Alumni Association Honors Five

The Millersville University Alumni Association annually honors outstanding alumni who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in their careers, contributions to their communities and a continued commitment to the University. The following awards were presented at a Sept. 2 event.

Young Alumni Achievement Awards

Dr. Pineal Bekere '16, excelled academically at Millersville, graduating with honors while also serving in leadership roles in student organizations. She went on to earn her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, where she also completed a global health certification. Bekere completed her family medicine residency at Lancaster General Hospital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for patients in one of the most challenging times in modern healthcare. Today, she practices family medicine in New Hampshire, where she combines compassionate care with a global perspective gained from medical outreach in Latin America and Africa.

Jordan Evangelista '13, '15M earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology from Millersville. She began a career in higher education fundraising before focusing on her own entrepreneurial pursuits. Today, she co-owns HQ Water Solutions, a growing company recognized with the prestigious SCORE Lancaster-Lebanon Small Business Award and features in national and local publications. Evangelista also manages an Airbnb business in downtown Lancaster, where she hopes to, "blend creativity with community impact." Her leadership extends to her service on the Manheim Chamber Board of Directors and active involvement with the Lancaster Chamber, where she uses her role to advocate for local business and community growth.

Outstanding Volunteer Service Award

Mark Phillips '72 dedicated 44 years to teaching middle school art in the Solanco School District, inspiring countless students and fostering a love of creativity in the classroom and beyond. Since retirement, he has been an active volunteer at Millersville, serving on the Alumni Association Board, reunion committees and multiple event planning groups. He also sponsors a scholarship for future educators, ensuring that his commitment to teaching continues to impact generations to come. Beyond Millersville, Phillips is deeply engaged in his community, contributing to the Quarryville Lions Club, the Southern Lancaster County Historical Society and his church. He has even lent his artistic talents to monuments and public art that preserve local history.

Honorary Alumni Award

Sergeant First Class Allan Rivard first arrived at Millersville in 2017 as a military science instructor. He revitalized the Army ROTC program, guided students through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and helped preserve cherished campus traditions like the Marauder Salute Cannon. After retiring from 22 years of distinguished military service, he returned in 2024 to serve as program manager for Army ROTC and the Veterans and Military Resource Center. In this role, Sgt. Rivard continues to mentor students, expand opportunities for military-connected learners and build networks of support.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Jennifer "Jenny" Engle '80 embodies the very essence of the Distinguished Alumni Award. At Millersville, Engle discovered her love for communications and writing, talents that blossomed into a lifelong career of excellence and service. She began in public relations, rose to national leadership as president of the Association for Women in Communications and eventually founded her own successful marketing and communications firm. Along the way, she earned a master's degree in public administration, became a certified professional communicator and built a reputation as an award-winning national speaker and trainer. Engle has also been a dedicated mentor, working with high school and college students through Lancaster Chamber and community programs, and she continues to give back as a substitute teacher and tutor.