Penn State Alumni to Be Honored in 2026
In 2026, ten remarkable alumni from Penn State will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor given by the university. These individuals were chosen by the Penn State Board of Trustees and have made significant impacts in their fields.
Here’s a look at the 2026 honorees:
Jennifer A. Chambers, M.D. – Chief Medical Officer at Health Care Originals and founder of JAChambers Healthcare Consulting. She holds an MBA from Penn State Harrisburg and an M.D. from the College of Medicine.
Daniel J. Eichenlaub – Retired President of Eichenlaub, Inc., with a B.A.E. from the College of Engineering.
Steven L. Fisher, J.D. – President and CEO of PEI-Genesis, he completed his B.A. at the College of the Liberal Arts.
Reggie Hedgebeth – Executive Vice President of Enbridge, Inc., he graduated with honors from the Schreyer Honors College in 1989.
Stephen H. Mahle – Former Executive Vice President of Medtronic, who earned his M.S. from the Eberly College of Science.
KC McClure – Retired CFO of Accenture, holding a B.S. from the Smeal College of Business.
Gerald J. Parsons – Founder and Chairman of CTDI, with degrees from the College of Engineering and the Capital College.
Hasu P. Shah – Retired Chairman and CEO of Hersha Hospitality Trust, with an M. Eng. from the Capital College.
Janet S. Vergis – Former CEO of OraPharma, who received both her B.S. and M.S. from the Eberly College of Science.
Kenneth J. Young – An entrepreneur in hospitality and recreation, he graduated with a B.S. from the College of Health and Human Development.
The Distinguished Alumni Award, created in 1951, honors alumni for their extraordinary lives and contributions to both their careers and communities. Each winner will receive a personalized certificate and a bronze medallion, crafted from wood from the historic Penn State American Elm trees.
A Legacy of Excellence
This award reflects a tradition that values not just academic success but also community engagement. According to a recent study by the American Council on Education, alumni who contribute to their communities tend to see higher personal satisfaction and professional success.
The recognition of these ten individuals demonstrates how Penn State alumni lead with integrity and commitment. Their stories can inspire current students and show the impact one can make after graduation.
The honorees will be celebrated, not just for their individual achievements, but as part of a larger legacy of Penn State alumni making a difference in the world. For more insights on the Distinguished Alumni Award, visit the Penn State Alumni Association.
Each new class of awardees reminds us that success is best when shared and when it positively influences others.
