Robert L. Mocniak
The Outstanding Alumnus award honors former students of the campus whose subsequent professional achievement warrants special recognition by their alma mater.
Mocniak grew up in Greene County and began his studies at Penn State Fayette in 1966, when the campus was located in downtown Uniontown. He earned an associateâs degree in electrical and electronic technology from Penn State Fayette in 1968 and a bachelorâs degree in electrical engineering from Penn State University Park in 1971.
Mocniak worked at Robicon Corporation, in Pittsburgh, as a design engineer, designing and developing drives and coordinated systems for various industries. He later transitioned to sales and marketing, positioning Robicon as the premier supplier of DC drive systems for retrofit of blast furnace skip hoist controls in the steel industry, for which he won an award.
Syndicated Columnist
Throughout the history of Davis & Elkins College, there have been a handful of individuals whose transformational leadership and commitment have fundamentally altered the trajectory of this institution. St. Louis resident Mr. James S. McDonnell III deserves an honored place on this elite list.
Mr. McDonnell’s journey with Davis & Elkins College began when his daughter, Marcella McDonnell Stevens, enrolled at D&E in 1981. Four years later, at her graduation, Jim provided the commencement address. At that ceremony, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws. Jim and Elizabeth “Libby” McDonnell began their generous financial support of the College at that time. An endowed faculty chair in business and economics was a result of Mr. McDonnell’s generosity, and was given in honor of Dr. Gloria M. Payne who was highly influential to Marcella McDonnell during her years as a student.
Despite pandemic challenges, alumni and friends donate for scholarships, research April 6, 2021
The Brilliant Future campaign went public in October 2019 with a gala highlighted by an inspirational speech from Jimmy and Sheila Peterson, who serve as campaign chairs. Christopher Todd / for UCI
Irvine, Calif., April 6, 2021 – Alumni and friends of the University of California, Irvine have raised more than $1 billion to support scholarships, groundbreaking research, top-notch patient care and world-class educational facilities, among other initiatives.
The $1 billion total pushes UCI across the halfway mark in its $2 billion philanthropic effort, Brilliant Future: The Campaign for UCI, which has also engaged 44,000 alumni so far – more than half the goal of 75,000 by 2024.
Thomas College announces plans for new athletic center to open in fall 2022
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Thomas College’s new athletic facility will overlook the Bernatchez and Smith Fields at the Kennebec Savings Turf Field Complex.
Rendering courtesy of Thomas College
WATERVILLE When Thomas College athletes take either of the school’s turf fields in the fall of 2022, they will walk through a red, white and black players tunnel, pass underneath a sign that reads “Terrier Pride,” and go through a set of doors that open to an entrance with a small sculpted Terrier.
The new look is part of the college’s new athletic facility, which the college will break ground on later this year with sights on opening in the fall of 2022.