Blue Citation Recipient
Gold Citation Recipient
Alumni Medal Recipients
Thoburn Award Recipient
Julian Ross Award Recipient
Robert T. Sherman Distinguished Service Award Recipient
Blue Citation Recipient
Megan Murphy ’88
Megan Murphy’s deep connection to Allegheny has been evident for decades. From her experience as a student and resident advisor, then resident director, to her time as dean of admissions and enrollment management, to her role as a volunteer and leader, she has been a shining example of commitment and service to the College.
As a volunteer, she has helped the Admissions Office with the Gator Greetings initiative and by interviewing prospective students. She also volunteers to assist current students as a career mentor. She has helped with alumni relations efforts, expressing appreciation to supporters of the College through phone calls and personal notes, hosting alumni events, and soliciting gifts as a class agent.
As a leader, Megan served seven years on the Alumni Council, including a year as president. During that time, the council was deeply involved in planning the College’s Bicentennial Celebration in 2015, developing the College’s strategic plan, Combinations 2020, and was involved in the run-up to the launch of the current comprehensive fundraising campaign, Our Allegheny: Our Third Century Quest. As an officer of the Alumni Council, Megan attended Board of Trustees meetings for two years, and she was co-chair of her 25th Reunion Committee.
For the past three years, she has served on the Timothy Alden Council Executive Committee to help expand the College’s pool of leadership-level donors, which provides a stable foundation of financial support for Allegheny. She has been the chair of a working group focused on recruitment of new Timothy Alden Council members.
“Through my time working with Megan, I have learned that she is an incredible force for Allegheny, driven by her deep love and appreciation for her alma mater,” says Sara Pineo, the College’s director of annual giving. “She fully uses her talents, experience, and her ability to network to advance the College’s mission.
“What I most appreciate about Megan is that she is a true ally and partner,” Pineo says. “She comes to the table with thoughtful ideas and creative solutions, and does so with sensitivity and understanding. When Megan assigns herself to a task, you know with confidence that she will not only complete it, but will excel at it.”
Megan is excited to expand her family’s connection to Allegheny when her nephew, Riley Rizzer, matriculates to the College this fall. Allegheny is proud to recognize Megan with its Blue Citation for her remarkable dedication, leadership, and support she has generously given to the College for more than 30 years.
Gold Citation Recipient
Gregory Peoples ’73
Gregory Peoples spent 40 years positively impacting the lives of students as a university administrator and community volunteer, serving on school boards and the governing boards of medical and mediation centers in Michigan. Gregory has devoted his life to being an educator, advocate, and community leader. He was born to working-class parents and raised in Kent, Ohio.
“He was deeply influenced by the enduring values his parents instilled in him,” says friend and former classmate Carrie A.R. Reeves. “He has always valued the importance of education, excellence, and achievement as guiding principles in his personal and professional life.”
Gregory graduated with a degree in speech and communication at Allegheny and enjoyed a successful college athletic career in track. He was a founding member of the Association of Black Collegians, known today as the Association for the Advancement of Black Culture. He is also a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, where he served on the Arch Chapter governing board as the director of education.
He was hired by the late Dick Stewart as Allegheny’s first director of admissions for minority recruitment. After two years at the College, he returned home to earn his master’s degree in higher education administration from Kent State University. From there, he moved to Michigan, where he served at Eastern Michigan University as dean of students and university ombudsman, at Kettering University as director of admissions and corporate specialist, and at Washtenaw Community College as director of enrollment services.
As a member of the Ypsilanti community, Gregory has served on many local boards, including Hope Medical Clinic, which provides medical services to indigent families, the Dispute Resolution Center, which provides mediation services to residents, and the Ypsilanti Area Community Foundation. He has been elected to and served on three local school boards in Washtenaw County: Willow Run Community School Board, Lincoln Consolidated School Board, and the Washtenaw Intermediate School Board. He recently concluded 12 years of service on the Michigan Association of School Boards.
