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Alumni Awards

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Alumni Awards

Recognizing Alumni Achievements

Award recipients are selected by the Executive Committee of Alumni Council from nomination forms submitted by alumni and friends of Bethany. Nominations must be submitted each year and must include a letter of recommendation, and any supporting documentation such as press releases, social media posts, or letters of recommendation from co-workers or community members. Nominations submitted after the Council’s deadline announced each spring will not be considered. Finalists will be recognized at the annual Alumni Awards Celebration during Homecoming Weekend.

Award Nominees

The Alumni Council will recognize selected alumni award nominees leading up to Homecoming, and the respective award winners will not be announced until the Alumni Celebration during Homecoming Weekend. Please read through each award descriptions below to nominate candidates for the intended categories.

  • Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
    Awardees are recognized for achievements and contributions to their profession or field.
  • Distinguished Service to Alma Mater
    The highest recognition award given to one recipient annually for alumni involvement, volunteer service and support to Bethany.
  • Community Service Award
    This award was established by the Office of the President to recognize alumni who have demonstrated loyalty to the College and exceptional achievement throughout their lives, both professionally and in service to the community.
  • Robert A. Sandercox Award
    Created by the Alumni Council in 1997 to honor Robert A. Sandercox ’54 for his outstanding dedication and contributions to the College, the award is to be presented only on rare occasions to the select few who demonstrate a level of commitment to Bethany and the educational community that is not easily rivaled.
  • James E. Allison Award for Teaching Excellence
    Presented periodically to a Bethany faculty member. Nominees need not be alumni.
  • Outstanding Service to Bethany College
    Awarded periodically to non-alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the mission, goals and programs of Bethany College through volunteer service or financial support.

*Not every award is given to an alum each year.
*Current members of the Board of Trustees and Alumni Council are not eligible for nomination. 

Nomination Form

  • Type the candidate's name and class year, if appropriate, in the input box next to the award for which he/she is being nominated

  • Person submitting nominations should attach to this form support documentation, such as a resume, biography, press releases, media articles or a statement of rationale. A letter of endorsement form a third party should be included. Nominator's need not be a Bethany alumnus/alumnae

  • Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 5.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
    2022 – Dr. Michael Hynes ‘94
    2022 – Ralph Shaaya ‘74
    2022 – Richie Siconolfi ‘72
    2021 – Cheryl Ryan Harshman ’74, Rick Jackson ’78, Stephen Ruben ’70
    2020 – Mark Bado ’87
    2019 – Kurt G. Franck ’78, Journalism
    2018 – Peter Jensen ’81
    2018 – Dr. Edward Phillips Polack ’67
    2017 – Dr. Dean Haubrich ’64, Thomas Miller ’77
    2016 – Salvatore Marranca ’68
    2015 – Dr. Elizabeth Flanagan ’74, Education
    2014 – Dr. Cheryl Mitchell ’76, Chemistry
    2013 – Kaye (Gorenflo) Hearn ’72, Law
    2012 – Dr. Kathleen Downey ’75, Medicine
    2011 – Dr. W. Blair Geho ’60, Medicine
    2011 – Steffanie D. (Jones) Lewis ’58, Law
    2010 – Chad Barnett ’96, Education
    2007 – William Allen ’62, Religion/Ministry
    2007 – Sandra Block ’81, Journalism
    2006 – Kathy (Porter) Fuller ’87, Education
    2006 – Steven McKinley ’73, Military Service
    2005 – Meta Michaelsen Downes ’58, Education
    2005 – Mark Melson ’72, Fine Arts
    2004 – Donald Megerle ’69, Higher Education/Coaching
    2004 – Gary Winterstein ’85, Military Service
    2003 – John Bertram ’67, Public Health
    2003 – Scott Prouty ’82, Music
    2002 – Adrian Melott ’68, Physics and Astronomy
    2002 – Jennifer Riggs ’68, Religion
    2001 – John Schriver ’59, Medicine
    2001 – Gerald Pifer ’61, Medicine
    2000 – George Albee ’43, Psychology
    2000 – Donald Arnold ’57, Chemistry
    1999 – Bonnie J. Monte ’76, Arts Management
    1999 – William Somplatsky- Jarman ’69, Religious/Environmental Relations
    1998 – Philip W. Hall ’48, Medicine
    1997 – Arthur B. Keys Jr. ’67, International Humanitarian Development
    1997 – Bonnie (Bowman) Thurston ’74, Religion
    1997 – William A. Wyman ’64, Music
    1996 – K. Robert Orr ’75, Journalism
    1996 – Margaret A. Wissman ’77, Veterinary Medicine
    1995 – Marion G. Burns ’45, Youth Services
    1995 – John E. Niederhuber ’60, Medicine
    1994 – Marjorie (Hunter) Copenhaver ’44, Business
    1994 – W. Marc Harshman ’73, Literature
    1994 – Harry G. Lang ’69, Education
    1993 – John H. Keppel ’43, Ministry
    1993 – Earl W. Lindveit ’50, Science
    1993 – John N. McLaughlin ’53, Business
    1992 – Edward O. Elsasser ’42, Education
    1992 – Dorothy (Daniel) France ’50. Ministry
    1991 – Donald H. Cloudsley ’48, Library Administration
    1991 – G. Malcom Cottington ’50, Medicine
    1991 – Robert Goin ’59, Athletic Administration
    1991 – Nathan S. Smith ’55, Ministry
    1990 – David Cortes ’76, Ministry
    1990 – Scarlett L. Foster ’79, Business Communication
    1990 – Dorothy and Joe Funk ’40, Public Service
    1990 – Jeffrey L. Seglin ’78, Journalism
    1990 – David S. Sims ’75, Sports Communication
    1989 – Kenneth B. Armitage ’49, Biological Research
    1989 – John C. Erskine ’39, Government Service
    1989 – Raymond B. McClain ’58, Education
    1988 – N. Vernon Blankenship ’50, Ministry
    1988 – Robert A. Hurford ’50, Business
    1987 – Anthony Furman ’57, Communications
    1987 – Donald Wagenheim ’62, Business
    1986 – Milton S. Carlin ’36, Journalism
    1986 – Emerson G. Hess ’36, Law and Business
    1985 – Paul A. Kohl ’74, Science
    1984 – Charles L. Perry ’59, International Affairs
    1984 – William J. Nottingham ’49, Ministry
    1983 – Lawrence A. Caliguiri ’55, Science and Medicine
    1983 – Malcolm W. Rush ’32, Business
    1982 – Albert L. Filoni ’64, Architecture
    1982 – Noel Wical ’32, Communications
    1981 – Eleanor Steindorf Johnson ’31, Medicine
    1981 – James W. Lenhart ’34, Religion
    1981 – William E. Lewellen ’48, Business
    1981 – Darrell K. Wolfe ’41, Communication
    1980 – Esther McCandless ’44, Science
    1980 – Charles A. McKee ’55, Education
    1980 – Robert S. Tuck ’22, Religion
    1979 – Robert F. Cory ‘34, Business
    1979 – Emerson Heilman ‘54, Business
    1979 – E. Morton Miller ‘29, Education
    1979 – Dwight E. Stevenson ‘29, Religion
    1978 – Ray S. Musgrave ‘33, Science
    1978 – D. Glenn Rose ‘52, Education
    1978 – W. Elbert Starn ‘28, Church Services
    1977 – Harold G. Elsam ‘23, Church Services
    1977 – E. Russell McGregor ‘52, Education
    1977 – James H. Ott ‘68, Business and Industry
    1976 – R. Harrison Bolen ‘65, Church Services
    1976 – David A. Butz ‘60, Business and Industry
    1976 – Emily K. Jones ‘27, Education
    1975 – Panos D. Bardis ‘50, Education
    1975 – D. Robert Beard ‘49, Business and Industry
    1975 – Harold R. Watkins ‘50, Church Services
    1974 – Thomas Buergenthal ‘57, Law
    1974 – Marjorie H. Buckholz ‘35, Education
    1974 – Frank Donics ‘47, Business
    1974 – Helen (Pierce) Elbin ‘28, Arts
    1974 – William Boyd Grove ‘51, Ministry
    1974 – Francis J. Love ‘24, Government
    1974 – Ben E. Lusk ‘67, Journalism
    1974 – Dorothy A. Porter ‘50, Medicine
    1973 – John E. Carrigan ‘34, Government Service
    1973 – Donald D. Cover ‘38, Church Service
    1973 – Harold C. Doster ‘53, Education
    1973 – Robert B. Golbey ‘43, National Science
    1973 – Frank J. Leach ‘50, Business and Industry
    1972 – Carl C. Francis ‘23, Education
    1971 – Paul L. Bruhn ‘33, Business
    1970 – Barbara G. Schutt ‘42, Medicine
    1969 – Victor J. Herbert Sr. ‘40, Business
    1968 – Raymond L. Henthorne ‘36, Education
    1967 – Beatrice (Kane) McLain ‘26, International Education
    1966 – The Family of William and Virginia Erskine ‘04: Ruth ‘28, Hugh ‘30, William ‘31, John ‘39, Mildred ‘42, Public Service;
    1966 – Stanton C. Crawford ‘18, ‘40, Education
    1965 – Raymond K. Sheline ‘43, Chemistry
    1964 – Alfred R. Bone ‘28, Business
    1963 – Eugene Miller ‘47, Journalism
    1962 – Edward J. Green ‘30, Business
    1960 – A. Dale Fiers ‘29, Religion
    1959 – W. Arthur Rush ‘29, Entertainment
    1958 – J. Park McCullen ‘17, Medicine
    ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD

