2024 Award Recipients

Young Alumni Citation Recipients

Dr. Marla Sacks ’13

Dr. Marla Sacks ’13 is a distinguished alumna of Allegheny College, recognized for her outstanding contributions in surgery and her unwavering dedication to providing aid to underserved populations. Born with a strong sense of empathy and a commitment to making a difference, Marla embarked on a journey driven by her passion for healing and advocating for underprivileged populations.

During her time at Allegheny College, Marla was involved in numerous activities including student government, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, serving as a resident advisor in Brooks Hall, and participating in wind symphony, jazz band, and trombone ensemble.

After graduating from Allegheny College with a physics major and psychology minor, Marla attended St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. Following medical school, she commenced general surgery training at the State University of New York Health Sciences University in Brooklyn. She now resides in Brooklyn and works at a hospital that serves a large immigrant population in a community of two million residents.

“I believe Dr. Marla Sacks is an outstanding candidate to receive the Allegheny College Young Alumni Citation,” said lifelong friend Bethany Shearer. “She is a role model for future graduates and other alumni. She embodies the highest standards, attributes, and accomplishments of what it means to be a graduate of Allegheny College.”

Since 2019, Marla has participated in several medical mission trips to Ghana, Zambia, Vietnam, the Caribbean Islands, and the Philippines, providing access to surgical care to children and adults from underserved communities around the world. She is a member of the American Pediatric Surgical Association Ethics Committee, which hosts global pediatric surgery discussions and supports relief efforts. She has had a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of children and families, inspiring hope and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

In recognition of her exceptional accomplishments and commitment to serving others, Allegheny College is pleased to present Dr. Marla Sacks with the Young Alumni Citation. This prestigious award celebrates her sacrifices, recognizes the risks to her safety, and exceptional contributions made to humankind through serving marginalized communities around the world. Dr. Sacks serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of Allegheny College alumni, reminding us of the incredible power of compassion, unwavering dedication, and selfless service to others.

Christopher Seeley ’10

Christopher Seeley ’10 is a lifelong Linesville resident and graduate of Allegheny College, where he double majored in political science and music. From an early age, Chris cultivated a deep affinity for his hometown and surrounding community, and he has sought ways to give back and enrich the environment that nurtured his growth.

In 2005, Chris launched a successful bid for Mayor of Linesville Borough and was re-elected in 2009 as both the Democratic and Republican nominee in recognition of his bipartisan consensus-building style of governing. Soon after, Chris joined the Linesville Borough Planning Commission and is currently serving as vice chair. In 2011, he was elected to the post of Linesville Borough Auditor without opposition.

In 2013, Chris was appointed to serve as one of three Crawford County Auditors and went on to win the office outright in 2015 and again in 2019. During his tenure, he strived to modernize and streamline the operations of the office and worked to forge new interoffice partnerships and expand the involvement of the Auditors’ Office in county policymaking and general operations. He also served as a past president and longtime executive board member of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Auditors, and often assisted in training and coaching his colleagues around the state.

Following 10 years in the County Auditors’ Office, Chris was elected Crawford County Commissioner in November 2023. He serves as the secretary/treasurer of the Board of Commissioners, as well as Vice Chair of the Crawford County Board of Elections. His early priorities are to expand broadband services to underserved communities, recruit and retain volunteer first responders, and implement the county’s comprehensive plan.

Chris has served in various leadership positions across the region with organizations including the Rotary Club of Meadville, Pine Masonic Lodge, Greendale Cemetery Association, the Meadville Area Middle School Martin Luther King Jr. Mentoring Program, Meadville Community Theatre, the Academy Theatre, the Crawford County Democratic Committee, and numerous other fraternal, service, and nonprofit entities. Chris is now serving his third 4-year term on the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee. He is also a member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local #17 Erie Musicians’ Union.

“I believe that the experiences and efforts of Mr. Seeley showcase the important role that Allegheny College plays in the community and the impacts that it can have on local, Crawford County young adults,” said Katherine Wickert ’16.

Allegheny College is honored to present the Young Alumni Citation to Christopher Seeley for his extraordinary commitment and dedication to serving his community.

Blue Citation Recipients

Greg Ward ’94

For thirty years, Greg Ward ’94 has demonstrated a steadfast commitment and devotion to assisting Allegheny College.

