Program
- Welcome
Angela Sheffield '88 - Introductory Remarks
Dr. David Callejo Pérez, Chancellor - People to Watch Awards
- Alumni Society Scholarship Recognition
Nate Curtis '12, '20g - Alumni Achievement Awards
- Closing
Jennifer Eckinger '96, ’00g
Award Winners
People to Watch Award
Austin Barket ’16g
Austin is a staff site reliability engineer at Google. His team is responsible for a collection of traffic engineering systems that scale Google's connectivity to the internet. These systems are critical to ensuring that Google's first party and hosted Cloud services are reliably available to everyone with Internet access, anywhere in the world.
Prior to Google, Austin interned at local IT consulting firms, Johnson Controls, and Amazon in the summers between his studies. After graduating in 2016 with his bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from Penn State Harrisburg, Austin immediately started his career at Google and has worked there for the past 9 years.
In this time, Austin scaled his influence by continuously honing his technical and leadership skills. From 2022 to 2025, he was the staff engineering manager of the team responsible for internet egress load balancing which distributes outbound network traffic, originating from within a private network, across multiple internet connections or exit points to improve performance, reliability, and security.
In 2025 he transitioned back to an individual contributor role and transferred to site reliability engineering. He's excited about the opportunity ahead of him as these transitions have set him up to increase the breadth of his technical influence over the next generation of internet scale traffic engineering solutions.
Jolene F. Busher ’11, ’13g
Jolene earned her bachelor’s degree in English with Honors and highest distinction in 2011, followed by a master’s in American studies in 2013.
Originally from Carbon County, Pennsylvania, Jolene graduated from Weatherly Area High School in 2007. She began her college journey at Penn State Hazleton but transferred to the Harrisburg campus for its esteemed American studies program.
While at Harrisburg, Jolene dove into research that reflected her deep interests-like 19th-century women’s fashion, mining labor relations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the American Civil War.
Her work culminated in a 2011 publication titled Patchtown: Life in Eckley Miners’ Village - a collection of historical fiction vignettes based on real lives in a Pennsylvania mining town of Eckley. She also conducted genealogical research that connected present day descendants of men who enrolled into the Union Army regiments of the United States Colored Troops. This project then went on to assist in recreating the 1865 Grand Review of United States Colored Troop soldiers in the city of Harrisburg in 2010.
Jolene’s research into mid-19th century women’s fashion explored the ideals of “domestic womanhood” and how they were reflected in clothing of the era. She developed this work into a presentation program, which she delivered at the National Civil War Museum, Eckley Miners’ Village, Weatherly Area High School, and on campus.
While pursuing her graduate degree, Jolene worked in the Library’s Archives and Special Collections, assisting researchers in accessing historical materials. It was there that she not only deepened her academic experience - but also met her lifelong best friends.
In 2013, Jolene joined the Real Estate Department at Reading & Northern Railroad - the largest privately owned railroad in Pennsylvania, running through nine counties and over 400 miles of track. She began by organizing the company’s corporate, legal, and historical records, gaining deep insight into the property title history of predecessor railroads like the Reading, Lehigh Valley, and Pennsylvania Railroads.
Her role quickly expanded to include historical title research and acquiring mapping records from the National Archives. By 2016, she was managing daily operations—overseeing license agreements, contractor access, and editing the company’s quarterly publication, R&N Magazine. The official magazine of the Reading & Northern Railroad, circulated to over 1,000 employees, customers, and constituents.
In a field traditionally dominated by men, Jolene distinguished herself through professionalism, innovation, and leadership. She streamlined departmental processes and was promoted to assistant vice president of Real Estate in 2019, building a strong team and working closely with PennDOT, the Public Utility Commission, and utility companies to protect the railroad’s property and operational standards.
Amid rapid company growth and multiple property acquisitions, Jolene’s leadership stood out - earning her a promotion to vice president of Real Estate in 2024.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Jolene still holds a special place for Penn State Harrisburg in her heart. In 2016, she was voted on the Penn State Harrisburg Alumni Board, and served until 2022, when she finished her term as the Board’s Secretary. Jolene still enjoys historical research outside of railroading, with focuses on Pennsylvania local history and early Pennsylvania settlers. Jolene currently resides outside of Kutztown, in Berks County, living with her fiancé, Matthew Johnson, and their two pugs.
