Outstanding Volunteer Service Award

No recipient was selected for 2023.

2022 OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT - Joseph B. Wilt '69, '72M

Editor Note: The Office of Alumni Engagement is saddened to learn of the passing of Joseph in May 2023.

Joseph B. Wilt graduated from Millersville State College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education in English, and earned a Master of Education degree in English in 1972 from Millersville. As an educator, Wilt has dedicated many years to teaching and coaching, through his career of 42 years as a teacher. For 36 years, Wilt taught English at Dover Area High School in York County, followed by teaching for six years as an adjunct professor at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC).

As a basketball coach for 24 years at Dover Area High School, Wilt coached boys basketball teams at all levels, including 7th, 8th and 9th grade levels, senior high J.V. and varsity teams. Wilt received the honor of being awarded York County Coach of the Year for the 1989-1990 season by the York Daily Record. Wilt takes pride in the players he coached and the outstanding athletic success of players who went on to excel as collegiate athletes.

Wilt is a proud graduate of Millersville State College, and he was inspired to attend Millersville by his favorite high school teachers who were Millersville alumni. While a student at Millersville, Wilt spent his summers working in York at a factory, manufacturing bomb casings, commonly called the “bomb line,” for the U.S. Navy, which motivated him to become a teacher to provide educational opportunities for future students. Wilt considers this work to be his “bomb line scholarship,” which paid for his education.

At Millersville University, Wilt has enjoyed participating in a wide range of volunteer activities, especially opportunities to benefit students. Wilt has served as a volunteer spokesperson for secondary English education majors to provide professional guidance for students pursuing teaching careers, and he has served as a spokesperson for students interested in careers in athletic coaching. Wilt has been an active supporter of the Millersville University men’s basketball team, and he established a scholarship fund of the Joseph B. & Judith S. Wilt Men’s Basketball Scholarship.

On campus, Wilt has volunteered as a tour guide for admissions open houses and supported the Millersville University athletic teams by attending all home games for football and basketball. Over the years, Wilt served several terms as a board member of the Millersville University Alumni Association, and recently served as a member of the MUAA Alumni Engagement Committee and participated in numerous volunteer activities and events through his involvement with the MUAA.

Carroll “Butch” Staub graduated from Millersville State College in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in social studies education. Staub returned to Millersville and earned a Master of Education degree in counseling in 1990, teaching certification in special education, permanent certification in social studies and counselor certification. While a student, Staub played intramural soccer, was a member of the Madrigal singers, participated in the first All Campus Musical, and was a writer, then editor of the student newspaper, The Snapper.

Volunteering is a labor of love for Staub, and he is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young people. He served as a member of the Millersville University Alumni Association (MUAA) Board of Directors from 2012 until 2020 and returned in July 2021 for another term. Staub’s contribution of 200 to 300 hours of yearly volunteer service has been a rewarding opportunity to connect with students. He has volunteered at many University events including Move-in Days, Commencement ceremonies, Legacy Breakfast events, New Student Orientation Days and more. Staub has mentored five students through the Mentor Collective program and conducted mock interviews for senior education majors. A highlight of Staub’s volunteer service is his involvement with the free lunch program for Millersville students at The HUB, which he joined as a volunteer in 2016. Staub enjoys managing the entire free lunch process on the second Thursday of each month, including purchasing the food, preparing the meal and serving the students.

Professionally, Staub has dedicated his life to education, with a career spanning more than 40 years. Staub worked in the School District of Lancaster for many years, including 21 years at J.P. McCaskey High School as a social studies teacher and eight years as an associate principal. After nine years as principal of Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Staub retired in 2011.

Staub and his wife reside in Millersville and have three sons and three wonderful grandchildren who make every day special.

Aaron Dread is a native son of Millersville, Pennsylvania, and Millersville University. His parents Rachael Wywadis ’74, and Richard Dread ’75, had Aaron as young students while attending Millersville University. Aaron’s enduring commitment to support Millersville was born through a lifetime of positive experiences on campus, as he grew from an infant into an alumnus himself.

