The Ellen Frei Gruber Award recognizes Alvernia alumni who reflect the values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality in how they conduct their life. These core values are at the heart of what Alvernia University and the founding Bernardine Franciscan Sisters believe are the values that will carry us through life.
Candidates for the Ellen Frei Gruber Award are considered based on their commitment and support of the mission of Alvernia University demonstrated by adhering to the moral and ethical precepts of the Franciscan tradition โ to learn, to love, to serve- throughout their life. They demonstrate a strong code of ethics and personal integrity in both their private and professional lies and their relationships with others. The candidate will have a strong relationship with God and it is reflected in their daily lives and deeds. In addition, the Ellen Frei Gruber candidate would have outstanding service to their profession, community and Alvernia University.
If you would like to nominate someone for the award, .
Nominations are accepted on annual basis. Nominations are due by Dec. 31 to be considered for the award in the following year. Nominations may be made by any individual. Self-nominations are accepted. Up to two awards are presented annually at the Presidentโs Dinner held in October. Additional information on how to submit a nomination can be obtained by contacting the Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement: 610-796-8212 or alumni@alvernia.edu.
Learn more about our Ellen Frei Gruber Award recipients by clicking on the links below.
Award recipients 1983-1989
- 1983 Mary Ann DโAlonzo โ69
- 1984 Sister Rosemary Stets, OSF โ71
- 1985 Dr. Michael J. Skoraszewski โ78
- 1986 Joseph J. Swope โ80
- 1987 The Honorable Linda K.M. Ludgate โ77
- 1988 Christine Dracopolos Carpenter โ76
- 1989 Alice Jean Bleacher โ83
Award recipients 1990-1999
- 1992 Terry D. Cieri โ88*
- 1993 Helen Ravel โ73
- 1994 Sister Edward Ann Wierzalis, OSF โ73
- 1995 Diane Cominski Gracely โ71*
- 1996 Marie Heck Bentz โ88
- 1997 RoseMarie Winters โ82
- 1998 Kevin Georgetti โ85
- 1999 Dr. Marie Nowakowski โ61
Award recipients 2000-2009
- 2000 Robert McCormack โ82
- 2001 Stella I. Leonti โ71
- 2002 Dr. Scott Ballantyne โ86
- 2003 Sister Ann Marie Coll, OSF โ67
- 2004 Linda Lysakowski โ88
- 2005 Kathleen D. Herbein โ95
- 2006 Valetta Eshbach โ68
- 2007 Steven S. Keiser โ80
- 2008 Dr. Colleen A. Woodard โ68
- 2009 Suzanne M. Miller โ89
Award recipients 2010-2019
- 2011 Theresa M. (Gillichbauer) McCormack โ83
- 2012 Deanna L. Reuben โ79 *
- 2013 Sharon A. Danks โ03, Mโ04
- 2014 Meggan Hannigan Kerber โ96, Mโ01
- 2015 Jeanne Moran Savage โ88
- 2016 Mary Lou Kline โ81
- 2017 Julia S. Angstadt Mโ05
- 2018 Dr. Philip J. Fromuth Ph.D. โ12
- 2019 John D. Wanner โ82
Award recipient 2021
- Nadine Blair โ83
Award recipient 2022
- Susan W. Green โ76
Award recipient 2023
- Judith Ann Bohler '09
Award recipient 2024
- Dr. Patricia W. Savage โ71