Lilivet Duarte-Evans ’15, ’20g
Lily Duarte-Evans is a trauma-informed, mission-driven leader with a decade of experience advancing survivor-centered services for individuals impacted by sexual assault and human trafficking. As vice president of programs at YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County, she oversees a dynamic team, leads coalition-building efforts, and develops community-based programs rooted in equity, collaboration, and compassion. She holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in psychology and the other in human development and family studies, and a master’s in public administration — all from Penn State Harrisburg.
Lily is deeply committed to making systems work better for survivors in her community. In recognition of her efforts as a bridge-builder among county team members, she received UPMC’s 2023 Child Champion Award for strengthening cross-system collaboration and ensuring child survivors receive coordinated, trauma-informed care.
Lily’s schedule is constantly full, whether she’s on-call supporting a 24-hour crisis hotline or launching new initiatives, but she always makes room for the people and things that bring her joy. A proud coach’s wife, Lily can be found cheering (or stressing) from the stands at every AAU and Carlisle High School girls’ basketball game. She also cherishes time with her husband, their three cats, and their circle of family and friends. A lifelong lover of books, music, and cooking, Lily enjoys preparing traditional Dominican meals as a way to stay connected to her roots and shares her love through food.
Whether leading systems change or building community, Lily is known for her authenticity, warmth, and unwavering commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Jade K. Honey ’10, ’13g
Jade is the executive director of annual programs for the Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine. She joined the Division of Development and Alumni Relations five years ago as the inaugural embedded director of corporate engagement, serving both the health system and the College of Medicine.
Prior to her role at Penn State, Jade led advancement efforts at Linden Hall School for Girls and served for over seven years as the director of development for the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation. Her career in nonprofit fundraising began with grant writing and management—a skill she continues to enjoy and apply today.
Jade is a proud two-time graduate of Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Public Affairs, earning a bachelor of science in public policy in 2010 and a master of public administration in 2013 with a concentration in nonprofit organizational management. While working full-time during college, she actively participated in Kappa Beta Gamma sorority and completed an internship with the Senate of Pennsylvania.
Her commitment to community extends beyond her professional work. Jade has served on numerous nonprofit boards and advisory groups, including the Nurse-Family Partnership Community Advisory Board, Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) as past-president and a long-time board member, the Pennsylvania Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers & Multidisciplinary Teams, and the Junior Board of the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, where she served for nine years, including as board president. She is currently a member of the United Way of the Capital Region’s Women’s Leadership Network and volunteers at the Lion’s Pantry on the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey campus, supporting food access for employees and students.
Jade’s dedication has been recognized with several honors, including the Kenneth W. Masters Award for Excellence in Public Policy in 2010, the Children’s Hero Award from the Children’s Advocacy Center in 2018, the American Heart Association Leaders of Impact Award in 2022, and the YWCA Tribute to Women of Excellence Award in 2024.
Outside of work, Jade enjoys life with her husband Tyler and their beloved 15-year-old Shih Tzu, Dolly. Together, they love traveling, kayaking, relaxing on their front porch, and spending time with their many nieces and nephews. Jade is an avid reader, die-hard Penn State Football fan, and enjoys beach weekends with her friends in her spare time.
John Howie ’08
John is the head of RIA Internal and Hybrid Sales for Vanguard Financial Advisor Services™. Prior to this role, he led multi-region teams in both Vanguard’s Personal Investor and Strategy & Finance divisions. He led functions responsible for sales and client services/operations, supplier management, and investment operations. Outside of work, John has held several board roles for non-profit organizations that target economic development and empowerment in the Greater Philadelphia region. He’s very active in local ministry and sits on the board of his church. Before joining Vanguard in 2008, he ran his small, family-owned real estate business. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, DIY projects, reading, and weightlifting. John holds a B.S. in finance and management from Penn State Harrisburg and an executive M.B.A. from the Lebow College of Business at Drexel University.
Alumni Achievement Award Bios
David W. Caddick, Sr. ’72
David is the owner and president of Caddick Construction. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he served with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam as an electronics technician aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal.
After his service in the Navy, he married the love of his life Donna, a Philadelphia General Hospital nurse, and then enrolled at Penn State Harrisburg and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
After graduating college, he worked for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transport Authority and for a general contractor until he started Caddick Construction in 1977. At its founding, the company consisted of two employees doing concrete work. Two of his most memorable jobs were the reconstruction of Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia (America's oldest street) and of the Betsy Ross House courtyard and sidewalk for the nation's bicentennial celebration. This successful company has grown to a large enterprise, which today employs 150 people.
