in leading newspapers and magazines, television news and features, and in the award-winning documentary film presented on national public television, Children with a Dream. Dr. Cyril Wecht (2004) Dr. Cyril Wecht is the Allegheny County Coroner and one of the country’s leading forensic pathologist. He has performed over 14,000 autopsies and had a supervisory role in over 30,000 other post-mortem examinations. With this expertise, he has been consulted on several high-profile cases such as the Chandra Levy and Laci Peterson investigations. David Wecht (2000) Barbara Weisberger (1996) Congressman
Curt Weldon (2001) Congressman Curt Weldon (R) represents Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. He is a member of the House Armed Services and the House Science committees. Congressman Weldon currently resides with his wife and five children in Thornbury Township, PA. Carolyn Welsh (2000) Richard Westerfield (1997) William White (2000) Mark Will-Weber (2002) Mark Will-Weber is the former senior editor at “Runner’s World Magazine.” He has covered or competed in races in several countries including: Finland, Great Britain, Greece and the former Soviet Union. Mr. Will-Weber is the author of “The Quotable Runner” a book of quotations and essays meant to inspire runners in training and races. He is also the head cross-country coach and assistant track coach at Moravian College. Larry Wise, World Champion Archer (2005) Larry Wise is a world-champion archer. He won the title of World Field Archery Champion in 1986, and is a five-time World Team Champion. Currently, Mr. Wise is the level-four coach in the NAA, which is the governing body for national and Olympic teams. He has authored several books on the subject, including his most recent, “Core Archery: Shooting with Proper Back Tension.” He resides in Mifflintown, PA with his wife. Sen. Harris
Wofford (1997) Sen. Rob Wonderling (2009) Senator Rob Wonderling is the chair of the state’s Transportation Committee. He was elected to office in 2002 and serves the 24th District which includes Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties. Of interesting note: he served as Governor Tom Ridge’s Deputy Secretary of Transportation. In that role, he worked closely with Governor Ridge and business and community leaders throughout the Commonwealth on matters related to workforce development, tourism, job retention, infrastructure, and transportation improvements. Brigadier General Jessica Wright (2004) Brigadier General Jessica Wright is Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General and commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Her responsibilities include command, control and supervision of all Air and Army National guard units in PA, the Scotland school for Veterans’ Children, six state-owned veterans’ homes and programs for Pennsylvania’s 1.3 million veterans. General Wright was the first female maneuver brigade commander in the Army, the first female aviator in the Army National Guard and the Commonwealth’s first female Adjutant General.
Dennis Yablonsky (2005) Dennis Yablonsky is the PA Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development. Sec. Yablonsky’s department employs over 300 people and has an annual budget of about $654 million. He was the founding CEO of the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, which is a non-profit technology development initiative. Dick Yuengling (2005) Dick Yuengling is the President and owner of D.G. Yuengling and Sons Brewery – America’s oldest brewery. His grandfather David Yuengling emigrated from Wurtemburg, Germany and started the business in 1829. Dick is the fifth generation of the family to run the brewery, which is headquartered in Pottsville, PA. Today, Yuengling is the sixth largest brewery in the United States. Constance & George
Zambelli, Jr. (2005) Efrem Zimbalist,
Jr. (2003) Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. is best known for his roles in the television shows, “77 Sunset Strip” and “The FBI.” Before his success on these shows, he starred in the films “House of Strangers” and “Wait Until Dark.” Mr. Zimbalist served as dean of students at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. The institute was founded by his stepmother Mary Curtis Bok Zimbalist. LeRoy Zimmerman (1999)
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