    This award was established by the Office of the President to recognize alumni who have demonstrated loyalty to the College and exceptional achievement throughout their lives, both professionally and in service to the community.

    • 2015 – Sven de Jong ’95
    • 2014 – Elizabeth (Sweeney) Athol ’82
    • 2013 – Jeffrey Flick ’82
    • 2012 – Marc B. Chernenko ’78
    • 2012 – Joyce Dumbaugh Chernenko ’78
    • 2011 – Dr. Rodney B. Hurl ’52
    • 2010 – George Davis ’78
    COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

    Given periodically to recognize alumni who demonstrate significant leadership and service to their region or community.

    2022 – Roy Austin ‘66
    2022 – Frank Calabrese ’70
    2021 – Megan Tarbett ’00
    2020 – Reverend Amos Acree ’69
    2019 – Lynn Menzel Inlow ’70
    2018 – R. Darryl Ponton ’68
    2017 – Lee Smedley ’72
    2017 – Dean Sparks ’75
    2016 – Dr. Nick Sarap ’63
    2016 – Nancy Sarap ’63
    2016 – Dayna Snell ’87
    2015 – Rev. Dr. Robert Perry ’69
    2014 – Donald Wells ’43
    2011 – Rev. Dennis Sparks ’71
    2010 – D. Gail Frankle ’77
    2008 – David Jolliffe ’74
    2007 – Logan Hassig ’70
    2005 – Robert Chambers ’60
    2005 – Charlotte (Myers) ’61 Chambers
    2003 – Scott King ’94
    2002 – Charles E. Schwertfeger ’71
    2000 – Bruce Robeson ’56
    1999 – Dr. Stephen D. Ratcliffe ’74
    1998 – Jan (Campbell) Gazard ’72
    1996 – Mario DiPaolo ’51
    1995 – James H. Paige III ’82
    1993 – Andrea J. Rock ’78
    1990 – Joseph W. Mayernick ’72
    1988 – Arthur M. Read II ’68
    1987 – John S. Cluss ’37
    1985 – Albert Kuti ’38
    1983 – John G. Patterson ’38
    1982 – Roberta (Chantler) Holt ’32
    1979 – Layton Horner ’37
    1977 – Elmer L. Jackson ’27
    1976 – Nicholas Winowich ’49
    1975 – H. Ray Zimmerman ’38
    1974 – Forrest H. Kirkpatrick ’27
    1973 – Donald E. Lewis ’33
    DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO ALMA MATER

    The highest recognition award given to one recipient annually for alumni involvement, volunteer service and support to Bethany.

