More than $10 million in gifts marked campus celebration
Over 1,000 alumni returned to Susquehanna University’s campus to celebrate Homecoming–Reunion Weekend, with highlights including an alumni award, the 50th reunion for the Class of 1975, and various receptions, athletics matchups and musical performances.
At Susquehanna’s annual Milestones Recognition Brunch, the university accepted more than $10 million in gifts from reunion classes ending in 5 and 0. The Class of 1965, which celebrated its 60th reunion, had the largest class gift of $3.9 million.
“This is a remarkably challenging time for higher education, and the philanthropy of our alumni has placed Susquehanna in the most competitive position in its history,” said University President Jonathan Green. “Their support of this university and our remarkable students makes great things possible.”
50-year employee honored
Susquehanna honored Tina Landis, who celebrated 50 years with the university in dining services, having first begun as a dishwasher in 1975.
“It’s the students,” Landis said of why she has stayed at Susquehanna. “They keep me young.”
Landis received a standing ovation at the Milestones Recognition Brunch and served as an honorary co-captain at the River Hawks’ homecoming football game. She was honored again on Monday, Oct. 27, with a ceremony in Evert Dining Hall and presented with a plaque.
“It’s amazing to think about how many hundreds of people have been supported by her service, caring and good cheer during their Susquehanna journey,” said Lisa Ryan ’78 Burke, vice chair of Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees. “We thank her for all she has done.”
Landis’ connection to the university spans four generations. Her mother and grandmother worked at the university, as well as her brother. Landis’ son Tony graduated from Susquehanna in 2020 and currently works in information technology.
Outdoor classroom dedicated
An outdoor classroom was dedicated in recognition of a gift from Margaret “Meg” Pierce ’96 Frantz and Todd Frantz ’97 in memory of Mary Ann Klussmann, Meg’s late aunt who was known as a “quilter, philanthropist, teacher and lover of butterflies.”
The space will be used for curricular and co-curricular activities, including structured programming for K-12 students participating in environmental education opportunities at the CEER Field Station.
1970 alumnus earns Exceptional Champion Alumni Award
Alan Lovell ’70 was honored with the Exceptional Champion Alumni Award, which recognizes a Susquehannan whose personal and professional accomplishments reflect a lifetime of achievement, leadership and service. Designed as a career-spanning recognition, the award celebrates alumni who have made a profound and lasting impact in their fields and communities while embodying the values of their alma mater.
Lovell graduated from Susquehanna with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. As a student, he was active in Susquehanna’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society. Prior to graduating, he was named Outstanding Senior Man by the university’s alumni association.
Lovell’s personal life is deeply tied to Susquehanna. He met his wife, Linda, when the two ran for Student Government Association president and secretary, respectively, positions they both won. Lovell proposed to Linda the night before her graduation in 1971, and the two were married by then Susquehanna President Gustave Weber and Chaplain Steve Bremer. They went on to have two daughters, Meredith ’02 and Jocelyn ’07.
After graduating from Susquehanna, Lovell earned a master’s degree in counseling and a doctorate in public administration. He spent much of his career supporting and advocating for individuals with disabilities. Now retired, Lovell remains active in volunteer leadership roles.
Throughout his years as an alumnus, Lovell has served Susquehanna in various volunteer capacities, including as a reunion ambassador and as a member of the university’s former alumni-parents admission network.
“Susquehanna has been part of the Lovell family life for almost 60 years and as each year passes, I am grateful for the experiences it provided me and my family,” Lovell said.
In 2023, Lovell and his wife established The Lovell Family Scholarship, which supports students’ educational pursuits. The couple are also members of the John App Legacy Circle, further cementing their legacy at Susquehanna University.
Couple inducted into Susquehanna Society
Hazel Brobst ’51 Brown H’03 and Robert Brown were inducted posthumously into the Susquehanna Society in recognition of their extraordinary philanthropy.
President Jonathan Green, right
Hazel graduated from Susquehanna in 1951 with degrees in history and law. She went on to earn advanced degrees from Bucknell and Pennsylvania State University and enjoyed a career as a distinguished educator, ultimately retiring from Harrisburg Area Community College as professor emerita of psychology.
Following Hazel’s service on the university’s Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1988, she served on the alumni association board and as a member of the alumni-parents admission network. Over the years, Hazel was presented with the alumni association’s Alumni Service Award and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
In 1983, Hazel and husband, Robert, a retired executive of Rite Aid, established the Clarence E. and Grace Ketler Brobst Scholarship Fund in honor of Hazel’s parents. In 2011, they established the Hazel Brobst ’51 and Robert F. Brown Scholarship Endowment to help deserving young people secure an education. Hazel and Robert also frequently supported Susquehanna’s Artist Series.
Hazel and Robert’s daughter, Joyce, graduated from Susquehanna in 1973. She has furthered her parents’ commitment to making a Susquehanna education accessible to deserving students by supporting their scholarship funds.