During his career, Gregory established the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center and Advisory Board, the Greek Affairs Office, and the University Ombudsman Office at Eastern Michigan. He has also worked to improve the quality of life for students of color, students with disabilities, international students, and veterans returning to school after military duty.
He is married to the former Alice Leigh, and they are the parents of four grown children and three grandchildren.
It is with deep admiration for Gregory’s commitment to the nation’s young people and to his community in Michigan that we honor him with the Gold Citation.
Alumni Medal Recipients
Dr. Jonathan Helmreich H’18
Good history, it has been said, is never dull. But it can take determination—and time—to uncover and share, as Professor Emeritus of History Jonathan E. Helmreich certainly knows. Following his retirement from teaching in 1998, Jonathan was asked to serve as College historian by President Richard Cook. As part of his duties, Jonathan embarked on a quest to find the flag that students who made up Allegheny College’s company in the Civil War carried into battle. Three years later, he at last found the long-missing flag rolled in a newspaper shoved in the back of a cupboard in the Pelletier Library. That discovery is just one of the many meaningful ways that Jonathan has brought Allegheny’s ever-unfolding history to life—through his tenacity coupled with grace and affability.
Thousands of Allegheny alumni from the early 1960s through the 1990s knew Jonathan as their professor or academic dean. In more recent years, he has taken on a different yet still visible role with alumni, leading popular historic walking tours of campus during Reunion Weekend and other events. “Jonathan connects with Alleghenians in ways that enliven their interest in the College’s history and strengthen their relationship with their alma mater,” says Phil Foxman ’90, associate vice president for development and alumni affairs. “We are most fortunate that he gives so generously of his time and expertise to help alumni gain deeper appreciation for Allegheny.”
Jonathan has poured his heart, soul, and scholarly acumen into authoring several important books about Allegheny, among them Eternal Hope: The Life of Timothy Alden, Jr. In 2005, Jonathan published his most ambitious volume about the College, the 530-page Through All the Years: A History of Allegheny College, which explores the evolution of Allegheny from its beginnings in the frontier town of Meadville through 2005. When beginning work on Through All the Years, Jonathan encountered what he called in the book’s preface a “historical record that had long been neglected.” He surmounted that obstacle; his skill and persistence resulted in a tome that has become an invaluable resource for College employees and a keepsake for alumni. In 2016, Jonathan published an update to the book, The Next Chapter: Celebrating Allegheny College As It Reaches Its Bicentennial. Jonathan himself contributed immeasurably to the College’s Bicentennial celebration in 2015. For example, he provided vision and insight as a member of the Bicentennial Committee, charged with planning and coordinating events and memorials. And his meticulous research helped to inspire and inform the beautiful Bicentennial Walkway that extends through Bentley lawn.
Jonathan has proven himself a true and most loyal son of Allegheny. It is with deep gratitude that we present him with the Alumni Medal, the College’s oldest and most prestigious award.
James Linaberger ’59 P’84/’91 & Sandra Kenyon Smith Linaberger ’62 P’93
Making Alleghenians feel at home is second nature for Jim and Sandi Linaberger. The Linabergers’ spirit of hospitality has taken many forms on many occasions. Jim (who is also known as “Dutch”) and Sandi have opened their home to host fellow alumni for receptions and to provide dinner for Allegheny students on the tennis team during their spring break trips.
“Sandi and Dutch are relationship builders and never miss an opportunity to organize meetings and visits with other Allegheny alumni no matter where their travels take them,” says Sally Barrett Hanley ’92, director of reunion giving. “They even tried to find local alumni to gather when they traveled to Loire Valley, France, during the Bicentennial celebration in June 2015.”
Although they didn’t locate any fellow Alleghenians in the area, the Linabergers remained undeterred. They proudly displayed an Allegheny banner in a local restaurant and made a toast to their alma mater with fellow diners. Through their service on numerous reunion committees, Jim and Sandi have also helped to provide a warm welcome on campus for their classmates. With enthusiasm and diligence, they served as co-chairs for their respective 50th Reunion celebrations.
