Jane Rigby honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom
This past spring, scholar alumni Jane Rigby was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for her contributions to astrological research and work on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
In 2000, Rigby graduated with bachelor of science degrees in astronomy and physics. During her time at Penn State, she was president of the Astronomy Club and a member of the club field hockey team.
After receiving her graduate degree from the University of Arizona, she was recruited by NASA to join the Goddard Space Flight Center, where she was appointed senior project scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope. Rigby has also written acclaimed scientific papers related to her research in galaxy evolution and received NASA’s Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2022.
Read More: Q&A with Penn State alumna and NASA astrophysicist Jane Rigby
Greg Lucier receives Penn State’s highest alumni honor
Scholar alum Greg Lucier received Penn State’s Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is the University’s highest honor presented to its alumni.
Lucier earned his bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Penn State in 1986, graduating with honors. After earning his MBA from Harvard University, Lucier started his career at General Electrics and later served as a CEO in the healthcare field. Today, Lucier is the co-founder and executive chairman of the surgical technology company Corza Medical. Lucier was recently named to the Campaign Leadership Council for Penn State’s new fundraising campaign.
Read More: Eight Penn State alumni to receive Distinguished Alumni Awards in 2024
2024 Penn State Alumni Achievement Award
The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni 35 years of age and younger for their extraordinary professional accomplishments.
- Chad Littlefield (left) earned multiple degrees from Penn State, including a bachelor’s degree with honors in rehabilitation and human services from the College of Education, graduating with honors, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of the Liberal Arts—both in 2013. He also received a master’s degree in learning, design, and technology from the College of Education in 2015. He is the co-founder and chief experience officer of We and Me.
- Paul Suhey is the chief operating officer and co-founder of Revel. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with honors from the College of Engineering in 2014.
Read More: Penn State Alumni Achievement Award Ceremony slated for March 15
2024 Penn State Alumni Fellow Award
The award honors outstanding professional accomplishments with the lifelong title of Alumni Fellow
- Farnoosh Torabi graduated in 2002 from Smeal College of Business with Honors from Schreyer Honors College. She is a leading financial educator and hosts the popular podcast “So Money.”
Read More: 12 Penn Staters honored with 2024 Alumni Fellow Award
2024 Schreyer Honors College Alumni Awards
The Outstanding Scholar Alumni Mentor Award recognizes Scholar alumni who have graciously shared their personal experiences and given their time to current Scholars through the Mentoring with Honors Program.
- Dr. Eric Gibney ‘94 Sci
The Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Scholar Alumni Award recognizes graduates who demonstrate outstanding professional leadership and career accomplishments within their first decade of graduating from Penn State.
- Uma Moriarity ‘14 Bus
- Zoe Roane-Hopkins ‘19 AA
- Suzanne Zakaria ‘14 Lib
The Outstanding Scholar Alumni Award acknowledges graduates who have showcased exceptional professional achievements, expertise in leading others, and a steadfast desire for learning.
- Antoinette Gomez ‘94 Ag
- Jason Wendle ‘Lib
Read More: Schreyer Honors College announces 2024 Alumni Award recipients
