SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill’s Alumni Society recognized distinguished graduates during its annual Alumni Awards Reception and Ceremony held April 14, celebrating alumni achievements, leadership and impact.
The evening began with a welcome from Kristen Wynn Stellfox, senior director of campus development. Awards were presented by Christina Talley, Alumni Leadership Committee chair, and Marcel Smith, Alumni Leadership Committee vice co-chair. Closing remarks were delivered by Mike Maccarone, Alumni Leadership Committee vice co-chair.
This year’s honorees included:
- Outstanding Alumni Award: Kahalia Solano-Johnson, class of 2009
- Outstanding Young Alumni: Stephen Shalamanda, class of 2020
- Pride & Spirit Award: Samantha Chivinski, class of 2012, and Seth Hubler, class of 2023
- Alumni Impact Award: Kate Zimmerman, class of 2012
Solano-Johnson reflected on the recognition and her time on campus.
“My time at Schuylkill was deeply formative — it was a community that saw my potential, challenged me to grow, and laid the foundation for my journey beyond,” she said. “I carry that experience with me with both gratitude and purpose.”
Shalamanda also emphasized the role Penn State Schuylkill played in his development.
“The impact Penn State Schuylkill has had on my personal and professional growth is immeasurable,” he said. “During my time on campus, I was given incredible opportunities to learn, to lead, and to step outside of my comfort zone. I grew not only as a student, but as a person and a leader. I’m deeply grateful, and I carry this recognition as both a reflection of the support I’ve received and a responsibility to continue striving for excellence."
Recipients of the Pride & Spirit Award, Samantha Chivinski and Seth Hubler, both highlighted their continued connection to the campus.
“This recognition reflects the connection I’ve always felt to the Penn State community and the values it represents,” Chivinski said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities, relationships and experiences that have shaped my journey. I’m proud to continue carrying that spirit forward.”
“As a proud alumnus, I’m grateful to be recognized by a campus that means so much to me,” Hubler said. “The experiences and opportunities I gained on campus helped shape my path, and I look forward to continuing to give back and support its future for years to come.”
Zimmerman, recipient of the Alumni Impact Award, said the recognition holds special meaning.
“My experience as a Penn Stater has shaped who I am in so many ways, and I carry that sense of pride and purpose with me every day,” she said. “This award is incredibly meaningful, and I’m thankful for the opportunities, growth, and community that Penn State — especially Penn State Schuylkill — have provided throughout my educational and career journey.”
Abigayle Kaiser, alumni relations and stewardship officer, said the annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Penn State Schuylkill alumni while strengthening connections across the campus community.
“As a former alumni award recipient myself, I find great joy in coordinating this celebration and in recognizing the remarkable achievements of each year’s honorees,” she said. “This event serves as a meaningful opportunity to highlight the lasting impact our alumni have on our institution and communities. It would not be possible without the dedication, collaboration and support of our development team and our Alumni Leadership Committee. I always look forward to this special occasion, as it is not only the largest event our department hosts each year, but also one of the most rewarding.”
The annual Alumni Awards Reception and Ceremony serves as a signature event for Penn State Schuylkill, highlighting the achievements of its graduates and reinforcing the strong network that connects alumni to the campus and each other.