    2020 – John Somsky ’71
    2019 – Paul Chewning ’75
    2015 – Douglas Miller ’77
    2014 – George Manahan ’83
    2012 – Sharon Bogarad ’76
    2010 – Ken Bado ’77
    2008 – Linda Comins ’77
    2007 – Ruth Caine ’64
    2006 – Archie Pollock ’55
    2005 – Joyce Dumbaugh Chernenko ’78
    2004 – Neil Christman ’55
    2002 – James F. Companion ’63
    2001 – Gene C. Valentine ’72
    2000 – Robert McCann ’80
    1998 – Sally (Schreiver) Bado ’50
    1997 – Linda D. Lewis ’61
    1996 – Ann (Wilkin) Trombadore ’51
    1995 – Ann (Cochran) Preston ’56
    1994 – Donald R. Ford ’53
    1993 – Joseph M. Sakach ’58
    1992 – Forrest H. Kirkpatrick ’27
    1991 – Dale S. Laughner ’51
    1990 – Richard J. Meess ’50
    1989 – S. Kenneth Schonberg ’61
    1988 – Robert ’34 Cory
    1988 – Katherine (Smith) ’36 Cory
    1987 – John R. Taylor ’44
    1986 – Helen Louise McGuffie ’36
    1985 – Joseph M. Kurey ’62
    1984 – William F. Porter ’40
    1983 – Robert Lee Martin ’40
    1981 – Luta M. Gordon ’31
    1980 – William R. Hoag ’50
    1979 – A. Dale Fiers ’29
    1978 – Robert A Sandercox ’54
    1977 – Rodney B. Hurl ’52
    1976 – Wilbur H Cramblet Jr. ’42
    1975 – Nancy (Tomasek) Ratcliffe ’44
    1974 – Virgil L. Elliott ’28
    1974 – Frank Green ’02
    1974 – Helen (Tinsley) Haushalter ’07
    1974 – John M. Lewis ’16
    1973 – Edwin F. Schulz ’51
    1972 – Paul E. Schaefer ’26
    1971 – Charles D. Bell ’45
    1970 – James Lee Collins ’49
    1969 – Wilbur H. Cramblet Jr. ’42
    1968 – Michael J. Kasarda ’31
    1967 – Forrest Allen Pruitt Jr. ’32
    1966 – M. Jane (Carfer) Theobald ’33
    1966 – John Marshall ’02
    1965 – John S. Cluss ’37
    1964 – Malcolm W. Rush ’32
    1963 – John E. Costello ’40
    1962 – Josephine (Sheets) Wickerham ’36
    1961 – E. Kenneth Resseger ’33
    1960 – Wilbur H. Cramblet ’10
    1959 – R. Richard Renner ’17
    1958 – Maynard Patton ’16
    JAMES E. ALLISON AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

    Presented periodically to a Bethany faculty member. Nominees need not be alumni.

     

    2019 – Harald Menz
    2007 – John T. Burns
    2006 – Katherine Shelek-Furbee
    2005 – Michael P. Mihalyo Jr.
    2004 – W. Randolph Cooey ’64
    2002 – Kenneth L. Morgan ’71
    2001 – Wallace B. Neel
    1999 – T. Gale Thompson
    1998 – Robyn R. Cole
    1996 – Gary H. Kappel ’74
    1995 – Stanley L. Becker
    1994 – Albert R. Buckelew Jr.
    1993 – John D. Davis
    1992 – John U. Davis ’56
    1991 – Lynn F. Adkins
    1990 – Gary E. Larson
    1989 – Anthony L. Mitch
    1988 – Pauline R. Nelson
    1987 – John H. Hull
    1986 – David J. Judy
    1985 – James E. Allison ’62
    1984 – James W. Carty Jr.
    1983 – William L. Young ’47
    1982 – John R. Taylor ’44
    1981 – Larry E. Grimes ’64
    1980 – Robert E. Myers ’54
    1979 – John D. Draper
    1978 – Richard B. Kenney
    1977 – Helen Lousie McGuffie ’36
    OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO BETHANY COLLEGE

    Awarded periodically to non-alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the mission, goals and programs of Bethany College through volunteer service or financial support.

    2006 – Jeanne Cobb
    2005 – Evelyn Casey Steen
    2003 – Thomas P. Johnson Jr.
    2002 – George Miller
    2001 – Suzi Cummins
    1996 – Elizabeth B. Vannelle
    1993 – Joanne F. Sykes
    1992 – Ruth L. Westlake
    1987 – John S. Cunningham
    1984 – Darline B. Nicholson

    ROBERT A. SANDERCOX AWARD

    Created by the Alumni Council in 1997 to honor Robert A. Sandercox ’54 for his outstanding dedication and contributions to the College, the award is to be presented only on rare occasions to the select few who demonstrate a level of commitment to Bethany and the educational community that is not easily rivaled.

