2023 Outstanding Alumna Recipient: Gina Marie Watts
The board bestowed the 39th Outstanding Alumna Award to Gina Marie Watts,who graduated from Penn State Fayette in 2002 with a bachelor of science in human development and family studies (HDFS).
Upon graduation, Watts engaged in service as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Penn State Fayette, where she developed community partnerships and managed significant grants. She furthered her education at the University of Pittsburgh, earning dual master's degrees focusing on social work and public administration.
Watts has held leadership roles on over 20 boards, founded three nonprofit organizations, and has worked with Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh and various local nonprofits. She returned to Penn State Fayette as a faculty member in the Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) department and helped develop the Student Success Center.
In 2017, Watts charted a new course as the first global director and faculty for youth programs within the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. She helped to breathe life into the Global Youth Initiative, touching the lives of over 1.5 million young people across 100 countries.
Presently, Watts stands at the helm of the Vineyard Community Center and Missions Ministry at Vineyard Columbus. Despite her move to Columbus, she continues to extend her hand back to Fayette County, serving on its advisory board and co-creating Lillian’s Legacy Fund, which has provided 10 scholarships to Fayette County students since its inception in 2015.
Watts' remarkable dedication to service, leadership and her community led to her receiving the Outstanding Alumna Award.
“It’s truly a pleasure to be home, and I’m especially grateful to my entourage for joining me this evening. To my family, I want you to know how much I love you,” said Watts upon receiving her award. “You know, I thought that I was transitioning to a life less full when I moved to Columbus. I told the Lord that I would never be a teacher or work for a church, and then I did both. I am so humbled by this honor.”
With a smile, Watts turned her attention to the night’s other recipient, Ronald M. Sheba. “And to be honored the same night as my buddy, Dr. Sheba. We did a lot together before I transitioned to Columbus. You always showed up for me, from whatever board I was on to whatever project I was doing in the community. You were always there for me, and I will never forget that. Thank you.”