Dr. Tom Flynn and Dr. Marie Nowakowski, Class of 1961 and Ellen Frei Gruber recipient of 1999, congratulate the 2006 alumni award winners, Valetta Eshbach ‘68 and Wynton Butler ’03 |
Valetta Eshbach ’68 and Wynton Butler ’03 were the honored alumni for 2006 during an special ceremony at Homecoming Weekend. The annual event took place in the Ellen Frei Gruber Alumni Distinguished Gallery located in the Upland Center on the Alvernia campus.
President Tom Flynn recognized their accomplishments and contributions in the Greater Reading community, saying, “Valetta Eshbach , Class of 1968, and Wynton Butler, Class of 2003 have proven themselves to be reflective professionals and engaged citizens, men and women devoted to the common good and the betterment of others. Each in their special way has invested in the lives of young people. They are a testament to the values and value of an Alvernia education.
Ms. Eshbach received the Ellen Frei Gruber Award, for being a devoted educator, community servant, and Franciscan individual, in the tradition of the award’s namesake, Ellen Frei Gruber, a career teacher in the Wyomissing School District and lecturer in the Education and Fine Arts Departments.
Ms. Eshbach taught mathematics for thirty-nine years, including at Penn State Berks campus. She has been a lector, rosary Leader, and CCD instructor at St. Mary’s Parish in Kutztown; a judge for the Reading Eagle’s “Berks Best;” an Alvernia College Alumni Board Member; a visitor and correspondent with elderly shut-ins; a SADD advisor; a Youth-to-Youth advisor, a volunteer at Mary’s Shelter, and a supporter of Mary’s Shelter and Lifeline. She holds a master’s degree from Kutztown University.
Wynton Butler, principal of Reading High School, received his master’s degree in urban education and principal certification in primary and secondary education from Alvernia was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award. Butler has been employed in the Reading School District since 1996, as a teacher, assistant girls’ varsity basketball coach, and head coach for basketball and football. He was formerly a staff assistant to Congressmen Gus Yatron and Tim Holden.
He was involved in the Pennsylvania National Guard from 1988-2005, and is currently a member of the District of Columbia National Guard. He served in Operation Desert Storm/Shield (11/1990 to 5/1991) and is a member at Union Baptist Church. Butler was also the 2006 Recipient of Alvernia College Outstanding Principal Award, and is a member of the NAACP, National Guard Officer Association, and Sons of the American Legion.
For the complete text of Dr. Flynn’s remarks, click here.
For more information about Alvernia College, call (888) ALVERNIA.
Updated:
October 20, 2006
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