Dave is involved in many civic and community groups. Such as, Angel Flights; the Lulu Shrine Masonic organization and their related Shriners group, which supports Shriners Hospitals for Children; the Boys & Girls Club of America; the YMCA; the Boy Scouts; and the Supplee Presbyterian Church. He also supports various youth groups, Vietnam veterans, and the Penn State Alumni Association.
Dave has held several leadership roles, including president of Penn State Abington’s Advisory Board and president of Lu Lu Country Club. He is a member of the Utility Contractors Association—where he was named Contractor of the Year in 2010—as well as the Associated Builders & Contractors and the Pennsylvania Right to Work organization, which honored him as Contractor of the Year in 1990. Following his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis, he established the Donna L. Caddick Health and Wellness Fund to provide free health screenings and education programs for Penn State students and faculty. He has also endowed two additional funds: one at Penn State Abington supporting student success, and another at Penn State Harrisburg that enhances student research through specialized lab equipment for the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology.
There are many things close to Dave’s heart. First and foremost, his late wife Donna, their children David and Lori, and his beloved grandchildren—Nicole, Jake, Ashlee, Lauren, and Matthew.
He also takes great pride in the success of his business, knowing it helps his employees support their families. Dave finds joy in reading to children at the Devereux School and bringing smiles as a Shriner Klownz (clown), visiting young patients at Shriners Hospitals.
Whether he's cheering at his grandchildren’s sporting events or chasing a golf ball or two, Dave lives a life full of purpose, connection, and heart.
Charles F. Fehlinger ’05g, ’09 J.D.
Charles is the vice president of Fehlinger Construction Group, LLC, which he co-founded with his father, Herb Fehlinger, who brings more than 50 years of experience in the construction industry. Together, they have built the company into a trusted contractor specializing in water, sewer, and storm sewer installation; natural gas pipeline and well line construction; wellhead hookups and fabrication; concrete, earthwork, paving, environmental remediation, and other complex underground projects. Since its founding in 2010, Fehlinger Construction has successfully completed over $209 million in contracts across the Mid-Atlantic region.
A recognized leader in his industry, Charles served as president of the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) from 2015 to 2018 and was named NUCA’s Contractor of the Year in 2018. Under his guidance, Fehlinger Construction has earned numerous safety honors, including NUCA Pennsylvania’s “Safest Contractor in the State” and NUCA National’s prestigious William H. Feather Safety Award multiple times, most recently in 2025. The company also received Energi’s Excellence in Risk Management Award in 2017.
Charles believes in operating the company as a true team, working together to complete projects on time, at the highest quality, and with the utmost commitment to safety. He holds a B.S. in accounting from King’s College, an M.B.A. from Penn State Harrisburg, and a J.D. from the Penn State Dickinson School of Law. Charles is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania. He and his wife are members of the Mt. Nittany Society and have created an endowed scholarship at Penn State Dickinson, which is presently funding students with financial need in furthering their education.
Charles has been with his college sweetheart, Trudy, for 25 years, and together they are raising two beautiful children, ages 12 and 9, whom they homeschool. Family is central to his life, and he credits their love and support as a foundation for his professional success. Through his leadership, Charles has established a reputation for operational excellence, safety, and innovation in the utility construction industry.
Erik Keptner ’94
Erik is a senior retail and healthcare executive recognized for driving growth, innovation, and large-scale transformation across some of America’s most prominent retailers. With extensive leadership experience as both a chief marketing officer and chief merchandising officer, he now leads his own retail consultancy, helping retailers, manufacturers, and service providers accelerate growth and unlock new opportunities.
Erik began his career as a research technologist at Penn State University before transitioning to The Giant Company, a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize USA . His early work in customer analytics, loyalty, and digital marketing propelled him into senior leadership roles, including chief marketing officer for Giant, chief marketing officer for Ahold USA (now Ahold Delhaize USA), and senior vice president of Sales, Merchandising & Marketing for Giant.
After 19 years with Ahold Delhaize, Erik joined Wakefern Food Corporation as senior vice president of Marketing, where he played a pivotal role in advancing key pillars of the company’s transformation strategy. Most recently, he served as chief marketing and merchandising officer for Rite Aid, overseeing brand repositioning, customer engagement, and merchandising strategy during a critical period of change.
Erik holds an M.B.A. from Temple University and a B.S. in Public Policy from Penn State Harrisburg. He was a recipient of the Penn State Alumni Associations Alumni Achievement Award in 2008. Outside of his professional work, he is an active supporter of local animal rescues and adoption centers. He resides in Sarasota, Florida, with his wife and two children.
