The Ellen Frei Gruber Award recognizes Alvernia alumni who reflect the values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality in how they conduct their life. These core values are at the heart of what Alvernia University and the founding Bernardine Franciscan Sisters believe are the values that will carry us through life.
Candidates for the Ellen Frei Gruber Award are considered based on their commitment and support of the mission of Alvernia University demonstrated by adhering to the moral and ethical precepts of the Franciscan tradition – to learn, to love, to serve- throughout their life. They demonstrate a strong code of ethics and personal integrity in both their private and professional lies and their relationships with others. The candidate will have a strong relationship with God and it is reflected in their daily lives and deeds. In addition, the Ellen Frei Gruber candidate would have outstanding service to their profession, community and Alvernia University.
If you would like to nominate someone for the award, please fill out this form.
Nominations are accepted on annual basis. Nominations are due by Dec. 31 to be considered for the award in the following year. Nominations may be made by any individual. Self-nominations are accepted. Up to two awards are presented annually at the President’s Dinner held in October. Additional information on how to submit a nomination can be obtained by contacting the Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement: 610-796-8212 or alumni@alvernia.edu.
Learn more about our Ellen Frei Gruber Award recipients by clicking on the links below.
Award recipients 1983-1989
- 1983 Mary Ann D’Alonzo ’69
- 1984 Sister Rosemary Stets, OSF ’71
- 1985 Dr. Michael J. Skoraszewski ’78
- 1986 Joseph J. Swope ’80
- 1987 The Honorable Linda K.M. Ludgate ’77
- 1988 Christine Dracopolos Carpenter ’76
- 1989 Alice Jean Bleacher ’83
Award recipients 1990-1999
- 1992 Terry D. Cieri ’88*
- 1993 Helen Ravel ’73
- 1994 Sister Edward Ann Wierzalis, OSF ’73
- 1995 Diane Cominski Gracely ’71*
- 1996 Marie Heck Bentz ’88
- 1997 RoseMarie Winters ’82
- 1998 Kevin Georgetti ’85
- 1999 Dr. Marie Nowakowski ’61
Award recipients 2000-2009
- 2000 Robert McCormack ’82
- 2001 Stella I. Leonti ’71
- 2002 Dr. Scott Ballantyne ’86
- 2003 Sister Ann Marie Coll, OSF ’67
- 2004 Linda Lysakowski ’88
- 2005 Kathleen D. Herbein ’95
- 2006 Valetta Eshbach ’68
- 2007 Steven S. Keiser ’80
- 2008 Dr. Colleen A. Woodard ’68
- 2009 Suzanne M. Miller ’89
Award recipients 2010-2019
- 2011 Theresa M. (Gillichbauer) McCormack ’83
- 2012 Deanna L. Reuben ’79 *
- 2013 Sharon A. Danks ’03, M’04
- 2014 Meggan Hannigan Kerber ’96, M’01
- 2015 Jeanne Moran Savage ’88
- 2016 Mary Lou Kline ’81
- 2017 Julia S. Angstadt M’05
- 2018 Dr. Philip J. Fromuth Ph.D. ’12
- 2019 John D. Wanner ’82
Award recipient 2021
- Nadine Blair ’83
Award recipient 2022
- Susan W. Green ’76
Award recipient 2023
- Judith Ann Bohler '09
