Mansfield Honors Alumni at 2024 Society of Honors Ceremony

Six Mansfield alumni were inducted into the Society of Honors during a ceremony on June 22, 2024.

The Commonwealth University-Mansfield Society of Honors program can be traced back to 1969. It is believed that the Society of Honors program was established largely through the efforts of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. The original purpose of the society was to recognize the outstanding achievements of Mansfield alumni. In 2022, this recognition program was extended to friends and supporters of CU-Mansfield through the newly added Innovation & Inclusion and Health, Safety & Wellness awards.

In 2017, members of the Society of Honors program were honored by having their portraits permanently displayed in the Society of Honors exhibit in the lobby of Alumni Hall. This tradition continues today with 2024 inductees in the six following categories: 

Alumni Citation Award Established in 1969, the Alumni Citation Award recognizes a member of the alumni community who has made exceptional contributions to society through professional, civic, philanthropic work, and leadership activities. The 2024 honoree is Robert G. Shipp III '98, Vice President, Workforce & Clinical Affairs, The Hospital & Health System Association of Pennsylvania.

Elsie Burk Service Award Established in 1983, the Elsie Burk Service Award recognizes a member of the alumni community who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, loyalty, and service to the university over a long period of time. The 2024 honoree is Doreen McElroy Donlick '87, Mountie Coffee Barista, CU-Mansfield.

Distinguished Educator Award First presented in 1986, the Distinguished Educator Award recognizes a member of the alumni community or university staff who is an exceptional leader and demonstrates service and commitment to education. The 2024 honoree is Douglas C. Orzolek '89, Professor of Music Education, University of St. Thomas.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award Established in 1986, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes a member of the alumni community who has graduated from CU-Mansfield within the past twenty-five (25) years. This award recognizes a young alum's outstanding leadership, achievement, and professional performance. The 2024 honoree is Andrew Putt '16, Senior Staff Scientist, Geosyntec Consultants.

Health, Safety & Wellness Award Established in 2022, the Health, Safety & Wellness Award recognizes a member of the alumni community or friend of CU-Mansfield who has made outstanding efforts to advance the health, safety, and wellness of the CU-Mansfield community. The 2024 honoree is Laurie Zaparzynski, Retired Former Head Athletic Trainer, CU-Mansfield.

Innovation & Inclusion Award Established in 2022, the Innovation & Inclusion Award recognizes a member of the alumni community or friend of CU-Mansfield who has made advancing efforts to society by establishing a collaborative environment that empowers individuals with knowledge that fosters innovation. The 2024 honoree is Shannon Argetsinger '89, Senior Vice President, Key Bank.

The Commonwealth University-Mansfield Society of Honors Selection Committee comprises the Alumni Association Board of Directors Awards Committee and the Director of Alumni & Employer Engagement. The committee meets quarterly to review and discuss nominations and select new members for annual induction. The luncheon is made possible through support from the CU-Mansfield Alumni Association and the CU-Mansfield Alumni & Professional Engagement Office. 

Photos from the Event can be found on our Flickr page. Nominations are now open for 2025.