Alvernia University President Thomas F. Flynn, Ph.D., bestows several awards at an annual President's Dinner, Oct. 12. Honorees include alumna Julie Angstadt, Ellen Frei Gruber Award; Cheryl Callahan, Distinguished Alumni Award; and Opportunity House, Pro Urbe Award. Joanne Judge and Rick Oppenheimer have earned the university's top honor: the Franciscan Award.

Alvernia's Franciscan Award honors individuals who selflessly give of their time, talents and resources for the betterment of others. Joanne Judge and her husband Rick Oppenheimer have been instrumental in a number of university and community boards and initiatives throughout the years. As Co-Chair of Stevens & Lee's Health Care Department, Judge is one of the highest profile women in the field with 30 years of health care and financial industry expertise. Oppenheimer, an Army Veteran and industrial engineer, was a long-time engineering consultant, having founded Management Consulting Services, Inc.

"These honorees embody the university's Franciscan core values and the personal characteristics that we at Alvernia seek to embody when we are at our best," said President Flynn. "They are wonderful role models of engaged citizenship for our students and alumni, as well as inspirational examples of the civic leadership to which Alvernia is committed as a university."

Pro Urbe Award winner, Opportunity House, is a beacon of hope for homeless people. Last year, the organization offered shelter to nearly 500 people and served 96,547 meals. It offers adults and children ways to improve their quality of life through a Learning Center, supportive services for Veterans and their families, and a Children's Alliance Center.

Distinguished Alumni Award winner, Cheryl Callahan, earned a biology degree from Alvernia in 1979 while caring for two young children. She immediately began an impressive career that includes establishing her own phlebotomy business — Profiles Encourage, Inc., — which oversees blood work, immunizations and physicals for nearly half of all Major League Baseball teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.

Ellen Frei Gruber Recipient, Julie Angstadt, Class of 2005, is honored for embracing Alvernia's core values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality while demonstrating exceptional commitment as a six-year Alumni Association council member.

Though real-world learning, ALVERNIA empowers students to discover their passion for life and turn what they love into lifetimes of success and fulfillment, helping them make the world a better place.