Penn State Intercom......July 12, 2001

4 receive Honorary
Alumni designation

The Penn State Alumni Association recently conferred the distinction of honorary alumni on four individuals. The Honorary Alumni Awards have been given by the Penn State Alumni Association since 1973 to honor people who are not graduates of the University, but who have made significant contributions toward its welfare, reputation or prestige.

The 2001 Honorary Alumni Awards recipients are Shirley Fortinsky of Swoyersville, Gerald Hogan of Havertown, Edward Hopkins of DuBois and Philip Radcliffe of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Fortinsky has served the Wilkes-Barre community and Penn State Wilkes-Barre as a volunteer for 30 years. Along with her husband, Robert, she has contributed time and resources to the University. She spearheaded initiatives and events from scholarship-generating opportunities for students to major public relations events and special activities that have advanced the University's mission in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Hogan's greatest contribution has been to the students, faculty and staff at Penn State Great Valley, where he has assumed an active role as an advocate for the University's vision. He was Penn State Great Valley's first fund-raising volunteer, delivering the school's first major gift. Hogan was instrumental in helping the campus position itself as a regional player in work force development. He serves as a mentor, campus adviser and adjunct faculty member.

Hopkins has served Penn State DuBois for nearly four decades, serving on the school's Advisory Board and providing leadership to numerous committees and initiatives that have led to improvements in academics, student life and campus-community relations. His efforts have been instrumental in raising private funds to support construction of academic buildings on campus. Hopkins is a longtime supporter of Penn State Public Broadcasting, serving as a member of the board of directors for WPSX-TV for more than 10 years.

Radcliffe has worked with the University on a study abroad program that provides opportunities for students to learn about British media and British life for more than 30 years. In his role as director of the Penn State/Manchester Study Abroad program, Radcliffe has touched the lives of more than 1,000 students. Radcliffe's experience in his field and his extensive connections in the communications arena have contributed to the program's national recognition.

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