    2020 – Scarlett Foster ’79
    2016 – Dr. Larry Grimes ’64
    2013 – William Kiefer ’71
    1998 – Charles D. Bell ’45
    1997 – Robert A. Sandercox ’54

    ALUMNI WALL OF FAME

    Enshrined on the walls of Bethany College are the names of her most distinguished sons and daughters. Their extraordinary influence and stature in their discipline, profession or field of human service at the international, national or state levels reflect the enduring high honor and excellence of the College.

    The Bethany Alumni Wall of Fame is dedicated to challenging students to achieve greatness in their chosen discipline, profession or field of service; to perpetuate the renown of Bethany College and the achievements of her alumni; and to encourage all to seek and gain high purpose and attainment in life.

    The concept of this memorial was expressed by Forrest H. Kirkpatrick ’27, for the purpose of inspiring Bethany students to emulate the attainments of their Alma Mater’s most eminent alumni.

    Class of 1868 – George T. Oliver, Industrialist, US Senate
    Class of 1890 – Edgar O. Lovett, Founding President, Rice University
    Class of 1944 – Esther L. McCandless, Biology Researcher, Professor
    Class of 1886 – Herbert L. Willett, Biblical Scholar, Professor
    Class of 1918 – Stanton C. Crawford, Chancellor, University of Pittsburgh
    Class of 1939 – John C. Erskine, Government Service, Educator
    Class of 1929 – A. Dale Fiers, Religion
    Class of 1945 – James R. Schuyler, Pulitzer Prize Author
    Class of 1905 – Henry A. Procter, Member, British Parliament
    Class of 1919 – George M. Sutton, Ornithologist, Bird Artist
    Class of 1852 – Archibald W. Campbell, Newspaper Editor, Publisher
    Class of 1874 – Archibald McLean, President of Bethany College, Religion
    Class of 1923 – Mae Yoho Ward, Educator, Religion
    Class of 1923 – Carl C. Francis, Medical Researcher, Writer
    Class of 1873 – J. Beauchamp Clark, Speaker of the House, US House
    Class of 1875 – Mark M. Cochran, Industrialist
    Class of 1877 – Joseph R. Lamar, US Supreme Court Justice
    Class of 1940 – Kenneth W. Underwood, Author, Educator, Social Ethics
    Class of 1876 – W. H. Woolery President of Bethany College
    Class of 1942 – Barbara G. Schutt, Nursing Professor, Administrator
    Class of 1917 – Malcolm L. Norment, Missionary, Leprosy Clinic Founder
    Class of 1927 – DeLoris M. Stevenson, Braillist, Researcher, Writer
    Class of 1902 – John Marshall, Deputy US Attorney General
    Class of 1929 – Dwight E. Stevenson, Author, Educator, Religion
    Class of 1908 – W. K. Woolery, Educator, Historian, Bethany College
    Class of 1897 – John P. Sala, Religion
    Class of 1910– Wilbur H. Cramblet Sr., President of Bethany College
    Class of 1924 – Francis J. Love, US House
    Class of 1934 – John E. Carrigan, WV Senate, Supreme Court Justice
    Class of 1869 – Earl W. Oglebay, Industrialist Banker
    Class of 1889 – William R. Warren, Author, Editor, Religion
    Class of 1891 – Charles H. Irvin, Business and Industry
    Class of 1910 – Bert R. Johnson, Religion
    Class of 1876 – Benjamin B. Odell, US House, NY Governor
    Class of 1916 – Caroline Gordon, Author
    Class of 1917 – R. Richard Renner, Physician, Hospital Founder
    Class of 1906 – Lorne W. Barclay, Executive, Boy Scouts of America
    Class of 1926 – Edgar L. Warren, Government Service, Mediator
    Class of 1892 – William H. Hanna, Religion, Missionary
    Class of 1927 – Forrest H. Kirkpatrick, Educator, Industrialist, Philanthropist
    ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

    To be eligible, nominees must have graduated 10 years prior to the current year and must have shown significant contributions to athletics, to their profession or community and to the College. Those selected are honored at the Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet during Homecoming weekend.

    GREEK NOMINATION FORM

    To nominate alumni for the Greek Hall of Fame Award, please fill out this form.