Each year, Penn State Schuylkill recognizes a select group of alumni, and sometimes friends, for their contributions to the campus, professional achievements, and impact on the greater Penn State community and society at large. This year, Penn State Schuylkill has six award recipients in categories of Outstanding Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, the Pride and Spirit Award, and Honorary Alumni Award.
Nominations for next year's Alumni Awards will begin on June 1, 2024. If you know a Penn Stater or friend of the campus whose commitment to the University and/or community deserves recognition, please consider filling out a submission form.
Outstanding Alumni
The Outstanding Alumni Award acknowledges the achievements of Penn State Schuylkill alumni for their continued contributions to Penn State as well as their impact within their communities. This year, three nominees received the Outstanding Alumni Award: John W. Hart, '72, Kimberly A. Lorimer, '98 & '03, and Darlene J. Robbins, '76.
Outstanding alumnus and philanthropist with impactful career in health care: John W. Hart
John W. Hart retired in 2018 after serving as senior Vice President of medical operations at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), where he had a 33-year career. He remains busy in retirement as a chair of Penn State Schuylkill Co-Op National Advisory Council, a council member for the Borough of Emmaus, where he chairs the Public Safety and Finance committees. John also currently sits as vice chair of the Board of Health for Emmaus, and is a previous member of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board.
Before his career at LVHN, Hart was chief of the clinical laboratory and director of patient services at Muhlenberg Hospital Center. He subsequently became partner and Vice President of operations at Universal Technology Marketing Services.
Hart started his academic career at Penn State Schuylkill in 1968 and received his bachelor of science in medical technology from Penn State in 1972, and a master of education in biology from Kutztown University and a master of science in administration from the University of Notre Dame.
Both John and his wife Kathleen are Saint Clair natives residing in Emmaus, Pa., in close proximity to their daughters and their families, and they enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren when not volunteering in the community.
An accomplished career and commitment to organizational advancement earns alumna Outstanding Alumni nod: Kimberly A. Lorimer
Kimberly "Kim" A. Lorimer's journey is deeply intertwined with Penn State Schuylkill, where her educational pursuits and community involvement have made an impact. Lorimer began her academic journey at Penn State Schuylkill, earning her associate degree in 1998. She continued her academic pursuits and earned her bachelor's of science in business in 2003.
For over two decades, Lorimer has been an integral part of Evans Network of Companies. Currently serving as the vice president of training and development, she plays a pivotal role in advancing terminal operations and internal departments. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in the company's growth and success.
Beyond her career, she is an active alumna and a community advocate. She recently concluded her term on the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where she also served as the chair for the 2022-23 term. Her leadership extends to various boards, including the Walk-In Art Center, Northeast Pennsylvania Transportation Industry Partnership, Penn State Schuylkill Alumni Society Board and Penn State Schuylkill Development efforts.
Lorimer has given her time to volunteer initiatives, serving as a judge in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) program during its active years at the chamber. She also contributed her expertise as a judge for the Pottsville Launch program in 2022.
She resides in Orwigsburg, Pa., and is not only a dedicated professional but an enthusiast for a healthy lifestyle. As an indoor cycling instructor and yoga teacher, she brings her passion for wellness to her community. This commitment to a balanced life is reflective of her values and dedication to holistic wellbeing.
Lorimer's commitment to service extends beyond her community involvement. She served in the Army Reserves from 1990 to 1997 at HQ365 Schuylkill Haven, showcasing her dedication to both her country and local community.
At the heart of her life, she is the proud mother of two children, Carissa and Jacob.
A dedicated and successful career in workforce development and commitment to community earns alumna Outstanding Alumni nod: Darlene J. Robbins
Darlene J. Robbins is a dynamic and accomplished professional committed to advancing the Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers & Employers Association and Council (MAEA/MAEC) as its esteemed president. Robbins' academic career began at Penn State Schuylkill, and she earned her bachelor of arts in social welfare in 1976 from Penn State's University Park campus. This foundational education in social welfare laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in workforce development and advocacy.
With over 35 years of experience, Robbins has been at the forefront of fostering employment and workforce development, economic growth, and regulatory compliance in Northeast Pennsylvania. As a passionate and results-oriented leader, she has successfully provided solutions that benefit employers, incumbent workers, and the emerging workforce.
Robbins is not only a leader within Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers & Employers Association, but also an active legislative advocate. Her commitment to shaping policies that support the manufacturing and employer community is evident in her roles as a former board member of the National Association of Manufacturers and chairperson of the Board of Allied Associations. She has also contributed her expertise as a past board member of the Employers Association of America – having played a significant role in governmental advisory capacities, including serving on Gov. Corbett's Manufacturing Advisory Council. Robbins engagement in local, state, and national boards showcases her commitment to influencing policies that positively impact the business community.
Under her visionary leadership, the Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers & Employers Association Council was established in 2006. The organization provides essential programs to cultivate a qualified workforce. Notably, the YES Northeast program, which was spearheaded by Robbins, focuses on enhancing employability skills and contributing to the development of a competitive business community.