Aaron graduated with a B.S. in Business Management in 1994. During his time as a student at Millersville, Aaron was a member of the Men’s Basketball Team and was captain during his senior year. Aaron also participated in mentoring and tutoring students in the summer PACE program. He also completed a four-year Inroads summer internship. After graduation, Aaron followed his professional aspirations to Detroit for the beginning of his 25-year career in sales. His roles have included stints with Armstrong World Industries, GlaxoSmithKline, Eisai, and several private ventures.

When he returned to the East Coast in 2008, Aaron began working with fellow fraternity member Ernell Harley to establish Thrillersville, a movement designed to re-engage African American Alumni with and in support of Millersville University. In its infancy, Thrillersville was focused on hosting events during Homecoming season, as an attempt to get African American Alumni back on campus to see the positive changes the University had made. In just a few short years, these social events grew in size and mission. Before long, hundreds of alumni were returning to campus not only to re-connect with each other, but to engage with current students. Aaron had inspired alumni to serve as mentors and resources for students, and Thrillersville is where they form long-lasting connections before the students even become alumni. But the support did not stop there; Thrillersville evolved into a source for several scholarship programs that continue to support students today. Since 2008, close to $11,000 has been awarded to Millersville students through the Thrillersville movement.

As a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Aaron’s role in assisting the University to solicit alumni that are members of the Black Greek Lettered Organizations, known as the “Divine 9,” for the necessary funding to support the construction of the Divine Nine and Cultural Greek Council Unity Plots is one that he is the most proud of. He partnered with the University by reaching out to alumni leaders from these organizations and raised more than $50,000 for this capital improvement project. The Divine Nine and Cultural Greek Council Unity Plots will be a campus centerpiece that increases the atmosphere of inclusion and provides a scenic space for students to celebrate their culture as part of the campus mainstream. 

The greatest impact of Aaron's efforts has been the number of alumni who have returned to Millersville and contributed to its success and reputation. Many of these alumni have not only engaged philanthropically with the 'Ville, but have also been selected to serve in active roles on the African American and Latino Scholarship Fund Committee, the Alumni Association Board, Millersville University Foundation Board, and the Millersville University Council of Trustees.

Richard Moriarty graduated from Millersville in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He holds an impressive 40-plus years of experience in commercial banking and served as an Executive Policy Specialist within the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. In retirement, he has also served as CFO for both Merk Industrial Services of Lancaster and Fleet Energy of State College.

Nonprofit community service is an integral part of his life and in 1974 Moriarty began serving as a firefighter for Millersville Fire Company (predecessor of current Blue Rock Fire Rescue), during which time he served as treasurer for 35 years. He is both a Board member as well as an office staff volunteer with the Lancaster Emergency Medical Services (LEMSA). Moriarty has been the Mayor of Millersville Borough for the past 16 years and has also been a champion for many local, regional and state causes, including Lancaster County Mayors Association, the Pennsylvania 

Mayors Association, the Millersville Business Association, the Lancaster County Joining Forces Coalition, the Lancaster County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and H.E.A.R. Inc. (Gate House). He was presented with the Distinguished Civic Leadership Award by Millersville University in 2010.

Moriarty has been a volunteer member of the Millersville Community-University Parade planning committee, now in its 23rd year, for 15 years. Having been a guiding force and tireless fundraiser, he became the committee’s fundraising co-chair and treasurer. Moriarty’s unwavering support of the parade has undoubtedly played a role in making it one of the largest parades in the Commonwealth. In recognition of his significant service to the Millersville community, he was selected as the Grand Marshal of the parade in 2014.

Moriarty has been a key contributor to the Millersville University Alumni Association (MUAA) since he joined the Board of Directors in 2008. He has shared his invaluable financial expertise as a member of the Financial Planning Committee and was elected as MUAA Treasurer in 2015. In this executive-level position, he was responsible for creating, presenting, implementing and overseeing annual operating budgets. He also researched investment options and made informed recommendations to ensure that the MUAA is financially well positioned now and in the years to come.

Moriarty and his wife, Marge, reside in Millersville. His daughter, Melissa, resides in Stevens, PA with her husband, Mike and two children, Carley and Michael.

