Commonwealth University-Lock Haven seeks nominations for inaugural Alumni Association Awards

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Commonwealth University-Lock Haven is inviting alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members to submit nominations for its inaugural Lock Haven Alumni Association Awards, a new recognition program celebrating individuals whose professional achievements, service and contributions have made a meaningful difference at The Haven and beyond.

The Lock Haven Alumni Association will present three awards annually: the Honorary Alumni Award, Outstanding Early Career Award and Distinguished Alumni Award. Together, the awards recognize the diverse individuals who contribute to Lock Haven's esteemed legacy, from accomplished graduates making their mark in their professions and communities to dedicated supporters whose efforts have strengthened the university.

The inaugural awards will be presented during Haven Homecoming 2027, with a ceremony scheduled for Friday of Homecoming weekend, followed by a reception and opportunity for attendees to connect and celebrate the honorees. The Alumni Association intends to make the awards ceremony an annual Homecoming tradition.

"These awards represent an exciting opportunity to recognize the people who make Lock Haven special and to celebrate the many ways our alumni and friends are making a difference," said Ashley Conrad, CU-Lock Haven director of alumni and employer engagement.
"Whether someone has achieved extraordinary success in their career, demonstrated a commitment to serving their community or made a lasting impact on our university, we want to hear their story," she added. "We encourage our alumni, faculty, staff and community members to think about the people who deserve this recognition and take the time to nominate them."

The creation of the awards program was initiated by Lock Haven Alumni Association Vice President Philip Burlingame '78, who researched recognition programs at other Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities and developed a proposal for consideration by the Alumni Association's leadership. Following a review by Conrad and Alumni Association President George Way '77, the proposal was presented to the full board of directors and formally approved.

"The accomplishments of our alumni in a broad range of professional fields, community service, and civic engagement is extraordinary," Burlingame said. "With over 30,000 alumni from Lock Haven who are enriching their communities across the United States and throughout the world, it is exciting to launch this nomination process. From early career professionals to those who have built distinguished careers, these awards will bring long overdue recognition to our graduates. Likewise we are excited to recognize the people who have supported our Alumni Association and the university over the years by extending them honorary membership in our Alumni Association."

Way echoed the importance of recognizing individuals whose efforts have supported the university's mission and why fostering lasting connections that unite generations of Bald Eagles is so meaningful.

"The CU-Lock Haven campus has produced many outstanding alumni over many years. It is with great pleasure and a sense of obligation that the Alumni Association has established these most notable awards to shine a spotlight on these individuals and recognize their achievements," Way said.

"So, it's with enthusiasm and pride that we have developed a format to recognize these individuals for their outstanding body of work, accomplishments and contributions," Way added. "We understand there will be many deserving nominees to consider who have represented our university in a profound way."

The three awards are designed to recognize different forms of achievement, service and commitment to Lock Haven.

The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes individuals who are not graduates of CU-Lock Haven or its predecessor institutions but have made significant, sustained contributions to the university's welfare, reputation, mission or community. Eligible nominees may include friends, supporters, donors, community leaders and others whose efforts have strengthened Lock Haven and exemplified its values of personal resilience, leadership, service and excellence.

The Outstanding Early Career Award recognizes recent Lock Haven graduates who have demonstrated exceptional professional accomplishments, leadership and promise early in their careers, while potentially giving back to their university or community through volunteerism and/or philanthropic support.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Lock Haven Alumni Association. It recognizes alumni whose lifetime achievements, sustained excellence and significant contributions have made a lasting impact on their profession, society and/or the university. The award celebrates graduates whose accomplishments and commitment to service reflect the distinction and enduring influence of a Lock Haven education.

"Recognizing our alumni is about more than celebrating individual accomplishments. It's about recognizing the people who represent the very best of Lock Haven and the values that have connected Bald Eagles for generations," Conrad said. "We look forward to receiving nominations, learning more about the incredible people representing the Haven Family and celebrating their achievements during Homecoming 2027."

Nominations are now being accepted for all three award categories. Individuals are encouraged to consider deserving alumni, friends and supporters of Lock Haven and submit a nomination through the university's website.

To review the award descriptions, eligibility requirements and submit a nomination, visit commonwealthu.edu/lock-haven-alumni/award.

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