Beyond her professional commitments, Robbins volunteers her time in numerous ways, significantly impacting Penn State Schuylkill as a member of the advisory board. Her involvement showcases a commitment to the academic and professional development of future leaders.
Outstanding Young Alumni
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award acknowledges the achievements of Penn State Schuylkill alumni, under the age of 35, for their contributions to Penn State as well as their impact within their communities. This year, Gianna M. Agnello-Porambo, '14 and '17, received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Outstanding Young Alumna displays exceptional Penn State pride: Gianna M. Agnello-Porambo
Gianna M. Agnello-Porambo earned her bachelor of science in administration of justice in 2014 from Penn State Schuylkill, then earned her master of public administration in fall of 2017 from Penn State's World Campus. Agnello-Porambo serves as the director of admissions at Penn State Schuylkill.
Looking back on her 18-year-old self, Agnello-Porambo credits her mother for convincing her that Penn State Schuylkill was the best fit for her, because she was right! When asked what drew her to stay at Penn State Schuylkill, Agnello-Porambo references the community, mentors, and support received on campus impacted her greatly and led her to a rewarding career path in admissions.
On campus, Agnello-Porambo surpasses her daily duties with her involvement in other activities. She currently serves as the advisor of the Lion Ambassadors and teaches the CNED 297 course. She previously coached Penn State Schuylkill's Cheerleading team from 2016 to 2019 and helped to create a campus tradition of decorating for winter holidays – where Lion Ambassadors hold a table in the Student Community Center and decorate wooden ornaments, that are then strung around the Lion Shrine on campus with white lights.
Agnello-Porambo is also known as a team player who seamlessly collaborates with campus partners. One of her favorite traditions is working alongside Travis Williams to hold the annual campus egg hunt presented by the Men's Basketball Team and Lion Ambassadors. An avid Disney fan, Agnello-Porambo also presents in Dr. Harold Aurand's AMST 105 course about the historic pieces of Disney such as old park maps, newspapers, restaurant menus, and more.
Outside of work, Agnello-Porambo enjoys baking and cooking, participating in running events, and going on adventures with her family. She and her husband, Ryan, met here at Penn State Schuylkill and got engaged on campus, and later married in 2019. They welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Mira, to the world in April 2023, who inspires Agnello-Porambo to be dedicated to her career.
Pride and Spirit Award
The Pride and Spirit Award is earned by a person whose contribution to the success of Penn State Schuylkill campus is significant and meaningful. This year, Barbara L. Miller, '89, received the Pride and Spirit Award.
Barbara L. Miller is a Schuylkill County native who began her academic career at Penn State Schuylkill, earning her bachelor's in accounting with distinction from Penn State's University Park campus in 1989. She also holds a mini-MBA in global business through AT&T School of Business in conjunction with Penn State.
Miller started her career with AT&T International Finance in New Jersey. After almost 20 years under AT&T and branches of the company, she returned to Schuylkill County and is currently employed by Cardinal Systems in Schuylkill Haven as director of finance.
She's a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association and is on the board of directors of Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association, and president of the board of trustees of the Pottsville Public Library. She is also active in her church, Trinity Lutheran in Pottsville, serving on the council and various committees.
Miller has sponsored students in both summer and fall internships through Penn State Schuylkill, working with students to develop their accounting skills for future employment. She's introduced several students to accounting firms with the intention of the student being accepted into formal training programs, and eventually, employment opportunities. Miller was selected for an Exceptional Mentor Award in Penn State Schuylkill Co-Op in 2022.
Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award honors individuals who are not graduates of Penn State University, but who have made significant contributions to its welfare, reputation, or prestige. The award is only given out when Penn State Schuylkill wishes to honor an exceptional person. This year, Richard J. Wiest, Esq., received the Honorary Alumni Award.
Richard J. Wiest, Esquire, was born in Pottsville, Pa., in April 1957 and raised in Minersville, Pa. Growing up in the heart of Pennsylvania, Wiest developed a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
In 1979, Wiest earned his bachelor's in economics from Franklin and Marshall College. His academic journey continued at Southwestern University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1982. Dedicated to expanding his legal knowledge, he pursued further studies at the University of Denver School of Law, earning an LL.M. in taxation in 1983.
He embarked on his distinguished legal career in 1984 as a practicing attorney with Williamson, Friedberg & Jones, a journey that has continued to the present day. He is a member of the State Bar of California and Pennsylvania, and is a respected member of the legal community. His commitment and expertise have led him to the role of managing partner at Williamson, Friedberg & Jones, LLC.
Wiest has not only excelled in his professional pursuits but also actively contributed to his community. He's a prior member of the Pine Grove Rotary and served as treasurer of the Schuylkill County Bar Association. His dedication to education and community development is evidenced by his current role as president of the Penn State Schuylkill Advisory Board.
He currently serves as the president of the Dream Mile Club in Blakeslee, Pa., showcasing his commitment to philanthropic endeavors and community engagement. As a solicitor for various local municipalities and corporate clients, Wiest has played a key role in shaping legal landscapes and providing invaluable counsel to his clients.
Beyond his professional achievements, Wiest finds fulfillment in his personal life. He's happily married to Rosalie A. Wiest (LaPlaca), and together they navigate life's journey.