Penn State Greater Allegheny to host 'Evening of Excellence'

Penn State Greater Allegheny will host An Evening of Excellence on Sept. 9.

Penn State Greater Allegheny will host An Evening of Excellence on Sept. 9.

Credit: Nick Trunzo

McKEESPORT, Pa. — Penn State Greater Allegheny will host An Evening of Excellence, a celebration of service and scholarship on Friday, Sept. 9, at the Omni William Penn in downtown Pittsburgh. Community partners and alumni, including Greater Allegheny’s Class of 2020 will be honored.  

Penn State Greater Allegheny established the Alumni and Volunteer Awards program in 2017. The program established three awards: the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Distinguished Volunteer Award, and the Distinguished GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Alumni Award to recognize individuals for their contributions to their industry or profession, service to the community, and loyalty to Penn State Greater Allegheny.  

“I am so pleased that we will be together at the Omni William Penn to say, ‘Thank you’ to the individuals and organizations whose commitment to our students never stopped.”

—Megan Nagel , Interim Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer

In 2019, the Distinguished Volunteer Award was renamed the Traina Award for Distinguished Service to honor Nancy and John Traina for their unwavering support and strong leadership to the campus. In 2021, Greater Allegheny added two new award categories, one for Foundation Partner of the Year and another for Community Partner of the Year. 

This year's recipients are Mark Gruskin, Distinguished Alumni Award, Dave Pasternak, Traina Award for Distinguished Service and The Class of 2020, Distinguished GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Alumni Award.  

The Edwin R. Crawford Trust will receive the inaugural award for Foundation Partner of the Year. The City of McKeesport and Mayor Mike Cherepko will receive the inaugural award for Community Partner of the Year.  

The event on Sept. 9 will be the first time since 2019 that the campus has hosted an in-person event to honor volunteers and alumni and raise funds for student scholarships and campus initiatives.  

“The challenges of the past few years prevented us from gathering in person to celebrate those who make incredible contributions to the Greater Allegheny campus,” said Megan Nagel, interim chancellor, and chief academic officer. “I am so pleased that we will be together at the Omni William Penn to say, ‘Thank you’ to the individuals and organizations whose commitment to our students never stopped.” 

Amy and Dave Michaliszyn are Presenting Sponsors of the event, which includes a reception, dinner, awards ceremony, and entertainment by Scott Blasey. Tickets are $150 a person and can be purchased online or by calling 412-675-9017. To learn more about this year’s award winners, visit the alumni upcoming events page.  

Contact