Lori A. Suski, Ed.D. ’89 ’95g
Lori has devoted 36 years to public education in south central Pennsylvania, beginning her career as an elementary teacher and assistant principal in the Central Dauphin School District, and advancing to other positions, including elementary principal, assistant superintendent, and ultimately superintendent at Middletown Area School District.
Following her retirement, Lori continued to dedicate her life to supporting education as a contractor with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, appointed by the Secretary of Education as chief recovery officer for Harrisburg City School District, and was later named court-appointed receiver, guiding Harrisburg City School District out of receivership in 2025.
Lori holds a doctorate in educational administration from Widener University, a master of education in teaching and curriculum and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (magna cum laude) from Penn State Harrisburg.
Lori has been actively involved with Penn State Harrisburg throughout her career, serving on the Teacher Education Council and Board of Advisers. In 2009, she was honored with the Roy W. Allison Outstanding Education Alumni Award. Lori also supported the Penn State Harrisburg School of Behavioral Sciences and Education by volunteering on the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) accreditation team in 2024. She has also previously served as a member of the Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Advisory Board.
Lori’s contributions to the field of K-12 public education are grounded in her servant leadership mindset and her belief that all students deserve a quality education in a safe and inclusive environment. She has mentored many rising administrators over the years and was recognized as a Central Penn Business Journal Woman of Influence in 2019.
Michele Torres ’97
In 2023, Michele Torres became the director of Special Projects for the Commonwealth’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI PA) and special assistant to the chief diversity officer.
In this role, she helps to address the Commonwealth’s DEBI PA priorities by creating, supporting, and marketing new projects, professional development opportunities and special initiatives, providing data and research support, and leading DEBI related work groups on behalf of the DEBI PA office.
With more than 20 years of experience, including tenures in government, education, law, communications, real estate, marketing and project management, Michele brings a wealth of experience to serve the multi-faceted needs of the DEBI PA office and the Commonwealth. Michele was the first woman to lead the Harrisburg Municipal Authority, with oversight of Harrisburg’s sewer, water systems and landfill. She led a successful $25M financing bond deal to repair a defunct incinerator, enabling its eventual sale. These efforts required her leadership to bring key stakeholders together, who were often in legal conflict with each other, to help address the primary issues.
Michele holds a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Penn State Harrisburg. She is also a PA licensed Realtor.
John Yudichak ’93, ’04g
John is the eighth president of Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), the largest and most accessible institution of higher education in northeastern Pennsylvania. Since taking office on July 1, 2024, President Yudichak has brought a bold, forward-thinking vision to the college—transforming partnerships, accelerating workforce development, and expanding educational opportunity across the region.
A lifelong public servant and former Pennsylvania State Senator, President Yudichak has leveraged his deep knowledge of regional needs to launch several landmark initiatives during his first year at LCCC, just a few of them being:
- TEACH IN NEPA Project: Education Partnership with Hazleton Area School District and Commonwealth University – This first-of-its-kind alliance allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in education for under $29,000—tackling both student debt and the region’s teacher shortage.
- Career & Technology Academy – A pioneering partnership with local Career and Technical Centers, this program gives high school students a direct pathway to college credits and in-demand trade certifications—making Luzerne the only college in Pennsylvania offering such a model at this scale.
- PASSHE Transfer Agreements – Under his leadership, LCCC secured articulation agreements with all 10 State System universities, guaranteeing junior-year status for qualified graduates and significantly lowering the cost of a bachelor’s degree.
- AllOne Recovery Educational Institute (AREI) – A compassionate, wraparound program supporting students in recovery, AREI has already served nearly 250 learners since its inception, helping them reclaim their future through education.
- AI in Manufacturing and Micro-Credentialing – To meet evolving industry needs, LCCC launched targeted certification programs, including one of Pennsylvania’s first micro-credentials in AI applications for advanced manufacturing.
Prior to his presidency, President Yudichak served 24 years in the Pennsylvania legislature, where he championed bipartisan efforts to expand job creation, community revitalization, and educational access. He played a key role in projects that transformed Luzerne County’s economic landscape—including the South Valley Parkway and major investments in workforce training.
President Yudichak holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State and is the proud father of four daughters. A native of the Wyoming Valley, he continues to serve on numerous boards and is the founder of the Yudichak Family Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, which has supported libraries, scholarships, and youth programs for over 25 years.
As president, he remains driven by a simple, powerful vision: “Go here. Graduate here. Work here.” — a commitment to ensuring every student in northeastern Pennsylvania has a pathway to success without leaving home.