Alumni Association to Recognize Alumni, Reunion Classes, at Annual Awards Banquet

The East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 2016 Alumni Awards and Reunion Banquet is scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2016, in the Keystone Room of East Stroudsburg University. This event, hosted by the ESU Alumni Association and coordinated by the Office of Alumni Engagement, will honor alumni who have achieved excellence in their field.

The late Enzo Cafarelli, Ph.D., ’69 M’70 previously of Bolton, Ontario, and Justice Christine Donohue ’74 of Pittsburgh, Pa., were selected to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is given to graduates whose achievements in their field have distinguished them on a national or international level. Cafarelli was recognized across Canada and throughout the world as an expert in kinesiology and health science. Justice Donohue serves on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the highest state court in Pennsylvania. She was civil trial lawyer and litigator for 27 years and was listed in Best Lawyers in America.

Carol Miller ’81 will receive the 2016 Great Teacher Award. This award is given to a teacher who has demonstrated superior teaching ability and commitment to students. Miller is an associate professor of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism Management at ESU. Miller resides in Mt. Arlington, N.J.

Bernard “Bud” Cole ’66 of Northampton, Pa., will receive the Helen G. Brown Honor Award. This award is given to a graduate whose accomplishments honor the university. Cole is a retired educator of the Northampton Area School District and taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.

Patricia Tross Danaher ’62 of Fairport, N.Y., will receive the Jim Barniak Award. This award is given to a graduate who has achievements in athletics post-graduation. Danaher worked as a physical education teacher and coach in New York state and Texas for 33 years and then became assistant coach for the men’s and women’s tennis team at St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY for five years.

Monsignor John J. Bendik of Pittston, Pa., will receive the Dr. George Thompson, Jr. Award. This award is given to an individual that demonstrates achievement in the areas of community and human relations and promoting the mission of ESU. Bendik has been an ordained priest for 49 years and is pastor to the Parish Community of Saint John the Evangelist in Pittston. Bendik established and is assigned to the Care and Concern Ministries which includes a free health clinic, food pantry, kids’ clothes closet, free pediatric health clinic, and a toy and book corner.

Patrick Ross ’67 of Tannersville, Pa., will receive the Conrad “Skip” Idukas Service Award. This award is given to a graduate who has made a significant contribution to ESU and/or the ESU Alumni Association. Ross has been a member of the ESU Council of Trustees for 20 years and currently serves as chair.

Robin Smith ’04 of East Stroudsburg, Pa., will receive the Young Alumni Achievement Award. This award is given to a graduate that demonstrates exceptional ability and has made significant strides in their chosen profession. Smith is a singer and songwriter who has performed at the Pocono Raceway, Pocono Leadership Prayer Breakfast, and opened for country music star Kellie Pickler. Smith is the main fundraiser for the non-profit Labor of Love USA and visits and performs at a second chance school, PA Treatment and Healing.

Louie Wein ’18 of Schwenksville, Pa., will receive the George Ockershausen Student Service Award. This award recognizes a former or current student that provides volunteer service to the Office of Alumni Engagement. Wein, who is president of the Warrior Elite student ambassador organization, is a junior majoring in communication with a dual concentration in public relations and media studies.

In addition to the presentation of alumni awards, the Class of 1966 will kick off the celebration of their 50^th Anniversary Reunion.

To purchase tickets to the 2016 Alumni Awards and Class of 1966 Reunion Banquet visit www.esualumni.org/homecoming.

For more information on the 2016 Alumni Awards and Class of 1966 Reunion Banquet, contact Leon John, Jr. at 570-422-3194 or ljohn2@esu.edu.

For more information on the ESU Foundation, call 570-422-3333 or visit www.esufoundation.org.