An integral part of the Alumni Days celebration is the recognition of those among us who are honored by their peers.

The highlights include Ronald Crimm ’57, Jill Gunter Kaufman, m.d. ’80, Michael Smith, Ph.D. ’87m, and Frederick Weintraub ’63 who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award; G. Warren Elliott ’76-’77m receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Andrea Pugh recognized with the Exceptional Service Award; and Brenda Boyer Waleff ’83 as the Regional Council Leadership Award recipient.

Proudly showing their alumni awards with President Ruud are G. Warren Elliott (Lifetime Achievement), Jill Gunter Kaufman, Frederick Weintraub, Ronald Crimm, and Michael Smith. They received their awards at the luncheon Saturday during Alumni Days weekend.

Jesse S. Heiges Distinguished Alumnus Awards

Ron Crimm ’57 taught for several years before beginning his career in insurance in 1961. He worked in Philadelphia and Harrisburg before moving to Louisville, Kentucky in 1971 as manager for Paul Revere Insurance Company. In 1977, he opened his own agency – Crimm Insurance that he later sold in 2001. He continues to work for his successor in addition to his role as a legislator in the Kentucky House of Representatives for the 33rd District. Active in his community and church, Ron is married to Phyllis Raffensperger ’58. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Jill Gunter Kaufman ’80 earned her medical degree at Temple before becoming an assistant professor of anesthesiology at Strong Memorial Hospital in New York. She held several positions in New York before moving to Florida in 2001 as chief of anesthesia. In 2007, Jill took over as director of anesthesia at Summit Healthcare in Chambersburg. Jill’s father was the late Alfred Gunter who was a biology professor at Ship from 1964 until his death in 1993.

Michael Smith ’86m was a graduate student in the 1980s while serving as a reporter and editor for the Public Opinion in Chambersburg. After graduation, Michael moved into academia, first at Gordon College in Georgia as an instructor of English, followed by positions at Lycoming College, Taylor University (Indiana), Washington Graduate Journalism Center, and in 2003, Campbell University (North Carolina). Michael is the author of four books and numerous articles.

Frederick Weintraub ’63 has over forty years experience in the field of special education. Most of that time he was with the Council for Exceptional Children. A leading authority on special education policy, he directed CEC’s legislative activities for over twenty years. In 1997 he turned to working with school districts. Since 2005, he is the court appointed independent monitor overseeing the Chandra Smith Modified Consent Decree in the Los Angeles Unified School District. In 1996, Fred was honored with the J.E. Wallace Wallin Lifetime Achievement Award – the highest recognition in the field of special education.

Lifetime Achievement

G. Warren Elliott ’76-’77m, senior sales representative with General Code Publishers, was also the chairman of the Franklin County Commissioners from 1996 through 2007. Warren was the driving force behindmany of their initiatives and goals. He was honored for his successful efforts in setting aside hundreds of acres of farmland in perpetuity. While serving as commissioner, Warren was also a top salesperson with General Code Publishers. From 1989-1993, Warren was an assistant professor of government at Ship and continues to address classes and organizations.

Exceptional Service Award

In the 1970s, Andrea Pugh used SU as a stepping-stone to become a pharmacist. Ship prepared her with the knowledge she needed and she has worked to ensure others at SU continue to receive the same excellent skills. She maintains her interest in the Kresge Initiative Challenge endowment (to offset the expense of science equipment) and supports the Performing Arts Center. Her involvement has led to positions on the SU Foundation Board of Directors and the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. She also has family ties to the Bert Campus, home of the University Conference Center and the SU Foundation.

Regional Council Leadership Award

Brenda Boyer Waleff ’83, active in alumni activities since her graduation, was an initial member of the SouthCentral PA Alumni Steering committee since 2002. Many have benefited from her tireless attention to detail as she hosts, plans, and coordinates a number of activities. Her enthusiasm has led to successful offerings on a wide variety of events by the committee. Brenda has also served on the Alumni Homecoming Committee including time as chair. She participates in the Career Connections program and is a past director of the alumni board. Brenda is the communications director at Penn Central Conference in Harrisburg.

After overcoming her surprise, Andrea Pugh received the Exceptional Service Award from President Ruud during SU Night festivities. (Right) Brenda Waleff was also honored as part of SU Night with the Regional Council Leadership Award, presented by President Ruud.