Sue Jones and Alex Reber at 2022 Alumni Awards brunch

Alumni Recognition

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Alumni Recognition

Dutchmen Make a Difference

Our alums go on to do great things—in their professions, on the field of play, and in their communities. We celebrate their great achievements and dedication to their alma mater through our Hall of Fame and LVC Awards.

Hall of Fame

The Lebanon Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to LVC athletics. Each fall, we welcome new members into Hall of Fame and recognize major Alumni Award winners during Homecoming weekend.

View Hall of Famers

Athletic Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Dutchmen Do More

We know Dutchmen impact their professions and their communities through service, creative achievements, and much more. That’s why, each year, the LVC Alumni Awards Committee recognizes graduates from our 16,000+ alumni network in six different categories.

If you’d like more information or to get involved with the Alumni Awards Committee, contact Susan Jones ’92 at the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement.

Alumni Awards Nomination Form

Alumni Award Categories

Alumni Citations are given each year to LVC graduates who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their field.

Presented to LVC alumni for distinguished creative accomplishments in the arts and journalism.

Honors alumni with notable service to LVC’s Admission office, especially for new student referral and recruitment.

One of LVC’s highest honors, awarded to alumni for significant service to their profession, the community, and to the College.

Awarded to alumni who have contributed significantly to the field of education.

LVC honors alumni who graduated within the last 15 years for achievements in their profession and significant service to their community or the College.

This award is named in honor of one of Lebanon Valley College’s greatest ambassadors and most passionate and committed volunteers, Betty Hungerford. Recipients have served the College as a volunteer for 10 or more years consecutively, demonstrate a great passion for the College and its constituents, regularly attend LVC events and activities and represent LVC positively beyond the LVC community.

2022 LVC Alum Honorees

Cristabelle Braden ’15

Cristabelle Braden ’15 was 14 when she sustained a traumatic brain injury. As she worked through recovery, she discovered a gift for music, including songwriting. Though facing significant challenges, Cristabelle achieved two degrees at LVC, in music and religion, and a Master of Arts in theological studies from Liberty University in Virginia. Cristabelle uses her gifts to share her faith and message of hope in many ways. She has been recognized with several Christian music awards and earned recognition in songwriting competitions. She performs at hospitals, rehab centers, prisons, and other venues where she can deliver her message of hope. She is a sought-after speaker and brain-injury advocate at medical conferences and ministry events. Cristabelle started the first bible study for people with brain injuries and hosts two podcasts and an online community featuring support meetings and live videos.

Learn More About Cristabelle

The Hon. Bryan D. Cutler, Esq., ’01

The Hon. Bryan D. Cutler, Esq., ’01 is Pennsylvania’s 139th Speaker of the House, serving his eighth term representing the 100th Legislative District in Lancaster County. Bryan began his career as an x-ray technologist at Lancaster General Hospital before earning a degree from LVC in health care management. He went on to Widener Law School, focusing on healthcare law. Bryan is an attorney with Nikolaus & Hohenadel LLP in Lancaster. Bryan was first elected to public office in 2006. He was Majority Leader before being elected as Speaker in June 2020. Bryan’s legislative and advocacy efforts have focused on government transparency and healthcare law. He has been a strong supporter of LVC, and a frequent presenter in classes, bringing the legislative process into focus for students.

Learn More About Brian

Dr. Mariah Rackley ’01

Dr. Mariah Rackley ’01 is the director of curriculum & instruction for the Cornwall-Lebanon School District. She has worked in the district for 21 years, including 13 as middle school principal. Mariah earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership from Drexel University, M.Ed. from Penn State University, and superintendent letter of eligibility and principal certification. Mariah has been recognized with several awards, including Outstanding Graduate Student in Teaching and Curriculum (Penn State Harrisburg, 2006), Lebanon County Educational Honor Society and Outstanding Principal Award, Women Band Directors International (2012), and Digital Principal of the Year (National Association of Secondary School Principals, 2018). She is widely regarded for initiatives that focus on and foster unity, lead to student success, and create a culture of pride.

Alex Reber ’07, M’17

Alex Reber ’07, M’17 is a CPA and managing partner of Miller Dixon Drake in Harrisburg. He earned his B.S. in accounting and business from LVC and later earned his MBA with a concentration in healthcare management from The Valley. Alex is a volunteer and leader committed to public service, his community, and the College. He is chair of the Harrisburg City Audit Committee and a treasurer and volunteer for many organizations. He is a member of the Legislation Committee of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and was recognized by the organization with a Young Leader Award in 2021. Alex has served LVC frequently by speaking to classes, attending networking events, and serving on the Leadership and Alumni councils. He was elected to the LVC Board of Trustees in May 2022.

Learn More About Alex

Dr. Raymond “Ray” E. Schaak ’98

Dr. Raymond “Ray” E. Schaak ’98 is the DuPont Professor of Materials Chemistry at Penn State University. Following his graduation with a degree in chemistry from LVC, he received a Ph.D. in materials chemistry from Penn State in 2001. He was a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton University in New Jersey from 2001–2003, then an assistant professor of chemistry at Texas A&M University. In 2007, Ray returned to Penn State as an associate professor of chemistry and was appointed as the DuPont Professor of Materials Chemistry in 2013. His research team, the Schaak Group, focuses on developing new chemical strategies for the synthesis of nanoscale solid-state materials and applying these materials to problems at the forefront of modern materials research. Ray is credited with more than 200 publications. The Schaak Research Group’s primary interests are in the general area of synthetic inorganic nanochemistry. He continues his close connection with LVC’s chemistry faculty and staff, often speaking to students about his research and experience.

Shila Williams Ulrich ’05

Shila Williams Ulrich ’05 is the executive director of The Caring Cupboard food pantry in Palmyra. A graduate of LVC’s Psychology Department, she earned her Master’s in Social Work from Temple University and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University in North Carolina. Passionate about building strong communities, Shila volunteers with several community agencies and committees. She is a founder and key leader of Palmyra’s Great Give, a one-day giving event to raise funds and awareness for community organizations. Shila frequently engages the LVC community as a class presenter and site leader for groups volunteering at the Caring Cupboard. She was inducted into the Lebanon County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018 in the category of Women Demonstrating Leadership. Under her guidance, The Caring Cupboard was named Partner of the Year Runner-Up in 2018 by the Central Pa Food Bank, which has more than 1,000 partner agencies.