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>> It's my honor today
to present the Alumni Humanitarian Citizenship Award.
That award is presented to a dedicated alumnus
of the Pennsylvania College of Technology
or its forerunner institution,
the Williamsport Area Community College
or the Williamsport Technical Institute.
And this alumnus is someone
who has provided distinguished community or volunteer service.
This year's Alumni Humanitarian Citizenship recipient is Dona
Bean, a member of the Class 1979.
Dona earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree
in Dental Hygiene from the Williamsport Area
Community College.
She worked in the field for more than 20 years
and remains a licensed dental hygienist.
But she no longer practices in the field due to a hand injury.
Instead, she practices the art of giving, volunteering
at the Dubois Free Medical Clinic and a local food pantry.
She serves as Vice President
of the Dubois Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Board
and Chairperson of the Board's Scholarship Committee,
which presents scholarships worth at least $4,000 a year
to high school seniors who pursue degrees
in medical related fields.
She is a member and past president
of the Salvation Army in Dubois.
She serves as the coordinator of the Care Committee
of her church, overseeing projects such as the stress Fox,
habitat for humanity, distribution of altar flowers
and convalescent meals.
She's also active in the Parking Authority and Community Theater.
In 2004, Dona read an article in Parade Magazine
about the food pantry,
which serves the nation's poorest countries,
McKinley County, New Mexico.
The Gallup Food Pantry was working to secure donations
to support elementary school children and their families
in McKinley County and Dona went to work
to help support the group's effort.
In just four months, she recruited friends
in area churches and other organizations
and she enlisted the assistance of a Walmart distribution center
to collect and deliver over 600 boxes of food
and clothing to New Mexico.
When learned of her nomination of this award,
Dona said that she hoped her actions would influence a child
or an adult to become involved and serve the community.
We share that hope with her and encourage all
of our 2012 graduates to find opportunities to care
and to share in their own local community.
It's my honor each year to present these Alumni Award
but I will tell you today is particularly touching.
Dona was in the first class of dental hygiene students
that I taught at this institution, some 34 years ago
so it is my true personal honor
to present the Alumni Humanitarian Citizenship Award
to Dona Bean, Class of 1979.
[ Applause ]
>> I don't really have a lot to say but I would particularly
like to thank the college for selecting me and I'd
like to thank all my family and friends
who joined me here today, especially my mother,
who's always supported me, my wonderful friend, Darla Logue,
[assumed spelling] who nominated me and also went
to school here with me.
And my husband, who's always encouraged everything I've done.
And I'd like to say one more thing, congratulations
to all the graduates here today and best wishes and good luck.
[ Applause ]