2026 Volunteer Awards recognize alumni leaders

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Alumni Association celebrated the impact of alumni volunteers during its 2026 Volunteer Awards ceremony on Aug. 2, recognizing affiliate groups and individual volunteers whose dedication has strengthened alumni engagement, supported students, advanced philanthropy, and created meaningful connections across the Penn State community. The awards were presented during the Alumni Leadership Conference, the Alumni Association’s annual gathering of volunteer leaders from across the country.

Penn State Alumni Association CEO Reggie Bustinza welcomed attendees and recognized the volunteer leaders who help sustain one of the world’s largest alumni networks. Later in the program, Alumni Association President Susan Robinson thanked volunteers for their continued commitment to Penn State and fellow alumni.

This year’s ceremony honored affiliate groups in nine categories and six individuals whose efforts exemplify the spirit of service and lifelong connection that define Penn State alumni.

View the photo gallery, featuring more than 150 images.

Watch the archived livestream featuring the honorees accepting the awards and sharing their stories of service, commitment and dedication.

Affiliate group award recipients

The Engagement with Young Alumni Award was presented to the Penn State Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Alumni Interest Group for its efforts to connect established alumni with recent graduates, current students and midshipmen through networking events, mentorship opportunities, reunions and tailgates.

The Fellowship and Networking Award recognized the Schreyer Honors College Alumni Society, whose book club and leadership discussion series have created opportunities for alumni, students and college leaders to engage in thoughtful conversations and build lasting connections.

The Fundraising Award was presented jointly to the Annapolis Chapter and Central Maryland Chapter for partnering on a THON fundraiser that raised nearly $2,500 for Four Diamonds while bringing together alumni from across the region in support of children battling cancer.

The Joint Activity Award honored six affiliate groups from the College of Health and Human Development for their collaborative “Alumni in the Classroom” initiative, which connected alumni and students through networking, mentoring, professional development and fundraising opportunities.

The Ned Brokloff Award for Alumni Association Affiliate Group Innovation was presented to the College of Engineering Alumni Society for launching its Commonwealth Campus Initiative, which introduced engineering students across Pennsylvania to alumni resources, professional connections and opportunities within the Penn State engineering community.

The Outstanding Service Project Award recognized the Central Iowa Chapter and Schuylkill County Chapter for their partnership supporting the Jared Box Project. Together, the groups created more than 80 activity-filled boxes for hospitalized children, helping bring comfort and joy to young patients and their families.

The Professional Development Award was presented to the College of Arts and Architecture Graphic Design Alumni Group for its mentoring program, which matches alumni mentors with graphic design students and has fostered hundreds of professional connections over the past five years.

The Scholarship Development Award honored the Greater Jacksonville Chapter, which raised $54,000 in a single year toward establishing an endowed scholarship that will support future Penn Staters from northeast Florida.

The final affiliate group honor, the Tracy and Rick Riegel Pinnacle Event Excellence Award, was presented to the College of Arts and Architecture School of Theatre Alumni Program Group for its long-running STAGES Festival, an event that connects students with alumni and theatre professionals through workshops, classes, discussions and networking opportunities.

Individual award recipients

The Joan M. McLane Recent Alumni Award was presented to Shane White, whose leadership with the Philadelphia Chapter and Abington Alumni Society has helped expand alumni engagement and strengthen philanthropy efforts. White played a key role in the growth of the chapter’s Liberty Ball THON fundraiser, which has raised more than $275,000 since 2020.

The K. David Weidner Diversity Award recognized Justin Stevens for his leadership with the Southern Connecticut Chapter and Alumni Council, along with his commitment to scholarship fundraising, alumni engagement, and creating an inclusive Penn State community.

The Mark and Carol Poblete Award for Alumni Leadership Development was awarded to Brian “Norm” McAllister, a longtime leader within the Penn State Stockmen’s Club Alumni Interest Group. Through decades of service, McAllister has supported student scholarships, mentoring efforts, alumni recruitment, membership growth, and fundraising initiatives.

The Martin R. Cepeda, Jr. Award for Alumni Career Advancement and Development was presented to Robyn L. Radomski for her leadership of the Daily Collegian Alumni Interest Group. During her tenure, Radomski helped to establish a sustaining fund to support student journalists while expanding alumni engagement and mentorship opportunities.

The Philip Philip Mitchell Alumni Service Award honored Lois Thompson, whose extensive volunteer service spans Alumni Council, the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Alumni Society, student mentoring, community health initiatives, and alumni engagement efforts throughout Pennsylvania.

The Alumni Association’s highest individual volunteer honor, the Kay and Ernie Salvino Volunteer of the Year Award, was presented to Lori Bowers Uhazie. Uhazie’s volunteer leadership has benefited numerous Penn State organizations, including the Alumni Blue Band Association, while her philanthropic support has helped students remain at Penn State and achieve their educational goals.

Celebrating a tradition of service

Whether supporting students through scholarships and mentoring, connecting alumni through innovative programs, or strengthening communities through service and philanthropy, this year’s honorees demonstrate the enduring impact of volunteer leadership.

For more than 150 years, Penn State alumni volunteers have played a vital role in advancing the Alumni Association’s mission. The 2026 Volunteer Awards recipients reflect that tradition of service, leadership, and commitment to Dear Old State.

The Volunteer Awards were presented during the 2026 Alumni Leadership Conference, the Alumni Association’s annual gathering of volunteer leaders from across the Penn State community.