Reunion Weekend holds a particularly special meaning for the couple. Jim and Sandi were both married to Allegheny alumni who passed away—Elsa Held Linaberger ’60 and William S. Smith ’61. During Reunion Weekend 2003, Jim and Sandi met and later fell in love. Jim and Sandi also each helped to inspire children to carry on their Allegheny legacy: Anne Linaberger ’84, Elizabeth Linaberger ’91, and Nicole Smith Manning ’93.
Recognizing the enduring value of the Allegheny experience and what it has meant to their family, the Linabergers have been consistent and generous financial supporters of the College. Together, Jim and Sandi have amassed nearly seven decades of combined giving since the early 1980s (when the College began keeping electronic records of philanthropy).
Simply put, Jim and Sandi relish opportunities to support key initiatives at the College. They each have established endowed scholarships to honor their late spouses, and Jim also has funded a scholarship for first-generation college students. In addition, as members of the Timothy Alden Council, they are key contributors to the Annual Fund; both have provided leadership and insight as part of the council’s Executive Committee.
Jim and Sandi are two of Allegheny’s most loyal alumni, and their dedicated service has motivated scores of Alleghenians to become more involved in supporting the College. It is with deep gratitude that we present the Linabergers with the Alumni Medal, the College’s oldest and most prestigious award.
Recipient of the Thoburn Award for Excellence in Teaching
Lydia Eckstein’s commitment to the art—and the craft—of teaching has earned the deep admiration and respect of her students and colleagues alike. Dr. Eckstein, an assistant professor of psychology, joined the Allegheny faculty in 2012. She is known for her unstinting drive to find and apply innovative ways to support student learning. “She is a privilege to learn from,” says Sophie Dodge ’18. “Every single one of her classes is engaging, thought provoking, and incredibly worthwhile.”
Dr. Eckstein has earned rave reviews even when teaching the Psychology Department’s required course in statistics, regarded by students as one of its most difficult. And she has stepped forward to introduce new courses that deal with emotionally challenging topics—such as evil, trauma, and discrimination. “She is able to draw students into engagement with those issues in a way that is both respectful but does not back down from the pain inherent in the issues,” says Professor of Psychology Joshua Searle-White. “Her success in working with students is really remarkable.”
In developing (and re-developing) her courses, Dr. Eckstein combines hours of preparation with keen attention to incorporating innovative approaches. She frequently contributes to national conferences on teaching psychology—and then uses what she shares and learns there to enhance and reimagine her work in the classroom. Eckstein has also gained new perspectives on issues she discusses in the classroom through other experiences, including a 2016 Humanity in Action study trip exploring post-genocide reconciliation in Rwanda.
At the heart of Dr. Eckstein’s teaching is a deep concern for her students and their well-being. Students go to Dr. Eckstein “because they know she cares,” says Allison Connell Pensky, assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience. Carly Masiroff, associate director of the Maytum Learning Commons, notes that Dr. Eckstein is proactive in contacting her about students who might be struggling in a class. “I never have to call Lydia because she is calling me first,” Masiroff says. “She is always brainstorming new ways and ideas to connect with students on different levels.”
Dr. Eckstein has built those connections not only through mentoring student research and Senior Comprehensive Projects, but also by investing time in day-to-day conversations with students in her office. “She exudes support, care, and above all, love,” says Dodge. “I have never had a professor like her before. In fact, I have never met someone like her before.” Adds Searle-White: “Lydia represents the best we have here at Allegheny.”
Recipient of the Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching
During his 33 years on the Allegheny College faculty, Glenn Holland has epitomized what it means to be a teacher-scholar—an inspiring mentor who is rooted in both intellectual rigor and genuine concern for his students. Dr. Holland, the Bishop James Mills Thoburn Professor of Religious Studies, has expertly educated generations of Allegheny students. His knowledge of his field is described as “encyclopedic” by several students and alumni who nominated him for this award.
