Pyle family awarded Commonwealth University in memoriam degree in honor of late son

1. News
2. Pyle family awarded Commonwealth University in memoriam degree in honor of late son

Remembered for his unwavering dedication to leadership and service as an officer in the United States Army, on Oct. 23, Commonwealth University-Lock Haven held a heartfelt ceremony to award an in memoriam degree to Daniel William Pyle, a Lock Haven student who died in a car accident in 2002 at the age of 21.

At the time of his passing, Daniel was entering his junior year at Lock Haven, majoring in history and proudly affiliated with Lock Haven's ROTC program. Upon his death, Daniel's parents, Bill and Diane Pyle established the Daniel William Pyle Lock Haven University ROTC Scholarship through the Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF). Since 2002, the scholarship has helped nearly 20 Lock Haven students become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.

From an early age, Daniel dreamed of serving his country. A 1999 graduate of Penns Valley High School, he was an active member and officer in the Future Business Leaders of America. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves during his junior year of high school and served with the 629th Transportation Unit based in McElhattan. He completed basic training at Fort Knox, followed by advanced infantry training at Fort Leonard Wood, achieving the rank of E-5 Specialist. His dedication and exemplary performance earned him his unit's Soldier of the Year award in 2001.

The ceremony, held in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center (DACC), opened with remarks from Ashley Koser, LHUF executive director, followed by a meal and reflection among family, friends and university leadership.

"Daniel's story reminds us that The Haven family is bound not just by time spent on campus, but by shared values of courage, compassion and service," Koser said. "Bill and Diane have turned unimaginable loss into an enduring gift that continues to shape the lives of Lock Haven students. Their generosity ensures that Daniel's name will forever be linked to leadership and love of country at The Haven."

John Vitate, LHUF director of marketing and communications and Daniel's in memoriam degree nominator, spoke on the significance of Bill and Diane's memorialization of Daniel through support of Lock Haven students - sharing fond memories of first meeting Bill and Diane in 2018, and the admiration he felt witnessing the remarkable strength and grace they've displayed by honoring Daniel.

"When I first met Bill and Diane, I was struck by how deeply they carry Daniel's spirit with them," Vitale said. "Through every scholarship they've awarded, they've kept his dream alive and given others the chance to pursue their own. The Lock Haven community is stronger, more compassionate and more connected because of their enduring love for their son."

In a moving tribute, Bill spoke about Daniel's character and aspirations, and the deep love and support the Pyle family has received from the university over the years. He highlighted the impact of Daniel's scholarship that has allowed almost 20 Lock Haven ROTC cadets to earn their degrees on their way to becoming U.S. Army officers.

He also reflected on the compassion shown by university leadership - especially former presidents who have made the Pyle family feel valued and supported for more than 20 years. Dr. Craig Willis, Lock Haven University president at the time of Daniel's passing, graciously refunded Daniel's tuition to Bill and Diane. Rather than keep it, they chose to turn their grief into generosity by establishing the scholarship in their son's honor.

The ceremony concluded with closing reflections from Katelynn Hanna, LHUF relationship and engagement specialist, honoring Daniel's life of service and the powerful legacy he leaves behind at The Haven.

Beyond his academic and military responsibilities, Daniel was known for his love of the outdoors. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman who cherished time spent in nature with family and friends.

Through Daniel's memorial scholarship and his in memoriam degree, CU-Lock Haven continues to celebrate Daniel's life, his commitment to his country and his lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the lives of students whose futures are shaped through his example of courage, leadership and service.

Categories:

• Alumni

Tags:

• Alumni