Greg served on the Alumni Council for 7 years, including as President. In addition to his leadership on the Council, as an officer, he attended Board of Trustees meetings and served on Board committees. He has helped to bring alumni together and encourage their involvement and philanthropic investment by serving on his 20th generational and 25th landmark reunion committees. He has sent Gator Greetings notes to accepted students for many years, hosted events, volunteered with the Cleveland-area alumni chapter, provided advice and guidance through Gator2Gator, and served as a career session panelist to help support student success and career outcomes.

“Greg has been a tremendous advocate for the school on Gator Give Day and GivingTuesday, utilizing the numerous ways he is connected to classmates — from shared experiences in Greek life, athletics, and academics — to help open doors of conversation and support,” said Senior Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, Sara Pineo.

Greg is a Senior Vice President specializing in investment real estate with First National Bank. He has more than 25 years working in the banking industry in commercial real estate banking positions with Wells Fargo, KeyBank, and Huntington Bank. Greg also served as CFO for a start-up mortgage REIT that specialized in the self-storage market. Greg joined as one of the first five employees and was instrumental in the company completing an IPO for NYSE listing.

Greg earned a BA in economics and English from Allegheny where he was an RA/RD, member of Delta Tau Delta, and a placekicker on the football team, which included the 1990 NCAA Division III National Championship team. He is also a graduate of the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, earning an MBA concentrating in finance, banking, and accounting.

In what he describes as the singular best event of his life, Greg had the great fortune to meet Molly DeVoogt Ward ’93 at Allegheny, to whom he has been happily married for more than 25 years. Greg and Molly reside in Rocky River, Ohio with their three children. Greg keeps active in his community as an Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor in Boy Scouts of America, and he was also a youth sports coach for more than 10 years. Greg has served as a youth group advisor and board member for his local church, Treasurer for St. Clair Superior Development Corporation, a community development corporation in Cleveland, and as Chairman of The Urban Land Institute in Cleveland.

Allegheny College is proud to present Greg with the Blue Citation in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding service to Allegheny College.

Gold Citation Recipients

Stephen R.Kaufman ’81

Stephen R. Kaufman is the Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. He served as the Acting United States Attorney from March to November 2021, after serving as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2018 to 2021.

After graduating summa cum laude from Allegheny College in 1981, Steve attended Harvard Law School, where he graduated cum laude in 1984. He joined the United States Attorney’s Office in 1988 after working as a law clerk for United States District Judge Donald E. Ziegler. Steve was a member of the adjunct faculty at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law between 1997 and 2021. In the fall of 2022, he joined the faculty of Duquesne Law School, where he teaches a course in white-collar crime.

In his more than 30 years as a federal prosecutor, Steve has handled a wide variety of violent crime, narcotics, child exploitation, and white-collar cases. Notable cases include the successful eight-week trial of the Pittsburgh La Cosa Nostra organized crime family on RICO charges, the prosecution of the distributors of China White, a deadly synthetic form of heroin that caused the overdose deaths of 17 individuals in 1988, the prosecution of Michael Carlow, owner of Pittsburgh Brewing and Clark Candy, for perpetuating a $31 million check-kiting scheme against PNC Bank, and the prosecution, conviction of, and subsequent 11-year prison sentence for Dr. Oliver Herndon, a physician who was the most prolific illegal distributor of oxycodone in the Pittsburgh area before his arrest. His prosecution of Robert Stevens for illegally distributing animal fighting videos was appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

“Steve’s impressive track record in court is complemented by his ability and willingness to mentor others. He served as an official mentor to many new practitioners over the years, including former member of Congress Conor Lamb. His steady demeanor and ability to relate to others has magnified his impact as an attorney and quality human being,” said Mary Jo Meenen ’81, Development Director for the Homeless Children’s Education Fund.

Steve is the former President of the Board of Directors of the Allegheny County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. As a pro bono matter, he represented a child in juvenile dependency proceedings in Allegheny County for the entire course of the child’s upbringing, from age six months until he aged out of the system at age 21.

Allegheny College is privileged to recognize Steve with the Gold Citation in recognition and appreciation of his remarkable achievements.

Timothy R. Walmsley ’91

Allegheny College is pleased to recognize Judge Timothy R. Walmsley with the Gold Citation for his exceptional service to the College through his professional achievements and contributions to the legal community.

Prior to joining the Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit in Chatham County, Georgia, Tim served as counsel to the Board of Tax Assessors, as a part-time Judge in the Magistrate Court of Chatham County, and as a partner in the Savannah office of Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, P.C., where he specialized in commercial and real estate litigation.

