6th Annual Alvernia Women's Council Luncheon Program

Bernardine Legacy Award Newcombe Scholarship Luncheon

We are proud to support the mission and extraordinary work of Alvernia

Opening Remarks

Dr. Leamor Kahanov, Provost

Mission Moment

Adrean Turner, 2021 Bernardine Legacy Award Recipient

Alvernia Women’s Council Remarks

Susan Kolb, Assistant VP, Graduate & Adult Education

Newcombe Student Scholar

Stacie Edwards

Bernardine Legacy Award Presentation

Alexandria Cirko, Penn State Health St. Joseph

Regina Rinehimer, 2023 Bernardine Legacy Award Recipient

Bernardine Legacy Award Acceptance

Vicki Ebner, East Penn Manufacturing

Closing

Meggan Kerber '96 M'01, Associate VP, Institutional Advancement

Thank you to our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Perennial Financial

Penn State Health, St. Joseph Medical Center

Program Sponsor

Customers Bank

East Penn Manufacturing

Enersys

Kingsview Partners/Regina Rinehimer

Networking Sponsor

Metropolitan Management Corporation

Women2Women, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

Table Sponsor

Anonymous

Berks County Community Foundation

Kevin Bickel

Caron

Jeffrey Gregro

Legacy Cigar Lounge

Deanna Reuben

Safe Berks

Stevens & Lee

UGI Energy Services

2024 Bernardine Legacy Award Recipient

Vicki Ebner

Vicki Ebner's journey is a testament to the power of service, leadership, and continuous growth. A graduate of Lafayette College with a degree in Government and Law, she furthered her education at The Dickinson School of Law, earning a JD.

After a stint in private practice, Vicki embarked on a remarkable 24-year career at UGI Utilities, Inc. Her tenure was marked by increasing responsibilities and leadership roles across various departments, including Gas Supply, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, and Customer Service. By the time she departed, Vicki held the prestigious position of Senior Vice President of Customer and Government Relations.

During her time at UGI, Vicki realized the profound value of serving others. She believes that philanthropic service enriches one's personal life and enhances professional growth. Vicki's commitment to community service is evident through her involvement as a board member of several organizations, including Berks Encore, Berks County Red Cross, Berks County Community Foundation, Safe Berks and others.

In 2022, Vicki's dedication to leadership and service was recognized as she was honored as a Girl Scouts Take the Lead Honoree. Currently serving as Senior Counsel at East Penn Manufacturing, Co., Vicki continues to exemplify leadership characterized by integrity and respect for employees. East Penn's reputation as a Best Place to Work underscores Vicki's belief in fostering a positive workplace culture.

In 2023, Vicki received further recognition for her achievements when she was inducted into the Phillipsburg High School (NJ) Athletic Hall of Fame, a testament to her multifaceted talents and contributions.

Vicki resides in Sinking Spring, PA, with her husband, Jeff, and their three grown children—Ryan, Jesse, and Kelly. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in both professional and personal spheres.

Newcombe Scholarship Recipient

Stacie Edwards

Stacie Edwards embodies resilience, compassion, and dedication in the realm of social work. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, she has tirelessly championed the rights and well-being of individuals facing severe mental illness and developmental challenges.

Currently pursuing her Social Work degree, with an anticipated graduation in December, Stacie's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of education despite life's challenges. Balancing her studies with full-time work and raising two sons, she exemplifies the notion that dedication knows no bounds.

Stacie's recent role at Carelink Community Support Services underscores her commitment to empowering individuals to live with dignity, independence, and hope. Working closely with residents, she facilitates the development of essential life skills, supports their recovery goals, and fosters their integration into the community.

At the heart of Stacie's work lies her unwavering dedication to advocacy. She sees herself as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, a guiding light for those navigating the complexities of mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Recipient of the Newcombe Scholarship, Stacie's journey is not just about personal achievement; it's about setting an example. She serves as a role model for her children and colleagues, demonstrating that education is a beacon of hope and that dreams are achievable with determination and perseverance.

Special Thank You to the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation

The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation is an independent foundation that began in 1979 and has since awarded more than $70 million to provide scholarships and fellowships in higher education. Newcombe Scholarships for Mature Women Students supports the completion of bachelor’s degrees by women who are twenty-five years of age or older and need financial assistance at selected colleges and universities.

Through the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship Fund, a special gift from the Patricia Newman Estate, alumni, and friends, Alvernia has provided 56 mature women since the 2016-2017 academic year with financial support to complete their degrees.

The mission of the Alvernia University Women’s Council (AWC) is threefold:

• To foster the personal and professional development of Alvernia women at all life stages

• To strengthen Alvernia women’s connection to each other and Alvernia

• To educate and inspire women to pursue or grow in leadership roles.

Membership to AWC is open to any individual committed to enhancing the quality of life for Alvernia women. Individuals who participate in 4 or more programs, events, meetings, etc… annually would be considered as active members. Members may include, but not limited to, Alvernia students, alumni, faculty/staff, volunteers, community members, parents, Leadership Berks graduates, etc…

Participation in AWC can be done virtually, in person or both. You do not need to reside in Berks County or surrounding communities to participate.

To learn more about AWC visit www.alvernia.edu/womens-council or email AlverniaWomensCouncil@alvernia.edu.