Jerri Anne Johnson’s passion for teaching has been a hallmark of her career and service to Millersville University. Johnson stayed close to home following her undergraduate work, teaching in the School District of Lancaster for 10 years. She then returned to MU to earn her Masters of Education. While studying psychology during her master’s training, Johnson authored a research paper entitled, “The Effects of Stimulant Drugs on Hyperactive Children.” This sparked an interest in medical research, which later lead her to Abbott Laboratories.

While at Abbott, Johnson’s positions varied as she earned increasing responsibility over her 26-year career. She joined the company in territory sales, advanced to research and development and even directed a global program to improve the diagnosis and treatment of women with heart disease. Regardless of the role, Johnson used her education training to adapt her presentation style to the personality of the health care provider. She said, “As a result, I came across as more of a true educator instead of a used car salesman. Millersville gave me the tools and confidence I needed to exceed my wildest expectations in my professional life. To think, I could be teaching sixth grade for almost 10 years and then have the opportunity to manage more than 50 M.D.s, Ph.D.s, and Pharm.D.s during my career. I never really stopped teaching - it was the students that changed.”

Johnson was the first in her family to attend college and recognized the value of giving back to the University. Her passion for students shines through as she serves as a student mentor, research proposal reviewer, and MU Commencement volunteer. Johnson has been volunteering with the Millersville University Alumni Association since 2005, first as a board member, then as President Elect, President, and Immediate Past President – a six year commitment. But her work didn’t end there. Johnson also sits on the Nominations and Awards Committee and has faithfully volunteered at numerous events.

Her fellow MUAA past president Lori Dierolf ’91 said of Johnson, “She has a lifelong dedication to education and has been a generous donor to Millersville University, devoting many years and countless hours to her alma mater.” Johnson received the Star Mentor of the Year Award for her work with underserved students, and she has served on Millersville University search committees. Additionally, Johnson regularly volunteers during senior send-off, homecoming, the Community-University Parade, and the Women's Giving Circle. Her philanthropy includes proudly endowing two scholarships in memory of her parents and her beloved son, Chad.

In addition to her support at Millersville, Johnson has served as an elder on the board at her church, a member of the board of the J.P. McCaskey Alumni Association, as well as the national Boards of Directors for the Preeclampsia Foundation and The National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease (WomenHeart). 

Asked why she serves, Johnson thoughtfully replied, “Getting to know students from across the spectrum of our MU population has really taught me so much. Hearing the challenges so many of today's students face, and the obstacles they have overcome, inspires me to help where I can to make that load just a bit lighter.”

Lori Dierolf moved to Millersville to attend college and fell in love with Lancaster County.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1991 and has dedicated herself to supporting Millersville University and the surrounding community ever since.

Dierolf has served on the Millersville University Alumni Association board of directors from 2007 until 2017; as secretary 2007-2011, as president-elect 2011-2013 and as president 2013-2015. In these leadership roles, she has been integral in developing the current board structure and in shaping the future of the association. She created an interactive orientation program to onboard new members, participated in re-writing sections of the association’s bylaws and aligned initiatives in support of the University’s Strategic Plan.

Dierolf has served as chair of the Alumni Engagement Committee from 2015-2017 and knows the value of connecting students and alumni. She has supported the Student Networking Alumni Programs (SNAP), Admission’s events to welcome new and prospective students, as well as programs sponsored by Experiential Learning and Career Management.

 “She has gone beyond the call of duty as a volunteer countless times and continues to exude a special dedication to her alma mater,” Jerri Anne Johnson ’76 wrote in her nomination of Dierolf for the Volunteer Service Award. “She is professional in nature, dedicated, dependable, outgoing and insightful. The Association is forever grateful for her service.”

In 2016, she combined her professional experience as a human resource specialist and her interest in helping the elderly to launch her own business, “Open Door Training & Development”. The company provides human resource and leadership training for small businesses as well as education on dementia to healthcare facilities and community organizations. She is an adjunct instructor for Northampton Community College (PA) and her first book, “Set the Course:  Best Practices for Long-Term Care Leaders”, was recently published.

Dierolf and her husband live in Millersville and she volunteers with the local Alzheimer’s Association as a trainer and support group leader. Their son is a freshman at Purdue University and their daughter is carrying on the Millersville University tradition and will graduate in May 2018 as a “Marauder-for-Life”! 