While on the Superior Court, Tim has managed a full caseload based on the 10,000 new civil and criminal filings submitted annually and brought numerous murder, armed robbery, rape, child abuse, and aggravated assault cases to trial. In May 2020, Judge Walmsley was appointed to preside over the trial of three men accused of murdering Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia after all Superior Court judges in Glynn County recused. The trial garnered national attention and resulted in the conviction of all three defendants.

Tim received his J.D. with honors, along with a Certificate in Environmental Law from the Tulane University School of Law in 1996. He received a B.S. in Environmental Studies in 1991 from Allegheny College. Prior to law school, he worked as an environmental consultant with ICF Kaiser Engineers in Washington, D.C., where he conducted extensive site work and investigation on a variety of environmental issues.

Tim is presently associated with numerous professional organizations and is actively involved in his community. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hancock Day School, the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Savannah, and serves as a Community Coach for the Benedictine Military School.

Tim was named one of the Savannah Business Journal’s “40 under 40” notable Savannahians and named a “Rising Star” of the Georgia Bar by Law & Politics and Atlanta Magazine on three occasions. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah and is actively involved in both the Georgia Bar Association and the Council of Superior Court Judges. In addition to his work on the Court, Tim is a regular guest speaker and lecturer on a variety of law and related topics.

Tim was born in Durban, South Africa. He attended primary school in Pittsford, New York, and is a 1987 graduate of Pittsford Mendon High School. He has resided in Savannah for 26 years with his wife Alison and two children.

Allegheny College is proud to recognize Tim with the Gold Citation in recognition and appreciation of the honor he reflects upon the College by virtue of his remarkable professional achievements.

Alumni Medal Recipients

Dag J. Skattum ’84 and Julie Grosjean Skattum ’8

Julie and Dag have always led by example, and I vividly remember their Annual Fund challenge from the early 2000s. Reading Julie and Dag’s ‘WHY’ as they made the case for each graduate to get involved in supporting Allegheny inspired me as a young alumna to always keep Allegheny at the forefront of my own volunteer and philanthropic priorities.” — Jen Daurora ’99, member of the Board of Trustees

Julie and Dag truly exemplify a Gator couple. Julie received her BA from Allegheny College in 1985. She majored in Political Science with minors in Writing and Women’s Studies, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She received her JD from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1988. Julie is a former Associate Attorney with Kelley Drye and Warren in New York City.

Julie is a member of the Allegheny College Board of Trustees, serving as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Governance Committee. Julie has also served on the Executive Committee as Vice Chair, Advancing Allegheny Committee, Future of Fundraising Task Force, Presidential Transition Task Force, International Task Force, and co-chaired the Board Evolution Task Force.

Her work on the Board Evolution Task Force spearheaded the effort to ensure that Allegheny’s Board is high functioning and prepared to meet the challenges posed by the changing landscape of higher education. Through these efforts, Julie collaborated with Board leaders from other colleges and universities to gather insights and best practices and led the task force in an assessment of current board policies. These efforts resulted in a comprehensive reorientation of board committee structures, board governance processes, new trustee onboarding programming, revived Emeriti programming, and the creation of the Sycamore Society to ensure continued engagement of former trustees.

Julie also served on the Timothy Alden Council Executive Committee — a leadership advisory board to the Annual Giving Office — from 1997 to 2003, and she has volunteered her time on Reunion Committees.

Dag received his BA from Allegheny College in 1984. He majored in History, was a member of Phi Delta Theta, played soccer, and ran track. Dag received his MBA from the University of Rochester. Dag is currently Head of BlackRock Long Term Private Capital Europe, based in London. Dag has served on several for-profit and not-for-profit boards and currently sits on the boards of Authentic Brands and Heywood Pension Technologies. Dag also serves as the chair of Right To Play, a global NGO that works to protect, educate, and empower over 2 million of the world’s most vulnerable children across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia using the power of play.

Prior to joining BlackRock, Dag spent 21 years with JPMorgan, where he most recently served as co-head of global mergers and acquisitions. Subsequently, he was a London-based partner with the private equity firm TPG. Dag rejoined JPMorgan prior to joining BlackRock, where he served as chair of JPM global banking and co-chair of the firm’s Global Strategic Advisory Council.