“Even more impressive, he combines that knowledge with a unique ability to convey it in a way that his students can understand, employing humor, concrete examples, and a penchant for the memorable phrase,” Bradley Burroughs ’02 says. An expert in the New Testament, Dr. Holland teaches a wide range of courses and deftly balances presenting material in a serious, cogent manner with, as Marco Dozzi ’07 says, “a helpful dose of comic relief.” Renowned for his skill as a lecturer, Dr. Holland is equally celebrated for his ability to draw students into the conversation. He continually “challenges students to critically engage the material,” says Milton Guevara ’18. Kellie-Sue Martinucci ’18 notes that Dr. Holland’s “respect for students in their educational experience gives them room to grow, and he takes every question seriously. He is willing at every step to explore students’ interests and theories, and he deeply values his students’ opinions.”
Fundamental to Dr. Holland’s teaching is his profound commitment to scholarship. Faculty colleagues describe his publication record as “enviable” and “long and distinguished.” In addition to his published works on the letters of Paul and the religions of the ancient Near East, he presents frequently at the national meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature.
Dr. Holland also has shared his expertise with students throughout the world. He is the only Allegheny faculty member, and one of the few from a liberal arts college, invited to teach for “The Great Courses,” a widely recognized multimedia series for lifelong learners. Along with his professional achievements, Dr. Holland has modeled for his students the importance of civic involvement. He has served as a guest preacher at local churches and regularly offers courses on biblical subjects for adults preparing for ministry. And he has contributed to the community’s cultural life as an actor in many theater productions.
Dr. Holland retired from the Allegheny faculty at the end of the 2017–18 academic year—and his example will continue to serve as an inspiration. “Professor Holland encourages students to be the best they can be and helps them at every step of the way,” Martinucci says.
Recipient of the Robert T. Sherman Distinguished Service Award
After 37 years as a carpenter in Allegheny’s Physical Plant, Scott Schlosser will be hanging up his hammer and T-square when he retires this summer. He’ll be taking with him the admiration and appreciation of many co-workers, students, and former students who benefited from his handiwork and companionship.
“In so many quiet and kind ways, Scott has devoted the better part of his life caring for and about the physical fabric of Allegheny College,” says Jed Miller ’69, of Jonathan Miller Design. Scott has played a major role in many facets of Physical Plant operations and is known especially as the man who has constructed the Commencement stage through the years, acting as the unofficial lead for the Physical Plant staff—the go-to person who knows all the details of the setup.
“His work ethic is exemplary, his skills are unparalleled, and his kindness to students and colleagues has touched countless lives over the years,” says Cliff Willis, director of major capital projects. Besides his expertise at his craft, Scott also has been a regular member of the Staff Advisory Committee and regularly represents Physical Plant at off-duty campus events. He also has graciously stepped in at times when he has been asked to serve on search committees.
“Scott genuinely cares for and is interested in his colleagues,” says Lynn McManness-Harlan, director of conference and event services. “He understands and reminds many that we are here for the students. His attention to detail and keeping the campus in good order is obvious from his master carpentry work to the setups for Commencement.”
Scott has made many friends in the Athletic Department over the years, earning him the “Friend of the Program” award several years ago. “Scott has been instrumental in helping the Athletic Department transform a lot of our aging facilities into aesthetically pleasing spaces for years,” says Bill Ross, associate director of athletics and recreation. “Our entire staff knows him on a first-name basis and looks forward to working with him because they know they are getting 100 percent effort and a smile to boot!”
Says Tricha Young, office manager in the Student Leadership and Involvement Office: “The Schlosser name has been a staple of Allegheny’s Physical Plant staff, including Ray, Wayne, and Scott, for nearly 100 years. With his impending retirement, I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive the Robert T. Sherman Distinguished Service Award than Scott Schlosser.”