UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Smeal College of Business recognized its 2026 Alumni Awards recipients and inducted its latest class of Hammond Society members Thursday night in the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Atrium of the Business Building.
"Smeal alumni embody Penn State's 'We Are' spirit through their remarkable achievements and generous service," said Corey Phelps, the John and Karen Arnold Dean of Smeal. "These honorees represent the best of our community — leaders who excel professionally while giving back selflessly. It's a privilege to celebrate them."
The Smeal Alumni Society Board of Directors recognizes those who demonstrate leadership and service, work to further diversity and sustainability efforts and attain outstanding career achievements, which enhance the prestige of the college.
Nominations are solicited annually from Smeal faculty, staff, students and alumni.
A full description of each award can be found by clicking on the name of the award in the following list:
- Gerald I. Susman Sustainability Leadership Award
- Diversity Leadership Award
- Outstanding Young Professional Award
- Service to Smeal Award
- Distinguished Achievement Award
A full biography for each honoree can be found by clicking on the name of each recipient.
2026 award recipients
Gerald I. Susman Sustainability Leadership Award
Nancy Youssef, marketing, 1998
Diversity Leadership Award
Dana L. Wilson, executive MBA, 2023
Outstanding Young Professional Award
Carolyn M. Matthews, management, 2017
Service to Smeal Award
Susan G. Lowe, accounting, 1995
Marissa Presser, marketing, 2013; MBA, 2024
Distinguished Achievement Award
Joseph C. Atkinson, finance, 1992
Gary Brandeis, accounting, 1988
T. Randall Iles, marketing, 1973
Roseanne Thornton, accounting, 1996
Jeffrey J. Vrabel, accounting, 1981
Hammond Society inductees were also honored during the awards ceremony. They included: Kelly-Jean Erwin, marketing, 2001; Andrew Hazlett, management, 2012; Andrew Pompe, finance, 2009.
This honorary society is named in recognition of the late Dean Emeritus J.D. Hammond and recognizes alumni who have dedicated years of ongoing service to the college and completed their terms on the Alumni Society Board.