Dag was a member of the Allegheny College Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2016 and also served as Vice Chair of the Board. During his Board tenure, he was a member of the Executive, Investment, Enrollment, Trusteeship (now “Governance”), and Diversity Committees, and the International Task Force, including serving as Chair from 2010 to 2012, and the Alumni Affairs & Development Committee (now “Advancing Allegheny”), including serving as Chair in 2004–2005. Dag served on the Presidential Search Committee in 2007, the Timothy Alden Council Executive Committee from 1999 to 2007, and on his Reunion Committees.

During the Tradition and Transformation campaign, Julie and Dag spearheaded a significant annual fund effort — “The Skattum Challenge” — to increase participation and dollars raised.

During the Our Allegheny: Our Third Century Quest campaign, for which Dag held the position as Co-Chair from 2012 to 2019, the Skattums created an endowed fund to sustain the Student Award for Civility in Public Life and endowed a Student Success Fund, the income from which provides micro-grants for students who require additional financial support to retain at the College and to help them succeed.

Their steadfast belief in the College is reflected in their continued support of the annual fund and a Presidential Discretionary Fund.

Matt Stinson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, says, “Through their unwavering dedication and generous support, Dag and Julie have epitomized the spirit of true philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on our college community. Their commitment to excellence and service, exemplified through each of their leadership tenures on the board of trustees, continues to inspire us all. We honor their service with gratitude and admiration, celebrating their profound impact on our noble institution and the students we serve.”

Richard Cook, President Emeritus of Allegheny College, notes, “In addition to being among the College’s most generous financial supporters, Dag and Julie’s exemplary service on the Allegheny Board of Trustees is legendary. They have also warmly welcomed students, faculty, staff, and alumni into their home in London on countless occasions. Somehow, they have managed this while raising a loving family, living demanding professional lives, and holding other board leadership positions internationally. Dag and Julie are truly global servant-leaders in the best sense of the term, quietly demonstrating friendship, empathy, kindness, and generosity through how they live their lives. It is a privilege to know them, to witness their dedication to Allegheny, and to call them friends.”

Their family legacy at Allegheny extends to both sides of their family and dates back to 1956. Dag’s parents, siblings, aunt, and nephew have attended Allegheny. Julie’s sibling and nephew have attended Allegheny.

Ron Cole ’87, Allegheny College President, sums up the Skattum’s impact perfectly: “Dag and Julie Skattum, together, are among the most steadfast and loyal alumni of Allegheny College, with deep care for student success and an understanding of how important our dedicated faculty and staff are in that success. As champions of Allegheny, Julie and Dag inspire boldness in our Strategic Pathway with wisdom, courage, and discipline. I extend my personal thanks to these two incredible alumni for their endearing commitment to Allegheny and to generations of students to come.”

It is with gratitude that we recognize Julie and Dag Skattum with the Alumni Medal, the College’s oldest and most prestigious award.

Thoburn Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipients

Matthew P. Betush ’06

Matt graduated from Allegheny in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He continued his studies at the University of Rochester, where he earned a master’s degree in chemistry in 2008 and a doctorate in philosophy in 2015. He returned to his alma mater in June 2013 as a visiting assistant professor, a role he served for three years until earning the rank of assistant professor in May 2016.

“As a student in Professor Betush’s class, I always felt like a valuable member of the Allegheny community,” said Emily Robles ’26. “Through his ability to answer any questions students had without making them feel inadequate, he was able to teach all students of varying levels. This quality makes students feel like they have the ability to excel academically.”

The Excellence in Teaching Award is a testament to Matt’s use of innovative strategies in the classroom, his personalized teaching methods, and his interactive approach and real-world applications of chemistry. Matt is also known for his personalized mentoring, which has guided countless students to achieve their academic and professional goals.

“As both a professor and alumnus, Professor Betush has been a pillar of the Allegheny community. A former chemistry major myself, the dreaded organic chemistry was a class I had feared since my freshman year of college, but Professor Betush got me through it with constant encouragement and engaging lectures,” said former student Dana O’Connor ’19. “He was also one of the people who most encouraged me to apply for graduate school, and now I’m at Carnegie Mellon! He read my personal statement, advised me on what to look for on visit weekends, and still gives me advice about graduate school to this day.”

In addition to his teaching, Matt is active in research with undergraduate students. He has several projects ranging from small molecule synthesis (including a collaboration with colleague Dr. Ivelitza Garcia) and pedagogical areas including laboratory design.

