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Alvernia honors community leaders, alumni at annual President's Dinner

Honorees from Greater Reading, Schuylkill County and Lehigh Valley receive recognition for impact on respective communities and the university

by Sarah Matarella

Reading, PA (10/15/2026) — Alvernia University bestowed five of its prestigious awards on alumni, a community organization, and community leaders at the university's annual President's Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading.

"Tonight is a celebration of the individuals and partnerships whose generosity, leadership, and commitment to service continue to shape Alvernia's future," said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "It is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions of our alumni, community partners, and philanthropic leaders who embody our Franciscan values through their dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Their lasting impact extends far beyond our campus, strengthening the communities we serve and inspiring future generations to lead lives of purpose and service."

Honorees include GoogleWorks Center for the Arts, led by President and Executive Director Levi Landis, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts; John R. Post Sr. (posthumously) , Gabe M. Kamarousky, MBA '12; Theresa Adams, Ph.D. '12; Kerry E. Cain '14; Jamie L. Dicicco '10; Kelly L. McNeil '14, MBA'18; and Zachary G. Reber '12.

CollegeTowne Award

President and Executive Director Levi Landis accepted the CollegeTowne Award (formerly the Pro Urbe Award) on behalf of the organization for its extraordinary service, transformative partnerships, and unwavering commitment to a stronger, more vibrant Greater Reading community. Under the leadership of Landis, GoggleWorks has listened carefully to the community it serves. That vision is evident in the GoggleWorks Art Park, which transformed underused urban land into safe and welcoming green spaces featuring public art, performance areas, outdoor lighting, dining, and places for the community to gather. The opening of GoggleWorks 2 further expanded this impact.

GoggleWorks' partnership with Alvernia University reflects a shared commitment to education, innovation, and the continued revitalization of downtown Reading. Through this collaboration, Alvernia students engage in art-focused courses and creative projects that enrich their educational experience and strengthen their connection to the community. This partnership also supports the work of Alvernia's O'Pake Institute and its Cultural Coalition, strengthening arts and culture, neighborhood revitalization, education, and workforce development.

"What makes this honor especially meaningful is that Alvernia and GoggleWorks share a belief that education, creativity, and community investment can transform lives. And that the future of Reading depends not only on attracting people here, but giving them reasons to stay," said Landis. "We're building a place where people feel connected to their city, where students become neighbors, where creativity creates opportunity, and where the next generation chooses to stay. That's a future worth investing in. Thank you to Alvernia for believing in that future, and for helping us build it together."

Franciscan Award

John R. Post Sr. was posthumously honored with the university's Franciscan Award, presented annually to a person or couple who selflessly share their time, talent, and resources for the betterment of others. Post's leadership and generosity strengthened Catholic education, healthcare, and human services throughout the region. He supported many organizations dedicated to improving lives.

John and his wife, Maryanne, also made Alvernia University's largest individual philanthropic commitment to date-an extraordinary investment in education, innovation, and the revitalization of downtown Reading. Today, the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne stands as a testament to their vision. The state-of-the-art living and learning facility has created new opportunities for students while strengthening the economic and cultural vitality of the city John called home.

"My father spent much of his life believing in our local community and investing in its people. He understood that giving back wasn't simply about writing a check or supporting an institution," said John R. Post Jr. "It was about creating opportunities and making sure that something good could be galvanized and - in the face of adversity, could withstand the test of time. And that's exactly what Alvernia University does for so many of us. It gives us the opportunity to build something very meaningful for ourselves and for our families. And today, I get to stand here and accept an award in my father's name while representing an institution that helped me become the person I am today."

Distinguished Alumni Award

President Fitzgerald presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Gabriel "Gabe" M. Kamarousky, MBA'12 for outstanding contributions to his profession and community. Kamarousky demonstrates how accomplished leadership can strengthen organizations, expand access to exceptional healthcare, and transform communities.

In 2018, he was named President of Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, where he helped create Pennsylvania's first jointly owned hospital partnership between two healthcare systems-and the first hospital built in Schuylkill County in nearly 90 years. His commitment to excellence has helped the hospital achieve national and regional recognition. Kamarousky also shares his professional knowledge by developing healthcare teams, leading clinical education, and building academic partnerships with Alvernia and other regional institutions.

"One of the things I admire most about Alvernia is its commitment to educating students not only for professional success, but also for lives of purpose, service, and leadership," said Kamarousky. "Those values resonate deeply with me and with the healthcare profession. Every day, we are reminded that leadership is ultimately about serving others, creating opportunities for people to thrive, and leaving our organizations and communities stronger than we found them... This award serves as a reminder of the responsibility we all must invest in the next generation of leaders. Whether in healthcare, education, business, or public service, our greatest legacy is not what we accomplish ourselves, but what we inspire others to achieve."

Ellen Frei Gruber Award

Theresa Adams, Ph.D., received the Ellen Frei Gruber Award for embodying the values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality. For more than five decades, Adams has devoted her life to caring, teaching, and serving, faithfully reflecting the Franciscan values at the heart of Alvernia University. Her distinguished nursing career has included service as a hospital nurse, childbirth educator, nursing instructor, and certified school nurse.

At Alvernia, she served as a tenured nursing professor, educating and mentoring future healthcare professionals while demonstrating that knowledge is most meaningful when joined with compassion. Her dedication earned her Alvernia's Faculty Award for Exemplary Service Learning and the Pennsylvania League for Nursing's Nurse Educator of the Year Award. Upon retiring in 2016, she received Professor Emerita status. She continues to guide future physicians as a standardized patient and instructor at Drexel University College of Medicine and shares her expertise through community health presentations.

"My first visit to Alvernia was in 1968, when I was a freshman nursing student at Saint Joseph Hospital School of Nursing," said Adams. "Little did I know then that Alvernia would later become my place of employment as a nursing professor and the university where I would complete my terminal degree. Thank you to Alvernia and its administration, faculty, and staff for the meaningful role you have played, and will continue to play, in my life."

4 Under 40 Awards

The university also awarded its seventh class of 4 Under 40 winners: U.S. Department of Justice Intelligence Specialist, Kerry E. Cain '14; Principal of Deep Brain Stimulation Science and Engineering at Boston Scientific, Jamie L. Dicicco '10; Vice President of Payments and Customer Support at Track Hospitality Software, Kelly L. McNeil '14, MBA'18; and Office of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro Secretary of the Budget, Zachary G. Reber '12.

Media Attachments

President and Executive Director, Levi Landis, and Sandy Solmon accepted the CollegeTowne Award (formerly Pro Urbe Award)

President of Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, Gabe Kamarousky, MBA ’12

Alvernia University Professor Emerita Theresa Adams, Ph.D.

U.S. Department of Justice Intelligence Specialist, Kerry E. Cain ’14

Office of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro Secretary of the Budget, Zachary G. Reber ’12.

Vice President of Payments and Customer Support at Track Hospitality Software, Kelly L. McNeil ’14, MBA’18

Principal of Deep Brain Stimulation Science and Engineering at Boston Scientific, Jamie L. Dicicco ’10

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