The Alumni Association was very sorry to learn of Bob's passing on April 20, 2021 at the age of 86.  Our sympathies go out to Bob and all who knew him.

 

If you have ever stopped by Jefferson Hall, you have seen the work of Robert Lehr ’57. This 81-year-old alumnus hand-carved the 6½-foot Marauder that now stands in the athletic recruiting room.

The massive Millersville Marauder was craved from a 1,200-pound block of Vermont kiln-dried basswood that was generously donated by Dr. Dominick DiNunzio ’53. Lehr worked on his Marauder statue for nearly a year, whittling it down to just 550 pounds. It was modeled after one of his favorite literary characters, Long John Silver, from Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventurous tale “Treasure Island.”

Lehr was born in Millersville in 1935 and raised in an 18^th century log cabin. The first in his family to go to college, he went to Millersville, along with his high school sweetheart, Mary. He played baseball and basketball, graduating in 1957 with a degree in elementary education. Mary graduated a year later in 1958 with degrees in English and Latin.

Lehr discovered that the name Marauders came about in the 1940s, when Millersville had an undefeated football team. Lancaster New Era sports editor George Kirchner started calling the team the Marauders and it stuck. Lehr served in the U.S. Army during the occupation of Germany. After he returned, he began a long career as an educator at Lancaster Township, Pequea Valley and the School District of Lancaster, where he was principal at John Price Elementary School.  At Pequea Valley, he was the principal at Paradise Elementary, Leacock Elementary and five one-room schools. He also coached junior high basketball. 

Through the years, Bob served on the engagement committee of the Millersville University Alumni Association, while Mary is active on the events committee. The Lehrs attend the annual Homecoming festivities and help greet alums at the alumni tent. He even created a treasure hunt event with clues hidden all over campus. The Lehrs faithfully attend MU After Work get-togethers, and Bob often donates unique door prizes, hand-carved miniature Marauder pins.

David Hernandez was born in Puerto Rico but has spent most of his life in Lancaster County. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Millersville in 1971. As a student, he was very active in campus life serving on the staff of “The Snapper” (student newspaper) and “The Touchstone” (yearbook). He edited “The Black and Gold” (student handbook), served as student secretary for the Student Publications Office and was elected to Pi Delta Epsilon. He served as a student guide for incoming freshman, was a member of the Circle K Club, and participated in intramural sports.

Since graduation, Hernandez has maintained a close connection to his alma mater and began serving on the MUAA’s events committee in 1986 assisting with Homecoming and Alumni Weekends, commencements, Freshmen Orientation pinning ceremonies and Move-In Day, local and regional alumni gatherings and trips, and Lancaster County United Way Day of Caring. He served numerous terms on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, including two years on the Executive Committee.

Associate Professor, Catalog Librarian, retired in July 1996, from Millersville University after 28 years of service. The librarian/associate professor emeritus  guided the library in its transition from printed catalog cards to an automated online catalog and has cataloged a variety of materials including monographs, textbooks, videocassettes, filmstrips, pictures, rare books, maps, prints and broadsides. She was responsible for selecting the library’s children’s books during the past 25 years, resulting in a very strong Juvenile Collection that is well used by students taking education courses. For the past two decades, Kitty has served on numerous boards including the MU Alumni Association Board of Directors (current board member); Student Services Inc. Board of Directors (1972-1996); Treasurer of the Association of Pennsylvania College and University Faculties; and the Homecoming Committee.

Her numerous volunteer activities have included Class of 1953 60^th Reunion; Freshman Convocation; Move-In Day, Senior Send Off, Alumni Association Events Committee; Alumni Fall Fling; Commencement; numerous alumni receptions in the local area; MU After Work events and many other activities She is also a member of the American Library Association, the Association of College and Research Libraries. Kitty received her undergraduate degree in Library Science from Millersville University and Master’s Degree in Library Science from Drexel University.

2013 Stephen Kepchar, Jr. ’70

2012 William Martin '81

2011 Stephen E. Focht '70

2010 Dr. Richard L. Frerichs '64