PennWest California will celebrate the achievements and impact of its faculty, staff and alumni during the California Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25, in the South Wing of the Convocation Center.
The annual event recognizes individuals whose professional accomplishments, service and leadership reflect the values of PennWest and the enduring strength of the California alumni community.
“This year’s honorees reflect what it means to lead with purpose and make a difference,” said Anthony Mauro, associate vice president for University Development and California campus administrator. “Their stories demonstrate the lasting impact of a PennWest education and the strength of our alumni network.”
Loyalty and Service Award
Brenda DePaoli has dedicated more than 32 years of service to the California campus, supporting students through her work in Institutional Effectiveness and Student Affairs. Known for her collaborative approach, she has also served for more than two decades as advisor to the Cal ice hockey program and helped establish an endowed scholarship honoring her mother, a longtime university employee.
Dr. Nancy Carlino, a retired associate professor in communication sciences and disorders, has spent nearly four decades as a speech-language pathologist and educator. She has contributed extensively to university governance and held leadership roles with the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In 2024, she received the Nancy McKinley Award recognizing her dedication to advancing the profession.
Professional Excellence Award
Dr. Millie Rodriguez ’99, ’10 is dean of the Virtual Campus at the Community College of Allegheny County and a leader in academic innovation, enrollment management and instructional design. Her work integrating generative artificial intelligence into higher education has positioned her as a leading voice in the field.
Dr. Dawn Fredrickson Wilson ’70 has built a distinguished career as an educator and leader in professional learning, instructional coaching and system design. Her work has spanned school systems, higher education and national initiatives, advancing educator development and student outcomes.
Service to the Community
Al Zone ’00, executive director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, has led significant growth in attendance, funding and community impact while advancing conservation, education and accessibility initiatives.
Jeremy Bryson ’05
Jeremy Bryson leads the Academy of Finance at Laurel Highlands High School and is
a national advocate for financial literacy education. Through innovative curriculum
and community partnerships, he has expanded access to personal finance education and
earned recognition from industry leaders.
Young Alumni Award
Brian Hutton Jr. ’09 is an award-winning broadcast meteorologist at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh who remains actively engaged in community service and mentorship.
Maddie Loring ’21, Pennsylvania’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, is a fourth-grade teacher known for fostering an engaging, high-expectations classroom and supporting students beyond the classroom through mentorship and community involvement.
Photo caption: Top row, from left -- Dr. Nancy Carlino, Brenda DePaoli, Dr. Millie Rodriguez, Dr. Dawn Fredrickson Wilson; Bottom, from left -- Jeremy Bryson, Al Zone, Brian Hutton Jr., Maddie Loring.