Celebrating Excellence in Education: 2025 Penn State College of Education Alumni Society Awards Banquet

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Education came together on April 5 in celebration and recognition of extraordinary accomplishments at the 2025 Alumni Society Awards Banquet, hosted at Toftrees Golf Resort. Alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered to honor distinguished alumni whose careers reflect a profound commitment to education, equity, service and student empowerment.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Kimberly A. Lawless, dean of the College of Education, who encouraged attendees to reflect on the many ways Penn State graduates are shaping the future of education across the country and around the world.

Cathy Tomon, president of the Alumni Society Board of Directors, officially opened the awards presentation. She thanked the event’s many contributors, including the board members, event staff and the Penn State Alumni Association, whose financial support helped make the banquet possible. Tomon emphasized the purpose of the evening: to celebrate the achievements of the college’s most exemplary alumni — those who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, leadership, advocacy and inclusion.

The first award of the night was the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Award, presented by Sandra Rodriguez-Arroyo to Julianne Guillard, a 2011 graduate of the College of Education and associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Guillard’s leadership in curriculum reform and her research-driven advocacy have significantly reduced educational inequities in her department. Her redesign of a core research course not only improved academic outcomes for underrepresented students but also set a new standard for inclusive instruction. In addition, her work on textbook affordability has saved VCU students approximately $50,000 each semester. One colleague noted that Guillard “builds critical analysis and communication skills in ways that reveal the complex power structures governing students’ lives,” making her a powerful force for equity in higher education.

Next, Bill Clark presented the Leadership and Service Award to Pedro Rivera, whose career in education spans classroom teaching, school administration, state-level policy and college presidency. A Philadelphia native and former secretary of education for Pennsylvania. Rivera now serves as president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. His nominator, Matthew Stem, described Rivera’s ability to connect with and inspire others, especially those from historically marginalized communities. From his days as a teacher in Philadelphia to his time implementing statewide education policy affecting millions, Rivera has always centered students in his work, leading with authenticity, humility and heart.

Matthew Richards then took the podium to present the Outstanding New Graduate Award to Kate Hallinger, a 2015 and 2019 graduate of the College of Education and a current elementary school teacher at Radio Park Elementary School in State College. Known for her creativity, enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, Hallinger has impacted her students far beyond the classroom. Whether leading a spontaneous student theater production or mentoring future educators, Hallinger brings an infectious energy to her work. Her principal and colleagues commend her ability to create an inclusive, inspiring learning environment where every student thrives. “She connects with students on a profound level,” one supporter noted. “She fosters their best selves — intellectually, emotionally, and creatively.”

Following Hallinger’s award, Molly Dallmeyer presented the Outstanding Teaching Award to John Wortman, a 2015 and 2020 graduate currently teaching social studies in the Forest Area School District. Wortman is not only a gifted educator but also a dedicated public servant, serving on both his local school board and city council. He enriches his classroom through professional development and extracurricular leadership, including coaching, drama club advising, and district-level training initiatives. Most poignantly, one of his former students, now studying to become a teacher, credited Wortman as the reason he pursued the field. “I still use his lesson notes,” the student wrote. “Without him, I would not be where I am today.”

The final award of the evening — the prestigious Alumni Excellence Award —was introduced by Jhan Doughty, chair of the Alumni Excellence Committee. While the full remarks about this year's honoree, Frank Andrews, were still to come, Doughty previewed the immense influence that Andrews has had over his 50-year career, devoted to serving marginalized communities and lifting up those often left behind.

As the evening drew to a close, there was a shared sense of gratitude and inspiration. The honorees, each remarkable in their own right, represented the diverse paths and enduring values of the Penn State College of Education. 

Whether through advocacy, leadership, classroom innovation or community engagement, their work affirms a common truth: education remains one of the most powerful tools for change.

The 2025 Alumni Society Awards Banquet was not just a ceremony — it was a reaffirmation of Penn State’s enduring commitment to excellence, equity and the transformative power of education.

You can watch a video featuring interviews with some of the awardees here.