UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Education honored five distinguished alumni during its 2026 Alumni Society Awards Ceremony, held March 21, recognizing their professional achievements, leadership and service to education and their communities.
The annual event featured welcome remarks from Susan Land, associate dean of undergraduate and graduate education and professor of education, who represented the college in place of Dean Gwen Lloyd, followed by opening remarks from Alumni Society Board President Cathy Tomon.
Each award reflects a distinct dimension of impact, from lifelong service and institutional leadership to early-career promise, Land said. Together, the recipients illustrate the many ways College of Education alumni are shaping the future of education across diverse contexts.
2026 College of Education Alumni Award recipients
Alumni Excellence Award — Diane Yendol-Hoppey, dean, College of Education and Human Services, University of North Florida
A three-time Penn State graduate, Yendol-Hoppey has spent more than 25 years advancing teacher education through research, leadership and national service.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award — Susan Marshall, independent college advising and admissions counselor; restorative practices practitioner and trainer
Marshall earned a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation and human services in 1985 and a master of education in counselor education in 1986. She is recognized for more than three decades of leadership advancing equity, inclusion and restorative practices across schools and communities.
Leadership & Service Award — Timothy Shrom, director of research, Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials
Shrom earned his doctoral degree from Penn State, where his research on school finance and budgeting has influenced educational practice across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Service to Penn State Award — James C. McCarty, director of enrollment management, Penn State Berks
McCarty earned a bachelor of arts in applied psychology in 2013, with a minor in business administration, and a master of education in higher education in 2016. He is recognized for his sustained service to Penn State through leadership in enrollment, alumni engagement and student support.
Outstanding New Graduate Award — Natalie Ondrey, English teacher, the Grier School
Ondrey graduated in 2021 with a bachelor of science in secondary education (English and communications) and a bachelor of arts in integrative arts (music and theatre studies). She is recognized as an emerging leader in education and for her commitment to student success early in her career.
The ceremony program emphasized the importance of alumni engagement and community, reinforcing connections between graduates and the college. The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate shared values around educational equity, innovation and service.
Through their work, this year’s honorees exemplify the College of Education’s commitment to preparing educators, leaders and researchers who make meaningful contributions both within and beyond the classroom, Land said. Their achievements reflect not only individual success but also the broader impact of Penn State’s educator preparation programs.
Those who would like to submit nominations for the 2027 Alumni Society Awards can do so here.