Mansfield University Alumni Association Holds Society of Honors Induction Ceremony

The Society of Honors program was established through the efforts of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Its original purpose was to recognize the outstanding achievements of Mansfield alumni. This year the recognition program was extended to friends and supporters of Mansfield University through the newly added Innovation and Inclusion and Health, Safety, and Wellness Awards.

“Congratulations to all those who were inducted into the Society of Honors at Mansfield,” said Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University. “As proud alumni of Mansfield, you have been role models to those in your community and have also made an impact through your service to our University.”

2023 Society of Honors Inductees

Named the winner of the Alumni Citation Award was Gary Sutton ’73, a professional talk show host at WSBA Morning News in Harrisburg. The Alumni Citation Award, established in 1969, recognizes a member of the alumni community who has made exceptional contributions to society through professional, civic, and philanthropic work, as well as leadership activities.

Selected as the winner of the Elsie Burk Service Award was Matthew Baker, former regional director, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Wellsboro, Pa. 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.

The Distinguished Educator Award went to Ginger Edwards ’88, a first-grade teacher at Wyalusing Area School District, Wyalusing, Pa. 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.

Named the winner of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award was Frank Acomb ’06, a news personality for WYDC-TV Big Fox, “Frankly Speaking,” Corning, N.Y. Established in 1986, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes a member of the alumni community who has graduated from Mansfield University within the past 25 years. This award recognizes a young alum’s outstanding leadership, achievement, and professional performance.

Chosen as the winner of the first Innovation and Inclusion Award was Ryan Wood, manager of campus services, physical plant-building care and grounds at Mansfield University. Established in 2022, the Innovation and Inclusion Award recognizes a member of the alumni community or friend of Mansfield University who has made advancing efforts to society by establishing a collaborative environment that empowers individuals with knowledge that fosters innovation.

The inaugural Health, Safety and Wellness Award winner was Gena Rassmussen ’93, an outpatient registered dietitian at Laurel Health Systems, Blossburg, Pa. The Health, Safety and Wellness Award, established in 2022, recognizes a member of the alumni community or friend of the University who has made outstanding efforts to advance the health, safety, and wellness of the Mansfield community.

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.

The Society of Honors Selection Committee comprises the Alumni Association Board of Directors Awards Committee and the director of alumni and employer engagement. The committee meets quarterly to review and discuss nominations and select new members for annual induction.

Society of Honors Nomination forms can be found online at mansfield.edu/alumni.