“Professor Betush is hands down my favorite chemistry professor,” said Ankitha Pamula ’24. “His lecturing style displayed his knowledge in chemistry, but his down-to-earth nature allows students to approach him with no hesitation about questions and material in his class.”

A Pittsburgh native, Matt resides in Saegertown, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Ria, and children, Sidney and Violet. Allegheny is pleased to present assistant professor Dr. Matt Betush with the 2024 Thoburn Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipients

Betsy Getschman ’86

Allegheny College is pleased to award the Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching to Betsy Getschman ’86, dance and movement studies instructor. This award recognizes Betsy’s outstanding tenure at the College, her commitment to fostering excellence, and her impact as an educator that extends far beyond the classroom.
Betsy joined Allegheny College in 2000 as an adjunct instructor teaching tap and jazz and transitioned to full-time in 2015. Over the years, she has transformed the dance program, inspiring countless students with her creativity, dedication, and profound understanding of movement.

“I have found Betsy to be an incredible, bottomless pit of knowledge in the field of dance as it appears in different forms, styles, and cultures,” said Julie Cepec ‘21. “My dance classes with Betsy were among my favorite classes I took at Allegheny, so much so that I became a ballroom Teaching Assistant as an upperclassman and watched many other students fall in love with the art through Betsy’s classes. Betsy truly sees every person that walks into her class, taking into consideration each student’s needs, goals, and concerns while still helping them maintain high-quality work.”

Betsy’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that dance is not only an art form but also a powerful medium for personal expression and growth. In addition to her classroom achievements, Betsy has choreographed countless plays and productions through Allegheny’s Playshop, the Meadville Community Theatre, the Special Olympics, and several local dance studios. She has also worked in the gifted and talented program and is currently the site coordinator for the enrichment program.

The West Virginia native is also known for incorporating a wide range of styles and techniques into her classes, encouraging students to explore their creativity and push their boundaries. She is a master in the art of ballroom, jazz, and contemporary dance, as well as explorative movement. Her work has not only elevated the profile of the dance program but has also enriched the cultural fabric of the College, as well as the surrounding region.

“I cannot even begin to describe how much Betsy Sumerfield deserves this award,” said Katie Krackhardt ‘09. “From community ballroom classes, to Cookies and Milk, creating landscapes summer program, gifted and talented program, supporting the performing arts department, doing choreography for musicals, supporting the dance studio in town, and numerous performances she is constantly serving the Meadville and Allegheny communities.”

It is with great pleasure that Allegheny College presents the 2024 Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching to Betsy Getschman.

Robert T. Sherman Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Kathleen A. Copeland

Kathleen Copeland joined Allegheny College in 2000, bringing with her a passion for numbers and a commitment to the College’s mission in finance and accounting. As a recipient of the Nancy Sheridan Allegheny College Association Continuing Education Scholarship for Women, Kate attended Allegheny before transferring to Edinboro University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2000 with a BA in accounting.
Over the past two decades, Kate has become an integral part of the College community, known for her meticulous work, unwavering dedication, and friendly demeanor. Throughout her tenure, Kate has climbed the ranks from accountant to assistant director to her current role as director of finance. Kate is responsible for overseeing numerous financial projects and ensuring the College’s budgets are balanced and its resources managed effectively. Her keen eye for detail and proactive approach to problem-solving have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

“Kate continually helps support all offices across campus with financial and non-financial information. She is one of the first employees here in the morning and many days one of the last to leave,” said Lead Accountant Margaret Crate. “I have seen colleagues from her department and other departments across campus come to her for advice on how to handle situations in the best interest of the College. She never turns down an assignment and always offers to assist with tasks outside her area if she is able.”

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kate is known for her mentorship and support of other staff members and coworkers, helping to foster a collaborative and supportive working environment. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing a strong, cohesive accounting and financial services team that works diligently to support the College’s financial health.

“Kate Copeland is a truly loyal and devoted employee of Allegheny College,” said coworker Susan Cunningham. “She loves what she does, and it shows. She takes the time to thoroughly explain processes and tasks, even more than you probably need to know, to ensure that you understand not only what you are doing but also why.”

Kate resides in Saegertown with her husband and enjoys spending time with her three daughters and four grandchildren.

Kate’s exemplary service and unwavering dedication make her a true asset to Allegheny College, and this award is a testament to her invaluable contributions over the past two decades. Allegheny College is proud to recognize Kate with the Robert T. Sherman Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her outstanding service to the institution.